38 Special to Release First Album in Over 20 Years

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.