"Free" is the second studio album by the American alternative rock band Concrete Blonde, released in 1989. The album showcases the band's distinctive blend of alternative rock, post-punk, and folk influences, featuring powerful vocals, evocative lyrics, and gritty guitar-driven arrangements.
"Free" features a mix of energetic rockers and introspective ballads, exploring themes of love, loss, and redemption. Notable tracks include "God Is a Bullet," "Joey," and "Tonight," all of which received significant airplay on rock radio stations and helped to solidify Concrete Blonde's status as one of the leading bands in the alternative rock scene of the late 1980s.
The album received positive reviews from critics upon its release, with praise for its emotional depth, strong songwriting, and frontwoman Johnette Napolitano's impassioned vocals. "Free" achieved commercial success, reaching the top 40 on the Billboard 200 chart and earning the band a dedicated fan base.
Despite its commercial success, "Free" would be the last studio album recorded by Concrete Blonde before their breakup in 1995. Nevertheless, the album remains a favorite among fans of alternative rock music and continues to be celebrated for its raw energy and poignant lyrics. It serves as a testament to Concrete Blonde's enduring legacy and their influence on the alternative rock genre.