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This Complete List Of 38 Special Albums And Songs presents the full studio discography of 38 Special. The band formed in Jacksonville, Florida, in 1974, built around Don Barnes and Donnie Van Zant. Over five decades, 38 Special developed a sound that blended Southern rock with hard rock, arena-rock hooks, and radio-friendly melodies, producing enduring hits such as “Hold On Loosely,” “Caught Up in You,” “If I’d Been the One,” “Back Where You Belong,” and “Second Chance.”
The band’s catalog now runs from the self-titled 38 Special in 1977 through Milestone in 2025. Milestone was the group’s first new studio album in more than twenty years and arrived as 38 Special celebrated its fiftieth anniversary. The band remained active on the road in 2026 with Don Barnes, Bobby Capps, Gary Moffatt, Barry Dunaway, and Jerry Riggs in the touring lineup.
All of the 38 Special studio albums below are presented chronologically with release information and complete track listings.
38 Special Studio Albums
38 Special (1977)
Released 1977
38 Special‘s eponymous debut album marked the beginning of the band’s recording career, blending Southern rock with a harder rock edge and setting the stage for the more radio-friendly sound that followed. The core lineup featured Donnie Van Zant on lead vocals, Don Barnes and Jeff Carlisi on guitars, Jack Grondin and Steve Brookins on drums and percussion, and bass contributions from Ken Lyons and Larry Junstrom.
The album was produced by Dan Hartman, known for his own successful recording career and for producing other artists. Although it didn’t achieve significant commercial success upon release, it laid the groundwork for the band’s future hits. The album was recorded at Studio One in Doraville, Georgia, during early 1977, capturing the raw energy of the band’s early days.
CD Track Listings:
- “Long Time Gone” – 4:02
- “Fly Away” – 5:15
- “Around and Around” – 3:32
- “Play a Simple Song” – 3:12
- “Gypsy Belle” – 4:58
- “Four Wheels” – 4:43
- “Tell Everybody” – 4:11
- “Just Hang On” – 5:00
- “I Just Wanna Rock & Roll” – 5:56
Special Delivery (1978)
Released 1978
The follow-up to their debut, Special Delivery, continued to build on 38 Special’s Southern rock roots while hinting at the more polished direction the band would soon take. By this album, Larry Junstrom had become the band’s full-time bassist alongside Donnie Van Zant, Don Barnes, Jeff Carlisi, Steve Brookins, and Jack Grondin.
Special Delivery was produced by Dan Hartman, who had also produced the band’s debut. Recorded in early 1978 at the Schoolhouse in Westport, Connecticut, with additional work at the Hit Factory in New York, the album captured the band in transition between its gritty Southern rock origins and a more accessible rock approach.
CD Track Listings:
- “I’m a Fool for You” – 2:55
- “Turnin’ to You” – 4:03
- “Travelin’ Man” – 4:19
- “I Been a Mover” – 4:25
- “What Can I Do?” – 4:29
- “Who’s Been Messin'” – 4:16
- “Can’t Keep a Good Man Down” – 3:18
- “Take Me Back” – 5:15
Rockin’ Into the Night (1979)
Released 1979
Rockin’ Into the Night marked a significant turning point for 38 Special, showcasing a more radio-friendly rock sound that would define their success in the 1980s. This album features the hit title track “Rockin’ Into the Night,” which became the band’s first song to gain substantial radio airplay and reach the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
The band worked with producer Rodney Mills at Studio One in Doraville, Georgia. The album’s sound moved beyond the Southern rock emphasis of the first two records, incorporating stronger hooks, tighter songwriting, and more prominent guitar interplay. The title track, written by Jim Peterik, Gary Smith, and Frankie Sullivan, became the band’s first major charting single.
CD Track Listings:
- “Rockin’ Into the Night” – 3:59
- “Stone Cold Believer” – 4:12
- “Take Me Through the Night” – 4:11
- “Money Honey” – 3:08
- “The Love That I’ve Lost” – 4:34
- “You’re the Captain” – 4:24
- “Robin Hood” – 4:40
- “You Got the Deal” – 4:51
- “Turn It On” – 4:36
Wild-Eyed Southern Boys (1981)
Released 1981
With Wild-Eyed Southern Boys, 38 Special fully embraced the arena rock sound that would define their most commercially successful period. The album featured the hit “Hold On Loosely,” which remains one of the band’s signature songs, striking a perfect balance between rock’s edge and melodic accessibility. This album solidified their place in the rock mainstream, with its tracks becoming staples of classic rock radio.
The lineup for this album included Donnie Van Zant and Don Barnes sharing lead vocals, with Barnes also handling the majority of guitar duties alongside Jeff Carlisi. Larry Junstrom had joined the band by this time, replacing Ken Lyons on bass, further solidifying the rhythm section with Jack Grondin and Steve Brookins on drums. The album was produced by Rodney Mills and recorded at Studio One in Doraville, Georgia, reflecting a polished production style that highlighted the band’s evolving sound.
CD Track Listings:
- “Hold On Loosely” – 4:40
- “First Time Around” – 4:02
- “Wild-Eyed Southern Boys” – 4:18
- “Back Alley Sally” – 3:13
- “Fantasy Girl” – 4:07
- “Hittin’ & Runnin'” – 4:56
- “Honky Tonk Dancer” – 4:56
- “Throw Out the Line” – 3:45
- “Bring It On” – 5:39
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 the core lineup of Donnie Van Zant, Don Barnes, Jeff Carlisi, Larry Junstrom, Steve Brookins, and Jack Grondin. Don Barnes and Jeff Carlisi joined Rodney Mills as co-producers, and the album was recorded at Studio One in Doraville, Georgia. Its combination of Southern rock muscle and radio-ready hooks produced the band’s first Top 10 pop hit, “Caught Up in You.”
CD Track Listings:
- “Caught Up in You” – 4:37
- “Back Door Stranger” – 4:54
- “Back on the Track” – 4:41
- “Chain Lightnin'” – 5:01
- “Rough-Housin'” – 4:08
- “You Keep Runnin’ Away” – 3:56
- “Breakin’ Loose” – 3:32
- “Take ‘Em Out” – 4:07
- “Firestarter” – 5:01
Tour de Force (1983)
Released 1983
Tour de Force showcased 38 Special doubling down on their signature sound, blending rock with a more polished pop sensibility. The album featured hits such as “If I’d Been the One” and “Back Where You Belong,” which continued to cement the band’s presence on the radio and in the hearts of rock fans.
The lineup of Donnie Van Zant, Don Barnes, Jeff Carlisi, Larry Junstrom, Steve Brookins, and Jack Grondin again provided the foundation for the album. Don Barnes and Jeff Carlisi co-produced with Rodney Mills. Tour de Force balanced the gritty edge of Southern rock with catchy mainstream appeal, producing enduring songs such as “If I’d Been the One” and “Back Where You Belong.”
CD Track Listings:
- “If I’d Been the One” – 3:55
- “Back Where You Belong” – 4:29
- “One Time for Old Times” – 4:32
- “See Me in Your Eyes” – 3:54
- “Twentieth Century Fox” – 3:45
- “Long Distance Affair” – 3:56
- “I Oughta Let Go” – 3:59
- “One of the Lonely Ones” – 4:01
- “Undercover Lover” – 4:11
Strength in Numbers (1986)
Released 1986
By the time Strength in Numbers was released, 38 Special had firmly established their ability to blend Southern rock with mainstream, radio-friendly rock. This album continued in that vein, producing hits like “Somebody Like You” and “Like No Other Night,” which sustained the band’s presence on the charts and on MTV.
The core band on Strength in Numbers remained Don Barnes, Donnie Van Zant, Jeff Carlisi, Larry Junstrom, Steve Brookins, and Jack Grondin, with additional studio musicians including keyboardist Bill Cuomo, bassist Mike Porcaro, and drummers Denny Carmassi and Jim Vallance. Produced by Keith Olsen, the album was recorded primarily at Goodnight LA Studios and Sutton Place in California and carried the band’s melodic arena-rock sound further into the mid-1980s.
CD Track Listings:
- “Somebody Like You” – 4:08
- “Like No Other Night” – 3:59
- “Last Time” – 3:26
- “Once in a Lifetime” – 3:39
- “Just a Little Love” – 3:34
- “Has There Ever Been a Good Goodbye” – 3:55
- “One in a Million” – 3:49
- “Heart’s on Fire” – 4:15
- “Against the Night” – 3:34
- “Never Give an Inch” – 4:56
Rock & Roll Strategy (1988)
Released 1988
Rock & Roll Strategy marked a noticeable shift in 38 Special‘s sound, incorporating more elements of AOR (Album-Oriented Rock) and pop rock, which was indicative of the musical trends of the late ’80s. The album spawned the hit “Second Chance,” a ballad that became the band’s highest-charting single on the Billboard Hot 100 and showcased a softer side of the band.
Rock & Roll Strategy introduced vocalist and keyboardist Max Carl after Don Barnes left the band. The lineup also included Donnie Van Zant, Jeff Carlisi, Danny Chauncey, Larry Junstrom, and Jack Grondin. Produced by Rodney Mills, the album leaned further into polished AOR and pop-rock, and Max Carl’s “Second Chance” became the band’s highest-charting Billboard Hot 100 single.
CD Track Listings:
- “Rock & Roll Strategy” – 4:34
- “What’s It to Ya?” – 4:30
- “Little Sheba” – 4:54
- “Comin’ Down Tonight” – 4:26
- “Midnight Magic” – 4:21
- “Second Chance” – 5:04
- “Hot ‘Lanta” – 5:42
- “Never Be Lonely” – 4:39
- “Chattahoochee” – 4:11
- “Innocent Eyes” – 4:17
- “Love Strikes” – 4:31
Bone Against Steel (1991)
Released 1991
Bone Against Steel saw 38 Special returning to a sound more closely aligned with their Southern rock roots, while still incorporating the polished rock elements that had come to define their sound in the ’80s. The album did not achieve the commercial success of their previous works but was praised for its musicianship and the band’s commitment to their core sound.
The lineup on Bone Against Steel featured Donnie Van Zant, Max Carl, Jeff Carlisi, Danny Chauncey, Larry Junstrom, and Jack Grondin. Don Barnes had not yet returned to the recording lineup. Produced by Rodney Mills, the album mixed polished AOR with Southern rock and included “The Sound of Your Voice,” the band’s final Top 40 hit on the Billboard Hot 100.
CD Track Listings:
- “The Sound of Your Voice” – 4:59
- “Signs of Love” – 4:49
- “Last Thing I Ever Do” – 5:21
- “You Definitely Got Me” – 5:12
- “Rebel to Rebel” – 5:33
- “Bone Against Steel” – 5:24
- “You Be the Dam, I’ll Be the Water” – 4:26
- “Jimmy Gillum” – 5:07
- “Tear It Up” – 4:39
- “Don’t Wanna Get It Dirty” – 4:36
- “Burning Bridges” – 4:46
- “Can’t Shake It” – 3:29
- “Treasure” – 5:40
Resolution (1997)
Released 1997
Resolution marked a return to form for 38 Special, offering a collection of songs that harkened back to the band’s earlier, guitar-driven Southern rock style, while also embracing a more mature, reflective lyrical approach. This album received critical acclaim for its craftsmanship and the band’s ability to evolve while staying true to their roots.
By Resolution, Don Barnes had returned to the band alongside Donnie Van Zant, Danny Chauncey, Larry Junstrom, keyboardist Bobby Capps, and drummer Gary Moffatt. Jeff Carlisi also contributed to the album before leaving the band in 1997. Produced primarily by Don Barnes and Danny Chauncey, Resolution blended hard rock, blues, and country influences.
CD Track Listings:
- “Fade to Blue” – 4:34
- “Just Can’t Leave You Alone” – 4:24
- “Déjà Voodoo” – 5:56
- “Find My Way Back” – 4:57
- “Changed by Love” – 4:53
- “After the Fire Is Gone” – 3:44
- “Miracle Man” – 4:05
- “Shelter Me” – 4:21
- “Homeless Guitar” – 5:15
- “Saving Grace” – 4:10
- “She Loves to Talk” – 3:37
- “Trouble” – 5:16
- “Shatter the Silence” – 4:58
A Wild-Eyed Christmas Night (2001)
Released 2001
In a departure from their usual Southern rock and arena rock fare, 38 Special released A Wild-Eyed Christmas Night, an album that infused holiday classics and original Christmas songs with the band’s signature sound. This seasonal offering showcased the band’s versatility and willingness to explore different genres while keeping the spirit of rock alive.
The band brought its rock and roll energy to a collection of holiday standards and original seasonal songs. The lineup included Don Barnes, Donnie Van Zant, Danny Chauncey, Larry Junstrom, Bobby Capps, and Gary Moffatt. Produced by Don Barnes and Danny Chauncey, the record mixed rock-infused holiday cheer with reflective Christmas ballads.
CD Track Listings:
- “Jingle Bell Rock” – 2:19
- “Here Comes Santa Claus” – 2:17
- “Little Drummer Boy” – 3:51
- “Hallelujah! It’s Christmas” – 3:59
- “It’s Christmas and I Miss You” – 4:00
- “A Wild-Eyed Christmas Night” – 4:02
- “That Old Rockin Chair” – 3:59
- “Santa Claus Is Back in Town” – 3:34
- “O’ Holy Night” – 5:25
- “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” – 2:52
Drivetrain (2004)
Released 2004
Drivetrain served as 38 Special‘s return to their rock roots after the holiday-themed detour of A Wild-Eyed Christmas Night. This album was characterized by gritty guitar riffs, powerful vocals, and the band’s trademark Southern rock edge, reflecting a back-to-basics approach that resonated with long-time fans.
The band, featuring Don Barnes, Donnie Van Zant, Danny Chauncey, Larry Junstrom, and Gary Moffatt, delivered a potent mix of rockers and ballads. Recorded at various studios and produced by Don Barnes, the album emphasized the band’s strengths: compelling storytelling, robust guitar work, and memorable melodies.
CD Track Listings:
- “Something I Need” – 3:57
- “Hurts Like Love” – 4:40
- “Haley’s Got a Harley” – 4:02
- “Jam On” – 4:55
- “Make Some Sense of It” – 4:39
- “Quick Fix” – 3:54
- “The Squeeze” – 5:03
- “The Play” – 5:12
- “Bad Looks Good on You” – 5:01
- “Trooper With an Attitude” – 3:25
- “Hiding From Yourself” – 5:04
- “Sheriff’s County Line” – 5:07
Milestone (2025)
Released September 19, 2025
Milestone marked 38 Special’s first studio album in more than twenty years and arrived as the band celebrated its fiftieth anniversary. The record reunited Don Barnes with longtime songwriting collaborator Jim Peterik and also included a co-write with Randy Bachman. Pat Monahan of Train appears on “Slightly Controversial.” The album was built around the current lineup of Don Barnes, Bobby Capps, Gary Moffatt, Barry Dunaway, and Jerry Riggs, with the group recording much of the material live in the studio between tour dates.
The nine-song album updates the band’s familiar combination of Southern rock, hard-rock guitars, and melodic hooks without abandoning the sound that made 38 Special a radio staple. “So Much So Right” and “All I Haven’t Said” were among the songs promoted from the album.
CD Track Listings:
- “So Much So Right” – 4:35
- “Slightly Controversial” (feat. Train) – 4:26
- “All I Haven’t Said” – 3:50
- “The Main Thing” – 3:23
- “Long Long Train” – 4:29
- “Looking for My Life” – 4:13
- “Making Up for Lost Time” – 4:34
- “Windows of Memories” – 4:07
- “The Look” – 2:58
Updated August 7, 2026.
Complete List Of 38 Special Albums And Discography article published on ClassicRockHistory.com © 2026
