"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.
Bob Ludwig is an American mastering engineer and record producer. He is widely regarded as one of the best mastering engineers in the music industry, and has worked with a diverse range of artists across various genres, including classical, rock, pop, and jazz.
Ludwig has been active in the music industry since the 1970s and has worked on numerous critically acclaimed and commercially successful albums, including records by Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, and many others. He has also been recognized for his contributions to the industry and has won several Grammy Awards for his work.
Throughout his career, Ludwig has been known for his technical expertise, attention to detail, and his ability to bring out the best in recordings. He has also been a strong advocate for the preservation of audio quality and has worked to promote the use of high-quality analog and digital technologies in the recording and mastering process.
Overall, Bob Ludwig is a highly respected and accomplished mastering engineer who has made a significant impact on the music industry through his work with many of the biggest and most influential artists of our time.
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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