With
Amorica
,
the Black Crowes
began developing a distinctive sound, shading their
Stonesy
Southern
boogie
with a variety of rootsy and psychedelic overtones. But where
was rich with kaleidescopic colors,
Three Snakes and One Charm
is stripped-down and direct. Sure, it has a punchy, muscular sound that is, if anything, more eclectic than its predecessor, but the production is distressingly monotonous and the songs lack strong hooks. Even with its faults,
is a winning album, mainly because
' musicianship continues to deepen -- the musical fusions and eclecticism are seamless, particularly from lead guitarist
Rich Robinson
. Their musicianship would be even more impressive if the songs were equal in quality. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine