Give Me One Reason

Zoo Freaks, get ready for some righteous vibes as we spin "Give Me One Reason" by Black Stone Cherry from their album The Human Condition! This track is a soulful cover of Tracy Chapman's classic, recorded for the deluxe digital-only expanded edition of the album, released on August 27, 2021. The band shared their love for Chapman, saying, “Tracy Chapman’s voice and songs are absolutely timeless. We have always been fans of her music, especially ‘Give Me One Reason’. Chris has always sounded so great singing this song, so we decided to record a quick version in the studio.” They were blown away by the positive feedback, not expecting such a warm reception for what they thought was just a fun take on an already great song. Sonic Perspectives noted that frontman Chris Robertson’s gritty, soulful vocals and the band’s funky arrangement pay homage to Chapman while adding their signature southern rock flair.

The music video for "Give Me One Reason", released on September 22, 2021, captures the band’s raw energy in the studio, showcasing their tight chemistry. Rock and Blues Muse praised Robertson as “one of rock’s most soulful vocalists,” highlighting how the cover slams listeners with Black Stone Cherry’s hard-hitting style. The song was a spontaneous studio jam, with the band admitting they didn’t anticipate it becoming a fan favorite. This track stands out on the deluxe edition of The Human Condition, an album completed just before the COVID-19 lockdown, with lyrics that eerily reflected the uncertain times. Fans on Facebook raved about the cover, with many calling it a perfect blend of Chapman’s soul and Black Stone Cherry’s southern swagger.

Black Stone Cherry hails from Edmonton, Kentucky, where they formed on June 4, 2001. The band—Chris Robertson (vocals, guitar), Ben Wells (guitar), Steve Jewell (bass), and John Fred Young (drums)—started as a group of teens jamming in a practice house once used by The Kentucky Headhunters, a band featuring Young’s father and uncle. Robertson and Young began playing together in their early teens, later joined by Wells and original bassist Jon Lawhon. Their small-town roots and love for southern rock, blues, and hard rock shaped their sound. They built a local following with club gigs before releasing their first demo, Rock N' Roll Tape, in 2003 on their own label. Their self-titled debut album dropped in 2006 via Roadrunner Records, and they celebrated with a homecoming show at their local middle school, drawing 1,500 fans and “welcome home” signs lining the streets.

The band’s early days were marked by relentless gigging and a DIY ethos, honing their craft in Kentucky’s music scene. They’ve since released eight studio albums, with their latest, Screamin' at the Sky, hitting shelves in 2023 under Mascot Label Group. Their journey from a small-town practice shed to sharing stages with legends like Def Leppard, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and Guns N’ Roses at Download Festival is a testament to their grit and passion. Fans can connect with Black Stone Cherry on their official website, Facebook (with over 506K followers), Instagram, and X. For Zoo Freaks looking to join the tribe, check out fan communities like the Black Stone Cherry Fan Club on Facebook or dive into discussions on Reddit’s LetsTalkMusic.