Southern-Fried Blasphemy... And Proud of It!

If you're an '80s music fan with more than a small soft spot for the '70s, you may want to turn away while I make the following statement: The best rock band featuring a Van Zant brother may just be .38 Special. Now, allow me to pause a moment so I can dodge beer cans and other debris thrown from all corners of cyberspace.

OK, I survived the first wave, so just hear me out. In terms of pure ear candy joy and sharp pop hooks, few hard-driving rock bands have ever been as skilled as the '80s-era hit machine put forth by Donnie Van Zant & Co. Just listen to "Like No Other Night", "Back Where You Belong", or "If I'd Been the One" if you doubt me. Granted, the Ronnie Van Zant-led Lynyrd Skynyrd retains plenty of merit as Southern rock pioneers with serious musical chops, but I submit that .38 Special's best work amounts to a more satisfying listening experience.

Anyway, Van Zant and the band's current membership may not be all that happy to hear my declaration, as the band presses on in the midst of an American tour, and while they may downplay .38 Special's pop roots, I for one don't think they ever had anything to be ashamed of, unless you count "Second Chance", of course.

Album Cover Photo Courtesy of A&M Records