First New Album in Over 20 Years
Legendary southern rockers .38 Special are set to release their first studio album in over two decades. Milestone (https://amzn.to/4lTFfDI) lands on September 19, 2025, marking the band’s 50th anniversary.
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Lead Single: “All I Haven’t Said”
The album’s lead single, “All I Haven’t Said,” is already streaming, complete with an official music video premiered on YouTube this July. Frontman Don Barnes, who co-produced the track with Jim Peterik, describes it as:
“My throwback to the ’60s, inspired by bands like the Searchers…what’s old is new again. We just inject more power guitars to it.”
This melodic powerhouse effortlessly bridges nostalgic musical influences with Milestone’s signature southern rock grit.
Donnie Van Zant, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and the Rise of .38 Special
While Milestone marks a new chapter, .38 Special’s legacy is deeply rooted in southern rock royalty.. Thanks in large part to Donnie Van Zant, co-founder and former vocalist of the band. Donnie is the younger brother of Ronnie Van Zant, the late frontman of Lynyrd Skynyrd, and Johnny Van Zant, who later took over Skynyrd’s lead vocals.
Carving out their own identity apart from the Skynyrd family tree, .38 Special made their mark in the 1980s with a string of radio-dominating hits.
Their unique blend of arena rock energy with southern soul propelled them to mainstream success with anthems like:
- “Hold On Loosely”
- “Caught Up In You”
- “Back Where You Belong”
- “If I’d Been the One”
By 1989, they had sold over 20 million albums, headlining festivals and filling arenas with a sound that balanced melodic hooks with down-south guitar grit.
Though Donnie retired from touring in 2013 due to health issues, his influence remains embedded in the band’s DNA—his harmonies, vocal swagger, and storytelling defined the group’s peak years. Today, Don Barnes leads the band, but the Van Zant legacy still casts a long, proud shadow over everything .38 Special touches.
Milestone: The Sound of Rebirth
Producers Don Barnes and songwriting partner Jim Peterik team up again, joined by heavy-hitting collaborators Pat Monahan (Train) and Randy Bachman (BTO/The Guess Who) Mixing legend Johnny K, known for work with Disturbed and Megadeth, gives the album its polished yet fiery edge.
The Southern Rock album boasts nine tracks:
- So Much So Right
- Slightly Controversial (feat. Pat Monahan)
- All I Haven’t Said
- The Main Thing
- Long Long Train (feat. Randy Bachman)
- Looking For My Life
- Making Up For Lost Time
- Windows of Memories
- The Look
Expect a blend of full-throttle rockers and emotionally charged ballads, a true southern rock renaissance.
Tour & Release Schedule
Milestone drops on September 19, with band touring alongside Kansas, Jefferson Starship, The Outlaws, and Dave Mason throughout summer and fall . Catch them live for album previews and hit classics like Hold On Loosely and Caught Up In You.
Sources Cited
- PR Newswire.
“.38 Special Mark 50th Anniversary With First Album in 20 Years, Milestone, Out September 19.”
Accessed July 11, 2025. - Ultimate Classic Rock.
“.38 Special Announce First Album in Over 20 Years.”
Accessed July 11, 2025. - AXS TV.
“.38 Special to Release First Album in Over 20 Years.”
Accessed July 11, 2025. - The Music Universe.
“.38 Special Marks 50th Anniversary With New Album.”
Accessed July 11, 2025.
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