Last week, Nashville singer-songwriter Lainey Wilson picked up the Grammy for Best Country Album for the triumphant Bell Bottom Country. Her talents are now being harnessed by one of the most vital rock bands of this generation, The Black Crowes, as she’s set to feature on their first album in 15 years.
On 15 March, Happiness Bastards will hit the metaphorical shelves as The Black Crowes’ first original release in over a decade. Said to be a blistering record that is both fresh yet quintessential rock n’ roll, its release follows their first single in the same amount of time, Wanting And Waiting, which has already earned global acclaim.
At the 66th annual Grammy Awards on 4 February, Lainey Wilson joined greats like Taylor Swift, SZA, Kylie Minogue and Billie Eilish when she won her first-ever Grammy Award. Clearly, the Crowes saw the magic of Wilson, having credited her as the only feature artist on Happiness Bastards.
The collaboration, Wilted Rose ft. Lainey Wilson is the fifth track on the upcoming record and represents an exciting union of legacy artists, old and new.
Wilson told Rolling Stone magazine, “I’m so excited to be a part of the new the Black Crowes record. I’m a huge fan of their music, and their legacy has truly withstood the test of time. I can’t wait for people to hear our song, Wilted Rose. It’s a little country, a little rock ‘n’ roll and a whole lot of soul.”
Happiness Bastards is available everywhere from Friday, 15 March, plus Lainey Wilson has a massive 2024 ahead, including an upcoming headline performance at CMC Rocks. You can pre-save/pre-order the album here.
Happiness Bastards will be released via the Black Crowes’ own Silver Arrow Records. For the album, the tenth in their discography, the group – led by brothers Chris (lead vocals) and Rich (guitar) Robinson – collaborated with decorated producer and former Crowded House guitarist Jay Joyce.
In a statement describing the album, Chris Robinson said, “Happiness Bastards is our love letter to rock ‘n’ roll. Rich and I are always writing and creating music; that has never stopped for us, and it is always where we find harmony together. This record represents that.”