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Bone Against Steel
Bone Against Steel
Bone Against Steel
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Bone Against Steel
Studio album by
38 Special
ReleasedJuly 1991
Recorded1990
GenrePop rock, soft rock, Southern rock
Length63:48
LabelCharisma
ProducerRodney Mills
38 Special chronology
Rock & Roll Strategy
(1988) 		Bone Against Steel
(1991) 		Resolution
(1997)
The Sound of Your Voice cover
Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusicStarStar[1]

Bone Against Steel is the ninth studio album by the southern rock band 38 Special, released in 1991. It was their last album until their 1997 comeback and the last album to feature the vocalist and keyboard player Max Carl. It would also be their last album with long time guitarist and founding member Jeff Carlisi and drummer Jack Grondin.

The album itself was a modest commercial success and only reached #170 on the Billboard 200 album chart. However, the single "The Sound of Your Voice" (also known as "Sound of Your Voice"), was a major hit, and one of three songs co-written by Survivor's Jim Peterik for the album. The song reached #2 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart and #33 on the Billboard Hot 100 (their last Top 40 hit and last appearance on that chart to date), while the second of the three Peterik songs, "Rebel to Rebel", only reached #30 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart.[2]

Track listing

[edit]
  1. "The Sound of Your Voice" (Max Carl, Jeff Carlisi, Danny Chauncey, Jim Peterik) – 4:58
  2. "Signs of Love" (Carl) – 4:49
  3. "Last Thing I Ever Do" (Carlisi, Chauncey, Robert White Johnson, Michael Lunn, Donnie Van Zant) – 5:22
  4. "You Definitely Got Me" (Carl, Carlisi, Chauncey) – 5:12
  5. "Rebel to Rebel" (Carlisi, Peterik, Van Zant) – 5:33
  6. "Bone Against Steel" (Carl) – 5:24
  7. "You Be the Dam, I'll Be the Water" (Carl, Johnson, Van Stephenson, Van Zant) – 4:26
  8. "Jimmy Gillum" (Carl, Carlisi, Chauncey, Van Zant) – 5:07
  9. "Tear It Up" (Carl, Carlisi, Chauncey) – 4:39
  10. "Don't Wanna Get It Dirty" (Johnson, Lunn, Van Zant) – 4:36
  11. "Burning Bridges" (Carl, Carlisi, Chauncey) – 4:45
  12. "Can't Shake It" (Johnson, Lunn, Van Zant) – 3:29
  13. "Treasure" (Carl, Carlisi, Peterik) – 5:40

Personnel

[edit]

.38 Special

[edit]

Guest musicians

[edit]

Production

[edit]
  • Rodney Mills – producer, recording, mixing
  • Tag George – recording assistant, mix assistant
  • Edd Miller – recording assistant
  • Phil Tan – recording assistant
  • Bob Ludwig – mastering
  • Masterdisk (New York City, New York) – mastering location
  • Mark Rogers – tape operation
  • Norman Moore – art direction, design
  • John Halpern – band photography
  • Peter Miller – cover photography

Critical reception

[edit]

In a review of Bone Against Steel, Alex Henderson of AllMusic regarded "The Sound of Your Voice" as one of the "Tame, run-of-the-mill corporate rock tunes" which he commented "sound like third-rate Journey, and don't hold a candle to some of Special's earlier efforts."[3]

Charts

[edit]

Album – Billboard (United States) RPM Magazine (Canada)

Year Chart Position
1991 The Billboard 200 170
1991 The RPM 100 [4] 58

Singles – Billboard (United States)

Year Single Chart Position
1991 "Rebel to Rebel" Mainstream Rock Tracks 30
1991 "The Sound of Your Voice" Mainstream Rock Tracks 2
1991 "The Sound of Your Voice" The Billboard Hot 100 33

For The Sound of Your Voice:

Chart (1991) Peak
position
Australia (ARIA)[5] 133
Canada (Canadian Hot 100)[6] 43
US Billboard Hot 100[7] 33
US Mainstream Rock (Billboard)[8] 2

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Bone Against Steel

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Bone Against Steel is the ninth studio by the American band , released on July 23, 1991, by . Produced by Rodney Mills and recorded primarily at Southern Tracks in Atlanta, Georgia, the features 13 tracks blending , , and AOR elements, with a runtime of approximately 63 minutes. It marks the second and final full-length release with lead vocalist , as well as the last studio for longtime guitarist Jeff Carlisi before the band's hiatus. The album's title track, "Bone Against Steel," opens with themes of resilience and travel, while standout songs include "Rebel to Rebel," a heartfelt tribute by Donnie Van Zant to his late brother Ronnie Van Zant of Lynyrd Skynyrd, and the upbeat "Tear It Up." Other notable cuts like "The Sound of Your Voice" and "Signs of Love" showcase the band's signature blend of hard-driving riffs and melodic hooks, co-written by members alongside external collaborators such as Jim Peterik. Despite commercial underperformance compared to earlier hits, Bone Against Steel received mixed critical reception, praised for its energy and songcraft but critiqued for lacking innovation in the post-hair metal era. It would be 38 Special's final studio effort until their 1997 comeback album Resolution, signaling a transitional period amid lineup shifts and the decline of their major-label momentum.

Background and Development

Album Context

Formed in 1974 in , by and , initially drew from the traditions of the 1970s, characterized by boogie-infused riffs and regional storytelling influences akin to , given Van Zant's familial ties to the band. By the late 1970s and into the 1980s, the group evolved toward an (AOR) and sound, streamlining their southern roots with polished production and anthemic hooks to achieve mainstream radio success. This shift culminated in key hits like "" from their 1981 album , which peaked at number 27 on the and established expectations for the band's commercial, arena-ready formula blending gritty guitar work with accessible melodies. Following the release of their 1988 album , which marked their final project with longtime label and peaked at number 61 on the — a notable drop from the top-20 placements of prior releases like Strength in Numbers (1986) at number 17—38 Special faced waning commercial momentum. This underperformance reflected broader challenges in the late 1980s AOR landscape, prompting a strategic pause before recommitting to new material. Bone Against Steel, their ninth studio album, emerged as the culmination of this period, after which the band entered a six-year hiatus from full-length releases until Resolution in 1997. In the 1990-1991 timeline, amid the declining radio dominance of the hair metal and glossy AOR era—overshadowed by the rising movement and shifting tastes toward rawer sounds—38 Special decided to record Bone Against Steel with a focus on crafting radio-friendly hooks to recapture broader appeal. This effort aligned with their move to America, emphasizing material that retained energy while prioritizing melodic accessibility. Core members including vocalist/keyboardist , drummer/vocalist , and guitarist Jeff Carlisi drove the project, building on their established roles. To enhance commercial viability, the band incorporated contributions from external songwriters, notably Survivor's , who co-wrote tracks like "Rebel to Rebel" and infused the selection process with pop sensibilities to broaden the foundation. Peterik's involvement aimed to merge 38 Special's regional grit with hook-driven structures, as he later described it as creating a "magical combo plate" of styles for wider market resonance.

Lineup Changes and Label Shift

In 1987, founding member departed from as lead vocalist and guitarist after a decade of intense touring and recording that left him exhausted. He was replaced by , who took over lead vocals and added keyboards to the band's sound, marking a shift toward a more pop-oriented style in subsequent albums. Bone Against Steel (1991) would prove to be Carl's final recording with the group before his exit in 1992. The album also represented the last effort for longtime guitarist Jeff Carlisi and drummer Jack Grondin, both original members who left the band in the years following its release—Carlisi in 1997 and Grondin shortly after 1991. Anchoring the core lineup were vocalist , guitarist , and bassist , alongside Carl, Carlisi, and Grondin, providing continuity amid the transitions. Facing the end of their long-term deal with , signed with —a subsidiary of Virgin—in 1990 to seek renewed promotional support during a period of upheaval in the industry, including A&M's acquisition by that year. This move came after A&M's reluctance to extend the band's contract following the success of "Second Chance," prompting the search for a fresh partnership.

Recording and Production

Studio Sessions

The recording sessions for Bone Against Steel primarily took place at Southern Tracks Recording and Studios, both located in , Georgia. These facilities served as the main hubs for capturing the album's tracks, with mixing also completed at Southern Tracks. The sessions occurred in 1990, ahead of the album's 1991 release on . This timeline allowed the band to refine their sound following their shift to the new label, emphasizing a polished adult-oriented rock (AOR) aesthetic through layered instrumentation.

Production Team and Techniques

The production of Bone Against Steel was primarily handled by Rodney Mills, who served as producer, engineer, and mixer for the majority of the tracking and mixing stages. Mills, an established figure in production with prior credits on Lynyrd Skynyrd's early albums and multiple releases, brought a refined approach to the band's sound during this period. Mastering duties were performed by at Masterdisk in , resulting in a polished, radio-friendly clarity that aligned with commercial rock standards of the early 1990s. External contributions featured songwriter , who co-wrote tracks including "The Sound of Your Voice" and provided additional creative guidance on the album. Peterik's involvement extended to at least three songs overall, drawing from his experience with Survivor to enhance the melodic structure. Production techniques focused on layering multiple guitar tracks to build sonic density, with keyboard elements augmented by band member Max Carl, whose contributions added textural depth to the arrangements. The overall mixes emphasized a modern, competitive edge against emerging pop-rock trends, prioritizing anthemic guitar-driven elements and clean vocal integration.

Musical Content

Style and Themes

Bone Against Steel marks a refined evolution in .38 Special's sound, blending adult-oriented rock (AOR) with persistent undertones, characterized by , mid-tempo ballads, and guitar-driven anthems. This approach builds on the band's earlier pivot in the while retaining elements of their southern roots through drawled vocals and dueling guitar lines reminiscent of . Critics noted the album's energetic, guitar-focused tracks, such as those featuring Jeff Carlisi's solos, alternating between vigor and more melodic, accessible structures designed for radio play. The production, helmed by Rodney Mills, delivers a polished sheen that contrasts the rawer of the band's formative years, emphasizing crisp drums and organic instrumentation over the synth-heavy arrangements of late-1980s efforts like . This cleaner aesthetic incorporates subtle 1990s-era keyboard textures in ballads to enhance commercial appeal, while power ballads and mid-tempo grooves underscore the album's focus on broad accessibility. Compared to their harder-edged output, Bone Against Steel adopts a more "corporate rock" polish, with external contributions like Jim Peterik's co-writing on tracks such as "Rebel to Rebel" and "The Sound of Your Voice" infusing pop sensibilities and melodic hooks. Lyrically, the album explores themes of relationships and resilience, often portraying love's amid challenges, as seen in songs emphasizing emotional commitment and perseverance. Personal emerges prominently, particularly in tributes to defiant figures and outsider unity, reflecting the Van Zant family's southern legacy—exemplified by Donnie Van Zant's ode to his brother Ronnie in "Rebel to Rebel." Blue-collar struggles also surface, capturing working-class narratives of grit and that echo the band's Jacksonville heritage and broader southern ethos. These motifs collectively convey a mature reflection on life's battles, balancing romantic introspection with themes of unyielding spirit.

Track Listing and Songwriting

Bone Against Steel consists of 13 original tracks, with a total runtime of 63:48. The album features songwriting primarily handled by the band's core members, including vocalist and keyboardist , guitarist Jeff Carlisi, guitarist , and drummer . External contributions came from notable songwriter , who co-wrote three tracks, including the hit singles "The Sound of Your Voice" and "Rebel to Rebel," as well as the closing song "." The track listing is as follows:
No.TitleDurationWriters
1"The Sound of Your Voice"4:57, Jeff Carlisi, ,
2"Signs of Love"4:49
3"Last Thing I Ever Do"5:22Jeff Carlisi,
4"You Definitely Got Me"5:09, Jeff Carlisi,
5"Rebel to Rebel"5:33, Jeff Carlisi,
6"Bone Against Steel"5:22
7"You Be the Dam, I'll Be the Water"4:24,
8"Jimmy Gillum"5:05, , Jeff Carlisi
9"Tear It Up"4:38, Jeff Carlisi,
10"Don't Wanna Get It Dirty"4:36
11"Burning Bridges"4:46, Jeff Carlisi,
12"Can't Shake It"3:28
13"Treasure"5:40, Jeff Carlisi,
Songwriting on the album reflects the band's collaborative , with most compositions originating from internal sessions among Carl, Carlisi, Chauncey, and Van Zant, emphasizing themes of resilience and relationships that align with the album's overall motifs. Peterik's involvement brought a polished, arena-rock sensibility to key tracks, drawing from his experience with Survivor. All songs are original works, with no cover versions included.

Release and Commercial Performance

Marketing and Singles

The album Bone Against Steel was released in July through , with an initial promotional push emphasizing radio airplay on (AOR) stations to reach the band's core audience of listeners. The lead single, "The Sound of Your Voice," was issued in and accompanied by a showcasing the band's live performance style, aimed at boosting visibility on platforms like . This track, co-written by band members Jeff Carlisi, , , and external collaborator , served as an energetic opener to the album's track listing. The second single, "Rebel to Rebel," followed in , continuing the focus on uptempo rock numbers to sustain momentum leading into the full release. Promotional efforts included tie-ins with the band's 1991 U.S. tour dates, which supported the new material amid a shifting music landscape dominated by the rise of acts like Nirvana. Charisma's parent company, , provided additional backing for exposure, though resources were constrained by industry trends favoring over arena-oriented . The physical packaging featured a standard jewel case format, with cover artwork depicting stark metallic and industrial imagery that aligned with the album's tough, resilient title and thematic edge.

Chart Performance

Bone Against Steel achieved modest commercial success upon its release, peaking at number 170 on the chart. In , the album reached number 58 on the RPM 100 Albums chart. The release did not receive any certifications from the RIAA or equivalent bodies. The album's lead single, "The Sound of Your Voice," performed better on rock-oriented charts, reaching number 2 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks chart and number 33 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking 38 Special's last entry in the Hot 100's top 40. Follow-up single "Rebel to Rebel" peaked at number 30 on the Mainstream Rock Tracks chart but did not chart on the Hot 100. These results were influenced by broader industry trends in 1991, when the rise of alternative rock and grunge significantly diminished visibility for southern rock acts like 38 Special.
Chart (1991)Peak Position
US Billboard 200170
Canada RPM 100 Albums58
US Mainstream Rock ("The Sound of Your Voice")2
US Billboard Hot 100 ("The Sound of Your Voice")33
US Mainstream Rock ("Rebel to Rebel")30

Reception and Legacy

Critical Reviews

Upon its release, Bone Against Steel received mixed to negative reviews from critics, who often viewed it as a polished but uninspired entry in .38 Special's discography. AllMusic's Alex Henderson awarded the album 2.5 out of 5 stars, describing it as "tame, run-of-the-mill corporate rock" that lacked the raw edge of the band's 1980s output, with tracks like "The Sound of Your Voice" dismissed as sounding like "third-rate Toto." The aggregate score on Album of the Year stands at 79 out of 100 (as of November 2025, based on one critic review), reflecting critiques of its generic adult-oriented rock (AOR) execution despite acknowledging solid hooks and competent production. Some reviewers highlighted brighter spots amid the criticisms, particularly praising "The Sound of Your Voice" for its radio-friendly appeal and melodic accessibility. In a 2021 review, commentator Mr. Morrison called the album "cool" overall, recommending it particularly for dedicated fans of the band's style. assessments have framed Bone Against Steel as a transitional work in .38 Special's catalog, enjoyable for loyal listeners but ultimately dated in the shadow of emerging influences. A review described it as "enjoyable and pleasant," commending several well-executed tracks while noting others that felt formulaic.

Long-Term Impact

Bone Against Steel marked the conclusion of 38 Special's original core lineup era, with drummer Jack Grondin departing immediately following its 1991 release, vocalist Max Carl exiting in 1992 after supporting tours, and guitarist Jeff Carlisi leaving in 1997. These changes prompted a reconfiguration of the band, culminating in a 1997 reunion that saw co-founder Don Barnes return to lead vocals for the album Resolution. This period of transitions underscored the album's role as a pivotal endpoint for the group's classic configuration, shifting dynamics that had defined their sound since the 1970s. As the band's final studio release of the before an extended hiatus from new material, Bone Against Steel influenced 38 Special's evolution toward emphasizing live performances over recording new songs, a strategy that sustained them through the and into the . After Resolution in 1997, the group released only sporadic projects, such as a 2001 Christmas album, before pausing studio work until in 2025—their first full-length in over two decades. This touring-centric approach allowed the band to maintain a rigorous schedule of over 100 shows annually, preserving their identity amid industry shifts. The album endures within the community, frequently appearing in curated playlists alongside staples like "" and "," where tracks such as "The Sound of Your Voice" continue to resonate with longtime fans. Recent discussions reflect ongoing appreciation for its singles, highlighting their timeless hooks despite the passage of time. On streaming platforms, garners over 2 million monthly listeners on (as of November 2025), with Bone Against Steel contributing to steady, albeit modest, engagement that keeps the record accessible to new generations. Culturally, Bone Against Steel exemplifies southern rock's commercial struggles during the explosion of the early , a period when raw, alternative sounds overshadowed polished arena acts and led to diminished radio presence for established groups like . Yet, its preservation via digital streaming has ensured a niche longevity, allowing the album to thrive beyond the era's mainstream decline.

References

  1. https://www.discogs.com/master/345315-38-Special-Bone-Against-Steel
  2. https://www.discogs.com/release/2266645-38-Special-Bone-Against-Steel
  3. https://www.allmusic.com/album/bone-against-steel-mw0000674878
  4. https://swampland.com/articles/view/title:legends_of_southern_rock_38_special
  5. https://americansongwriter.com/the-meaning-behind-hold-on-loosely-by-38-special-and-how-a-rocker-from-another-top-band-helped-create-it/
  6. https://www.38special.com/discography
  7. https://musicchartsarchive.com/artists/38-special
  8. https://www.billboard.com/charts/billboard-200/1989-05-27
  9. https://ultimateclassicrock.com/jim-peterik-interview/
  10. https://www.discogs.com/release/3729945-38-Special-Bone-Against-Steel
  11. https://www.moresbypress.com/jim-peterik-in-his-own-words.html
  12. https://liveforlivemusic.com/features/38-specials-don-barnes-fostering-the-spirit-of-the-underdog/
  13. https://ultimateclassicrock.com/38-special-strength-in-numbers/
  14. https://www.38special.com/milestone
  15. https://www.therockpit.net/2021/interview-38-special-jeff-carlisi/
  16. https://popdose.com/five-band-members-no-one-bothered-to-replace/
  17. https://www.onamrecords.com/artists/38-special
  18. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1989-10-11-fi-364-story.html
  19. https://www.classicrockhistory.com/38-specials-best-song-on-each-of-their-studio-albums/
  20. https://www.discogs.com/release/23394512-38-Special-Bone-Against-Steel
  21. https://www.everyonelovesguitar.com/2021/01/15/rodney-mills-interview/
  22. https://www.jacksonville.com/story/news/columns/mark-woods/2024/07/05/at-studio-one-rodney-mills-turned-up-plenty-of-lynyrd-skynyrd-hits/74279886007/
  23. https://hardforce.com/album/1771/bone-against-steel
  24. https://genius.com/38-special-the-sound-of-your-voice-lyrics
  25. http://metal-jukebox.net/viewtopic.php?t=21580
  26. https://heavyharmonies.com/cgi-bin/glamcd.cgi?BandNum=607&CDName=Bone%20Against%20Steel
  27. https://en.debaser.it/38-special/bone-against-steel/review
  28. https://heavyharmonies.com/cgi-bin/glamcd.cgi?BandNum=607&CDName=Bone%2520Against%2520Steel
  29. https://jimpeterik.com/bio/
  30. https://genius.com/albums/38-special/Bone-against-steel
  31. https://www.discogs.com/master/1183231-38-Special-The-Sound-Of-Your-Voice
  32. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8fQOMZeJzCs
  33. https://genius.com/38-special-the-sound-of-your-voice-lyrics/q/writer
  34. https://www.discogs.com/release/13137979-38-Special-Rebel-To-Rebel
  35. https://rateyourmusic.com/release/single/38-special/signs-of-love-rebel-to-rebel/
  36. https://www.setlist.fm/stats/concert-map/38-special-23d6b8b3.html?year=1991
  37. https://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/obj/028020/f2/nlc008388.1605.pdf
  38. https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default&ar=38+Special&ti=Bone+Against+Steel#search_section
  39. https://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-100/1991-09-28/
  40. https://www.musicvf.com/song.php?id=310
  41. https://www.popmatters.com/1991-alternative-rock-went-massive-2495949015.html
  42. https://www.albumoftheyear.org/album/222882-38-special-bone-against-steel.php
  43. https://www.classicrockhistory.com/10-best-38-special-albums/
  44. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q6zA6abQuG4
  45. https://houstonseagle.com/playlist/ranking-every-song-38-special/
  46. https://rock.fandom.com/wiki/38_Special
  47. https://www.thedailytimes.com/entertainment/38-special-keeps-rockin-into-the-night-four-decades-later/article_4fd1de0e-55cf-5d2f-bc92-d2a9feda160d.html
  48. https://www.38special.com/the-band
  49. https://open.spotify.com/artist/3zXw2Eh96iTT51pytzHdZi
  50. https://www.reddit.com/r/ClassicRock/comments/13gjem8/any_love_for_38special/
  51. https://www.facebook.com/groups/139634569939476/posts/1984273552142226/
  52. https://ultimateclassicrock.com/38-special-debut-album/
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