Show summary Hide summary
A Provocative Cover That Overshadowed the Music
In 1994, the Black Crowes released their third album, Amorica., a record that quickly stirred controversy—not for its sound, but for its graphic cover art. The image, featuring a close-up of a woman’s lower torso in an American flag bikini, was deemed too explicit by retailers like Walmart and Kmart.
These chains refused to stock the album unless the band changed the design. Eventually, some editions were reissued with a black border obscuring the image. As a result, the music inside was unfairly overshadowed by the visual controversy.
Now, more than three decades later, the band is reintroducing Amorica. in a way that finally puts the spotlight back on the music itself. Scheduled for release on November 14, a deluxe edition will commemorate the album’s legacy with an expanded box set. It will feature three CDs or five vinyl LPs, including over a dozen previously unreleased recordings.
À lire50 Timeless 80s Songs That Shaped American Culture
À lireTop 25 Iconic 80s Pop Songs Every American Loves
A Bold, Gritty Rock Album Worth Re-Exploring
Compared to their earlier records, Amorica. leaned even deeper into refried classic-rock grooves. Rolling Stone noted that the album was “as bold and ramshackle, heartfelt and personal as rock & roll itself.” Rather than following trends, the Crowes doubled down on authenticity.
Frontman Chris Robinson reflects on the spirit of the album: “Amorica. was about breaking free and doing things on our own terms. It wasn’t about fitting into what was happening in music at the time. It was about trusting our instincts — and 30 years later, that’s still who we are.”
Hidden Gems and a Scrapped Album Make Their Debut
The deluxe edition isn’t just a rehash of the original tracklist. The highlight is Tallest, a newly compiled selection of tracks from Tall, a shelved album that the band originally intended to release instead of Amorica.. These recordings, like “Bitter, Bitter You” and the instrumental “Paris Song,” offer fans a fresh glimpse into the band’s creative process. Interestingly, “Paris Song” evolved into “Cursed Diamond,” one of Amorica.’s standout tracks.
In addition to Tallest, the box set features The Marie Laveau Sessions, a collection of seven never-before-heard songs from 1992. It also includes live radio performances recorded in London and a handful of rare B-sides, like a cover of “Chevrolet”—a deep cut from Taj Mahal’s 1971 album.
A Deluxe Release That Honors the Album’s Legacy
For fans willing to invest, the super-deluxe LP version comes with more than just music. It includes a poster, bumper sticker, and turntable slipmat, all designed to celebrate the spirit of the album. While CD sales no longer dominate and stores rarely censor album art today, the original Amorica. cover is included in the set, a reminder of how much things have changed.
À lireRadiohead’s comeback tour favors Europe and excludes the U.S.—is this artistic vision or punishment?
À lireOnly Real ’80s Kids Remember How These 10 Songs Made Us Feel
More than just a reissue, this release is a chance to re-evaluate an overlooked gem. The music of Amorica.—raw, fearless, and unfiltered—deserves to stand front and center, just as the band always intended.
