The Amorica story is a “love story” (raise your hand if you ever thought that the “Amor” in Amorica was for love?), the third chapter in the evolution of The Black Crowes, a local rock band from Atlanta, GA, founded by two brothers, Chris and Rich Robinson. After two successful albums, Shake Your Money Maker (1990) and The Southern Harmony and Musical Companion (1992), the brothers are challenged in 1993 to repeat their past success, now measured by a combined 7x Platinum certifications for the two albums and endless world tours. The path toward a new album now has both the typical rock star challenges of success—such as fame, drugs, and internal strife—along with the emergence of the grunge sound dominating rock music. While Chris and Rich have their own personal issues, there is a bond that holds them together and delivers Amorica, their unbreakable drive to create their art on their terms. The Amorica box set and the hour-long conversation with Chris and Rich reflect on how this bond was tested, trying to record Tall (the scrapped record preceding Amorica), regrouping and finding the right energy to record Amorica, and then how the legendary “Mushroom Party” held at the end of the Amorica sessions influenced the visuals and album cover. The main revelation is that Amorica was a declaration of independence by Chris and Rich from all outside expectations. Amorica allowed The Black Crowes to strive toward their betterment through creative freedom and a staunch belief in themselves. Most of all, Amorica validates the Robinson brothers’ gut instincts and how, 30 years later, Chris and Rich Robinson still create their art on their terms. 1CD remastered album + 3 b-side tracks. Jewel case. Booklet.
