38 SPECIAL - Rock & Roll Strategy/Bones Against Steel (Released: 1988/1991 - A&M/Charisma)

Today we start a new way in this blog we will remember artists, albums and songs that enjoyed much success in the 80's late 70's and early 90's but somehow after all these years are forgotten... so this is going to be a tribute to all that amazing music.
38 Special took their name from a rimmed centerfire cartridge by Smith & Wesson. From Jacksonville, Florida these guys started as a Southern Rock band but soon they turned into a more Melodic Rock sound. This change of direction help the band to enjoy biggest success. Original line-up consisting in Donnie Van Zant (vocals), Jeff Carlisi (guitar), Don Barnes (guitar, vocals), Ken Lyons (bass), Jack Grondin (drums), and Steve Brookins (drums) suffered many changes but probably the most important was the adition of Danny Chauncey and Max Carl in 1987 that led 38 special to release two of their most impressive albums.
Rock & Roll Strategy (1988) is a Melodic Rock album with some Southern blinks and full of catchy tunes. The album was produced by Rodney Mills and enjoyed huge success specially because of the monster ballad Second Chance. The song became 38 Special biggest hit reaching USA # 6 and # 1 Billboard's Adult Contemporary. This built on keys track is one of the most beautiful and sentimental ballads ever recorded. Three other singles were released from this album Little Sheba wich failed to chart, Rock & Roll Strategy USA # 61 and Comin' Down Tonight  USA # 67. But more memorable tracks from this album are Midnight Magic and Never Be Lonely.
1991 saw the release of Bones Against Steel. The album followed the same vibe than its predecessor but didn't enjoy much success reaching only Billboard 200 # 170 though the single The Sound Of Your Voice became a hit reaching USA # 33. I've been listening to this song for more than 20 years and still sounds to me as fresh as the very first time, it's a shot of energy that makes worth waking up every single day. The other single released from this album was Rebel To Rebel but failed to reach Billboard Hot 100. Another impressive tracks that sadly never were released as single are You Be the Dam, I'll Be the Water and Signs of Love.
Bones Against Steel was the swan song for 38 Special that after the departure of Max Carl in 1991 released three more studio albums that didn't enjoy any success.

Sounds from Rock And Roll Strategy:








Sounds from Bones Against Steel:








The Sound Of Your Voice (official video)

Second Chance (official video)

Dedicated to mi cosa roja