38 Special - Tour De Force (1984/2018) [Official Digital Download 24/96]

38 Special is a prime example of an AOR band with deep roots in Southern rock. The band hails from Florida, and vocalist Donnie Van Zant is the brother of none other than Lynyrd Skynyrd's Ronnie and Johnny Van Zant. The group's 1982 album, Special Forces, included the flawless Top Ten rocker "Caught Up in You," which injected the mainstream with a shot of much-needed grit. That album's follow-up, 1983's Tour De Force, upped the ante, showing the band's skills at their peak. Propelled by the effortless blend of melody and power stirred up by Van Zant, vocalist/guitarist Don Barnes, guitarist Jeff Carlisi, bassist Larry Junstrom, and drummers Steve Brookins and Jack Grondin, Tour De Force is loaded with irresistible hooks. The hit single, "If I'd Been the One," is a stunner steeped in passionate vocals and simple but highly effective rhythm and lead guitar parts. "Back Where You Belong," which was also a hit, is more of a straightforward pop/rock song. "I Oughta Let Go" is best described as country-rock – or, better still, country-funk – and the fun "Undercover Lover" is a sly, laid-back rocker. But the undiscovered gem here is "Twentieth Century Fox" (no, not the Doors song), a fantastic rocker with great guitar grooves, aggressive vocals, and clever lyrics. ~ Bret Adams

Tracklist:
1. If I'd Been The One 03:54
2. Back Where You Belong 04:01
3. One Time For Old Times 04:31
4. See Me In Your Eyes 03:49
5. Twentieth Century Fox 03:44
6. Long Distance Affair 03:56
7. I Oughta Let Go 03:57
8. One Of The Lonely Ones 04:00
9. Undercover Lover 04:12

Personnel:
Don Barnes (vocals, guitars)
Donnie Van Zant (vocals)
Jeff Carlisi (guitar)
Steve McRay (keyboards)
Steve Brookins, Jack Grondin (drums)
Carol Bristow, Lu Moss (background vocals)