Everything Music. Everything News. Everything live.

38 Special to Release First Album in Over 20 Years

Don Barnes, 38 Special in concert at Celebrate Virginia Live!, Fredericksburg, Virginia, America - 20 May 2011
Photo by Shutterstock (2213455o)

In a spectacular culmination of five decades in the music industry, legendary southern rock band 38 Special is celebrating its 50th anniversary with “Milestone,” their first studio album release in over 20 years. This much-anticipated album, available from September 19, seeks to honor their rich musical lineage while injecting a modern flair that speaks to the evolution of their sound. Collaborations with renowned artists such as Pat Monahan from Train, Randy Bachman from Bachman Turner-Overdrive and The Guess Who, and long-standing collaborator Jim Peterik of Survivor, underscore the album's expansive creative horizons.

The release of Milestone is significant, not only because it commemorates an illustrious career marked by over 20 million albums sold but also because it represents the revival of a band that has become synonymous with anthemic southern rock. Songs such as “Hold On Loosely” and “Caught Up In You” became global hits, helping to define the band’s signature blend of rock and pop melodies that have become staples of classic rock radio. The band’s commitment to blend muscle and melody continues to resonate, adding fresh elements to their music that echo their long-standing ability to elicit emotional and energetic responses from their audience.

38 Special’s comeback is articulated grandly in the album's lead single, “All I Haven’t Said,” which has been accompanied by a music video shot under the direction of Nick Spanos in Nashville. The single creates a bridge between past influences and present capabilities, while also showcasing the band’s dynamic adaptability. The jangling guitar sounds that harken back to the '60s are complemented by modern power guitars, a reflection of producer Don Barnes' vision to breathe new life into the traditional 38 Special sound.

With the new album, the band did not just want to repeat past successes but to push boundaries. Don Barnes, a co-founder of the group, explained their decision to refresh their sound, emphasizing that this project was not only a musical endeavor but a redefinition of their identity in the contemporary music scene. The decision to partner once again with Jim Peterik, who had co-written several of the band’s hits, highlights a full-circle moment in their career, allowing for a humorous and nostalgic creative process that the band cherished.

Recording the “Milestone” album was scattered between show tours, with sessions taking place at Will Turpin’s Atlanta-area studio and at Peterik’s home studio. This scattered process underscores the relentless work ethic that has driven the band forward for decades. Despite the challenges, the recording captured a real-time chemistry among the band members, and with mixing completed by hard-rock luminary Johnny K, the album promises a polished yet raw energy that fans can look forward to.

The celebrations of this milestone will extend beyond the new album, featuring an extensive tour throughout 2025 that will take the band across the U.S. Touring with other legendary acts like Kansas, Jefferson Starship, and The Outlaws adds to the excitement, promising a series of high-energy performances, showcasing the classics that made 38 Special household names along with their fresh musical offerings. The band will also appear on TalkShopLive's Rock and Roll Channel, offering an hour-long feature that discusses the making of the new album, demonstrating an eagerness to engage with their audience on a personal level.

The launch of “Milestone” is more than just an album release; it is a recommitment to the ethos that has defined 38 Special for over five decades: resilience, creativity, and a relentless pursuit of musical excellence. The album serves not only as a tribute to their storied past but as an embodiment of their future, promising fans old and new that their journey is far from over. As they play to enthusiastic crowds and continue to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of rock music, 38 Special remains a testament to the enduring power and legacy of southern rock.

Key Takeaways

Related Stories

Spinal Tap Teases New Album, Releases Duet With Sir Elton John

In an unexpected yet exhilarating musical collaboration, the iconic fictional band Spinal Tap has teamed up with the legendary Elton…

Foo Fighters & Nine Inch Nails Swap Drummers

In a notable music industry development, Ilan Rubin has joined the Foo Fighters as a drummer, replacing Josh Freese who…

Ozzy’s Funeral in Photos

Tens of thousands of fans gathered in Birmingham, England on Wednesday afternoon to pay their final respects to Ozzy Osbourne,…

Questions and Controversy about FireAid Funds

The FireAid fundraising initiative, designed to offer support to wildfire victims in Southern California, has come under intense scrutiny. Initially,…

Musician Ozzy Osbourne performs during half-time of the NFL game between the Los Angeles Rams and the Buffalo Bills at SoFi Stadium on September 08, 2022 in Inglewood, California Ozzy Osbourne performs during half-time of the NFL game between the Los Angeles Rams and the Buffalo Bills at SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, Los Angeles, California, USA - 08 Sep 2022

How To Livestream Ozzy’s Funeral on Wednesday July 30th

The legendary heavy metal icon, Ozzy Osbourne, is set to be honored with a grand farewell, marking his final journey…

David Gilmour To Release Live Album and IMAX Concert Film

David Gilmour, renowned for his roles as guitarist and vocalist for Pink Floyd, is set to release his latest concert…

Billy Joel live in concert, Hamburg, Germany 1990. // Billy Joel live in concert, Hamburg, Deutschland 1990. Billy Joel Live in Concert - 16 May 1990

Shots Fired: Billy Joel Calls White Album “Half Assed”

Renowned musician Billy Joel recently stirred debate with his candid remarks on The Beatles’ self-titled ninth studio album, commonly known…

Phil Collins Flatly Denies Hospice Rumors

Phil Collins, the legendary musician and former frontman of Genesis, has been the subject of swirling rumors regarding his health,…

Bad Company Tribute Album in the Works

The recently unveiled tribute album, *Can’t Get Enough: A Tribute to Bad Company*, heralds a musical homage to the legendary…