Shade Of Blue Black Rebel Motorcycle Club
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, also known as BRMC, is a rock band that formed in San Francisco in 1998. The band consists of three members: Peter Hayes, Robert Levon Been, and Leah Shapiro. Over the years, the band has released numerous albums, each with its unique sound and style.
In 2010, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club released their sixth studio album, Shade of Blue. The album was well-received by critics and fans alike and has since become a cult classic. In this article, we'll take a deep dive into Shade of Blue and explore what makes it such a beloved album.
The Making of Shade of Blue
Shade of Blue was recorded in a basement in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The band had just come off a grueling tour and wanted to take some time to focus on writing and recording new music. They decided to rent a house in Philadelphia and set up a makeshift studio in the basement.
The band took a DIY approach to the recording process, with Peter Hayes and Robert Levon Been sharing vocal duties and playing multiple instruments on the album. Drummer Leah Shapiro joined the band shortly before the recording of Shade of Blue and brought her unique style and energy to the album.
The Sound of Shade of Blue
Shade of Blue has a distinct sound that sets it apart from other Black Rebel Motorcycle Club albums. The album is more stripped-down and raw than previous releases, with a focus on guitar-driven rock and roll. The band cited influences such as The Rolling Stones and The Stooges when writing and recording the album.
The album opens with the track "War Machine," a blistering rock song that sets the tone for the rest of the album. Other standout tracks on the album include "Conscience Killer," a catchy and infectious rock song with a sing-along chorus, and "Shadow's Keeper," a slower, more introspective track that showcases the band's versatility.
The Lyrics of Shade of Blue
The lyrics on Shade of Blue are often dark and brooding, with themes of love, loss, and despair. The band has stated that the album was heavily influenced by their personal lives and experiences, and this is reflected in the lyrics.
One of the standout tracks on the album is "Mama Taught Me Better," a song about the lessons we learn from our parents and how they shape us as people. The song features the haunting lyrics:
"Mama taught me better than to take but I took anyway
Mama taught me better than to hate but I hated anyway"
Other songs on the album deal with themes of addiction, loneliness, and heartbreak. The lyrics are often poetic and introspective, showcasing the band's talent for songwriting.
The Legacy of Shade of Blue
Shade of Blue has become a cult classic among Black Rebel Motorcycle Club fans and is often cited as one of the band's best albums. The album has influenced numerous other artists and has been praised for its raw, stripped-down sound and powerful lyrics.
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club continues to tour and release new music to this day, but Shade of Blue remains a beloved album among fans and critics alike. It's a testament to the band's talent and creativity, and a reminder of why they continue to be one of the most exciting and innovative rock bands of our time.
Conclusion
Shade of Blue is a classic album that showcases Black Rebel Motorcycle Club at their best. The album is a testament to the band's talent and creativity, with powerful lyrics and a stripped-down, raw sound that sets it apart from other albums in their discography. Whether you're a longtime fan of the band or just discovering their music for the first time, Shade of Blue is an album that is sure to leave a lasting impression.