BLACK STONE CHERRY:

The title of Black Stone Cherry's upcoming EP — "Celebrate," available on March 6 — makes this collection of songs seem like the perfect soundtrack for a backwoods bonfire on a southern fried Friday night.

And it certainly has those moments.

But, the seven-song release also contains some of the most powerful and impactful lyrics/themes in the band's 20-plus year career.

"Heaven can you hear me for one request ... Can you put my heart back in my chest?" — "I'm Fine"

Lead singer/guitarist Chris Robertson has openly discussed his own battles with mental health issues. Those struggles shine through as he delivers stunningly soulful and heart-felt performances on songs like "I'm Fine," "Deep," and "What You're Made Of."

On "I'm Fine," Robertson declares, "My best friend's a legacy ... paranoia ... THC ... Misery is a company I know best."

Then follows up with, "When the sky comes falling down ... I'll be right here till the hope runs out."

"Deep" is a somber ballad which gives a gut-wrenching glance into a beaten, bloody and broken heart.

"Laughing takes the pain away, but there's no humor here today. The cruelest jokes I've ever played, raised my hopes and watched them fade. I'm not saying I'm giving up ... but nothing hurts like love."

"What You're Made Of" begins with John Fred Young's thunderous drumming then settles into to an introspective narrative.

"Am I trippin ... On fact or fiction? Everything seems so made up ... How I'm feeling is how I'm dealing with everything I'm ashamed of."

The chorus asks... "Show me what you're made of ... Is it glitter and gold or heart and soul?"

The hard-charging title track is a celebratory anthem for anyone who has ever dealt with deeper, darker issues — just like Robertson has for years.

"What's missing? Who's listening? Been locked inside this prison. Must escape from this place ... And say goodbye to self hate."

In the end, the message is hopeful, uplifting and reassuring.

"Celebrate ... You made it through another one today ... By the way, you're not the only who gets afraid. It's okay to freak out or reach out or hit your knees and pray."

The EP, though, has plenty of lighter moments too.

The smoky, groovy "Neon Eyes," brings back hazy memories of one of the band's signature songs — and even makes reference to it.

"Running on reasons I can't explain ... Like Me and Mary Jane, just not the same."

"Caught Up In The Up Down," delivers a fun, raunchy groove that leaves you "Spellbound by sex and magic."

The release wraps up with a cover of Simple Minds' "Don't You (Forget About Me)," featuring Tyler Connolly, which would certainly make John Bender triumphantly thrust his fist into the air.