LOS ANGELES-- The Black Crowes [ tickets ] changed record companies before releasing their latest album, “Lions,” and according to singer Chris Robinson, with the change in labels came a shift in attitude as well.

“I think the difference between this and the other record maybe has to do with our headspace, as far as being away from our old record contract and being in a place where we really feel like music is this limitless place," Robinson said. "For a nice soundbite: that dream, the same thing that drove me absolutely out of my mind as a kid, still feels the same way to me."

Teaming with producer Don Was (Rolling Stones, Paul Westerberg), the Black Crowes recorded their 13-song platter in a Yiddish theatre in New York. Was said he considers the Black Crowes to be a rarity in rock these days--a full-fledged rock band that writes its own songs. And in Robinson, Was discovered a man in transition.

“It was really a treat," Was said. "When I got into the lyrics that Chris was writing, I realized he was taking on something that was significant. He was writing about becoming a man. ... There’s a lot of old man/young man symbolism that’s a self-conversation, Chris talking to himself. I don’t know that anyone has actually chronicled being 33 [years old] as well as this album.”

Touring with former Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page put the Black Crowes back in touch with the classic rock sound that influenced their early recordings. Robinson said the title of the new album reflects the pride that he and his brother, Crowes guitarist Rich Robinson, take in leading a rock band in an era destined to be remembered for teen pop.

“'Lions’ is a symbol that stands for the fierce feeling and freedom that music allows you, the soul involved in that," he explained. "I think we’re in an era when those things are really looked over too much. And to be honest, I don’t think there’s a lot of great young musicians and great bands. We’ve eked out a career in a music business that doesn’t have time for you if you don’t play by their rules. And I think this record is a testament to what we’ve gone through and where we’re going.”