On September 20, 2010 "Black Country Communion" released their self-titled debut album.
"Black Country Communion" is a supergroup born from the collaboration of four rock heavyweights: Glenn Hughes (vocals, bass), Joe Bonamassa (guitar), Jason Bonham (drums), and Derek Sherinian (keyboards). The band was formed after a jam session between Hughes and Bonamassa sparked the idea of creating a supergroup. Their mutual friend and producer, Kevin Shirley (known for his work with "Led Zeppelin" "Iron Maiden" and "Aerosmith"), helped bring the project to life, recruiting Bonham and Sherinian to round out the lineup. The band’s name, "Black Country Communion," pays homage to Hughes and Bonham's English roots in the Black Country, a region historically known for its heavy industrial production, mirroring the gritty, raw sound the band sought to deliver.
The result is an album that blends the best of classic hard rock with modern blues-rock influences. From the opening track, "Black Country," the band sets the tone with a fast-driving riff that screams ‘70s rock. Hughes’ vocals immediately take center stage, blending soulful melodies with a hard rock edge. Lyrically, the song nods to the band members’ roots, particularly Hughes and Bonham, evoking a sense of pride in their shared heritage.
“One Last Soul” is one of the album’s standout tracks, driven by a catchy, anthemic chorus and Bonamassa’s soaring guitar work. It’s a more radio-friendly track that captures the essence of rock and roll while allowing Hughes’ versatile vocal range to shine. The song quickly became a fan favorite, with its infectious melody and blues-infused rock energy.
The slow-burning epic “Song of Yesterday” takes a more introspective approach, featuring some of Bonamassa’s finest guitar work on the album. Clocking in at over eight minutes, it’s a journey through bluesy solos, haunting vocals, and rich instrumentation. Hughes’ emotional delivery and Sherinian’s atmospheric keyboards create a sense of depth and melancholy that contrasts with the heavier, more aggressive tracks.
On "The Great Divide," "Black Country Communion" takes a more measured, atmospheric approach. The song unfolds with a slow, deliberate pace, featuring a haunting, guitar playing from Joe Bonamassa that builds tension. Jason Bonham's drumming is steady and powerful, giving the track a sense of weight and gravity. Glenn Hughes' vocals are soulful and emotional, perfectly complementing the song’s reflective lyrics about division and personal struggle. Hughes explained that his return to the forefront of rock is captured in the song. He described it as the most spiritual track on the album.
"Sista Jane" channels more of that classic rock swagger, with a riff that could easily have been plucked from the pages of a "AC/DC" record. Hughes and Bonamassa trade vocals, adding a dynamic, conversational feel to the track. Sherinian's organ fills provide a vintage rock touch, giving the song a fuller, richer texture.
The reworking of “Medusa,” originally a "Trapeze" track, is another standout moment. Hughes revisits his past with a fresh perspective, infusing the song with a heavier, more modern sound. The new arrangement captures the raw emotion of the original while allowing the band’s signature blend of classic and modern rock to shine through.
The album closes with the sprawling, 11-minute "Too Late for the Sun," a track that allows each member to showcase their individual skills. Bonamassa delivers some of his beautiful guitar work here, weaving in and out of Hughes’ vocals and Bonham’s powerful drumming. It’s an epic, jam-heavy track that feels like a celebration of the band’s chemistry, capturing the spontaneity and energy that define "Black Country Communion’s" sound.
"Black Country Communion’s" debut album is a powerful fusion of blues, rock, and hard-hitting grooves, carried by stellar musicianship and dynamic songwriting. Each track offers something unique, from the anthemic "One Last Soul" to the epic "Too Late for the Sun," and the chemistry between the band members is undeniable. The production by Kevin Shirley captures the raw energy of the band, making it feel as if the listener is in the room with them. For fans of classic rock with a modern edge, this album is a must-listen, and it marks the beginning of what would become a beloved rock supergroup.
For Listening: Spotify, Apple Music
Comments