Black Rebel Motorcycle Club (BRMC) is an American rock band formed in 1998 in San Francisco, California. The band’s sound is heavily influenced by classic rock, blues, and punk, and they have been associated with the garage rock revival movement. The group consists of Peter Hayes (vocals, guitar), Robert Levon Been (vocals, bass), and Leah Shapiro (drums).
BRMC’s self-titled debut album was released in 2001 to critical acclaim and they quickly gained a following with their raw and energetic live performances. They have since released nine studio albums, including Howl (2005), Baby 81 (2007), and Wrong Creatures (2018).
BRMC’s music is known for its gritty and atmospheric sound, often featuring distorted guitars and haunting melodies. Their lyrics often deal with themes of love, loss, and the struggles of everyday life. Despite their often dark subject matter, their music is also imbued with a sense of hope and resilience.
Over the years, BRMC has toured extensively around the world, playing to audiences in Europe, Australia, and North America. They have also collaborated with a number of other artists, including The Killers, Noel Gallagher, and Mark Lanegan.
Overall, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club is a band with a unique sound and a loyal following. Their music is powerful, raw, and full of emotion, and they continue to inspire and captivate audiences around the world.
1. Done All Wrong
“Done All Wrong” is a song by Black Rebel Motorcycle Club that was featured on the soundtrack for the 2009 film, “New Moon”. The song is a slow-burning, melancholic ballad with a haunting melody and sparse instrumentation, consisting primarily of acoustic guitar and subtle percussion. The lyrics deal with themes of heartbreak and regret, with lead vocalist Peter Hayes singing about the pain of losing someone he loved. The song showcases BRMC’s ability to create powerful and emotionally resonant music, and has become a fan favorite over the years.
2. Red Eyes and Tears
“Red Eyes and Tears” is a classic track by Black Rebel Motorcycle Club from their 2001 debut album. The song is a slow-burning, bluesy rock ballad with a hypnotic rhythm and a raw, emotive vocal performance by lead vocalist Peter Hayes. The lyrics deal with themes of heartbreak and loss, with Hayes singing about the pain of a broken relationship and the struggles of moving on. “Red Eyes and Tears” is a standout track that highlights BRMC’s ability to create music that is both raw and deeply emotional, and remains a fan favorite to this day.
3. Shadow on the Run
“Shadow on the Run” is a brooding and hypnotic song by the American rock band Black Rebel Motorcycle Club. The track opens with a haunting guitar riff and atmospheric synthesizer, setting the mood for the melancholic lyrics that follow. The vocals, delivered in a subdued and introspective tone, tell the story of a person struggling with inner demons and haunted by past mistakes. The song builds to a crescendo with distorted guitars and crashing drums, driving home the emotional intensity of the lyrics. “Shadow on the Run” is a powerful and evocative piece of music that showcases Black Rebel Motorcycle Club’s ability to create a mood and tell a story through their music.
4. Whatever Happened To My Rock And Roll (Punk Song)
“Whatever Happened To My Rock And Roll (Punk Song)” is a classic track by Black Rebel Motorcycle Club from their 2001 debut album. The song is an anthemic ode to the spirit of punk rock and rebellion, featuring driving rhythms, distorted guitars, and catchy vocal hooks. The lyrics reflect on the state of the music industry at the time, lamenting the loss of the raw energy and authenticity that had defined rock and roll in its early days. The song has become an iconic representation of BRMC’s sound and ethos, and remains a fan favorite to this day.
5. Annabel Lee
“Annabel Lee” is a haunting ballad by Black Rebel Motorcycle Club from their 2013 album “Specter at the Feast”. The song is based on the poem of the same name by Edgar Allan Poe, and features sparse instrumentation and a melancholic melody. Lead vocalist Peter Hayes delivers a poignant performance, singing about the pain of losing a loved one and the struggle to find meaning in a world of darkness and despair. “Annabel Lee” is a beautifully crafted song that showcases BRMC’s ability to create music that is both emotionally powerful and thematically rich.
6. Spread Your Love
“Spread Your Love” is a high-energy rock song by the American band Black Rebel Motorcycle Club. The track features driving guitars, pounding drums, and catchy vocal hooks that make it a standout in the band’s discography. The lyrics speak of the power of love to transcend boundaries and bring people together, urging the listener to embrace their own ability to love and be loved. With its infectious energy and positive message, “Spread Your Love” has become a fan favorite and a staple of the band’s live shows. It’s a powerful reminder of the unifying force of music and the human spirit.
7. Stop
“Stop” is a standout track from Black Rebel Motorcycle Club’s 2003 album “Take Them On, On Your Own”. The song features a driving rhythm and a catchy, anthemic chorus, with lead vocalist Peter Hayes delivering an impassioned performance. The lyrics deal with themes of inner turmoil and the struggle to find a sense of purpose and meaning in life, with Hayes singing about the need to break free from the constraints of society and find one’s own path. “Stop” is a powerful and emotionally resonant song that showcases BRMC’s ability to create music that is both raw and introspective.
8. Little Thing Gone Wild
“Little Thing Gone Wild” is a raucous and infectious rock song by American band Black Rebel Motorcycle Club. The track opens with a distorted guitar riff and pounding drums, setting the tone for the raw and rebellious lyrics that follow. The vocals are delivered with a gritty intensity, capturing the restless energy of youth and the thrill of breaking free from societal constraints. With its infectious chorus and electrifying guitar solos, “Little Thing Gone Wild” is a high-octane celebration of rock and roll, showcasing Black Rebel Motorcycle Club’s raw and uncompromising sound. It’s a perfect example of the band’s ability to create music that’s both visceral and anthemic.
9. Let the Day Begin
“Let the Day Begin” is a cover song by Black Rebel Motorcycle Club from their 2013 album “Specter at the Feast”. Originally written and performed by the 1980s rock band The Call, the song is an upbeat, anthemic rock track with a positive and uplifting message. BRMC’s version features driving rhythms, powerful guitar riffs, and lead vocalist Robert Levon Been’s distinctive vocal style. The song is a tribute to Been’s father, Michael Been, who was a member of The Call and passed away in 2010. “Let the Day Begin” is a stirring and inspiring song that highlights BRMC’s ability to reinterpret classic rock tracks in their own distinctive style.
10. Ain’t No Easy Way
“Ain’t No Easy Way” is a gritty and soulful rock song by American band Black Rebel Motorcycle Club. The track features a driving rhythm section, bluesy guitar riffs, and raspy vocals that convey a sense of urgency and determination. The lyrics speak of the struggles and obstacles that we all face in life, and the need to persevere and keep moving forward. With its memorable melody and catchy chorus, “Ain’t No Easy Way” has become one of the band’s most popular songs. It’s a powerful and uplifting anthem that speaks to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
Edward Tomlin is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
