CD Review
This review was originally written by Jose Bernardo for www.theweeklyriff.com between 2008 and 2010.
These were Jose’s first impressions of the songs and were not written after multiple spins.
Artist : Lynyrd Skynyrd
Album : God + Guns (2009 Roadrunner)
Tracks : 12
Artist website : http://www.lynyrdskynyrd.com
OVERVIEW
If you need a long introduction to know who Lynyrd Skynyrd are, shame on you! Everyone knows at least two songs by Skynyrd: 1) “Free Bird” and 2) “Sweet Home Alabama”. There is always some yahoo yelling out “Free Bird” at every “dag gone” concert these days.
This album continues the fine traditions of Southern Rock that these veterans have given us. Even if most of the original members are no longer a part of the band, the spirit is still very much there. I really enjoyed this album. The musicianship is superb and the writing is smart in a lot of places.
While it’s a great album to study and learn from, it’s also a great album to kick back and relax to. This is a great first album to discover Lynyrd Skynyrd if you haven’t heard their music. It is especially good if you’ve never listened to southern rock. This is definitely in the top 10 for 2009!
HIGHLIGHTS :
Still Unbroken, Little Thing Called You, Southern Ways, That Ain’t My America, God & Guns
PLAY BY PLAY
Track 1 – Still Unbroken
Powerful. Awesome chorus. Amazing guitar work!
Track 2 – Simple Life
Cool track. The lyrics are good. Nice chorus.
Track 3 –Little Thing Called You
Awesome bluesy rock song! Really like the twists in the lyrics even if they’re straightforward.
Track 4 – Southern Ways
This song makes me want to wave around a confederate flag. Kinda reminds me of “Sweet Home Alabama”. Especially the opening riff and feel of the song. Definitely aimed to be a crowd pleasing singalong song.
Track 5 – Skynyrd Nation
A bit narcisitic, ain’t it? But a cool song none the less. Really love the riffs and the chorus. Awesome stuff.
Track 6 – Unwrite That Song
I hate to say it, but this has got to be the most gimmicky song that Skynyrd has done. My suspicion is that this was probably brought on by the record company. It’s a nice song, but the lyrics scream Nashville formula! Nothing outlaw and rebellious in this song.
Track 7 – Floyd
My least favorite track on the record. I just could not click with this one.
Track 8 – That Ain’t My America
Wonderful track. Well done. Salute!
Track 9 – Comin Back For More
Very good rock song!
Track 10 – God & Guns
I love how this is such a laid back song for most of the duration of the song. Just that simple guitar + vocal approach for most of the song in order to highlight the message contained in the lyrics. This is how to send an uncluttered message.
[Editor’s note: I do not necessarily agree with the politics or message of the song, but I can appreciate the art and recognize what a fantastic song this is outside of the message contained therein.]
Track 11 – Storm
Cool track. Really love the big vocals in this song. Sounds like a choir.
Track 12 – Gifted Hands
Beautiful and soulful!