Let’s be straight about Southern Rock, particularly regarding its most obvious weaknesses. It never could ‘swing’ with natural grace, and subtlety certainly was not a virtue. Its themes relied too heavily on country-western tropes while the music usually relied too heavily on blues guitar.

A cursory listen to “A New Life” may not provide an obvious counter-argument, but I guarantee you that patience will reward those with open ears, because there is virtually nothing about “A New Life” that is flagrant. For instance, there are no hits here, but this album is infinitely more interesting than The Marshall Tucker Band’s straightforward debut.

From the vantage point of production, the debut is stiff as rigor mortis, while this album swings with confidence. Paul Riddle’s drum parts provide a jazz flow that virtually reinvents Southern Rock, and that isn’t the only revelation. Just as fascinating is the surprisingly subtle attack of guitarist Toy Caldwell. Normally prone toward showmanship, he allows his solos to develop with nuance. They breathe and convey emotion as though the guitar cord was connected directly to his heart. He was no virtuoso on pedal steel, but his simple solo on “You Ain’t Foolin’ Me” can take your breath away. Close your eyes and you’re standing on a ledge overlooking a sea of Appalachian green with a broken heart (like the corny cover painting). The music is more lyrical than the words, and while some may see that as the problem, my heart interprets it to be the solution.

Featured Tracks:

A New Life

Southern Woman

Blue Ridge Mountain Sky

Too Stubborn

Another Cruel Love

You Ain’t Foolin’ Me

24 Hours at a Time

Fly Eagle Fly

February 1974- Billboard Charted #37