Navarre / Soldier Blue

The Zoo Crew is spinning the hard-hitting tracks "Navarre / Soldier Blue" from Blackfoot's 1990 album Medicine Man, and the Zoo Freaks are loving the raw energy! These two songs, often presented as a seamless pair, showcase the band’s ability to blend introspective instrumentals with gritty rock anthems. "Navarre" is a mellow, two-minute acoustic instrumental that evokes the spirit of Led Zeppelin’s quieter moments, serving as a breather amidst the album’s heavier tracks. It flows directly into "Soldier Blue," which starts restrained but builds into a powerful reflection on life’s struggles, with lyrics like “Late at night when I’m alone, I think about the life I’ve known.” Fans on Classic Rock Forums have praised "Soldier Blue" for its emotional depth, with one user noting the “Indian blood and sweat” in its sound, tying it to frontman Rickey Medlocke’s Native American heritage. The song’s raw intensity and Medlocke’s vocal delivery give it a visceral edge, making it a standout for longtime fans.

Trivia about "Navarre / Soldier Blue" is scarce in direct interviews, but fan discussions and reviews reveal its impact. A YouTube comment on a 2018 upload of "Soldier Blue" described it as “a chill-inducing track that captures Blackfoot’s return to roots.” The pairing was a deliberate choice on Medicine Man, with "Navarre" acting as a calm before the storm of "Soldier Blue’s" heavy riffs. Some fans on Blackfoot Fans Facebook Group speculate that "Navarre" might be named after the historic region in Spain, though no official confirmation exists from Medlocke or the band. The Medicine Man album itself marked a comeback for Blackfoot, shrugging off the 1980s pop-rock influences of earlier records like Vertical Smiles to embrace their Southern rock core, and these tracks are often cited as highlights for their authenticity.

Blackfoot’s journey began in Jacksonville, Florida, in 1969, when Rickey Medlocke, Charlie Hargrett, Greg T. Walker, and Jakson Spires formed the band, initially called “Fresh Garbage” after a Spirit song. Their early days were marked by raw ambition and a harder edge than their Southern rock peers like Lynyrd Skynyrd. Medlocke, whose Lakota Sioux and Blackfoot Indian heritage influenced the band’s name, started as a drummer and vocalist before taking on guitar duties. By 1971, Medlocke and Walker briefly joined Lynyrd Skynyrd, but Blackfoot reformed in 1972, driven by a shared vision of no-nonsense rock. Their breakthrough came with the 1979 album Strikes, featuring hits like “Train, Train” and “Highway Song,” cementing their place in Southern rock history. Despite lineup changes and a breakup in 1985, Medlocke revived Blackfoot in 1987, leading to the Medicine Man era.

Today, Blackfoot continues to resonate with fans, and you can keep up with their latest news on their official website. Follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and X for updates on tours and releases. For deeper fan connections, check out the Blackfoot Fans Facebook Group, where Zoo Freaks and others share memories, rare photos, and live show stories. Another great spot is Classic Rock Forums, where Blackfoot’s legacy is celebrated alongside other rock legends. Crank up "Navarre / Soldier Blue" and let the Zoo Crew keep the vibes rolling!