CD Reviews- Lynyrd Skynyrd- God & Guns

The Background:
With their first set of new studio material since 2003’s Vicious Cycle, legendary rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd returns with God & Guns, due out today, September 29 on Loud & Proud/Roadrunner Records. Recorded in Nashville in 2008-2009, the project was interrupted—but, tellingly, not ended—by the deaths of founding member/keyboardist Billy Powell and longtime bassist Ean Evans earlier this year. With the passing of Powell and Evans, “a lot of people probably expected us to say enough is enough,” admits Medlocke. But that would not be the way of this Rock & Roll Hall of Fame powerhouse. With a catalog of over 60 albums and sales beyond 30 million, Lynyrd Skynyrd remains a cultural icon that appeals to all generations, and God & Guns is a fitting addition to the canon. “We wanted to show the people that not only are we doing the old material, keeping the music going, but we still have some new tricks up our sleeves, too,” says founding guitarist Gary Rossington. The Skynyrd Nation awaits.

The Review:
Lynyrd Skynyrd is the pure definition of resilience. After 30 years with multiple moving band member pieces, they’re still a major draw in concert ticket sales. Overcoming losses of two band members between the last album and this one, could this album be deemed a victorious tragedy? It’s a tribute to the power of the band/brand and their legacy that they journey on. Those thoughts are appropriate as the album opens up to the first song, “Still Unbroken.” With lyrics like “Yes I’ve lost everything I’ve had/ But I’m not dead, at least not yet/ Still alone/ Still alive/ Still unbroken” set to a rocking’ electric guitar riff, it reminds of the power of the Phoenix. Just like the words to the song, Lynyrd Skynyrd endures. But what is That Nashville Sound, largely a country music review site, reviewing a rock and roll album anyways? Perhaps Lynyrd Skynyrd (led by lead singer Johnny Van Zant who released a country music album with his brother earlier this decade) is leaning more country with their sound. More likely, however, is that the electric guitar dominated (Jason Aldean’s “She’s Country” anyone?) country landscape has drifted more towards LS’s southern rock style. Either way, songs like “Simple Life,” “Southern Ways,” and “Unwrite That Song” could easily be heard on today’s modern country radio stations. One big exception to that is the terrific rock and roll drenched amphitheater opener “Skynyrd Nation.” With unsophisticated lyrics celebrated everything Lynyrd Skynyrd, it makes a great mental picture of them kicking off a concert. It’s fun, energetic and will make a great live show kick-off. With a not to Charlie Daniels Band’s “Legend Of Wooley Swamp,” another favorite is a great story-song, “Floyd.” The track tells the tale of a G-Man eluding backwoods bayou moonshiner who outsmarts the law with the help of his backwoods bayou neighbors. Lynyrd Skynyrd has always unapologetic of who and what they are over their career. God & Guns is nothing overtly new, but classically remindful of their rightful place in music history- endurers.

Sounds Like:
Charlie Daniels Band & The Allman Brothers

Track Highlights (suggested iPod adds):

Southern Ways
Skynyrd Nation
Floyd
Gifted Hands

The Verdict:

Three Stars Out Of Five