Top Ten Songs by Lynyrd Skynyrd
It was a fantastic ride for Lynyrd Skynyrd, notable for its burst of brilliance and tragic in its brevity. Between the release of their 1973 debut “Pronounced Leh-Nerd Skin-Nerd” and the 1977 plane crash that killed lead singer Ronnie Van Zant and three others, Lynyrd Skynyrd would produce five gold albums (two of which also reached platinum status). In just four years, this group of high school buddies from Jacksonville, Florida would create ground-breaking Southern rock and record some of the most iconic rock ‘n roll songs in American music history.
Trying to rank the top ten songs by Lynyrd Skynyrd is a daunting task, but here goes. In reverse order:
10. I Know A Little
Lynyrd Skynyrd picks up the tempo with “I Know A Little,” one of their most dynamic songs. With guitars reminiscent of 1950s rock, this fast-paced song is a fun, rhythmic, and upbeat song with a touch of attitude. Released on the 1978 album “Street Survivors”, “I Know A Little” doesn’t get the notoriety of other Lynyrd Skynyrd songs, but remains a display of the talents of guitars Allen Collins and Gary Rossington, along with the arrangement skills of songwriter Ronnie Van Zant.
9. Comin’ Home
It’s a staple of American rock – the ballad of the road-weary traveler, exhausted by life on the road, wary of those around him, and simply ready to come home. Lynyrd Skynyrd executes this archetype beautifully and simply in “Comin’ Home”, off 1978’s “First And…Last”. The soft melody and keyboard of the verses segues into a hard-driving, bitter refrain which highlights Ronnie Van Zant’s remarkable vocals. An excellent, and underrated, Skynyrd tune.
8. Saturday Night Special
Lynyrd Skynyrd steps into politics with “Saturday Night Special”, off their 1975 LP “Nuthin’ Fancy”. Criticizing the availability of inexpensive handguns (known in many parts as “Saturday Night Specials”) was a brave step for Southerners, then or now, and Van Zant left no doubt as to where he stood on the issue: “Handguns are made for killin’/They ain’t no good for nothin’ else”.
With a hard-charging bass line, and exceptional drumming from Artimus Pyle, “Saturday Night Special” is a staple of classic rock stations and remains as relevant today as it did thirty years ago.
7. Tuesday’s Gone
One of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s most emotional songs, “Tuesday’s Gone” reveals the depth and talent of Ronnie Van Zant as a songwriter. Van Zant’s vocals are also tested on this song, and he comes through with a fresh, emotional performance. This song has been included on numerous soundtracks, including those of Happy Gilmore, Dazed and Confused, “My Name is Earl”, and myriad others. Given its emotional wallop, sweet keyboard interlude, and dynamic singing, it’s no surprise that filmmakers and television producers have chosen it for their works.
6. Simple Man
Van Zant’s most beautiful and inspirational song, “Simple Man”, off Lynyrd Skynyrd’s debut album is a tribute to Ronnie Van Zant’s grandmother, and a tribute to mothers and grandmothers anywhere. With huge, almost orchestral, keyboard parts and the standard Skynyrd guitar riffs, musically “Simple Man” simmers. The re-formed band often plays “Simple Man” as a tribute to their late lead singer.
5. All I Can Do Is Write About It
The influence of old country music shines through on “All I Can Do Is Write About It”. Never released as a single, and an afterthought on “Gimme Back My Bullets”, Skynyrd’s lowest-selling album, “All I Can Do Is Write About It” nevertheless is a favorite of long-time Skynyrd fans.
Simple and poetic, “All I Can Do…” lacks the typical guitar riffs and pumping bass line of Skynyrd tunes. But Van Zant’s voice, the outstanding lyrics, and another political message – this one a warning against the sprawl and urbanization of his rural Southern home – make this song a truly underrated – and underplayed – gem.
4. The Ballad of Curtis Loew
(Note: Loew is the correct spelling, according to the original album; it is spelled “Lowe” on some later compilation releases.)
Not nearly as well-known as other Skynyrd staples, “The Ballad of Curtis Loew” is a bluesy tribute to the corner store musicians in Van Zant’s old Jacksonville neighborhood. Inspiring yet tragic, lyrically this song is one of Ronnie Van Zant’s best – critical of racism, respectful of music, reminiscent of childhood innocence. With the standard Skynyrd guitar riffs overlaid onto a bass line suggestive of black blues, “The Ballad of Curtis Loew” is a wonderful poem set to music.
3. That Smell
According to the band’s official website, “That Smell” was written in response to guitarist Gary Rossington, who crashed his car while intoxicated, supposedly ruining a chance for the band to tour with Aerosmith. (Hence the opening lyric: “Whiskey bottles/And brand new cars/Oak tree, you’re in my way).
But the anti-addiction message of “That Smell” was directed not only at Ronnie’s band mates, but at himself and the larger world in general. Direct in its message, and lyrics, “That Smell” is a searing indictment of what was then (and still remains) the culture of many musicians.
Musically, “That Smell” is a pure gem, with dynamic guitar playing from Allen Collins, searing vocals from Van Zant, and a fantastic arrangement. Quite simply, this song is one of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s best, and a song that many hard-core Skynyrd fans consider their favorite.
2. Sweet Home Alabama
It’s not hard to pick the top two songs on the list; “Sweet Home Alabama”, the lead track off Lynyrd Skynyrd’s second album “Second Helpings”, remains one of the most recognizable songs in rock ‘n’ roll. The opening chords from “Alabama” can set off a ruckus in any bar – particularly one south of the Mason-Dixon Line – and “Sweet Home Alabama” is probably one of the most-covered songs in the world.
A swipe at Neil Young’s “Southern Man”, “Sweet Home Alabama” was an expression of Southern pride following the civil rights era, a time during which Dixie’s pride and prestige were damaged considerably. To this day, it remains a Southern rock anthem.
1. Freebird
Yeah, yeah, I know. The song has been overplayed to the point of irrelevance; the “Freebird!” holler is even worse than “Get ‘r’ dun!”; real Lynyrd Skynyrd fans like other, less well-known songs. True, true. But, for all its faults, “Freebird” is widely considered one of the ten best rock songs of all-time. “Freebird” drove not one, but two, hit albums, and is one of the most-played singles in the history of recorded music.
And, if you take a real good listen to “Freebird”, it remains a classic rock ‘n’ roll song. The guitar licks, particularly in the extended live version, are phenomenal, the lyrics are sad but poignant, and “Freebird” remains the essence of classic Southern rock.
Lynyrd Skynyrd, without Ronnie Van Zant, continues to tour and occasionally record new material; but it’s not the same. A look back at this list makes one wonder just what this band could have accomplished had Van Zant not met such an early demise. As it stands, it was a sensational run for Lynyrd Skynyrd, and the songs above are just a few tracks from five outstanding albums.
