Holding All the Roses
Holding All the Roses gives Blackberry Smoke's Southern rock a tighter shape. The songs leave room for guitar playing, country detail and soul, but none needs a long instrumental stretch to make its point. Producer Brendan O'Brien helps the band sound substantial without hiding the individual parts. The result has a useful balance between force and a lighter touch.
Let Me Help You (Find the Door) establishes that approach with a rough vocal and a strong exchange between the guitars and rhythm section. Charlie Starr sounds fully involved in the song, giving the opening more character than a large riff alone could provide. The title track adds quick acoustic picking to the heavier playing, bringing the band's country roots into an energetic rock arrangement.
Wish in One Hand is another highlight. Its paired guitar leads add excitement to a direct, memorable song. The playing has plenty of life, but the melody remains easy to follow. No Way Back to Eden takes a more reflective route, drawing acoustic textures, country and folk-blues into a carefully shaped arrangement.
Woman in the Moon broadens the sound through organ, electric piano and strings. These details give its steady movement a different character without making the music feel crowded. Lay It All on Me is more relaxed, with acoustic guitar, steel and slide playing bringing warmth to the rhythm. The quieter material gives the heavier songs a useful contrast.
The album remains firmly connected to established Southern rock. Anyone wanting an unexpected new direction may find its familiar forms too comfortable, and the direct boogie of Rock and Roll Again is less revealing than the more varied arrangements around it.
What makes the record work is the care within those boundaries. Blackberry Smoke keep the songs compact while allowing their different musical roots to show. Holding All the Roses is an assured set with enough melodic strength and instrumental detail to make its familiar sound rewarding.
