Ticket 2 Ride

There’s a very good complication set of songs by the Southern-rock band .38 Special. Listening to it I heard a bunch of songs that were new to me. Of course, there are the hits.

Fronted by lead vocalist Donnie Van Zandt, one of the Van Zandt brothers (Ronnie, Donnie and Johnny), and guitarist Don Barnes, it took the band a few albums to find their sound. With help from songwriter Jim Peterik (“Vehicle”), they would find their sound commercial groove in the early 1980s, despite the synth dance grooves and emerging hair and spandex bands, the denim and whiskey bar band with the smoking electric guitars released some irresistible tunes.

This is a band that never achieved the fame of Allman Brothers Band, Lynyard Skynyard, ZZ Top, Charlie Daniels or Marshall Tucker – and that’s a shame. They have a sure hit list, but they have more than that.

The band was formed in 1974, which puts them past their 50 year anniversary. They recently released their first album in 20 years.

“Rockin’ Into the Night” (1980) Rockin’ into the Night

I would say this was any more Southern as Motley Crue, Survivor, Bon Jovi or Foreigner. Great arrangement and powerful guitars.

“Teacher, Teacher” (1984) From the Teachers soundtrack, written by Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance. The song reached number 25 on the chart. Better than average song, even though the band didn’t write, but the publicity was good for the band.

“Hold On Loosely” (1981) Wild-Eyed Southern Boys

Very catchy song, big hit on FM radio. Very riffy guitar song.

“Fantasy Girl” (1981) Wild-Eyed Southern Boys

Although only charting at number 52, this song received a fair amount of play on FM radio. With the trademark snarling solos over the crunchy riffs, it featured a catchy melody.

“Caught Up in You” (1982) Special Forces

Ten 10 single on pop chart and number one on the rock chart, probably their most successful single. Powerful guitars, the signature sound of the band, but very polished arrangement.