The first album by Lynyrd Skynyrd, (Pronounced Leh-Nerd Skin-Nerd), was published in 1973. They were instantly recognized in rock and roll as a result. They kept adding to their legend throughout the ensuing years with one outstanding album after another.
catastrophe then transpired. Lead singer Ronnie Van Zant, guitarist Steve Gaines, and backup singer Cassie Gaines perished in an aircraft disaster on October 20, 1977. For a while, it appeared the band had disbanded. They then made a comeback in 1991 with a new lineup and their distinctive brand of southern rock.
Since their reformation, the group has put out more albums than their previous configuration, helping to sell more than 28 million copies overall. Here, we rank all 10 Lynyrd Skynyrd albums and look back on their career.
1. (Pronounced Leh-Nerd Skin-Nerd)
It wasn’t until 1973 that Lynyrd Skynyrd published their first album, and it was an album that encapsulated everything there was to know about the band in a neat package.
It is full of fantastic tracks, as Louder Sound mentions, such as the melancholy “Tuesday’s Gone,” the rousing “Free Bird,” and the funny “Gimme Three Steps.” Simple Man, a track on the album, is credited with establishing the blueprint for 1970s southern rock.
This record, more than any other one, insured that they would be remembered. After almost half a century, its importance has not diminished in the least.
2. Second Helping
Although it was difficult for Lynyrd Skynyrd to top their debut, their epic second album, Second Helping, came close. They were mistaken to worry that they may become victims of the “difficult second album” phenomenon.
While his lyrical contributions helped co-author three of the album’s most iconic songs, including Workin’ for MCA, Swamp Music, and Sweet Home Alabama, the brash response to Neil Young’s song, Southern Man, Ed King’s promotion to full-time guitarist introduced us to the band’s signature triple-guitar attack (at its best here on Call Me the Breeze). Rock from the South rarely gets any better than this.
3. Street Survivors
The film Street Survivors from 1977 is up next. The record, which was released only three days before the catastrophic plane accident, is the final one to feature the band in its classic lineup.
Following the incident, the original cover photo, which depicted the band amidst flames, was changed; nonetheless, there was not much that could be done to soften the shock of the album’s cruelly sarcastic title.
Despite everything, however, the album was simply too brilliant to be overshadowed by what was going on. It is a wonderful piece of rock and roll since it is full of exciting and daring moments as well as excellent tunes.
4. Nuthin’ Fancy
The southern rock songs on Nuthin’ Fancy are presented in a basic and unadorned manner on the album, which bears the same name. It is devoid of any superfluous embellishments or fantastical components, opting instead to focus on the core characteristics that define the genre.
Each song exemplifies the skilled, laborious musicianship that is characteristic of Southern rock and serves as a model for the genre. Every song on this album is well-crafted and presented with a straightforward demeanor, from the soulful bluesy sounds of “Saturday Night Special” to the laid-back and seductive tones of “Whiskey Rock-A-Roller.”
In addition to being a really delightful listening experience, it serves as a demonstration of the skill and grit that characterize Southern rock music.
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5. Gimme Back My Bullets
Gimme Back My Bullets, which was released in 1976, did not enjoy the same amount of economic success as its predecessor, Nuthin’ Fancy, but it is still a fantastic album to listen to.
Ronnie Van Zant didn’t have a lot of appreciation for it, and he blamed the producer, Tom Dowd, for making it sound too “refined.”
He didn’t, and Ronnie was also wrong about the record; it’s not even close to being weak; there’s plenty of grit and gravel to keep things rolling throughout the whole thing. The cocky song that serves as the album’s title is very good.
6. Last Of A Dyin’ Breed
Fans have grown accustomed to the reconstituted Skynyrd’s sound, and their 2012 album Last Of A Dyin’ Breed did not dissatisfy. It doesn’t pretend to be subtle, sticking to the band’s recognizable loud and unrelenting country-rock sound.
The album demonstrates Skynyrd’s dedication to its distinctive style by staying true to its roots and well-known terrain. The Skynyrd sound that has been adored by fans for decades is maintained, even though it may not be a revolutionary departure from their earlier work.
One could even argue that it wouldn’t be a Skynyrd record if it didn’t feature their distinctive brand of hard-hitting country rock. Overall, Last Of A Dyin’ Breed is a solid addition to the Skynyrd discography and a sign of the group’s dedication to its musical heritage.
7. Endangered Species
Skynyrd got back together three years after their disappointing comeback and released an album under the name Endangered Species. It is not up to the standards of the band’s efforts during the 1970s, but it is still a solid album, featuring a fine combination of old favorites (the stripped-back versions of Sweet Home Alabama and Saturday Night Special are particularly noteworthy) combined with some very decent stuff.
Although it is not up to the standards of the band’s efforts during the 1970s, it is still a quality album. In comparison to what Skynyrd would go on to do in the future, this is a much more sedate and subdued event; yet, this is in no way a negative aspect.
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8. God & Guns
By 2009, Gary Rossington was the last remaining original member of Lynyrd Skynyrd. As a result, God & Guns, their record, does not have the normal Skynyrd sound. It’s not necessarily a poor album, but it departs quite a little from the group’s typical sound and aesthetic.
Even if several of the songs on the album are catchy on their own, they fall short of capturing the essence of what made Skynyrd so well-known and recognizable.
Given the absence of the majority of the original members, this change in sound is not wholly unexpected, but it is undeniably audible to fans who have followed the band’s development over time.
God & Guns may have some redeeming features overall, but it does not accurately capture Skynyrd’s iconic sound and approach, and it may not be as appealing to the band’s ardent followers.
9. Lynyrd Skynyrd 1991
Lynyrd Skynyrd reformed in 1991 with the release of their debut album following the tragic plane crash that claimed the lives of three members of the band. The band had been dormant for the previous fourteen years.
Johnny Van Zant, brother of the late singer Ronnie Van Zant, was brought in as a replacement for him, while Randall Hall was brought in to take the place of Steve Gaines. Artimus Pyle, the band’s original drummer, and Ed King, the band’s original guitarist, both returned after leaving the band in 1975 during the Nuthin’ Fancy tour.
I’m afraid the record doesn’t quite live up to expectations. It has a lot of bravadoes but not a lot of substance to back it up. The only way to really appreciate the dynamics of the original lineup is to realize that it is no longer present.
10. The Last Rebel
Lynyrd Skynyrd was worn out in 1993, and their album The Last Rebel captures this mood. The band’s music lacked the same vitality and vigor that had previously made them well-known. With alternative rock and grunge dominating the radio, the new music scene was also having an impact.
The shifting lineup of Skynyrd didn’t seem to be energizing them, but rather adding to their weariness. The band’s previous successes are not fully reflected in The Last Rebel, which ultimately falls short of expectations.
The album is a predictable and underwhelming attempt since it lacks the fire and passion that once distinguished Skynyrd’s sound. The album failed to connect with a wider audience and contributed to Skynyrd’s decrease in popularity during this time, even though some devoted fans would still enjoy it.