The Black Crowes'Shake Your Money Makerwas a refreshing and exciting debut, no small feat considering the rather obvious debt to boogie rockers such as the Stones and Faces. Simply put, the band had the confidence, swagger, and hooks to overcome any lack of originality. This 1992 sophomore album built on the success of the debut, fleshing out the sound and improving on the songwriting.

With its greasy guitar riff, hand claps, female background singers, and a soulful, stomping groove, "Sting Me" kicks things off in an impressive fashion and sets the template for the rest of the album. The raunchy "Remedy" became a Crowe's standard while "Thorn in My Pride" showed their formidable touch on slower ballads. Chris Robinson's raspy, bluesy howl is the quintessential Southern rock weapon, while brother Rich is a fountainhead of chunky and catchy guitar riffs.