Upon listening to the newest BLACKBERRY SMOKE album "Leave a Scar: Live in North Carolina" my first impression was how well produced it is considering it is a live album. Although I didn't care for the clapping and yelling at the beginning of most songs, the Country-Rock feel kept me intrigued. The lead vocalist has an old-style Country tune to his voice that works extremely well with the rest of the band.

"Son of the Bourbon" is a catchy, but "standard" Country song. The lyrics portray things such as booze leading to birth, father leaving, and becoming a blue collar working man. A verse states, "Mama drank Scotch Whiskey and my Daddy drank Jim Beam... and I was conceived just outside of New Orleans." Lead vocalist Charlie Starr, also sings about being a "dying breed of Rock N' Roll."

My least favorite song on this album was "Sanctified Woman." I really didn't care for the style of this tune, there seemed to be too many words crammed into one set of lyrics. It also featured the same couple notes during these verses.

Another song that didn't work for me is called "Crimson Moon." The song begins with an intense guitar and drum solo that is quite good, but abruptly stops. The vocalist then starts with light serenading lyrics immediately after. The solo doesn't seem to fit in the beginning, but the song kicks up during the chorus which works a lot better.

"Shake Your Magnolia" was probably my favorite track off this album. It's upbeat, catchy, and I quickly found myself singing along the second time I listened. I could easily see this song being a crowd favorite with tons of happy listeners dancing along.

This album wasn't a favorite for me, but I think it can appeal to both country and hard rock fans. BLACKBERRY SMOKE definitely has an advantage by generating an album that can be enjoyed by many. Finally, my favorite lyric from this album was one I think can be appropriate for many, "I may not change the world, but I'm gonna leave a scar."