38 Special – ‘Milestone’ (2025) – Album Review

There is one thing I never thought I would say I needed and that was a new 38 Special album in 2025. I didn’t think I would need because I thought the band was done doing albums as it has been 21 years since their last studio album back in 2004 with ‘Drivetrain’. This is a milestone and thus the name of the album is ‘Milestone’. The band has been active since 1974, but sadly there is really only one original member and that is singer Don Barnes. However, there are two members from the 90’s with keyboardist, Bobby Capps (1991), and drummer Gary Moffatt (1996). There are also two members that joined since the turn of the century and that is bass player, Barry Dunaway (2014), and lead guitarist, Jerry Riggs (2019).

The album came out on September 19, 2025and honestly, I forgot to order it when I heard about the new album. Thanks to Tim Durling, he reminded me and I went and grabbed it. Don Barnes produced the album along with Jim Peterik from another classic 80’s band, Survivor. And I can hear that sound in some of the songs, probably cause Jim also helped write a few songs. We have a very special guest singer on one track and simply solid playing and singing throughout the album.

I was a big fan of the band in the late 70’s and early 80’s as their Southern Rock sound was right up my alley as I am from the south. These guys were some of the best. By the 80’s they turned a little more pop and had some big radio hits. They ended up fading away from my mind by the end of the 80’s and honestly, didn’t listen to them much since. But I do on occasion and when I find an album on vinyl, I grab it. The memories of their music etched in my brain so they are definitely a nostalgia band for me. Now, when I popped in the new album, I will say if I didn’t know already it was 38 Special, I probably would’ve never figured out who it was. We have to remember, we are 35 years past when I was listening to them and these guys are older and way more mature. And that is what this album sounds like. The album sounds like a classic AOR sounding album with some really modern productions. And none of that is a bad thing. In fact, let’s discuss the songs.

The album opens with “So Much So Right” comes blasting out of the gates. You can hear a little of the old Southern Rockers while baked in modern productions. A high energy rock anthem that sees Don singing amazingly well. He sounds fantastic, still has that grit and swagger he has always had. A catchy chorus, some killer guitar work and a nice solo to boot. A great opening track and a reminder of what this band could do.

The second track was completely unexpected as “Slightly Controversial” is a duet. And not with some modern Southern Rock band, no that would’ve been too obvious. Instead we get one with none other than Pat Monahan of the San Francisco band Train. I did not expect that. This one has an R&B vibe to it and takes me back a little to the 60’s as well. Definitely a stand out track as their vocals are great together, very complimentary of each other. The chorus is huge and has a great hook. A standout track!

Next up is “All I Haven’t Said” and brings us our first ballad. There are layers of guitars including both electric and acoustic. This one takes you back and makes you feel like time hasn’t changed as this song could’ve been on ‘Strength in Numbers’ or ‘Rock & Roll Strategy’. Don’s vocals still have so much heart and soul and you can feel this song as he sings those lyrics. A little tenderness and definitely heartfelt.

Things get all upbeat and fun with “The Main Thing”. Yeah, it is a little cheesy and rather basic overall, but man what fun it is too. It is a good old-fashioned rock & roll song with massive hooks, really catchy, blistering guitar solo and all rolled up makes for a blast of a good time.

“Long Long Train” is a collab with BTO and Guess Who alum, Randy Bachman and what a great one it is. A little on the bluesy side, a little Springsteen rolled in to it as well. Guitar work is nice as the rhythm section chugs along with vocals and a nice marrying of the two. I can say I’m not disappointed in any of it so far.

With “Looking For My Life”, I very retrospective track that is full of energy and nothing but good times. About as heavy as these guys are going to get and I welcome every note. A bouncy track, almost anthemic, but certainly lots of fun. I like the slower little break with the twangy guitar bit before ramping up the energy again and a wicked guitar solo. Turn it up and it will bring a smile.

“Making Up For Lost Time” is probably exactly what this whole album is about. After 21 years, they are delivering the goods. This one feels a little more raw, a little dirty sounding and I like it. The verses have a nice pacing and then it builds for the big delivery of the chorus where Don hasn’t sounded better. Another track that is simply classic AOR at its best.

The band sounds like they are yearning for the times gone by with “Windows of Memories”. There is a longing feeling to both the lyrics and the music. There is a country vibe to the music along with their normal rock sound. It is a little plain overall and missing something a little extra to take it over the top. The chorus is probably the issue as it doesn’t have the hook to grab you and not very memorable. The first misstep for me.

“The Look” closes out this fabulous album and this one was solely written by Jim Peterik. This is another ballad, but one worth hearing. A great story telling style in the lyrics about that “look” you get from the one you love (or the look you get that causes you to love her). I could see Jimi Jamison from Survivor singing this one (I miss him, sorry I digress). A nice song to end it all.

Track Listing:

1. So Much So Right – Keeper
2. Slightly Controversial (Feat. Pat Monahan) – Keeper
3. All I Haven’t Said – Keeper
4. The Main Thing – Keeper
5. Long Long Train – Keeper
6. Looking For My Life – Keeper
7. Making Up For Lost Time – Keeper
8. Windows of Memories – Delete
9. The Look – Keeper

The Track Score is 8 out of 9 Tracks or 89%.  My biggest problem with this album is simply…it is only 9 songs. I enjoyed it so much I would’ve liked a couple more tracks and after 21 years, you’d think you would get more.  But that is the only real problem with it.  The songs are fun, refreshing and an overall enjoyable listen. Are they bringing anything new and special, No.  But for nostalgia purposes, this is a pleasant album and I’ll gladly place it with my other 38 Special albums.  Like I said at the beginning, this was not something I ever expected I would need, but I sure am glad I have it.  My Overall Score is a 3.5 out of 5.0 Stars.  

I also talked about this album with Tim Durling on Tim’s Vinyl Confessions…check it out here…