Southern Star (CD - 1989)

Additional personnel: Charlie Daniels (vocals); Barry Leadon (acoustic guitar, banjo, mandolin); Steve Gibson, Mark Cassteves (acoustic guitar); Larry Hanson, Josh Leo (electric guitar); Brent Rowan, Reggie Young (guitar); Mark O'Connor (fiddle); Jimmie Fadden (harmonica, jaw harp); Steve Cash (harmonica); David Briggs (piano); Costo Davis (organ, keyboards); Biff Watson, Carl Marsh (synthesizer); Larry Paxton, Michael Rhodes (bass); Owen Hale, Eddie Bayers (drums); Farrell Morris, Craig Kampf (percussion).

After eight very successful years with record producer Harold Shedd, Alabama wisely opts for change. Half the album is recorded with Josh Leo and Larry Lee, the other half with Barry Beckett, and the guys from Fort Payne attack the project with a little more energy than in some of their prior efforts. Get it on CD -- three of the four "bonus" tracks are substantial. ~ Tom Roland

In the early '80s, Alabama broke the country music mold, blending Southern rock and radio-friendly pop with traditional country and bluegrass. However, by the time SOUTHERN STAR was released in 1989, Alabama was nearing its commercial peak; the '90s were to see the rise of the "hat" artists, such as Garth Brooks, who were to steal the band's thunder.

However, the smooth country rock sound of this now legendary band is still apparent on all 13 tracks on SOUTHERN STAR. Highlights include the love ballad, "If I Had You," where Randy Owen croons about his unrequited love affair, and the soaring "I'm Still Dreamin'." An album of crafty and hook-laden country/pop tunes, SOUTHERN STAR is the perfect album for all those who remember and enjoyed country music before the rise of the "fresh" country radio format, and the advent of pop country chanteuse Shania Twain, changed the idiom significantly. minimize