EP Review: Black Stone Cherry – Celebrate (Mascot Records)

Black Stone Cherry, the iconic hard rock band with a heart, will release their brand-new EP, ‘Celebrate’ on March 6th, 2026, via Mascot Records.

With nothing to prove, but plenty still to do, Black Stone Cherry’s new EP shows off a band still willing to try new things, even if the hearty rock makeup of the band is undeniable. Unsurprisingly, regardless of experimentation, Black Stone Cherry sound like Black Stone Cherry and if you’re a fan that is well worth celebrating.

The rest? I’m not sure it’s going to win any doubters over even though I, someone who isn’t really a fan, got a serious kick out of this EP. I mean, how can’t you enjoy the anthemic power of the title track? That riff is solid gold, and the chorus is suitably empowering and authentic.

It’s a high point, and very Black Stone Cherry. Whereas Neon Eyes and Caught Up in the Up Down are a likable pair of groovy anthems that wouldn’t look out of place on any party playlist.

I do find I’m Fine an intriguing track though, and that’s because it has got a bit of grunginess to it. This is what I want to hear, if I’m honest, Black Stone Cherry trying out a few different things. Though few won’t find themselves touched by a track with as much emotive power as Deep. A track that deals with some really personal issues for the band and a track that is guaranteed to have a profound effect on many that hear it.

I can feel that and I can appreciate that.

Finally, it’s back to riff-infused energy, head banging vibes, guitar soloing, and a sing along chorus with What You’re Made Of. Before Black Stone Cherry throw out a cool cover of Simple Minds’ Don’t You (Forget About Me) featuring Tyler Connolly of Theory of A Deadman. I dig it.

I also dig the EP. As I said before, I’m not really a fan but when delivered in this fashion and with this kind of willingness to try a few different things, I can get on board. If you love this band though, you’re going to come away very happy indeed.

Black Stone Cherry – Celebrate Track Listing:

1. Celebrate
2. Neon Eyes
3. Caught Up in the Up Down
4. I’m Fine
5. Deep
6. What You’re Made Of
7. Don’t You (Forget About Me) Ft. Tyler Connolly (Simple Minds Cover)

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