Special Forces, 38 Special, CD

Digitally remastered and expanded edition includes three bonus live tracks. Features 16 page full color booklet that includes 3,500 word essay, enhanced artwork, rarely seen photos and new interviews. When it comes to musical trends, Southern rock is one of the most enduring styles, and one that maintains a loyal and committed following. It is also very much wrapped up in the values of an era that has experienced both good and bad times, yet it continues to endure whilst other musical trends evaporated into thin air. 38 Special are not only survivors but also one of the few groups from the Southern rock genre that crossed musical barriers, producing not only hit albums but also mainstream hit singles. Fronted by Donnie Van Zant (little brother of Sknyrd frontman Ronnie) the band's sound was immediately embraced by an audience keen to keep the music they love alive. The band's early albums were staunchly Southern rock in sound but by this, their 5th album, melodic influences had widened their appeal. Not that they had abandoned their heritage, far from it, as 'Special Forces' is still very much a traditional vehicle for the rock sounds of the South. The only difference being that they were now notching up hit singles as well as hit albums. 'Special Forces', originally issued in 1982 (co-produced with Rodney Mills: Skynyrd, the Outlaws, Atlanta Rhythm Section) proved to be yet another career highlight, going on to reach the US top 10, achieving a platinum award and spawning, with the help of Suvivor's Jim Peterik, the now classic hit single 'Caught Up In You'. Arguably this album is the band's best work.