Complete List Of 38 Special Albums And Discography

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This Complete List Of 38 Special Albums And Songs presents the full discography of 38 Special studio albums. The band 38 Special was first formed in 1974. The Group 38 Special hails from the area of Jacksonville, Florida. All these spectacular Southern rock style 38 Special albums are chronologically presented below. We have also included all original release dates with each 38 Special album as well as all original 38 Special album covers. Every 38 Special album listed below showcases the entire album tracklisting.

38 Special

Released 1977

38 Special‘s eponymous debut album marked the beginning of the band’s long and storied career, blending Southern rock with a harder rock edge, setting the stage for their later, more radio-friendly sound. The band at this time consisted of Donnie Van Zant on vocals, Don Barnes on guitar and vocals, Jeff Carlisi on guitar, Ken Lyons on bass, Jack Grondin on drums, and Steve Brookins on drums, creating a dual-drummer lineup that added a powerful drive to their music.

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

Released 1978

The follow-up to their debut, Special Delivery, continued to build on 38 Special‘s Southern rock roots while experimenting with a more polished sound that hinted at their future direction towards mainstream rock success. The lineup remained consistent with their first album, showcasing the cohesive musicianship among members.

Produced by Tom Dowd, a legendary figure known for his work with acts like Lynyrd Skynyrd and The Allman Brothers Band, the album benefited from his experienced ear and ability to refine the band’s sound. Recorded at Criteria Studios in Miami, Florida, in late 1977, the album captures the band in a state of transition, straddling their gritty Southern rock origins and a more accessible rock approach.

CD Track Listings:

“I’m a Fool for You” – 2:52
“Turnin’ to You” – 4:08
“Travelin’ Man” – 4:14
“I Been a Mover” – 4:17
“What Can I Do?” – 4:26
“Who’s Been Messin'” – 4:11
“Can’t Keep a Good Man Down” – 3:16
“Take Me Back” – 5:12

Rockin’ Into the Night

Released 1980

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, under the production of Rodney Mills, who was known for his work with the Atlanta Rhythm Section, recorded the album at Studio One in Doraville, Georgia, again. The album’s sound was a departure from the Southern rock of their earlier albums, incorporating stronger hooks, tighter songwriting, and more prominent guitar solos.

CD Track Listings:

“Rockin’ Into the Night” – 3:58
“Stone Cold Believer” – 4:12
“Take Me Through the Night” – 4:11
“Money Honey” – 3:09
“The Love That I’ve Lost” – 4:35
“You’re the Captain” – 4:25
“Robin Hood” – 4:41
“You Got the Deal” – 4:51
“Turn It On” – 4:37

Wild-Eyed Southern Boys

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” – 4:39
“First Time Around” – 3:59
“Wild-Eyed Southern Boys” – 4:18
“Back Alley Sally” – 3:11
“Fantasy Girl” – 4:06
“Hittin’ and Runnin'” – 4:55
“Honky Tonk Dancer” – 4:59
“Throw Out the Line” – 3:45
“Bring It On” – 5:38

Special Forces

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.

CD Track Listings:

“Caught Up in You” – 4:37
“Back Door Stranger” – 4:54
“Back on the Track” – 4:45
“Chain Lightnin'” – 5:02
“Rough-Housin'” – 4:08
“You Keep Runnin’ Away” – 3:56
“Breakin’ Loose” – 3:32
“Take ‘Em Out” – 4:07
“Firestarter” – 5:00

Tour de Force

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 consistent lineup, including Van Zant, Barnes, Carlisi, Junstrom, Brookins, and Grondin, provided a solid foundation for the album’s sound. Recorded at Sound Emporium in Nashville, Tennessee, under the production of Rodney Mills, Tour de Force balanced the gritty edge of Southern rock with catchy, mainstream appeal, reflecting the band’s growth and refinement in their songwriting and production.

CD Track Listings:

“If I’d Been the One” – 3:54
“Back Where You Belong” – 4:29
“One Time for Old Times” – 4:32
“See Me in Your Eyes” – 3:49
“Twentieth Century Fox” – 3:45
“Long Distance Affair” – 3:56
“I Oughta Let Go” – 3:57
“One of the Lonely Ones” – 4:00
“Undercover Lover” – 4:11

Strength in Numbers

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 album was recorded with the established lineup, with the addition of Bobby Capps on keyboards, enhancing the band’s sound with a new layer of melodic texture. Produced by Keith Olsen, known for his work with Fleetwood Mac and others, the album was recorded at Goodnight LA Studios in Los Angeles, California. Olsen’s production brought a polished sheen to the band’s sound, emphasizing melodic hooks and polished arrangements.

CD Track Listings:

“Somebody Like You” – 4:08
“Like No Other Night” – 3:59
“Last Time” – 3:27
“Once in a Lifetime” – 3:39
“Just a Little Love” – 3:34
“Has There Ever Been a Good Goodbye” – 3:54
“One in a Million” – 3:49
“Heart’s on Fire” – 4:16
“Against the Night” – 3:34
“Never Give an Inch” – 4:57

Rock & Roll Strategy

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.

The album featured the core lineup with the addition of keyboardist Bobby Capps and drummer Scott Hoffman, reflecting a slight shift in the band’s dynamic. Produced by Rodney Mills and the band itself, the album was recorded at various studios, including Soundshop and Sixteenth Avenue Sound in Nashville, Tennessee. This album highlighted the band’s versatility, blending rock anthems with more introspective and melodic tracks.

CD Track Listings:

“Rock & Roll Strategy” – 4:34
“What’s It to Ya?” – 4:30
“Little Sheba” – 4:54
“Comin’ Down Tonight” – 4:25
“Midnight Magic” – 4:21
“Second Chance” – 5:03
“Hot ‘Lanta” – 5:43
“Never Be Lonely” – 4:38
“Chattahoochee” – 4:10
“Innocent Eyes” – 4:17
“Love Strikes” – 4:25

Bone Against Steel

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 band, still featuring Don Barnes, Donnie Van Zant, Larry Junstrom, and others, continued to evolve, with this album reflecting a mix of rockers and ballads. Recorded at Muscle Shoals Sound Studio in Alabama, the album was produced by Rodney Mills, capturing the band’s live energy and Southern rock vibe.

CD Track Listings:

“The Sound of Your Voice” – 4:57
“Signs of Love” – 4:49
“Last Thing I Ever Do” – 5:22
“You Definitely Got Me” – 5:02
“Rebel to Rebel” – 5:33
“Bone Against Steel” – 5:24
“You Be the Dam, I’ll Be the Water” – 4:25
“Jimmy Gillum” – 5:08
“Tear It Up” – 4:31
“Don’t Wanna Get It Dirty” – 4:55
“Burning Bridges” – 4:44
“Can’t Shake It” – 3:30
“Treasure” – 5:32

Resolution

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.

This era of the band saw Don Barnes and Donnie Van Zant leading the group, with Danny Chauncey on guitar, Larry Junstrom on bass, and Gary Moffatt on drums. The album, produced by Don Barnes and Danny Chauncey, was recorded at various studios, showcasing a blend of hard rock, blues, and country influences.

CD Track Listings:

“Fade to Blue” – 4:32
“Just Can’t Leave You Alone” – 4:24
“Déjà Voodoo” – 5:56
“Find My Way Back” – 4:57
“Changed by Love” – 4:54
“After the Fire Is Gone” – 4:28
“Miracle Man” – 4:04
“Shelter Me” – 4:26
“Homeless Guitar” – 5:53
“Saving Grace” – 5:08
“She Loves to Talk” – 3:38
“Trouble” – 5:05

A Wild-Eyed Christmas Night

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 lineup remained largely consistent with their previous albums, and the band brought their rock ‘n’ roll energy to a collection of festive tracks. Produced by Don Barnes and Danny Chauncey, the album features a mix of rock-infused holiday cheer and reflective Christmas ballads.

CD Track Listings:

“Jingle Bell Rock” – 2:52
“Here Comes Santa Claus” – 2:32
“The Christmas Song” – 4:10
“Hallelujah, It’s Christmas” – 4:01
“It’s Christmas and I Miss You” – 4:10
“A Wild-Eyed Christmas Night” – 3:30
“That Old Rockin Chair” – 4:15
“Santa Claus Is Back in Town” – 3:54
“O Holy Night” – 4:48
“God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” – 4:19

Drivetrain

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.