Lynyrd Skynyrd | ||
| Allmusic Biography : Lynyrd Skynyrd was the definitive Southern rock band, fusing the overdriven power of blues-rock with a rebellious Southern image and a hard rock swagger. Skynyrd never relied on the jazzy improvisations of the Allman Brothers. Instead, they were a hard-living, hard-driving rock & roll band -- they may have jammed endlessly on-stage, but their music remained firmly entrenched in blues, rock, and country. For many, Lynyrd Skynyrds redneck image tended to obscure the songwriting skills of their leader, Ronnie Van Zant. Throughout the bands early records, Van Zant demonstrated a knack for lyrical detail and a down-to-earth honesty that had more in common with country than rock & roll. During the height of Skynyrds popularity in the mid-70s, however, Van Zants talents were overshadowed by the groups gritty, greasy blues-rock. Sadly, it wasnt until he was killed in a tragic plane crash in 1977 along with two other bandmembers that many listeners began to realize his talents. Skynyrd split up after the plane crash, but they reunited a decade later, becoming a popular concert act during the early 90s. While in high school in Jacksonville, FL, Ronnie Van Zant (vocals), Allen Collins (guitar), and Gary Rossington (guitar) formed My Backyard. Within a few months, the group added bassist Leon Wilkeson and keyboardist Billy Powell, and changed their name to Lynyrd Skynyrd, a mocking tribute to their gym teacher Leonard Skinner, who was notorious for punishing students with long hair. With drummer Bob Burns, Lynyrd Skynyrd began playing throughout the South. For the first few years, the group had little success, but producer Al Kooper signed the band to MCA after seeing them play at an Atlanta club called Funocchios in 1972. Kooper produced the groups 1973 debut, Pronounced Leh-Nerd Skin-Nerd, which was recorded after former Strawberry Alarm Clock guitarist Ed King joined the band. The group became notorious for their triple-guitar attack, which was showcased on "Free Bird," a tribute to the recently deceased Duane Allman. "Free Bird" earned Lynyrd Skynyrd their first national exposure and it became one of the staples of album rock radio, still receiving airplay decades after its release. "Free Bird" and an opening slot on the Whos 1973 Quadrophenia tour gave Lynyrd Skynyrd a devoted following, which helped their second album, 1974s Second Helping, become its breakthrough hit. Featuring the hit single "Sweet Home Alabama" -- a response to Neil Youngs "Southern Man" -- Second Helping reached number 12 and went multi-platinum. At the end of the year, Artimus Pyle replaced drummer Burns and King left the band shortly afterward. The new sextet released Nuthin Fancy in 1975, and it became the bands first Top Ten hit. The record was followed by the Tom Dowd-produced Gimme Back My Bullets in 1976, which failed to match the success of its two predecessors. However, the band retained their following through constant touring, which was documented on the double live album One More from the Road. Released in late 1976, the album featured the bands new guitarist, Steve Gaines, and a trio of female backup singers, and it became Skynyrds second Top Ten album. Lynyrd Skynyrd released their sixth album, Street Survivors, on October 17, 1977. Three days later, a privately chartered plane carrying the band between shows in Greenville, SC, and Baton Rouge, LA, crashed outside of Gillsburg, MS. Ronnie Van Zant, Steve Gaines, and his sister Cassie, one of the groups backing vocalists, died in the crash; the remaining members were injured. (The cause of the crash was either fuel shortage or a fault with the planes mechanics.) The cover for Street Survivors had pictured the band surrounded in flames; after the crash, the cover was changed. In the wake of the tragedy, the album became one of the bands biggest hits. Lynyrd Skynyrd broke up after the crash, releasing a collection of early demos called Skynyrds First and...Last in 1978; it had been scheduled for release before the crash. The double-album compilation Gold & Platinum was released in 1980. Later in 1980, Rossington and Collins formed a new band -- naturally named Rossington Collins Band -- that featured four surviving members. Two years later, Pyle formed the Artimus Pyle Band. Collins suffered a car crash in 1986 that killed his girlfriend and left him paralyzed; four years later, he died of respiratory failure. In 1987, Rossington, Powell, King, and Wilkeson reunited Lynyrd Skynyrd, adding vocalist Johnny Van Zant and guitarist Randall Hall. The band embarked on a reunion tour, which was captured on the 1988 double live album Southern by the Grace of God/Lynyrd Skynyrd Tribute Tour -- 1987. The re-formed Skynyrd began recording in 1991, and for the remainder of the decade, the band toured frequently, putting out albums occasionally. The reunited Skynyrd frequently switched drummers, but it had little effect on their sound. During the 90s, Lynyrd Skynyrd were made honorary colonels in the Alabama State Militia, due to their classic rock staple "Sweet Home Alabama." During the mid-90s, Van Zant, Rossington, Wilkeson, and Powell regrouped by adding two Southern rock veterans to Skynyrds guitar stable: former Blackfoot frontman Rickey Medlocke and ex-Outlaws Hughie Thomasson. With ex-Damn Yankee Michael Cartellone bringing stability to the drum chair, the reconstituted band signed to CMC International for the 1997 album Twenty. This lineup went on to release Lyve from Steel Town in 1998, followed a year later by Edge of Forever. The seasonal effort Christmas Time Again was released in fall 2000. Although Wilkeson died one year later, Lynyrd Skynyrd regrouped and recorded Vicious Cycle for a 2003 release. The DVD/CD Lyve: The Vicious Cycle Tour followed a year later, 2006 saw the release of Face to Face, and 2007 brought Paper Sleeve Box. But death continued to haunt the band, and the lineup continued to change, as much from attrition as anything else. Wilkeson, Skynyrds bassist since 1972, died in 2001 and was replaced by Ean Evans that same year (Evans in turn died in 2009). Thomasson left the band to reform his band Outlaws in 2005, dying two years later in 2007. His spot in Skynyrd was taken by Mark "Sparky" Matejka, formerly of Hot Apple Pie, in 2006. Original keyboardist Powell died at the age of 56 at his home near Jacksonville, FL in 2009. That year also saw the release of a new studio album, God + Guns, on Roadrunner Records. Live from Freedom Hall was released on the same label in 2010. A new studio album, Last of a Dyin Breed, produced by Bob Marlette, recorded at Blackbird Studio in Nashville, and featuring a new bass player, Johnny Colt (formerly a bassist for the Black Crowes), appeared in 2012. In April 2015, original Skynyrd drummer Bob Burns died in a single-car accident in Bartow County, Georgia. After battling lung cancer, guitarist Ed King died in Nashville, Tennessee in August 2018. | ||
 | Album: 1 of 41 Title: (pronounced ’lĕh‐’nérd ’skin‐’nérd) Released: 1973 Tracks: 8 Duration: 43:07 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Wikipedia Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 I Ain’t the One (03:53) 2 Tuesday’s Gone (07:32) 3 Gimme Three Steps (04:30) 4 Simple Man (05:56) 5 Things Goin’ On (04:58) 6 Mississippi Kid (03:56) 7 Poison Whiskey (03:13) 8 Free Bird (09:07) |
| (pronounced ’lĕh‐’nérd ’skin‐’nérd) : Allmusic album Review : The Allman Brothers came first, but Lynyrd Skynyrd epitomized Southern rock. The Allmans were exceptionally gifted musicians, as much bluesmen as rockers. Skynyrd was nothing but rockers, and they were Southern rockers to the bone. This didnt just mean that they were rednecks, but that they brought it all together -- the blues, country, garage rock, Southern poetry -- in a way that sounded more like the South than even the Allmans. And a large portion of that derives from their hard, lean edge, which was nowhere more apparent than on their debut album, Pronounced Leh-Nerd Skin-Nerd. Produced by Al Kooper, there are few records that sound this raw and uncompromising, especially records by debut bands. Then again, few bands sound this confident and fully formed with their first record. Perhaps the record is stronger because its only eight songs, so there isnt a wasted moment, but that doesnt discount the sheer strength of each song. Consider the opening juxtaposition of the rollicking "I Aint the One" with the heartbreaking "Tuesdays Gone." Two songs couldnt be more opposed, yet Skynyrd sounds equally convincing on both. If thats all the record did, it would still be fondly regarded, but it wouldnt have been influential. The genius of Skynyrd is that they un-self-consciously blended album-oriented hard rock, blues, country, and garage rock, turning it all into a distinctive sound that sounds familiar but thoroughly unique. On top of that, theres the highly individual voice of Ronnie Van Zant, a songwriter who isnt afraid to be nakedly sentimental, spin tales of the South, or to twist macho conventions with humor. And, lest we forget, while he does this, the band rocks like a motherf*cker. Its the birth of a great band that birthed an entire genre with this album. | ||
 | Album: 2 of 41 Title: Second Helping Released: 1974 Tracks: 8 Duration: 37:20 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Sweet Home Alabama (04:44) 2 I Need You (06:55) 3 Dont Ask Me No Questions (03:25) 4 Workin For MCA (04:49) 5 The Ballad Of Curtis Loew (04:51) 6 Swamp Music (03:30) 7 The Needle And The Spoon (03:54) 8 Call Me The Breeze (05:09) |
| Second Helping : Allmusic album Review : Lynyrd Skynyrd wrote the book on Southern rock with their first album, so it only made sense that they followed it for their second album, aptly titled Second Helping. Sticking with producer Al Kooper (who, after all, discovered them), the group turned out a record that replicated all the strengths of the original, but was a little tighter and a little more professional. It also revealed that the band, under the direction of songwriter Ronnie Van Zant, was developing a truly original voice. Of course, the band had already developed their own musical voice, but it was enhanced considerably by Van Zants writing, which was at turns plainly poetic, surprisingly clever, and always revealing. Though Second Helping isnt as hard a rock record as Pronounced, its the songs that make the record. "Sweet Home Alabama" became ubiquitous, yet its rivaled by such terrific songs as the snide, punkish "Workin for MCA," the Southern groove of "Dont Ask Me No Questions," the affecting "The Ballad of Curtis Loew," and "The Needle and the Spoon," a drug tale as affecting as their rival Neil Youngs "Needle and the Damage Done," but much harder rocking. This is the part of Skynyrd that most people forget -- they were a great band, but they were indelible because that was married to great writing. And nowhere was that more evident than on Second Helping. | ||
 | Album: 3 of 41 Title: Nuthin’ Fancy Released: 1975 Tracks: 8 Duration: 37:30 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Wikipedia Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Saturday Night Special (05:09) 2 Cheatin’ Woman (04:39) 3 Railroad Song (04:15) 4 I’m a Country Boy (04:25) 5 On the Hunt (05:27) 6 Am I Losin’ (04:34) 7 Made in the Shade (04:40) 8 Whiskey Rock-a-Roller (04:18) |
| Nuthin’ Fancy : Allmusic album Review : Second Helping brought Lynyrd Skynyrd mass success and for the follow-up they offered Nuthin Fancy. It was a self-deprecating title for a record that may have offered more of the same, at least on the surface, but was still nearly peerless as a Southern rock record. The biggest difference with this record is that the band, through touring, has become heavier and harder, fitting right in with the heavy album rock bands of the mid-70s. The second notable difference is that Ronnie Van Zant may have been pressed for material, since there are several songs here that are just good generic rockers. But he and Skynyrd prove that what makes a great band great is how they treat generic material, and Skynyrd makes the whole of Nuthin Fancy feel every bit as convincing as their first two records. For one, the record has a rawer edge than Second Helping, which helps make the slight preponderance of predictable (but not bad) material easy to accept, since it all sounds so good. Then theres the fact that many of these eight songs still showcase Van Zant at the top of his game, whether its the storming opener "Saturday Night Special," "Railroad Song," "On the Hunt," or the rollicking "Whiskey Rock-a-Roller." Yes, this does pale in comparison with its predecessors, but most hard rock bands would give their left arm for a record that swaggers and hits as hard as Nuthin Fancy. | ||
 | Album: 4 of 41 Title: Gimme Back My Bullets Released: 1976 Tracks: 9 Duration: 35:11 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Wikipedia Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Gimme Back My Bullets (03:30) 2 Every Mother’s Son (04:58) 3 Trust (04:25) 4 I Got the Same Old Blues (04:09) 5 Double Trouble (02:50) 6 Roll Gypsy Roll (02:51) 7 Searching (03:18) 8 Cry for the Bad Man (04:50) 9 All I Can Do Is Write About It (04:17) |
| Gimme Back My Bullets : Allmusic album Review : Lynyrd Skynyrd begins to show signs of wear on their fourth album, Gimme Back My Bullets. The band had switched producers, hiring Tom Dowd, the producer who served Atlantics roster so well during the labels heyday. Unfortunately, he wasnt perfectly suited for Skynyrd, at least at this point in their history. The group had toured regularly since the release of their debut and it showed, not just in their performance, but in the songwriting of Ronnie Van Zant, who had been so consistent through their first three albums. Not to say that he was spent -- the title track was as defiant as "All I Can Do Is Write About It" was affecting, while "Searching" was a good ballad and "Double Trouble" was a good rocker. These songs, however, were surrounded by songs that leaned to the dull side of generic (unlike those on Nuthin Fancy) and Dowds production didnt inject energy into the groups performances. This doesnt mean Gimme Back My Bullets is a bad record, since the group was still in fairly good shape and they had some fine songs, but coming after three dynamite albums, it was undoubtedly a disappointment -- so much so that it still sounds like a disappointment years later, even though its one of only a handful of records by the original band. | ||
 | Album: 5 of 41 Title: Street Survivors Released: 1977 Tracks: 23 Duration: 1:48:25 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify TrackSamples Wikipedia Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 What’s Your Name (03:33) 2 That Smell (05:49) 3 One More Time (05:03) 4 I Know a Little (03:28) 5 You Got That Right (03:47) 6 I Never Dreamed (05:21) 7 Honky Tonk Night Time Man (04:04) 8 Ain’t No Good Life (04:39) 1 Whats Your Name (original version) (03:33) 2 That Smell (original version) (05:29) 3 You Got That Right (original version) (03:19) 4 I Never Dreamed (original version) (05:22) 5 Georgia Peaches (03:14) 6 Sweet Little Missy (original version) (05:16) 7 Sweet Little Missy (demo) (05:11) 8 Aint No Good Life (original version) (05:02) 9 That Smell (complete original version) (07:30) 10 Jacksonville Kid (aka Honky Tonk Night Time Man) (04:09) 11 You Got That Right (live) (04:41) 12 That Smell (live) (06:05) 13 Aint No Good Life (live) (05:01) 14 Whats Your Name (live) (03:28) 15 Gimme Three Steps (live) (05:09) |
| Street Survivors : Allmusic album Review : Street Survivors appeared in stores just days before Lynyrd Skynyrds touring plane crashed, tragically killing many members of the band, including lead singer and songwriter Ronnie Van Zant. Consequently, its hard to see Street Survivors outside of the tragedy, especially since the best-known song here, "That Smell," reeks of death and foreboding. If the band had lived, however, Street Survivors would have been seen as an unqualified triumph, a record that firmly re-established Skynyrds status as the great Southern rock band. As it stands, its a triumph tinged with a hint of sadness, sadness thats projected onto it from listeners aware of what happened to the band after recording. Viewed as merely a record, its a hell of an album. The band springs back to life with the addition of guitarist Steve Gaines, and Van Zant used the time off the road to write a strong set of songs, highlighted by "That Smell," "You Got That Right," and the relentless boogie "I Know a Little." Its tighter than any record since Second Helping and as raw as Nuthin Fancy. If the original band was fated to leave after this record, at least they left with a record that serves as a testament to Skynyrds unique greatness. | ||
 | Album: 6 of 41 Title: Skynyrd’s First and… Last Released: 1978 Tracks: 9 Duration: 36:50 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Wikipedia Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Down South Jukin’ (02:13) 2 Preacher’s Daughter (03:40) 3 White Dove (02:58) 4 Was I Right or Wrong (05:24) 5 Lend a Helpin’ Hand (04:22) 6 Wino (03:17) 7 Comin’ Home (05:31) 8 The Seasons (04:10) 9 Things Goin’ On (05:12) |
| Skynyrd’s First and… Last : Allmusic album Review : So named because this consists of Skynyrds earliest recordings and was released after the tragic plane crash, thereby seeming to close the door on the bands career, Skynyrds First and...Last is more than a simple historic curiosity, but not too much more. This music is more notable for being interesting -- in how its possible to hear Ronnie VanZant coming into his own as a writer, or hearing future Blackfoot leader Ricky Medlockes early songs -- than it is for being good, which it certainly is. Taken on its own, separated from the rest of the groups catalog, this would likely be seen as a great forgotten hard rock album from an obscure Southern outfit, but since Skynyrd went on to greater things, this winds up as a footnote -- enjoyable, yes, but not quite necessary. | ||
 | Album: 7 of 41 Title: Gold & Platinum Released: 1979-12-25 Tracks: 16 Duration: 1:24:15 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Down South Jukin’ (02:13) 2 Saturday Night Special (05:09) 3 Gimme Three Steps (05:18) 4 What’s Your Name (03:33) 5 You Got That Right (03:47) 6 Gimme Back My Bullets (03:30) 7 Sweet Home Alabama (04:44) 8 Free Bird (14:08) 1 That Smell (05:49) 2 On the Hunt (05:27) 3 I Ain’t the One (03:45) 4 Whiskey Rock-a-Roller (04:18) 5 Simple Man (05:56) 6 I Know a Little (03:28) 7 Tuesday’s Gone (07:32) 8 Comin’ Home (05:31) |
| Gold & Platinum : Allmusic album Review : Gold & Platinum was compiled by Gary Rossington and Allen Collins, the two surviving members of Lynyrd Skynyrd, after the bands tragic plane crash of 1977. Though many years have elapsed since its 1979 release, the double-record set remains the best, most concise compilation of the groundbreaking Southern rock band. Over the course of two albums, all of Skynyrds hits -- "Sweet Home Alabama," "Free Bird," "Saturday Night Special," "Whats Your Name," "You Got That Right" -- are featured, as well as essential album tracks like "That Smell," "Down South Jukin," "Gimme Three Steps," "I Know a Little," and "Tuesdays Gone." Some great songs like "Workin for MCA" are missing, and the four-disc box set may be more comprehensive, but its hard to imagine a better, more concise greatest-hits collection than Gold & Platinum. | ||
 | Album: 8 of 41 Title: Legend Released: 1987 Tracks: 9 Duration: 45:35 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Georgia Peaches (03:14) 2 When You Got Good Friends (03:02) 3 Sweet Little Missy (05:10) 4 Four Walls of Raiford (04:05) 5 Simple Man (06:36) 6 Truck Drivin Man (05:18) 7 One in the Sun (05:21) 8 Mr. Banker (05:22) 9 Take Your Time (07:24) |
| Legend : Allmusic album Review : The 1987 set Legend rounds up previously unreleased tracks and a few rarities, such as non-LP B-sides. At the time, this was a real worthwhile endeavor but in the two decades since its appearance, most of this has shown up as bonus tracks on expanded editions or on other comps -- comps that now offer a bit more bang for their buck. Still, as a rarities collection this does have a bit of a punch, thanks to an early version of "Truck Drivin Man," "Georgia Peaches," and "One in the Sun." | ||
 | Album: 9 of 41 Title: Best of the Rest Released: 1987 Tracks: 8 Duration: 39:44 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 I’ve Been Your Fool (04:28) 2 Gotta Go (04:30) 3 I’m a Country Boy (04:25) 4 Double Trouble (02:50) 5 Workin’ for MCA (04:25) 6 Call Me the Breeze (05:08) 7 I Never Dreamed (05:21) 8 T for Texas (08:35) |
 | Album: 10 of 41 Title: Skynyrds Innyrds: Their Greatest Hits Released: 1989 Tracks: 13 Duration: 1:02:51 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Wikipedia Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Sweet Home Alabama (04:44) 2 Swamp Music (03:32) 3 I Ain’t the One (03:53) 4 Gimme Three Steps (04:30) 5 Double Trouble (outtake version) (02:52) 6 Free Bird (outtake version) (10:07) 7 Truck Drivin Man (05:18) 8 Saturday Night Special (05:09) 9 Workin’ for MCA (04:47) 10 What’s Your Name (03:33) 11 That Smell (05:49) 12 Don’t Ask Me No Questions (03:25) 13 Call Me the Breeze (05:08) |
| Skynyrd's Innyrds: Their Greatest Hits : Allmusic album Review : Skynyrds Innyrds: Their Greatest Hits comes close to being a solid single-disc overview of the Southern rockers biggest hits, but it falls short in a number of important ways. Most notably, "Free Bird" is not in either its studio or live incarnations; its presented as an outtake, something that will only be of interest to hardcore Lynyrd Skynyrd fans, just like the outtake of "Double Trouble." Also, several major songs -- "Down South Jukin," "You Got That Right," "Whiskey Rock-a-Roller," "Simple Man," "Tuesdays Gone," "I Know a Little" -- are missing, with album cuts in their place. That said, it has most of the big hits -- "Sweet Home Alabama," "Gimme Three Steps," "Saturday Night Special," "Whats Your Name," "That Smell," plus "Workin for MCA" and "Call Me the Breeze," which were not on Gold & Platinum -- which is enough to make it a good sampler, even if it doesnt provide as complete an introduction as Gold & Platinum. | ||
 | Album: 11 of 41 Title: The Definitive Lynyrd Skynyrd Collection Released: 1991 Tracks: 47 Duration: 3:35:43 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% AlbumCover | 1 Free Bird (demo) (04:07) 2 Junkie (demo) (03:49) 3 He’s Alive (demo) (03:10) 4 One More Time (original version) (05:02) 5 Gimme Three Steps (original version) (04:09) 6 Trust (original version) (04:12) 7 Comin’ Home (05:31) 8 Mr. Banker (demo) (05:20) 9 Down South Jukin’ (demo) (02:54) 10 Truck Drivin’ Man (demo) (05:17) 11 I Ain’t the One (demo) (03:48) 12 Poison Whiskey (demo) (03:10) 13 Tuesday’s Gone (07:32) 14 Things Goin’ On (04:58) 15 Free Bird (09:07) 1 Sweet Home Alabama (04:44) 2 Was I Right or Wrong? (05:09) 3 Workin’ for MCA (04:47) 4 Don’t Ask Me No Questions (03:25) 5 Swamp Music (03:32) 6 The Ballad of Curtis Loew (04:52) 7 The Needle and the Spoon (03:53) 8 Call Me the Breeze (05:08) 9 Saturday Night Special (05:09) 10 Made in the Shade (04:40) 11 Am I Losin’ (04:34) 12 On the Hunt (05:27) 13 I Got the Same Old Blues (04:09) 14 Double Trouble (live) (03:05) 15 Roll Gypsy Roll (02:51) 16 All I Can Do Is Write About It (acoustic version) (04:24) 17 Four Walls of Raiford (undubbed demo) (04:14) 1 Gimme Back My Bullets (live) (03:37) 2 Searchin’ (live) (04:00) 3 Simple Man (live) (06:48) 4 Crossroads (live) (04:17) 5 T for Texas (live) (08:43) 6 Whiskey Rock-A-Roller (live) (04:17) 7 Ain’t No Good Life (04:39) 8 What’s Your Name (alternate mix) (03:37) 9 Georgia Peaches (03:14) 10 What’s Your Name (03:33) 11 I Never Dreamed (05:21) 12 I Know a Little (03:28) 13 Honky Tonk Night Time Man (04:03) 14 That Smell (05:49) 15 You Got That Right (03:47) |
 | Album: 12 of 41 Title: Lynyrd Skynyrd 1991 Released: 1991-06-11 Tracks: 11 Duration: 51:19 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Wikipedia Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Smokestack Lightning (04:28) 2 Keeping the Faith (05:16) 3 Southern Women (04:17) 4 Pure & Simple (03:07) 5 I’ve Seen Enough (04:20) 6 Good Thing (05:28) 7 Money Man (03:44) 8 Backstreet Crawler (05:31) 9 It’s a Killer (03:53) 10 Mama (Afraid to Say Goodbye) (06:43) 11 End of the Road (04:32) |
| Lynyrd Skynyrd 1991 : Allmusic album Review : The 1987 reunion tour proved to be quite successful, so the reunited Lynyrd Skynyrd decided to record a full-fledged new record. Though its hard not to miss the songwriting of Ronnie Van Zant, this is still a strong band, capable of turning out convincing rockers and ballads. There may not be many songs that distinguish themselves beyond something generic, but the group is passionate and tight, making this reunion seem necessary, not a cash-in. This still isnt an essential release, even for the devoted, but it is enjoyable. | ||
 | Album: 13 of 41 Title: Lynyrd Skynyrd Released: 1991-11-12 Tracks: 47 Duration: 3:35:46 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Free Bird (demo) (04:08) 2 Junkie (demo) (03:48) 3 He’s Alive (demo) (03:10) 4 One More Time (05:03) 5 Gimme Three Steps (04:09) 6 Trust (04:12) 7 Comin’ Home (05:31) 8 Mr. Banker (demo) (05:20) 9 Down South Junkin’ (demo) (02:54) 10 Truck Drivin’ Man (demo) (05:17) 11 I Ain’t the One (demo) (03:48) 12 Poison Whiskey (demo) (03:10) 13 Tuesday’s Gone (07:32) 14 Things Goin’ On (05:00) 15 Free Bird (09:07) 1 Sweet Home Alabama (04:44) 2 Was I Right or Wrong (05:09) 3 Workin’ for MCA (04:47) 4 Don’t Ask Me No Questions (03:25) 5 Swamp Music (03:32) 6 The Ballad of Curtis Lowe (04:52) 7 The Needle and the Spoon (03:53) 8 Call Me the Breeze (05:08) 9 Saturday Night Special (05:09) 10 Made in the Shade (04:40) 11 Am I Losin’ (04:34) 12 On the Hunt (05:27) 13 I Got the Same Old Blues (04:09) 14 Double Trouble (live) (03:05) 15 Roll Gypsy Roll (02:51) 16 All I Can Do Is Write About It (acoustic) (04:23) 17 Four Walls of Raiford (undubbed demo) (04:12) 1 Gimme Back My Bullets (live) (03:37) 2 Searchin’ (live) (04:00) 3 Simple Man (live) (06:48) 4 Crossroads (live) (04:17) 5 T for Texas (live) (08:43) 6 Whiskey Rock-A-Roller (live) (04:17) 7 Ain’t No Good Life (04:39) 8 What’s Your Name (alternate mix) (03:37) 9 Georgia Peaches (03:13) 10 What’s Your Name (03:33) 11 I Never Dreamed (05:21) 12 I Know a Little (03:28) 13 Honky Tonk Night Time Man (04:04) 14 That Smell (05:49) 15 You Got That Right (03:47) |
| Lynyrd Skynyrd : Allmusic album Review : It was only fitting that the ultimate Southern rock institution, Lynyrd Skynyrd -- certainly one of the more tragic stories in rock & roll history -- should be one of the first bands to benefit from a comprehensive box set. Following the format of the highly successful Led Zeppelin box set, this three-disc, 47-song anthology provides a near-perfect career retrospective, complete with a carefully researched booklet with meticulous historical essays and rare photos for the new and rabid fan alike. The latter will probably be most interested in disc one, which features a number of early demos dating back as early as 1970 and not featured in prior collections, as well as an embryonic demo of "Freebird" minus its extended-jam coda. The nine-minute version from the bands milestone debut, Pronounced is also featured here, of course, as is most of the material from the groups next album, Second Helping, generally regarded as their career peak. Disc two alone could serve as a greatest-hits set, as classic after classic is rattled off in mind-blowing succession. And even when the creative fires finally begin to wane somewhat as the set approaches the Nuthin Fancy and Gimme Back My Bullets material (recorded at a time when the band was plagued by overwork and escalating drug abuse), the set wisely offers alternate versions and live renditions to keep things interesting. The first half of disc three alternates never-before-heard concert performances with other, equally inspired live versions. Its second half is dominated by the unintentional swan song Street Survivors. Released only three days before the fateful plane crash, the album saw a re-energized Skynyrd achieving a new level of maturity, power, and purpose. Although most box sets tend to be a bit too much for the casual fan to swallow, this one feels just right. | ||
 | Album: 14 of 41 Title: The Last Rebel Released: 1993 Tracks: 10 Duration: 50:00 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Wikipedia Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Good Lovins Hard to Find (03:55) 2 One Thing (05:13) 3 Cant Take That Away (04:19) 4 Best Things in Life (03:54) 5 The Last Rebel (06:47) 6 Outta Hell in My Dodge (03:47) 7 Kiss Your Freedom Goodbye (04:46) 8 South of Heaven (05:15) 9 Love Dont Always Come Easy (04:34) 10 Born to Run (07:25) |
| The Last Rebel : Allmusic album Review : Although it should please die-hard fans, the reconstituted Lynyrd Skynyrds second studio record does little to expand the groups horizons. Aside from a few longer songs that allow the group to stretch out, the majority of The Last Rebel is by-the-book Southern rock, further undermined by Johnny Van Zants cliché-riddled lyrics. | ||
 | Album: 15 of 41 Title: A Retrospective Released: 1993 Tracks: 14 Duration: 1:05:40 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Sweet Home Alabama (04:44) 2 Free Bird (09:07) 3 Saturday Night Special (05:09) 4 Double Trouble (02:50) 5 What’s Your Name (03:33) 6 Youve Got That Right (03:49) 7 Am I Losing? (04:36) 8 Gimme Three Steps (05:18) 9 Don’t Ask Me No Questions (03:25) 10 Made in the Shade (04:40) 11 All I Can Do Is Write About It (04:17) 12 I Know a Little (03:28) 13 Mr. Banker (05:22) 14 Truck Drivin Man (05:18) |
 | Album: 16 of 41 Title: Endangered Species Released: 1994 Tracks: 13 Duration: 47:42 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Wikipedia Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Down South Jukin (02:38) 2 Heartbreak Hotel (04:01) 3 Devil in the Bottle (03:35) 4 Things Going On (03:00) 5 Saturday Night Special (03:53) 6 Sweet Home Alabama (04:01) 7 I Aint the One (03:27) 8 Am I Losin? (04:06) 9 All I Have Is a Song (03:21) 10 Poison Whiskey (02:47) 11 Good Luck, Bad Luck (03:23) 12 The Last Rebel (05:42) 13 Hillbilly Blues (03:42) |
| Endangered Species : Allmusic album Review : Okay, its the latter-day band with lots of replacement members, but this is a great record, and this time out there are no repertory problems. This is Skynyrds "unplugged" album, with the band performing most of its best-known songs without amplification, on an array of instruments that includes mandolin. The songs come off very strong and surprisingly natural in this setting, and its all good enough and different enough to make Endangered Species a necessary addition to the collection of any fan of the original band. | ||
 | Album: 17 of 41 Title: Sweet Home Alabama - Best Released: 1997 Tracks: 14 Duration: 1:17:05 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% AlbumCover | 1 Saturday Night Special (05:09) 2 Sweet Home Alabama (04:44) 3 That Smell (05:49) 4 What’s Your Name (03:33) 5 Down South Jukin (02:13) 6 Call Me the Breeze (05:08) 7 Simple Man (05:56) 8 I Know a Little (03:28) 9 Tuesday’s Gone (07:32) 10 Workin’ for MCA (04:47) 11 On The Hunt (05:28) 12 Free Bird (13:57) 13 Crossroads (04:04) 14 Gimme Back My Bullets (05:14) |
 | Album: 18 of 41 Title: Whats Your Name Released: 1997-01-28 Tracks: 10 Duration: 49:21 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 That Smell (05:49) 2 Workin’ for MCA (04:47) 3 Call Me the Breeze (05:08) 4 Mississippi Kid (03:57) 5 What’s Your Name (03:33) 6 Simple Man (05:56) 7 Things Goin’ On (04:58) 8 I Need You (06:54) 9 Swamp Music (03:32) 10 Sweet Home Alabama (04:44) |
| What's Your Name : Allmusic album Review : Lynyrd Skynyrd was one of those album rock bands that also had a flair for hit singles. The problem with this is that anytime a single compilation is assembled, fans will inevitably find favorites missing. That axiom applies tenfold on a budget-line disc such as MCA Special Products Whats Your Name, which has such staples as "Saturday Night Special," "Gimme Three Steps," and "Free Bird" missing. That said, Whats Your Name is actually a pretty good budget-line comp, boasting a good cross-section of hits and album favorites. Any time "That Smell," "Workin for MCA," "Call Me the Breeze," "Simple Man," "Whats Your Name?," and "Sweet Home Alabama" are on one disc, a good time is pretty much guaranteed, and that alone may make it worthwhile for budget-minded fans looking for a sampler. | ||
 | Album: 19 of 41 Title: Old Time Greats Released: 1997-02-25 Tracks: 30 Duration: 2:13:48 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Wikipedia Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 I’ve Been Your Fool (04:28) 2 Comin’ Home (05:31) 3 Down South Junkin’ (02:13) 4 White Dove (02:57) 5 I Ain’t the One (03:53) 6 Tuesday’s Gone (07:32) 7 Gimme Three Steps (04:30) 8 Simple Man (05:56) 9 Poison Whiskey (03:14) 10 Free Bird (09:07) 11 Sweet Home Alabama (04:44) 12 Don’t Ask Me No Questions (03:25) 13 Workin’ for MCA (04:47) 14 Swamp Music (03:32) 15 The Needle and the Spoon (03:53) 1 Call Me the Breeze (05:08) 2 Saturday Night Special (05:09) 3 Railroad Song (04:15) 4 I’m a Country Boy (04:25) 5 On the Hunt (05:27) 6 Whiskey Rock-a-Roller (04:16) 7 Gimme Back My Bullets (03:30) 8 I Got the Same Old Blues (04:09) 9 Double Trouble (02:50) 10 Searching (03:18) 11 Cry for the Bad Man (04:50) 12 What’s Your Name (03:33) 13 That Smell (05:49) 14 I Know a Little (03:28) 15 You Got That Right (03:47) |
 | Album: 20 of 41 Title: Twenty Released: 1997-04-29 Tracks: 12 Duration: 55:39 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Wikipedia Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 We Aint Much Different (03:43) 2 Bring It On (04:56) 3 Voodoo Lake (04:37) 4 Home Is Where the Heart Is (05:27) 5 Travelin Man (04:05) 6 Talked Myself Right Into It (03:25) 7 Never Too Late (05:18) 8 O.R.R. (04:16) 9 Blame It on a Sad Song (05:35) 10 Berneice (04:01) 11 None of Us Are Free (05:21) 12 How Soon We Forget (04:50) |
| Twenty : Allmusic album Review : Twenty marks the 20th year following the tragic 1977 plane crash that changed the Lynyrd Skynyrd story forever, and it is also notably the fifth record the group has released since reuniting in the late 80s. Prior to recording Twenty, the group added two new members -- ex-Blackfoot Rick Medlocke and former Outlaw Hughie Thomasson -- virtually making the band a Southern rock supergroup, and thats part of the problem. There are too many egos involved to make the album truly captivating -- especially since the songwriting is usually undistinguished -- but occasionally, the star power gels and results in some hot rock & roll. In other words, specialists and aficionados will find plenty of stuff to enjoy here, but most casual fans will think that its all been said before. | ||
 | Album: 21 of 41 Title: Classic Skynyrd Released: 1998 Tracks: 9 Duration: 38:17 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Free Bird (Demo) (04:08) 2 Saturday Night Special (05:09) 3 Whiskey Rock-a-Roller (04:18) 4 Down South Jukin (02:14) 5 I Aint The One (03:48) 6 Double Trouble (02:50) 7 Comin’ Home (05:31) 8 Truck Drivin Man (05:16) 9 One More Time (05:02) |
 | Album: 22 of 41 Title: Extended Versions: The Encore Collection Released: 1998 Tracks: 10 Duration: 53:45 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% AlbumCover | 1 Whats Your Name (live) (03:44) 2 We Aint Much Different (03:43) 3 Berneice (04:01) 4 Free Bird (live) (12:09) 5 Sweet Home Alabama (live) (07:12) 6 Home Is Where the Heart Is (05:27) 7 O.R.R. (04:16) 8 Bring It on Home (04:56) 9 You Got That Right (live) (04:09) 10 Travelin Man (04:05) |
 | Album: 23 of 41 Title: The Essential Lynyrd Skynyrd Released: 1998-08-25 Tracks: 25 Duration: 2:10:41 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Wikipedia Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Sweet Home Alabama (04:44) 2 I Ain’t the One (03:53) 3 Was I Right or Wrong (05:24) 4 Gimme Three Steps (04:30) 5 Workin’ for MCA (04:47) 6 Simple Man (05:56) 7 Swamp Music (03:32) 8 The Ballad of Curtis Loew (04:52) 9 Saturday Night Special (05:09) 10 Mr. Banker (05:22) 11 Comin’ Home (05:31) 12 Call Me the Breeze (05:08) 13 Free Bird (09:07) 1 What’s Your Name (03:33) 2 Whiskey Rock-A-Roller (live) (04:16) 3 Tuesday’s Gone (07:32) 4 Double Trouble (02:50) 5 I Know a Little (03:28) 6 Four Walls of Raiford (04:14) 7 I Never Dreamed (05:21) 8 Gimme Back My Bullets (live) (03:42) 9 You Got That Right (03:47) 10 All I Can Do Is Write About It (acoustic version) (04:24) 11 That Smell (05:49) 12 Free Bird (live) (13:41) |
| The Essential Lynyrd Skynyrd : Allmusic album Review : Putting together the definitive Lynyrd Skynyrd retrospective would be a daunting prospect to all but the most callous of critics who still deny the group their place at the table of rock & roll heroes and innovators. This two-disc, 25-track anthology makes the perfect introductory set to this Southern rock institution, and one great career overview for longtime fans. All the hits like "Sweet Home Alabama," "Gimme Three Steps," "Saturday Night Special," and "That Smell" are aboard, along with "Whats Your Name," "Workin for MCA," "I Know a Little," and "Free Bird" in both live and original studio versions. Other highlights include great album tracks like "The Ballad of Curtis Loew," "Call Me the Breeze," and "You Got That Right," an acoustic version of "All I Can Do Is Write About It," and early demo versions of "Four Walls of Raiford" and "Comin Home." If youre planning on only making one Lynyrd Skynyrd entry into your collection, this is certainly the one to get. | ||
 | Album: 24 of 41 Title: Skynyrds First: The Complete Muscle Shoals Album Released: 1998-11-17 Tracks: 17 Duration: 1:17:52 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Free Bird (07:24) 2 One More Time (05:03) 3 Gimme Three Steps (04:09) 4 Was I Right or Wrong (05:24) 5 Preacher’s Daughter (03:40) 6 White Dove (02:58) 7 Down South Jukin’ (02:13) 8 Wino (03:16) 9 Simple Man (05:25) 10 Trust (04:14) 11 Comin’ Home (05:31) 12 The Seasons (04:11) 13 Lend a Helpin’ Hand (04:22) 14 Things Goin’ On (05:12) 15 I Aint the One (03:37) 16 You Run Around (05:39) 17 Aint Too Proud to Pray (05:26) |
| Skynyrd's First: The Complete Muscle Shoals Album : Allmusic album Review : This may be the greatest unissued first album ever to surface from a major band. The story behind the 78 minutes of music on this CD, cut two years before Lynyrd Skynyrds official debut album, could fill a chapter of a book. Cut primarily during late June and late July of 1971, with a quintet of 1972-vintage tracks added, they constitute Skynyrds complete studio recordings from the period when they were still trying to get signed and were playing lots of small-time local gigs for barely enough money to live on. Seven of the songs were released on the 1978 album Skynyrds First and...Last, and three others appear on the 1991 box set, while "Comin Home" turned up on The Essential Lynyrd Skynyrd earlier that same year, but this is the first time this potent body of work has been assembled properly, in one place. And, additionally, one previously unissued track by itself justifies the price of this disc -- the original demo version of "Free Bird," on which the soaring harmonies, Billy Powells beautiful piano, and the Collins-Rossington guitar duo plays with startling fire and lyricism. Several of the tracks do contain overdubs laid on in the mid-70s (mostly Ed Kings bass and some guitar, and even a Mellotron on "White Dove" -- it would be great to hear that song without the electronic string section), but this is still the band at its most raw and unaffected, in terms of what the core members are playing. Ronnie Van Zants singing was not only powerful, but beautiful at this stage of his career, and the groups playing -- especially the Rossington-Collins double lead guitar attack -- is filled with a fresh spirit of experimentation and adventure that makes these tracks essential listening for anyone who has ever enjoyed this bands work. Evidently, the material and related demos scared the crap out of most record company executives when they were shown around in 1971-1972, and its easy to see why -- the sound is fierce, the songs not only boldly played but boldly written as well (even the Rick Medlocke-written and sung "The Seasons" is a killer piece of semi-acoustic country-rock), and running anywhere from five to ten minutes apiece. Anyway, most record company executives being inherent cowardly, or stupid, or both, its easy to see them running from the room over these sounds. Anyone who owns any of Lynyrd Skynyrds releases should add this magnificent lost chapter in the groups history. | ||
 | Album: 25 of 41 Title: 20th Century Masters: The Millennium Collection: The Best of Lynyrd Skynyrd Released: 1999-03-09 Tracks: 10 Duration: 46:58 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Sweet Home Alabama (04:44) 2 What’s Your Name (03:33) 3 Gimme Three Steps (04:30) 4 Double Trouble (02:50) 5 You Got That Right (03:47) 6 Saturday Night Special (05:09) 7 That Smell (05:49) 8 Swamp Music (03:32) 9 I Ain’t the One (03:53) 10 Free Bird (09:07) |
| 20th Century Masters: The Millennium Collection: The Best of Lynyrd Skynyrd : Allmusic album Review : Like any record company worth their salt, MCA knows a good gimmick when they see it, and when the millennium came around -- well, the 20th Century Masters -- The Millennium Collection wasnt too far behind. Supposedly, the millennium is a momentous occasion, but its hard to feel that way when its used as another excuse to turn out a budget-line series. But apart from the presumptuous title, 20th Century Masters -- The Millennium Collection turns out to be a very good budget-line series. True, its impossible for any of these brief collections to be definitive, but theyre nevertheless solid samplers that dont feature a bad song in the bunch. For example, take Lynyrd Skynyrds 20th Century volume -- its an irresistible ten-song summary of their MCA years. There may be a couple of noteworthy songs missing, but many of their best-known songs are here, including "Sweet Home Alabama," "Whats Your Name," "Gimme Three Steps," "You Got That Right," "Saturday Night Special," "That Smell," and "Free Bird." Serious fans will want something more extensive, but this is an excellent introduction for neophytes and a great sampler for casual fans, considering its length and price. That doesnt erase the ridiculousness of the series title, but the silliness is excusable when the music and the collections are good. | ||
 | Album: 26 of 41 Title: Edge of Forever Released: 1999-08-03 Tracks: 12 Duration: 54:37 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Wikipedia Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Workin (04:54) 2 Full Moon Night (03:45) 3 Preacher Man (04:34) 4 Mean Streets (04:50) 5 Tomorrows Goodbye (05:07) 6 Edge of Forever (04:24) 7 Gone Fishin (04:22) 8 Through It All (05:29) 9 Money Back Guarantee (04:02) 10 G.W.T.G.G. (04:04) 11 Rough Around the Edges (05:06) 12 FLA (03:54) |
| Edge of Forever : Allmusic album Review : From the opening sound of a rattlesnake rattle, it is obvious that the newer members of Lynyrd Skynyrd are stepping out of the shadows and into the limelight where they belong. After all, Rick Medlocke, the "rattlesnake rocker" was himself a powerful frontman for his band Blackfoot in the 70s, while Hughie Thomasson performed the same duties for the Outlaws. On Edge of Forever, both Medlocke and Thomasson are heard with their individually unique guitar sounds. Unfortunately, they are still held back from performing any lead vocals, a chore either man could easily carry off. The opening song "Workin" assaults the senses with a massive guitar attack that hooks the listener from the outset. Johnny Van Zants vocals are as close to his late brother Ronnie Van Zant as they have ever been, and on the next song, "Full Moon Night," the swamp rock sound contains some definite early-Skynyrd influence, but also has hints of both the Blackfoot and Outlaws sounds. "Preacher Man" rocks with a refreshingly different feel; it no longer sounds like the boys are trying to imitate the Street Survivors record. The rowdiness that surrounds Southern rock comes to a head on "Mean Streets," with Gary Rossington, Thomasson, and Medlocke smoking across the fretboards in true rebel fashion. Next up is "Tomorrows Goodbye," a ballad that can only be called modern country. The song is the highlight of the album, with Johnny Van Zant singing about saving the planet, and there is even a mention of brother Ronnie in the lyric, accented with one of Rossingtons "Freebird" guitar notes that comes out of left field straight to your heart. The title track is a millennium song that returns to the old Skynyrd sound, while "Gone Fishin" is one of the records weaker moments. "Fishin" is more filler than killer. Actually, the next song, "Through It All" is a bit weak as well, when compared to the rest of the album. "Money Back Guarantee" has some excellent piano work from Bill Powell, and "Get It While the Gettins Good" is a very nice rocker, which leads into the power ballad "Rough Around the Edges," another of the better tracks here. "FLA" closes the set, a boogie-woogie rocker that makes a fitting closer for an overall good rock & roll record. While there are those who feel that Lynyrd Skynyrd died with the plane crash of 1977, one listen to Edge of Forever proves that their legacy is alive and well in 1999, and Lynyrd Skynyrd has more than a few good ideas left in their collective head. | ||
 | Album: 27 of 41 Title: All Time Greatest Hits Released: 2000-03-14 Tracks: 14 Duration: 1:14:52 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Wikipedia Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Sweet Home Alabama (04:44) 2 Gimme Three Steps (04:30) 3 Simple Man (05:56) 4 Saturday Night Special (05:09) 5 Swamp Music (03:32) 6 The Ballad of Curtis Loew (04:52) 7 Call Me the Breeze (05:08) 8 Comin’ Home (05:31) 9 Gimme Back My Bullets (03:30) 10 What’s Your Name (03:33) 11 You Got That Right (03:47) 12 All I Can Do Is Write About It (acoustic version) (04:24) 13 That Smell (05:49) 14 Free Bird (14:23) |
| All Time Greatest Hits : Allmusic album Review : Lynyrd Skynyrds 2000 compilation All Time Greatest Hits suffers from the same ailments that plague many compilations of its time, but there is one problem in particular that hurts it: instead of offering all of the "all time greatest hits" on one disc, the compilers pulled their punches, overlooking a few big songs while occasionally substituting live or acoustic versions for the original studio versions. That means that this is a Skynyrd compilation without the famed original recording of "Free Bird" -- a live version is here instead. It doesnt really matter that its a good version, taken from 1976s One More from the Road, or that the live version actually charted in the Top 40; nor does it matter that "All I Can Do Is Write About It" is a good acoustic version originally released on the eponymous 1991 box set, because this is a collection made for a general audience. It should, therefore, have the versions that a general audience knows best. Apart from that, and the usual nitpicking over songs that should have been included ("Workin for MCA," "Dont Ask Me No Questions," etc.), this remains a solid collection, containing most of the Skynyrd material that a casual follower could want. If the double-album Gold & Platinum remains the greater compilation, thats because it captures the essence of the band better. This includes most of the best-known songs on one disc, and thats noteworthy in its own right; it may even be preferable for some listeners. | ||
 | Album: 28 of 41 Title: Then and Now Released: 2000-06-05 Tracks: 10 Duration: 1:02:41 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Saturday Night Special (05:38) 2 Workin (04:52) 3 Preacher Man (04:34) 4 Tomorrows Goodbye (05:07) 5 That Smell (06:03) 6 Gone Fishin (04:22) 7 Simple Man (07:38) 8 Voodoo Lake (04:37) 9 Sweet Home Alabama (07:03) 10 Free Bird (12:44) |
| Then and Now : Allmusic album Review : Most Lynyrd Skynyrd fans would agree that the band reached its creative peak in the 1970s, but that doesnt mean that Skynyrds 1990s work is without merit. While its true that the Southern rockers provided their most essential recordings in the 1970s, Skynyrds 1990s lineups definitely had their moments in the studio, and their live shows continued to please die-hard fans. Released in 2000, Then and Now is an enjoyable, if imperfect, collection of live and studio tracks that draws on Skynyrds three CMC International releases of the late 90s: Lyve From Steeltown, Edge of Forever, and Twenty. Inspired performances of 1970s favorites like "Sweet Home Alabama," "Free Bird," and "That Smell" (all of which were recorded at a show in Burgettstown, PA, near Pittsburgh on July 15, 1997) demonstrate that in the 1990s, lead singer Johnny Van Zant had no problem handling gems his late brother Ronnie Van Zant once belted out. And the studio tracks (which include "Preacher Man," "Tomorrows Goodbye," and the swamp blues-influenced "Voodoo Lake") point to the fact that while 1999s Edge of Forever and 1997s Twenty arent in a class with Gimme Back My Bullets, Second Helping, or Street Survivors, theyre decent more often than not. Casual listeners would be better off starting out with a collection of Skynyrds 1970s classics, but for hardcore fans, Then and Now isnt a bad CD to have in your collection. | ||
 | Album: 29 of 41 Title: Double Trouble Released: 2000-08-15 Tracks: 9 Duration: 38:16 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 You Got That Right (03:47) 2 Gimme Three Steps (04:30) 3 One More Time (05:03) 4 On the Hunt (05:27) 5 Down South Jukin’ (02:13) 6 All I Can Do Is Write About It (04:17) 7 Am I Losin’ (04:34) 8 Double Trouble (02:50) 9 Comin’ Home (05:31) |
| Double Trouble : Allmusic album Review : Lynyrd Skynyrds Double Trouble collects some of the bands career highlights into a value-priced CD, including: "Gimme Three Steps," "You Got That Right," "Comin Home," and the title track. "One More Time," "Down South Jukin," and "Am I Losin" are some of the other worthwhile tracks on this brief compilation. Though its not even a full greatest hits collection, its budget price may interest some casual fans. | ||
 | Album: 30 of 41 Title: Christmas Time Again Released: 2000-09-12 Tracks: 11 Duration: 36:05 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Wikipedia Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Santas Messin With the Kid (03:15) 2 Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (02:31) 3 Christmas Time Again (04:34) 4 Greensleeves (02:18) 5 Santa Claus Is Coming to Town (03:08) 6 Run Run Rudolph (03:34) 7 Mamas Song (03:53) 8 Santa Claus Wants Some Lovin (03:38) 9 Classical Christmas (02:09) 10 Hallelujah! It’s Christmas (04:01) 11 Skynyrd Family (03:00) |
| Christmas Time Again : Allmusic album Review : A Southern rock Christmas album? Hey, it makes as much sense as Run-DMCs "Christmas in Hollis," and the good news is that the Lynyrd Skynyrd boys--along with special guests the Charlie Daniels Band and .38 Special--truly get into the spirit with a nice mix of seasonal standards (rock and otherwise) and originals. Among the latter, the Daniels Band provides a frankly terrifying "Devil Went Down to Georgia"-derived take on "Santa Claus is Coming to Town," while Skynyrd crunch through Chuck Berrys "Run, Rudolph Run" with Stones-like aplomb. On the originals front, .38 Special score big with "Mamas Song," a Southern rock power pop hybrid in their best 80s style, although it must be said that these self-proclaimed wild-eyed Southern boys have a sentimental streak a mile wide (and when their song is followed by Skynyrds near-obscene "Santa Claus Wants Some Lovin," its a tad disconcertin...). In any case, the album concludes, nicely, with a little harmonizing by the entire Skynyrd family (kids, relatives, road crew, dogs, etc). Fun stuff. | ||
 | Album: 31 of 41 Title: Classic Lynyrd Skynyrd Released: 2000-09-27 Tracks: 13 Duration: 1:02:55 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% AlbumCover | 1 Sweet Home Alabama (04:44) 2 Swamp Music (03:32) 3 Gimme Three Steps (04:30) 4 I Ain’t the One (03:53) 5 Double Trouble (outtake version) (02:53) 6 Free Bird (outtake version) (10:09) 7 Truck Drivin Man (demo) (05:19) 8 Workin’ for MCA (04:47) 9 Saturday Night Special (05:09) 10 What’s Your Name (03:33) 11 That Smell (05:49) 12 Dont Ask Me No Questions (03:27) 13 Call Me the Breeze (05:08) |
 | Album: 32 of 41 Title: Collectybles Released: 2000-11-21 Tracks: 26 Duration: 2:30:18 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Free Bird (07:29) 2 Need All My Friends (03:18) 3 Michelle (02:57) 4 If Im Wrong (05:29) 5 No One Can Take Your Place (05:25) 6 Hide Your Face (02:59) 7 Bad Boy Blues (07:48) 8 Memphis (03:21) 9 I Aint the One (04:00) 10 Call Me the Breeze (05:50) 11 Sweet Home Alabama (04:59) 12 Woman of Mine (06:33) 13 Workin for MCA (live) (05:06) 14 Free Bird (live) (10:35) 1 Need All My Friends (Complete version) (05:11) 2 Michelle (Complete version) (05:43) 3 Saturday Night Special (06:50) 4 Whiskey Rock-A-Roller (04:26) 5 Gimme Three Steps (04:42) 6 Call Me the Breeze (05:45) 7 I Never Dreamed (alternate version) (04:55) 8 You Got That Right (alternate version) (03:27) 9 T for Texas (10:15) 10 Crossroads (04:00) 11 Jacksonville Kid (04:06) 12 Free Bird (live at the Fox Theater 1976) (14:58) |
 | Album: 33 of 41 Title: The Collection Released: 2001 Tracks: 17 Duration: 1:14:40 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Sweet Home Alabama (04:44) 2 Gimme Three Steps (original version) (04:26) 3 Simple Man (original version) (05:53) 4 Swamp Music (03:32) 5 The Needle and the Spoon (03:53) 6 I’m a Country Boy (04:25) 7 What’s Your Name (03:33) 8 I Aint the One (original version) (03:53) 9 Don’t Ask Me No Questions (03:25) 10 Gimme Back My Bullets (03:30) 11 Saturday Night Special (05:09) 12 Honky Tonk Night Time Man (04:04) 13 Railroad Song (04:15) 14 Workin’ for MCA (04:47) 15 Every Mother’s Son (04:58) 16 Whiskey Rock-a-Roller (04:18) 17 That Smell (05:49) |
| The Collection : Allmusic album Review : A Lynyrd Skynyrd compilation that doesnt include "Free Bird"? Sounds preposterous, but thats the exact cardinal sin that the 17-track The Collection commits. With such a glut of Skynyrd comps flooding the market place in recent years, the competition is fierce, and this is quite a handicap right off the bat. But what this set does accomplish is spotlight just about every other expected Skynyrd fave, as well as feature a handful of strong tracks that are usually overlooked. Included are the well-known gems that almost single-handedly touched off the "Southern rock explosion" of the late 70s -- "Sweet Home Alabama," "Whats Your Name?," "That Smell," "Saturday Night Special," etc. And if you want to dig a bit deeper than just the tracks that have become standards on classic rock radio, this set has some of them, too -- "Swamp Music," "Needle and the Spoon," "Railroad Song," etc. But thats what ultimately hinders this set. By not being either a straight-ahead "best-of" set or a collection of tracks that havent been included on countless other compilations since Gold & Platinum, its neither a solid intro for new fans or a neat career summary for longtimers. | ||
 | Album: 34 of 41 Title: Lynyrd Skynyrd / 38 Special Christmas Released: 2002 Tracks: 10 Duration: 33:28 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% AlbumCover | 1 A Wild-Eyed Christmas Night (04:02) 2 Santa Claus Wants Some Lovin (03:34) 3 Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (02:30) 4 Here Comes Santa Claus (02:17) 5 Jingle Bell Rock (02:20) 6 Santas Messin With the Kid (03:14) 7 Santa Claus Is Back in Town (03:35) 8 Run Run Rudolph (03:23) 9 Christmas Time Again (04:30) 10 Hallelujah! It’s Christmas (04:01) |
 | Album: 35 of 41 Title: Vicious Cycle Released: 2003-05-20 Tracks: 15 Duration: 1:10:40 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 That’s How I Like It (04:33) 2 Pick ’em Up (04:20) 3 Dead Man Walkin’ (04:30) 4 The Way (05:32) 5 Red White & Blue (05:31) 6 Sweet Mama (03:59) 7 All Funked Up (03:33) 8 Hell or Heaven (05:14) 9 Mad Hatter (05:38) 10 Rockin’ Little Town (03:36) 11 Crawl (05:09) 12 Jake (03:41) 13 Life’s Lessons (05:59) 14 Lucky Man (05:35) 15 Gimme Back My Bullets (03:41) |
| Vicious Cycle : Allmusic album Review : Having endured the loss of yet another bandmember with the passing of original bassist Leon Wilkeson, Skynyrd picks up the pieces yet again and delivers the goods the way only it can. Lyrically, the band hasnt stretched out its list of topics in any new directions, but quite honestly, who cares? This is Skynyrd. This isnt music to study to or scratch your chin by -- this isnt the soundtrack to relaxing nights sipping instant coffee and talking about deep feelings. This is homegrown music thats about partying and rock & roll, with a little bit of contemplative soul-searching mixed in for good measure. The music is still top-notch, probably the best its been since the early 90s. And while the obvious absence of Ronnie VanZant will forever haunt the group like a bad plague, his brother has more than adequately been up to the task -- filling those giant shoes with the same passionate dirt and grit in his vocals as Ronnie did all those years ago. The band is the same, still rocking harder than most even after all these years. And for once the phrase "bonus track" lives up to that title; a duet of "Gimme Back My Bullets" between Skynyrd and nu-metal spokesman of the moment Kid Rock is simply the icing on the cake. Easily Skynyrds best work in years and a welcome return to form for one of rocks most treasured assets. | ||
 | Album: 36 of 41 Title: Thyrty: 30th Anniversary Collection Released: 2003-08-12 Tracks: 30 Duration: 2:31:41 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify AlbumCover | 1 Sweet Home Alabama (04:44) 2 Need All My Friends (05:12) 3 Blues Medley: Sweet Little Angel / How Blue Can You Get / I Got a Mind to Give Up Living (10:15) 4 Down South Jukin’ (02:13) 5 Was I Right or Wrong (05:24) 6 I Ain’t the One (03:53) 7 Tuesday’s Gone (07:32) 8 Gimme Three Steps (04:30) 9 Workin’ for MCA (04:47) 10 The Ballad of Curtis Loew (04:52) 11 Call Me the Breeze (05:08) 12 Saturday Night Special (05:09) 13 All I Can Do Is Write About It (acoustic version) (04:24) 14 Free Bird (09:07) 1 Whiskey Rock-A-Roller (live) (04:12) 2 Simple Man (live) (06:42) 3 What’s Your Name (03:33) 4 That Smell (05:49) 5 I Know a Little (03:28) 6 You Got That Right (03:47) 7 Comin Home (live) (06:11) 8 Swamp Music (live) (03:38) 9 Gimme Back My Bullets (live) (05:05) 10 Smokestack Lightnin (04:29) 11 The Last Rebel (06:46) 12 Things Goin On (acoustic) (03:00) 13 Talked Myself Right Into It (03:25) 14 We Aint Much Different (live) (03:42) 15 Workin (04:54) 16 Mad Hatter (05:38) |
 | Album: 37 of 41 Title: Greatest Hits Released: 2005-06-06 Tracks: 30 Duration: 2:13:48 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Free Bird (09:07) 2 Tuesday’s Gone (07:32) 3 Gimme Three Steps (04:30) 4 Simple Man (05:56) 5 Poison Whiskey (03:14) 6 Don’t Ask Me No Questions (03:25) 7 Swamp Music (03:32) 8 I’ve Been Your Fool (04:28) 9 Comin’ Home (05:31) 10 Down South Junkin’ (02:13) 11 I Ain’t the One (03:53) 12 White Dove (02:57) 13 Workin’ for MCA (04:47) 14 The Needle and the Spoon (03:53) 15 Sweet Home Alabama (04:44) 1 Call Me the Breeze (05:08) 2 Saturday Night Special (05:09) 3 Railroad Song (04:15) 4 I’m a Country Boy (04:25) 5 On the Hunt (05:27) 6 Whiskey Rock-a-Roller (04:16) 7 Gimme Back My Bullets (03:30) 8 I Got the Same Old Blues (04:09) 9 Double Trouble (02:50) 10 Searching (03:18) 11 Cry for the Bad Man (04:50) 12 What’s Your Name (03:33) 13 That Smell (05:49) 14 I Know a Little (03:28) 15 You Got That Right (03:47) |
| Greatest Hits : Allmusic album Review : Universal Internationals 2005 release Greatest Hits is a double-disc, 30-track collection that rounds up all of Lynyrd Skynyrds biggest and best hits, from "Freebird" to "You Got That Right." There are other collections that cover this territory just as well, but this is a great way to get most of the bands best in one place. | ||
 | Album: 38 of 41 Title: Chronicles Released: 2005-06-21 Tracks: 34 Duration: 18:28 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 I Aint the One (?) 2 Tuesdays Gone (album version) (?) 3 Gimme Three Steps (album version) (?) 4 Simple Man (05:55) 5 Things Goin On (?) 6 Mississippi Kid (?) 7 Poison Whiskey (?) 8 Free Bird (album version) (?) 9 Mr. Banker (?) 10 Down South Jukin (?) 11 Tuesdays Gone (demo version) (?) 12 Gimme Three Steps (demo version) (?) 13 Free Bird (1973/live demo version) (?) 1 Sweet Home Alabama (?) 2 I Need You (?) 3 Dont Ask Me No Questions (album version) (?) 4 Workin for MCA (?) 5 The Ballad of Curtis Loew (?) 6 Swamp Music (?) 7 The Needle and the Spoon (?) 8 Call Me the Breeze (05:08) 9 Dont Ask Me No Questions (album edit) (?) 10 Was I Right or Wrong (?) 11 Take Your Time (07:24) 1 Saturday Night Special (?) 2 Cheatin Woman (?) 3 Railroad Song (album version) (?) 4 Im a Country Boy (?) 5 On the Hunt (album version) (?) 6 Am I Losin (?) 7 Made in the Shade (?) 8 Whiskey Rock-A-Roller (?) 9 Railroad Song (1975/live at Bill Grahams Winterland) (?) 10 On the Hunt (live (Bill Grahams Winterland)) (?) |
| Chronicles : Allmusic album Review : This Lynyrd Skynyrd three-disc package features three of Skynyrds best records, all packaged with their original CD artwork in a specially priced single-box set. The landmark Pronounced Leh-Nerd Skin-Nerd is presented here in deluxe edition form with bonus tracks -- a plus for those who missed out on the expanded edition set the first time around. The other discs, Nuthin Fancy and Second Helping, add some important songs to the Skynyrd legacy, including the epic "Sweet Home Alabama." While a greatest-hits collection may be the way to go for listeners just diving into the Skynyrd sound, longtime fans may appreciate having these three discs so crucial to the bands career in one accessible package. | ||
 | Album: 39 of 41 Title: Family Released: 2006-02-28 Tracks: 16 Duration: 1:18:56 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Gimme 3 Steps (04:31) 2 Free Bird (09:12) 3 Sweet Home Alabama (04:46) 4 Saturday Night Special (05:09) 5 What`s Your Name (03:33) 6 What Can I Do (04:32) 7 Take Me Back 38 Spacial (05:17) 8 Coming Home (04:07) 9 Don`t Misunderstand Me (03:57) 10 Tashauna (04:57) 11 Just Trouble (04:00) 12 Love Your Man (03:56) 13 Brickyard Road Johnny Van Zant (07:15) 14 Get What You Got Comin` Van Zant (04:17) 15 At Least I`m Free Van Zant (04:57) 16 Smokestack Lightnin` (04:30) |
 | Album: 40 of 41 Title: God & Guns Released: 2009-09-21 Tracks: 18 Duration: 1:18:26 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Wikipedia Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Still Unbroken (05:06) 2 Simple Life (03:17) 3 Little Thing Called You (03:58) 4 Southern Ways (03:48) 5 Skynyrd Nation (03:52) 6 Unwrite That Song (03:50) 7 Floyd (04:03) 8 That Aint My America (03:44) 9 Comin Back for More (03:28) 10 God & Guns (05:44) 11 Storm (03:15) 12 Gifted Hands (05:22) 1 Bang Bang (03:10) 2 Raining in My Heartland (03:54) 3 Hobo Kinda Man (03:53) 4 Red White & Blue (live) (05:42) 5 Call Me the Breeze (live) (05:49) 6 Sweet Home Alabama (live) (06:25) |
| God & Guns : Allmusic album Review : With their classic early lineup, anchored by the swagger, grit, and heart of lead singer Ronnie Van Zant, Lynyrd Skynyrd merged Allman Brothers guitars with barrelhouse piano (courtesy of keyboardist Billy Powell, a bigger part of Skynyrds classic sound than most people realize), then tossed in a big dose of hard rock attitude and gave it all credence with a kind of blustering and cocky honky tonk sensibility. The original band just sounded so, well, right, and if its legacy in most casual listeners minds is just "Sweet Home Alabama" and the ubiquitous "Free Bird," thats not a bad legacy to have, really. Skynyrds story is also a gothic Southern tragedy, haunted by fatal plane crashes and death, and if the 21st century version of the band (current membership includes ex-Blackfoot guitarist Rickey Medlocke, drummer Michael Cartellone, vocalist Johnny Van Zant, and guitarist Gary Rossington, who is the only member left from the original version of Skynyrd) seems more like a facsimile than a continuation, one could chalk it up to pure attrition. So what to make of God & Guns, the groups new album from Roadrunner Records? It certainly sounds like Lynyrd Skynyrd, maybe with a little more contemporary Nashville on board, and theres plenty of that Southern redneck rocker attitude on display, but whats missing, unfortunately, is compassion and heart, two qualities that were the secret ingredients in Ronnie Van Zants singing. Johnny sounds like him, sure, but where Ronnie came across slightly disappointed, wounded, and -- God forbid -- regretful underneath his swagger, Johnny comes across like an archetypal Southern redneck convinced that America is all about guns and God -- one assumes Ronnie would wonder if those two things were ever a good idea to mix together. The lead single from this set, "Still Unbroken," is a decent song, but unfortunately thats about it, although the album has a big, full feel. There just arent many songs, really, to go with that fullness (God & Guns was produced by Bob Marlette) -- "Southern Ways" has a certain charm, maybe because its essentially a slowed-down rewrite of "Sweet Home Alabama" with the same riff as an anchor, and "Floyd" has some ragged atmosphere going for it, but most of the songs here are far from memorable. It ends up feeling like an album that stomps and roars and sounds like Lynyrd Skynyrd but somehow just isnt the same -- maybe because it isnt. | ||
 | Album: 41 of 41 Title: Last of a Dyin’ Breed Released: 2012-08-17 Tracks: 15 Duration: 1:00:21 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Last of a Dyin’ Breed (03:51) 2 One Day at a Time (03:46) 3 Homegrown (03:41) 4 Ready to Fly (05:26) 5 Mississippi Blood (02:57) 6 Good Teacher (03:07) 7 Something to Live For (04:29) 8 Life’s Twisted (04:33) 9 Nothing Comes Easy (04:13) 10 Honey Hole (04:35) 11 Start Livin’ Life Again (04:23) 12 Poor Mans Dream (04:07) 13 Do It Up Right (03:56) 14 Sad Song (04:01) 15 Low Down Dirty (03:14) |
| Last of a Dyin’ Breed : Allmusic album Review : Defiance runs deep in Lynyrd Skynyrds DNA but 2012s Last of a Dyin Breed finds the veteran Southern rockers hunkering down, emphasizing their old-fashioned outlaw ways. All the recognizable redneck rebel sentiments are here -- its all god, guns, Southern girls, and sweet tea -- but Skynyrds signature sound is absent. In this, their third act, the kings of Southern rock have cut out the country and boogie, leaving behind a heavy-booted blues grind and churning hard rock -- sounds that signify the modern South even if theyre not classically Southern rock. And that fits for this incarnation of Lynyrd Skynyrd. They may flirt with fleeting references to their past -- the first verse of "Good Teacher" recalling "The Ballad of Curtis Loew," the soaring soul-speckled ballad "Ready to Fly" a distant cousin of "Freebird" -- but Johnny Van Zant, Gary Rossington, and Rickey Medlocke arent in this game just to revive past glories; theyre engaging with the modern world, co-opting the leaden stripper rock of Nickelback for "Homegrown," once again bringing back former Marilyn Manson guitarist John 5 for a cameo, and writing a Tea Party anthem in "Nothing Comes Easy." Certainly, Skynyrd are making sturdy, old-time rock & roll for an audience thats likely peppered with Tea Partiers, the kind of Middle American worried that the world they knew is slipping away, and Last of a Dyin Breed provides a bit of a rallying point for them: its true to their roots but living in the moment. If Skynyrd sound a little less nimble than they used to, chalk it up not to age but to the conscious decision to play everything heavier than before; without elements of the backwoods, theyre dogged rockers, happy to carry the torch they lit nearly four decades ago even if it doesnt burn as bright as it once did. | ||