"Tour de Force" is the sixth studio album by the southern rock band "38 Special", this album was released in 1984.
In 1984, the Southern rock band 38 Special released their studio album, "Tour de Force." The album, which was initially released as a 12" LP, was a major success for the band and cemented their place in the Southern rock pantheon.
The album was recorded in Atlanta, Georgia, and produced by Rodney Mills, who had previously worked with bands like Lynyrd Skynyrd and the Allman Brothers. From the opening track, "If I'd Been the One," it was clear that "Tour de Force" was going to be a hard-rocking affair. The track featured the band's signature blend of bluesy guitar riffs, soulful vocals, and catchy hooks.
The album's second track, "Back Where You Belong," was a radio-friendly hit that showcased the band's more pop-oriented side. The song was an instant classic, with its catchy chorus and driving beat. It was the band's highest-charting single to date, reaching number 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
The cover art, which was created by artist Ted Wing, perfectly captures the wild and free spirit of the Southern rock music contained within the album's grooves. The image of the galloping horses, their manes flying in the wind, evokes a sense of untamed energy and freedom that was central to the band's music and ethos.
The album cover also features a bold and striking design, with the band's name and album title rendered in large, bold letters against a black background. The design is simple and powerful, drawing the viewer's attention directly to the image of the wild horses.
Over the years, "Tour de Force" has become a beloved classic of the Southern rock genre. Its hard-driving riffs, catchy hooks, and soulful vocals continue to resonate with fans of all ages. And while the band may have gone through various lineup changes and musical evolutions over the years, "Tour de Force" remains a testament to their enduring legacy as one of the greatest Southern rock bands of all time.
Southern Rock
A&M Records AMLH 64971
Record Format: 12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram
1983 Made in Holland
This album "38 SPECIAL - Tour de Force" includes the original custom inner sleeve with album details, complete lyrics of all songs by and artwork/photos
Rodney Mills - Producer
Don Barnes - Producer
Jeff Carlisi - Producer
Bob Ludwig - Mastering Engineer at Masterdisk, New York.
Uncover the legacy of Bob Ludwig, the master behind music’s greatest hits — visit his biography now!
This album was recorded at: Studio One, Doraville, Georgia
Chuck Beeson - Art Direction
Norman Moore - Art Direction
Steve Prezant - Photographer
Harrison Funk - Photographer
In 1984, the Southern rock band 38 Special released their studio album, "Tour de Force." The album, which was initially released as a 12" LP, was a major success for the band and cemented their place in the Southern rock pantheon.
Learn more"Wild-Eyed Southern Boys" is the fourth studio album by the southern rock band 38 Special, released in 1981. The album was a commercial success, reaching #11 on the Billboard 200 chart and spawning three hit singles: "Hold On Loosely", "Fantasy Girl", and "Back Alley Sally".
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