I am 14 years old but having been listening to Skynyrd all my life but I was severely disappointed with this new album. It's not true to your musical roots. It sounds like all the other generic country poppy music out there. Compare any song on this album to something by Kenny Chesney or the other country singers and the only difference is in their voices. Now the politics in the songs I won't get into other than saying I don't think Ronnie was as conservative as Johnny, because, for example, Things Goin' On was a political song and was written during the Nixon presidency. And now this stuff with Bret Michaels and the music videos, well, the band is going down the wrong track, and, it really pains me to say this but they sold out. When I say they sold out I dont mean Skynyrd I mean the current members, I doubt any of the original members with the exception of Gary would want this. I'm surprised any of the current members would make this type of "music" either, but especially Gary. And if by some bizzare miracle they're reading this than I hope you make better music for your next album, if not for the fans then for the spirits of the band.

In music you cant stand still, I was tempted to say grow up but at 14 there's a way to go. What do you want the band to do? rattle out the same album year in year out, things change people change get over it...

Your kidding Zach right???

Did you listen to the whole cd through??

This latest cd by Skynyrd talks and addresses what is going on in this country NOW.
You can go through the whole cd (and Special Edition) and every song has meaning to it.
They pay respect to BP and EE. They talk about right to bear arms, government's interference. They talk about carrying on even though all they been through etc...

What specifically were you looking for??

Also Skynyrd doesn't pump out cd's just to put one out there like other acts.

Kenny C. are you kidding?? He talks about beaches, kegs in the closest, girls, and wanting to hang out with J. Buffet...

As far as B. Michaels, I too don't get it. But hell I'm not there to see openning acts (except 38), I'm there to see Skynyrd.

So listen to it again, enjoy it. And if there playing close to you see them Lyve because they are the REAL THING!!!!

Medway, you make a valid point, but, none of these new songs hold a candle to the old ones, and I don't mean just the songs that they play on the radio all the time like Freebird, but songs that are less known. And almost every song is addressing a political problem, whereas the old albums had maybe 1 or 2 political songs. Maybe it was that they did every song with other artists that don't seem to be a good match for southern rock. I mean Rob Zombie, what was that about? Even my dad who has loved Skynyrd since their first album came out thought these songs were terrible. Fortunatly, I did see Skynyrd in Columbus,Ohio before the death of BP, and, before this album.

Zachm,

It is nice to see another point of view on this site. and i think you bring a good topic for debate. I see your point to an extent, but compared to other JVZ Skynyrd albums i believe this one is by far the best, and they went in a heavier direction. so as far as country/pop, or whatever i do not see how you can get that from this album. And you are right 70's Skynyrd is timeless, and nothing will compare, i think evryone knows that. Ronnie was an amazing song writer, and had a way of bringing together different aspects of music, and sounds to create a great band. The new music is not as good as the old, it just isnt, but that doesnt mean the band doesnt still put out some good stuff.

and Live they are at the top of thier game, unbelievable shows. i will go see them evrytime

I'm 52 years old and have been around since the beginning. As I've stated before, I saw the band live twice before the crash and once since. I didn't buy any of the post - crash stuff until recently. I think the post - crash music is great and especially God & Guns. I also enjoyed the current line-up live. Skynyrd is one of those entities that is larger than the sum of it's parts. I'm glad these men are still under the Skynyrd banner and I think they do the name proud. They also do the name justice. If they were just coming on the scene without a past, I'd still think they were great! Long live Skynyrd! (and nation)

@Trilok: couldn't have said it any better! Keep the Faith ya'll!.................... I for one, will always be a SKYNYRD FAN! and a Rockin' Suthyn!

Zach thanks for the feedback. Everybody is free to there opinion but usually some of the people who post have agendas and can't accept someone having a different opinion.

Hey Trilok where ya been??

Taken the bike out yet?? Took mine out last week. It was 70 on Saturday!!!!

I usually wait until the town cleans up the roads and get's rid of all the sand/salt from the winter, but I couldn't waste that day.

Take care.

Medway - I just got a new battery. Tomorrow will be the day I finally fire it up!

@Trilok: VROOOOOOOOM......................................... VRRRRRRRRRRRROOOOOOOOMMMMMMMM !!

I Saw Skynyrd in 76 as a teenager, and then in recent years 17 more times with my son...as a middle age "mom". They are timeless.

They carry the spirit of bandmates lost in their hearts and project their feelings on the stage, while addressing the current state of mind of each of the the band members.

Its my opinion, that Its hard to replicate songs like "That smell" or "Simple Man" or all of our other favorites. After 30+ years we have to be open to new material.

If I didn't feel they were the real deal I wouldn't spend the time or energy seeing them every year.

Keep rockin' !