Magic Mountain is the fourth studio album from the Kentucky band, Black Stone Cherry – a band that likes to bridge the gap between southern rock and hard rock. Over the years, and after the release of their second album Folklore and Superstition, the albums they have produced have gradually turned towards a more radio-friendly, mainstream sound. Although not necessarily a bad path to take, it seems Magic Mountain is an attempt to regress to their former signature style.
The only drawback to Magic Mountain is how it is so obviously interlaced with the idea that this album is related to the activity of smoking pot. However, despite that image, the tracks featured with the album are riddled with fantastic riffs and rhythms. Some standout tracks within the album are: “Me and Mary Jane”, a cracker of a tune and the first single to be released that was always destined to be an instant hit; “Runaway” a melodic ballad which allows the listener to have a break from the fast-paced; “Holding on to Letting Go” and “Fiesta del Fuego” which gets gritty with some fantastic guitar slides. All four of these tracks have soul and character, featuring their beloved southern rock elements, solos and vocals by Chris Robertson, that really stand out.
Black Stone Cherry – Runaway
