38 Special Greatest Hits – Classic Rock Review and Trivia Question

Don Barnes and Donnie Van Zant started 38 Special and along with guitarist Jeff Carlisi, they have been in the line-up the longest. The band has seen many other members come and go throughout their lengthy career. Every member that has been in the band has contributed greatly to the sound and style that made 38 Special one of the top Southern hard rock bands around.

Things really started taking off for the band by 1980. Their popularity hit an all time high and the hits kept getting bigger. They became one of the biggest arena acts of the early 80′s. With more than a dozen album releases to their credit, it is no surprise that 38 Special has quite a few top singles that became FM radio favorites. Donnie Van Zant’s vocals had a lot to do with the style and consistency of the band, keeping their songs at the top of the rock charts. My trivia question to you is: Donnie Van Zant’s brother, Ronnie Van Zant, was the lead singer for what famous 70′s classic southern rock band? I will give the answer after I name my choices of 38 Special’s greatest hits.

Rockin’ Into The Night was released in 1980 and became the band’s first real hit. It’s high-powered delivery gives us some of the band’s best opening guitar riffs and a thunderous rhythm section. It turned out to be the perfect driving song.

Hold On Loosely was a chart topper that broke out in 1981. I can still remember where I was when I first heard it, mostly due to the lyrical impact it made on me. It has one of the best choruses 38 Special has ever recorded. It also gives us all some of the best advice to anyone who has ever been in a relationship.

38 Special owned the FM charts in the early 80′s and 1982 gave us the big hit, Caught Up In You. By this time, they had their formula down perfect and this is another pure joy with the catchiest of choruses and tremendous drum work mixed with some of the best singing they have ever recorded.

If I’d Been The One was released in 1984. This song had more of a sad feel to it, as opposed to some of their happier moments. It was a break up song put to another dose of their perfectly timed harmonies and choruses.

The early years were the best years for 38 Special and the rock charts agreed. 1982 gave us one of the band’s more country sounding, kick in the tail hits, Chain Lightnin’. One listen to this back street rocker and you’ll feel like your out in the rain looking for safety. The band as a whole, never sounded better or stronger than they did on this song.

38 Special has slowed down considerably since the height of their success. Their shows are fewer and the crowds are smaller. They still have their group of hard-core fans though and that is what 38 Special has always been about, their fans.

Now for the answer to my trivia question. Donnie Van Zant’s brother , Ronnie Van Zant, was the lead singer in the classic Southern rock band, Lynyrd Skynyrd.

To see more reviews on Classic Rock bands, please visit my website http://www.classichardrockreviews.com Test your trivia knowledge, or test mine by visiting my trivia site http://www.classichardrocktrivia.com Keep Rockin, Teri L.John