The Black Crowes – Remedy: Southern Rock Swagger in the ’90s

Turning Up the Heat in 1992

By the early ’90s, grunge was taking over the airwaves, but The Black Crowes had a different prescription. With “Remedy,” released in 1992 on their second album The Southern Harmony and Musical Companion, the band proved that gritty Southern rock and soul-soaked swagger still had a place in the spotlight.

From the moment the opening riff kicks in, you know you’re in for something bold, raw, and unapologetically loud.

The Song That Became Their Signature

“Remedy” wasn’t just another single — it became one of The Black Crowes’ defining songs. It shot to No. 1 on the Billboard Album Rock Tracks chart, where it stayed for an impressive 11 weeks.

At a time when rock was shifting in all directions, The Black Crowes doubled down on their influences: the Stones, Faces, Otis Redding. The result was a song that felt both timeless and fresh.

The Lyrics: Searching for Freedom

Lyrically, “Remedy” is a plea for liberation. Chris Robinson belts out lines about craving release and searching for a cure to what ails the soul. His delivery is gritty yet soulful, dripping with urgency.

When he howls “Baby, baby, why’s your wantin’ to hide?” you feel the desperation — not just as words, but as raw emotion.

The Music: Grit, Groove, and Gospel Spirit

Musically, the track is a powerhouse. Rich Robinson’s guitar riff is sharp and bluesy, while Steve Gorman’s drumming keeps the groove driving forward. Add in the gospel-style backing vocals, and the whole thing feels like a revival meeting wrapped in a rock anthem.

It’s Southern rock reimagined for a new decade — less about nostalgia and more about channeling energy straight into the listener’s veins.

A Fan’s Memory

I remember catching the video for “Remedy” on MTV, with the band looking like they’d just stepped out of a smoky club at 3 a.m. Chris Robinson commanded the camera with his wild hair and wilder voice, while the music blasted like a shot of adrenaline.

Hearing it live later on was even more powerful. The crowd sang every word, and when the chorus hit, it felt less like a rock show and more like a shared exorcism of frustration and joy.

Why Remedy Still Hits Hard

More than 30 years later, “Remedy” still holds up as one of The Black Crowes’ most enduring tracks. It’s defiant, soulful, and full of grit — everything that made the band stand out in the first place.

For me, it’s proof that rock and roll doesn’t need to be reinvented every decade. Sometimes it just needs to be played with conviction, sweat, and soul. That’s exactly what “Remedy” delivers.