38 Special’s music has stood the test of time, spanning decades with a catalog that blends southern rock and arena-ready anthems. Despite being a band that’s often overlooked, their influence is undeniable. They’ve created songs that resonate across generations of rock fans.
Formed in Jacksonville, Florida in the mid-1970s, 38 Special found their signature sound with a mix of hard-edged rock and southern charm. Co-founders Don Barnes and Donnie Van Zant crafted hits that would become staples in rock radio.
With a career that stretches over 40 years, 38 Special’s songs are more than just tracks—they’re part of the soundtrack to countless memories. This list highlights 10 of their most unforgettable hits that showcase why they remain an essential part of rock history.
10 – “Wild-Eyed Southern Boys”
“Wild-Eyed Southern Boys” is one of 38 Special’s signature tracks, capturing the rowdy spirit and grit that defined their sound. Released in 1981, this anthem became a standout on their self-titled album, showing off the band’s southern rock roots with a polished, high-energy edge.
Written by Jim Peterik of Survivor, the song combines driving guitar riffs and powerful vocals, delivering a punch that resonated with fans of the genre. It’s a track that speaks to the rebellious energy of the early 80s rock scene, making it a perfect fit for the band’s lineup at the time.
The song didn’t just capture attention—it solidified 38 Special’s place in the southern rock landscape. “Wild-Eyed Southern Boys” remains a fan favorite and a live performance staple, perfectly embodying the group’s unapologetic attitude and love for southern rock.
9 – “Fantasy Girl”
“Fantasy Girl” is another standout track from 38 Special’s Wild-Eyed Southern Boys album, showcasing the band’s talent for creating memorable rock hits with a smooth, southern touch. Co-written by guitarist Jeff Carlisi and vocalist Donnie Van Zant, the song captures a softer yet still energetic side of 38 Special’s sound.
Released as one of the album’s three singles, “Fantasy Girl” quickly became a favorite among fans, thanks to its catchy rhythm and heartfelt lyrics. The song blends rock and southern charm, creating a melody that sticks with listeners long after it ends.
With its laid-back groove and reflective tone, “Fantasy Girl” adds depth to the album’s energy, showing off the band’s range and songwriting strength. It remains a beloved tune that highlights 38 Special’s knack for crafting unforgettable tracks.
8 – “Back Where You Belong”
Released in 1984 on the Tour de Force album, “Back Where You Belong” brought 38 Special continued success with its infectious melody and singable chorus. This track climbed to No. 20 on the Billboard Hot 100, cementing its place as one of the band’s most popular songs of the era.
The song was written by Canadian musician Gary O’Connor, known for his behind-the-scenes work with artists like Molly Hatchet and Eddie Money. Though O’Connor’s own music career remained under the radar, his songwriting contributions to bands like 38 Special helped shape the rock scene.
“Back Where You Belong” showcases the perfect blend of rock energy and melodic hooks, a combination that kept fans coming back for more. Even decades later, it remains a favorite, representing the high-energy sound that 38 Special was known for in the mid-80s.
7 – “Teacher Teacher”
The song “Teacher Teacher” by 38 Special became a memorable addition to the 1984 movie Teachers, starring Nick Nolte. Its upbeat, catchy vibe helped it stand out on the soundtrack, complementing the film’s themes of rebellion and authority in the classroom setting.
Written by the powerhouse duo of Jim Vallance and Bryan Adams, “Teacher Teacher” combines smooth rock melodies with relatable lyrics, capturing the tension and excitement of youth. It also showcases 38 Special’s signature sound, blending pop-rock appeal with southern rock roots.
Released alongside the movie, the song found its own success, connecting with fans beyond the film. “Teacher Teacher” became a staple for the band, bringing them additional radio play and solidifying their place in 80s rock culture.
6 – “Like No Other Night”
“Like No Other Night,” a standout from 38 Special’s 1986 Strength in Numbers album, marked one of Don Barnes’ last tracks with the band before his departure. This song captures the band’s knack for blending rock and pop, a balance that brought them continued success throughout the 80s.
With its powerful chorus and smooth production, “Like No Other Night” quickly became a fan favorite and received significant radio play. The song’s romantic lyrics and catchy melody showcase the softer side of 38 Special’s rock style, appealing to pop audiences while retaining the group’s signature sound.
As one of the band’s last big hits of the decade, “Like No Other Night” symbolized an era of success for 38 Special. It’s a track that holds up well, reminding fans of the distinct mix of southern rock and pop that defined much of their music.
5 – “Second Chance”
When “Second Chance” hit the airwaves in 1988, it marked a major shift for 38 Special. Departing from their southern rock roots, the song took on a smoother, almost ballad-like quality, surprising longtime fans. Its sound was a far cry from the rugged rock that had defined the band in the 70s and early 80s.
Two years after “Like No Other Night,” “Second Chance” was proof that 38 Special was ready to explore new musical directions. The song’s heartfelt lyrics and softer instrumentation revealed a more introspective side, broadening their appeal beyond the typical southern rock crowd.
“Second Chance” quickly became one of the band’s biggest hits, even reaching the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100. It remains a defining moment in 38 Special’s catalog—a track that showed they could evolve while still creating music that resonated with listeners everywhere.
4 – “Déjà Voodoo”
“Déjà Voodoo” took 38 Special back to their southern rock roots with a darker, blues-infused twist. Featured on their 1997 album Resolution, the track has a gritty, intense vibe that stands in stark contrast to the band’s earlier hits like “Second Chance.” It’s a song that shows 38 Special’s ability to reinvent themselves while staying true to their southern rock core.
With heavy guitar riffs and a haunting melody, “Déjà Voodoo” creates a moody atmosphere, capturing the essence of southern blues. The track’s title hints at a mystical quality, and its sound delivers, pulling listeners into a different world. It’s a raw, powerful piece that feels miles away from the polished rock ballads of their late 80s era.
Resolution as an album was a declaration, a return to form for a band that had experimented and evolved over decades. “Déjà Voodoo” captures this resolve, bringing out 38 Special’s rugged, bluesy side in a way that resonated with longtime fans.
3 – “Hold On Loosely”
“Hold On Loosely” is perhaps the quintessential 38 Special anthem, capturing everything fans love about the band’s unique sound. Released in 1981, the track wasn’t just popular—it helped define the Big ’80s rock scene, blending melody with a rough, southern edge that set it apart from other hits of the time.
This song hit a sweet spot with listeners, combining catchy guitar riffs and powerful lyrics about relationships and independence. Its message of not holding too tightly resonated deeply, making it relatable for fans who found both energy and meaning in the lyrics. The balance of rock intensity and smooth melody created a sound that stuck in listeners’ heads and hearts.
“Hold On Loosely” quickly became a fan favorite, establishing 38 Special as a standout in 80s rock. The track has since become iconic, not only as a high point in their discography but also as a defining moment in mainstream 80s rock culture.
2 – “Rockin’ Into The Night”
“Rockin’ Into the Night” lit the fuse for 38 Special’s rise in the early 80s, kicking off their 1980 album with a bang. Though it only reached No. 43 on the Billboard Hot 100, the song found a strong following on FM rock radio, where its upbeat energy and driving rhythm quickly resonated with listeners.
This track showcased the band’s blend of southern rock and radio-friendly hooks, setting the tone for the albums that would follow. Adding to its iconic sound was Lynyrd Skynyrd’s legendary keyboardist Billy Powell, whose dynamic playing gave the track an extra edge and connected it to the broader southern rock scene.
“Rockin’ Into the Night” became more than just a single; it was a rallying cry for the band’s fans and helped define 38 Special’s place in 80s rock. Its enduring appeal shows how they could craft high-energy anthems that still feel fresh and vibrant decades later.
1 – “Caught Up In You”
“Caught Up in You” is an undeniable classic and arguably the band’s most iconic song. Released in 1982 on the Special Forces album, the track quickly became a radio staple, blending catchy hooks with 38 Special’s signature rock sound. Its infectious chorus and relatable lyrics about love and longing made it an instant fan favorite.
Written by Don Barnes, Jeff Carlisi, and Jim Peterik, the song captured the essence of 38 Special at their peak. The powerful guitar riffs and smooth vocals delivered a polished yet raw sound that resonated with both rock and pop audiences. It’s the kind of song that sticks with you long after it ends.
“Caught Up in You” solidified 38 Special’s place in rock history. It reached No. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100, proving that they could craft a hit that had mass appeal without sacrificing their authentic sound. To this day, it remains a staple of 38 Special’s live shows and a timeless anthem of the 80s.