38 Special has always been one of our favorite bands here classic rock history.com. As huge fans of southern rock and of course good old rock and roll pop music the band found its way into our hearts via all those channels. 38 Special found a way to blend genuine southern rock roots with pop melodies that were so captivating they were able to establish an audience of music fans from multiple fan bases. They have always been one of the most unique bands in classic rock history with the success they had on MTV and FM radio. This is celebrates what we believe is the best song on each one of their Studio albums as well as a runner-up sometimes really challenged for the number one spot. Of course we love all the songs on every one of their albums and this is just all in good fun. I hope you come along for the ride with us.
38 Special
Released 1977
“Long Time Gone,” the standout track from 38 Special’s self-titled debut album released in 1977, captures the essence of the band’s raw beginnings in Southern rock, blending heartfelt lyricism with a powerful, driving beat. The song is a poignant reflection on separation, regret, and the longing to return home—common themes in rock that resonate deeply in the heart of the Southern rock genre. It offers a glimpse into the band’s foundational sound, setting the tone for what would become their distinctive mix of rock, blues, and country influences.
Recorded in 1976 at Studio One in Doraville, Georgia, under the guidance of producer Dan Hartman, “Long Time Gone” features the original lineup of Don Barnes and Donnie Van Zant on vocals and guitars, Jeff Carlisi on guitar, Ken Lyons on bass, and Jack Grondin and Steve Brookins on drums. This lineup lays down a solid Southern rock groove, with Barnes and Van Zant trading vocals over a bed of gritty guitar riffs and a steady rhythm section that drives the track forward. The song showcases the band’s twin-guitar attack, a signature sound that hints at their musical influences, such as Lynyrd Skynyrd and the Allman Brothers, while also carving out their unique path within the Southern rock movement.
Lyrically, “Long Time Gone” tells the story of a man who has been away from home for too long and is now desperate to return. The lines “Well, I’ve been gone a long time / The time has passed us by” reflect a sense of time lost and the ache of separation, while the refrain, “I know I’ve done you wrong / And I know it won’t be long / I’m in your lovin’ arms,” speaks to a yearning for reconciliation and the hope of redemption. The imagery of the road, the mountains, and the open air creates a vivid sense of place, evoking the expansive landscapes of the American South and the emotional journey of the narrator. The song’s earnest storytelling and emotional depth resonate with listeners who have experienced similar feelings of distance and the desire to make things right.
While “Long Time Gone” did not achieve mainstream chart success, it remains a standout track from the album, a fan favorite that captures the youthful energy and sincerity of 38 Special’s early years. It is a song that reveals the band’s ability to fuse rock energy with melodic Southern charm, setting the stage for the more polished, commercially successful albums that would follow.
“Turnin’ to You” – Special Delivery
Released 1978
“Turnin’ to You,” the highlight of 38 Special’s sophomore album Special Delivery, released in 1978, marks a pivotal moment in the band’s evolution, showcasing their burgeoning ability to meld Southern rock grit with a more polished, radio-friendly sound. Building on the promise of their self-titled debut, “Turnin’ to You” captures a sense of urgency and emotional depth that would become a hallmark of their music in the years to come. With its compelling blend of raw emotion, tight musicianship, and infectious hooks, this track stands out as the strongest song on the album, epitomizing the band’s efforts to carve out their own niche in the Southern rock landscape.
Recorded at Studio One in Doraville, Georgia, and produced by Dan Hartman, Special Delivery features the core lineup of Don Barnes and Donnie Van Zant on vocals and guitars, Jeff Carlisi on lead guitar, Ken Lyons on bass, Jack Grondin on drums, and Steve Brookins on drums and percussion. “Turnin’ to You” benefits from the twin guitar attack of Barnes and Carlisi, who weave melodic riffs and harmonies throughout the track, adding a layer of depth to the song’s structure. The rhythm section, anchored by Lyons and the dual drummers Grondin and Brookins, delivers a solid, driving beat that propels the song forward, while Van Zant’s vocal performance is imbued with a sense of longing and resolve.
Lyrically, “Turnin’ to You” explores themes of heartache, betrayal, and finding solace in a new beginning. The narrator reflects on the pain of being “chained like a fool” to a love that was not reciprocated, as he sings, “Well I gave her all the lovin’ I had, / She returned it to me, / She walked out with a laugh.” Yet, despite the hurt, the song is ultimately about seeking comfort in someone new, with the refrain, “Now I’m turnin’ to you,” capturing a desire to move forward and embrace the possibility of a fresh start. This emotional duality—the tension between pain and hope—gives the song its resonance and sets it apart from other tracks on the album. Unlike the more introspective “Long Time Gone” from their debut album, which deals with the longing to return home and make amends, “Turnin’ to You” is a more straightforward rock anthem about love lost and found.
The runner-up, “I’m a Fool for You,” offers another angle on the theme of emotional vulnerability. With its upbeat tempo and catchy chorus, it showcases a lighter side of the band, leaning into a more pop-oriented sound that foreshadows the direction they would take on later hits like “Hold On Loosely” and “Caught Up in You.” While “I’m a Fool for You” captures the youthful exuberance and energy of 38 Special’s early years, “Turnin’ to You” stands out for its maturity and depth, both musically and lyrically.
“Turnin’ to You” is more than just a standout track from Special Delivery—it is a declaration of 38 Special’s evolving artistry and a glimpse into the sound that would soon earn them mainstream success. It embodies the spirit of a band learning to balance Southern rock authenticity with a broader, more accessible appeal. The song’s blend of heartfelt lyrics, powerful guitar work, and driving rhythm makes it a memorable entry in the band’s catalog and a testament to their growth from raw Southern rockers to polished hitmakers. As they would go on to prove in subsequent albums, 38 Special had the chops to capture both sides of the Southern rock coin: the gritty realism of life on the road and the universal appeal of a great rock song.
“Rockin’ Into the Night” – Rockin’ Into the Night (1980)
Released 1980
“Rockin’ Into the Night,” the title track from 38 Special’s 1980 album, marks a turning point for the band, capturing their transition from Southern rock roots to a more polished, arena-friendly sound. A perfect fusion of melodic rock and Southern swagger, “Rockin’ Into the Night” became the band’s first major hit and helped establish their identity beyond the shadow of their Southern rock contemporaries. With its infectious energy, tight musicianship, and catchy chorus, the song not only set the tone for the album but also laid the foundation for the band’s future success in the 1980s rock scene.
Recorded at Studio One in Doraville, Georgia, and produced by Rodney Mills, Rockin’ Into the Night features the core lineup of Don Barnes on lead vocals and guitar, Donnie Van Zant on vocals, Jeff Carlisi on lead guitar, Larry Junstrom on bass, and Jack Grondin and Steve Brookins on drums. The song’s dynamic opening riff immediately grabs the listener’s attention, propelled by Carlisi’s driving guitar and Barnes’ powerful vocals. Written by Frank Sullivan, Jim Peterik, and Robert Smith—members of the band Survivor—the song was initially intended for Survivor’s debut album. However, when it was passed on to 38 Special, it proved to be a perfect fit for their evolving sound, giving them their first taste of mainstream success and reaching number 43 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Lyrically, “Rockin’ Into the Night” is a celebration of youthful abandon, love, and freedom. The song captures the thrill of cruising down the highway with “love on our mind,” set against the backdrop of a restless night filled with anticipation. With lines like “Well, I swear we were doing eighty / When we saw those motel lights,” the song evokes a sense of urgency and exhilaration, perfectly encapsulating the spirit of rock and roll. The chorus—“And we were rockin’ into the night”—is a triumphant, infectious refrain that underscores the band’s ability to deliver feel-good rock anthems with a Southern edge. Unlike the introspective lyrics of “Long Time Gone” from their debut album or the emotional intensity of “Turnin’ to You” from Special Delivery, “Rockin’ Into the Night” embraces a more straightforward, hedonistic rock ethos, capturing the sense of freedom that comes with throwing caution to the wind.
The runner-up, “Stone Cold Believer,” showcases another side of the band’s musicality, featuring a grittier, blues-influenced approach that remains rooted in their Southern rock origins. With its heavy riffs and strong, soulful vocal delivery, “Stone Cold Believer” exemplifies the band’s ability to balance raw, hard-driving rock with more melodic sensibilities. While “Stone Cold Believer” is a worthy contender, “Rockin’ Into the Night” stands out for its sheer energy and the way it captures the essence of 38 Special’s evolving sound.
“Rockin’ Into the Night” was not just a song; it was a statement of intent, positioning 38 Special as a formidable presence in the rock world. It marked the beginning of a new chapter for the band, one that would see them dominate the airwaves with hits that combined the best of Southern rock and arena rock. With its infectious energy, “Rockin’ Into the Night” remains a fan favorite and a defining track in the band’s catalog, embodying the spirit of a band on the rise, ready to take their place in the pantheon of great American rock acts.
“Hold On Loosely” – Wild-Eyed Southern Boys (1981)
Released 1981
“Hold On Loosely,” the lead single from 38 Special’s 1981 album Wild-Eyed Southern Boys, is the band’s definitive anthem and arguably their most enduring contribution to the rock canon. With its crisp guitar riff, infectious chorus, and insightful lyrics about the balance between love and independence, “Hold On Loosely” catapulted 38 Special into mainstream success, marking their arrival as major players in the Southern rock scene. The song showcases the band’s unique blend of Southern rock grit and radio-friendly melodic hooks, a combination that would define their sound throughout the 1980s.
Recorded in late 1980 at Studio One in Doraville, Georgia, and produced by Rodney Mills, “Hold On Loosely” was co-written by 38 Special’s Don Barnes and Jeff Carlisi along with Survivor’s Jim Peterik. The song’s creation was a collaborative effort that brought together Southern rock and AOR (Album-Oriented Rock) sensibilities, resulting in a sound that was both accessible and distinctly Southern. The track features Don Barnes on lead vocals and guitar, Jeff Carlisi on lead guitar, Donnie Van Zant on vocals, Larry Junstrom on bass, and Steve Brookins and Jack Grondin on drums. The twin-guitar attack of Barnes and Carlisi, coupled with Barnes’ earnest vocal delivery, gives the song a dynamic edge that has helped it endure for decades.
Lyrically, “Hold On Loosely” addresses a common theme in relationships: the need to strike a balance between closeness and personal freedom. The song’s central refrain—“Just hold on loosely, but don’t let go / If you cling too tightly, you’re gonna lose control”—is a piece of timeless advice, emphasizing the importance of allowing space and trust in a partnership. The lyrics reflect a wisdom born from experience, as the narrator recalls a past relationship and the lessons learned from it: “My mind goes back to a girl I left some years ago / Who told me, ‘Just hold on loosely.’” This nuanced understanding of love and relationships sets “Hold On Loosely” apart from the more straightforward, youthful exuberance of earlier songs like “Rockin’ Into the Night,” where the themes centered on carefree love and reckless abandon.
Upon its release, “Hold On Loosely” quickly gained traction on the charts, reaching number 27 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 3 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart. Its success was bolstered by a music video that captured the band’s energetic live performance style, helping to solidify their image as a powerhouse of Southern rock with crossover appeal. The song’s polished production, catchy hook, and relatable lyrics made it a staple of FM radio and a defining track of the early ’80s rock era.
The runner-up, “Fantasy Girl,” also from Wild-Eyed Southern Boys, showcases another dimension of 38 Special’s musical range. With its dreamy guitar intro, reflective lyrics, and melodic hooks, “Fantasy Girl” provides a more introspective counterpart to the anthemic “Hold On Loosely.” While both songs explore themes of longing and love, “Hold On Loosely” stands out for its balance of thoughtful lyrics and energetic execution, making it the most memorable track on the album and one of the most iconic songs in 38 Special’s catalog.
“Caught Up in You” – Special Forces (1982)
Released 1982
Special Forces represents a continuation of 38 Special‘s successful blend of Southern rock and arena rock, featuring anthemic choruses and catchy hooks. The album’s standout track, “Caught Up in You,” became one of the band’s biggest hits, reaching the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and further establishing the band as a major act in the early ’80s rock scene.
The band maintained its core lineup from the previous album, with the addition of Steve Brookins and Jack Grondin on drums providing a powerful dual-drummer dynamic. Rodney Mills continued his role as producer, capturing the band’s energetic performances at Studio One in Doraville, Georgia. The album’s production leaned heavily on catchy melodies and tight instrumentation, showcasing 38 Special‘s skill in crafting radio-friendly rock tunes.
“Caught Up in You,” the lead single from 38 Special’s 1982 album Special Forces, is perhaps the most iconic track in the band’s catalog, blending Southern rock sensibilities with polished, radio-ready hooks. The song catapulted the band to new heights, becoming their first Top 10 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 and solidifying their status as a powerhouse of the early ’80s rock scene. With its infectious chorus, tight instrumentation, and accessible, yet earnest lyrics, “Caught Up in You” captures the magic formula that allowed 38 Special to bridge the gap between Southern rock and mainstream success.
Recorded in late 1981 at Studio One in Doraville, Georgia, and produced by Rodney Mills, “Caught Up in You” features the classic lineup of Don Barnes on lead vocals and guitar, Jeff Carlisi on lead guitar, Donnie Van Zant on backing vocals, Larry Junstrom on bass, and Jack Grondin and Steve Brookins on drums. Co-written by Barnes, Carlisi, Frank Sullivan, and Jim Peterik, the song combines elements of Southern rock with AOR (Album-Oriented Rock) to create a sound that is both distinctive and universally appealing. The track opens with a bright, memorable guitar riff from Carlisi that sets the tone for a song that is equal parts rock anthem and heartfelt ballad. Barnes’ vocal performance, filled with warmth and sincerity, brings to life the lyrics’ blend of romantic devotion and vulnerability.
Lyrically, “Caught Up in You” explores the exhilarating feeling of being unexpectedly swept away by love. Barnes sings, “So caught up in you, little girl / And I never did suspect a thing,” capturing the sense of surprise and joy that accompanies falling headlong into a relationship. The chorus—”You’re the one who caught me, baby you taught me / How good it could be”—is both a confession and a celebration, expressing an unabashed appreciation for a newfound love that has turned the narrator’s world upside down. The song’s appeal lies in its relatable theme of love rediscovered and its recognition of how one person can change everything, a theme also reflected in earlier tracks like “Hold On Loosely,” where the message was about finding balance and trust in a relationship.
“Caught Up in You” became a defining moment for 38 Special, reaching number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 1 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart. The song’s success was amplified by a music video that captured the band’s vibrant stage presence, showcasing their energetic performance style and further cementing their appeal. While songs like “Turnin’ to You” from Special Delivery reflected on love lost and found, “Caught Up in You” marked a more confident step toward crafting anthems that could resonate widely, marrying Southern rock grit with mainstream rock sheen.
The runner-up, “Rough-Housin’,” also from Special Forces, provides a complementary, high-energy counterpoint to the more melodic and reflective “Caught Up in You.” With its punchy rhythm and rollicking guitar riffs, “Rough-Housin'” captures the rowdier side of the band’s personality, rooted in their Southern rock origins. However, “Caught Up in You” stands out for its emotional accessibility and refined production, representing the band’s ability to evolve while maintaining their Southern rock identity.
“Back Where You Belong” – Tour de Force (1983)
Released 1983
“Back Where You Belong,” a standout track from 38 Special’s 1983 album Tour de Force, captures the band at the height of their melodic rock prowess. With its catchy hooks, heartfelt lyrics, and polished production, the song embodies the band’s blend of Southern rock roots and a radio-friendly sound that defined their success in the early 1980s. “Back Where You Belong” demonstrates 38 Special’s ability to deliver both emotional resonance and musical accessibility, making it one of the band’s most enduring hits.
Recorded in 1983 at Studio One in Doraville, Georgia, and produced by Rodney Mills, Tour de Force represents a continued evolution of the band’s sound, moving further into the polished territory that had begun with their earlier hits like “Hold On Loosely” and “Caught Up in You.” The lineup on this album includes Don Barnes on lead vocals and guitar, Jeff Carlisi on lead guitar, Donnie Van Zant on backing vocals, Larry Junstrom on bass, and Jack Grondin on drums. The song was penned by Canadian songwriter Gary O’Connor, whose knack for crafting memorable melodies and accessible lyrics shines through in “Back Where You Belong.”
Lyrically, “Back Where You Belong” is a plea for reconciliation, exploring the emotions of regret and longing after a breakup. Barnes sings with a mixture of determination and vulnerability, “I know I was wrong / I want you back where you belong,” capturing the desire to mend a broken relationship and return to a place of emotional stability. The line, “I found that love should be with you / And so you’re gone now, my head is reeling,” conveys the pain of realizing what was lost too late. The song strikes a balance between optimism and melancholy, much like “Caught Up in You” from Special Forces, which also explores themes of unexpected love and vulnerability but with a more upbeat and celebratory tone.
Chart-wise, “Back Where You Belong” reached number 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 and climbed to number 9 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart, solidifying 38 Special’s position as a staple of early ’80s rock radio. The accompanying music video, featuring the band performing with a dramatic narrative interspersed, captured the song’s emotional intensity and further amplified its reach to a wider audience. In contrast to “If I’d Been the One,” the runner-up from the same album, which reflects on missed opportunities and unfulfilled romantic potential with a more introspective edge, “Back Where You Belong” is direct in its yearning, emphasizing a straightforward, heartfelt desire to make things right.
“Somebody Like You” – Strength in Numbers (1986)
Released 1986
“Somebody Like You,” was released on 38 Special’s 1986 album Strength in Numbers. You just gotta love those opening guitar hooks and riffs that this band lays out.Recorded in 1985 at Soundscape Studios in Atlanta, Georgia, and produced by Rodney Mills, Strength in Numbers continues the band’s trend of refining their sound for broader appeal while retaining the authenticity that endeared them to their fan base. “Somebody Like You” features the classic lineup of Don Barnes on lead vocals and guitar, Jeff Carlisi on lead guitar, Donnie Van Zant on backing vocals, Larry Junstrom on bass, and Jack Grondin on drums. The song was co-written by James Douglas Vallance, Richard Barnes, Jeff Carlisi, Donnie Van Zant, and Larry Steele, blending their collective talents into a track that speaks to both the heart and the radio airwaves.
Lyrically, “Somebody Like You” is a meditation on the vulnerability and unpredictability of love, capturing the fear and excitement that accompany falling for someone who seems destined to break your heart. With lines like “I wanna be near you / If only you’d feel like I do,” the narrator reveals his deep longing and the emotional risk of wanting someone who may not feel the same way. The chorus—”Somebody like you could break my heart / Somebody like you could tear my world apart”—is an acknowledgment of love’s potential to devastate as much as it elevates, much like the sentiments explored in “Back Where You Belong” from Tour de Force, where the narrator pleads for a second chance at love.
Musically, “Somebody Like You” combines the band’s trademark Southern rock guitars with a polished production style that enhances its radio-ready appeal. Carlisi’s soaring guitar riffs and Barnes’ earnest vocal delivery make the song instantly memorable, while the tight rhythm section keeps the energy high throughout. This combination of Southern rock grit and mainstream accessibility is also evident in “Caught Up in You” from Special Forces, another of the band’s major hits that balances emotional sincerity with melodic hooks.
“Somebody Like You” found a strong reception on rock radio, reaching number 48 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 6 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart. The accompanying music video, which featured the band performing amidst a dramatic storyline of love and longing, further amplified the song’s emotional impact and helped it resonate with a wide audience. The song’s success was a testament to the band’s ability to adapt to the changing musical landscape of the mid-’80s while staying true to their roots.
The runner-up, “Like No Other Night,” also from Strength in Numbers, offers another glimpse into 38 Special’s evolving sound. With its smooth production and romantic themes, “Like No Other Night” leans more heavily into the power ballad territory, showcasing the band’s versatility. However, “Somebody Like You” stands out for its combination of vulnerability and rock sensibility, capturing the band at their best as they navigate the complexities of love and loss.