Blackberry Smoke’s last album needed a little more grit. If “Waiting for the Thunder” is any indication, maybe we’ll get some of that back.

The most tragic histories can make the greatest songs, as the Indigo Girls’ “Rise of the Black Messiah” reminds us.

Taped in Room 124 of the Edwardsville, Ill., Holiday Inn, 1977’s “Shaky Town” is one of the rawest Jackson Browne recordings – and a must-have song when traveling.

As with the last two albums, Flotsam and Jetsam gives us something a little different here – providing a tasty tribute to metal legends Iron Maiden.

Steve Kuhn has been an original and dynamic pianist for over five decades, and that young spirit is very much present today on “My Shining Hour” and the rest of ‘At This Time.’

Jumping with joyful energy, the Secrets’ “Feel Pretty Good” is honestly one of the best power pop workouts ever to be.

Zakk Wylde’s “Sleeping Dogs” makes a good promise for ‘Book of Shadows II.’ Here’s hoping the rest of the album delivers on it.

Fortunato Isgro’s “Good Times Bad Times” borrows the best elements of the past, then tops them off with a contemporary delivery.

With a touch of Southern-fried soul, Joe Mandica’s “My Heart Belongs” is like a marvelous mating of Bill Lloyd with Bill Deal and the Rhondels.

Xander the Peace Pirates’ “Soul Sailing” combines the powerfully soulful vocals with expressive and road weary yet expressive slide guitar playing.