Southern Rock legends, Van Zant, return after nearly twenty years with their new record, Always Look Up. To be released on November 22, 2024 via Frontier Music SRL, the record marks the duo’s first venture into Christian-focused Rock, while working diligently to remain true to their Southern Rock and Country roots.
This significant evolution on behalf of Donnie (.38 Special) and Johnny Van Zant (Lynyrd Skynyrd) does well to reflect the brothers’ personal and spiritual journeys while never venturing too far from their legendary sound. With two singles released before the album – “Jesus Christ” and “There You Are” – fans have already been given a taste of the brothers’ abilities to blend intense, faith-based themes, complete with the Rock-n-Roll base that brought stardom to the band.
With eleven tracks in total, the album explores a vast range of styles, bouncing from uplifting, heavily spiritual lyrics, to the raw intensity and energy that allows the group to maintain their authentic, old-school sound. The group’s natural ability to effectively blend such a diverse range of sounds allows the record to remain accessible to not just their already-established mass of fans, but also the newcomers lucky enough to stumble upon this soon-to-be-released album. In addition, Always Look Up forecasts the vast possibilities of arrangement and delivery that could occur in the near future. There are anthems to be played on this album, with soaring melodies and relatable lyrics that, as we find ourselves within such a rocky existence, could do well at bringing us all
together, again. The tremendous cohesion and creativity that exists between the brothers further cement the passionate performance possibilities that we all helplessly anticipate.
Beginning with “Awesome God,” Van Zant immediately reintroduces themselves to the public eye. An uplifting anthem, the track begins hopeful, acknowledging the struggles that we are all subjected to, but maintaining that we are not alone-we do not have to do it alone. There is often a stigma attached to ‘Christian Rock,’ but this is simply a lazy way to dismiss music that is different, or touches topics that we may believe to be taboo in public discourse. This album is not ‘Christian Rock,’ but rather, the same Rock-n-Roll from sixty years ago, albeit only with much deeper and perhaps effective messages to be delivered.
With that in mind, the second single released, “There You Are,” maintains the same passionate and positive theme, but deserves to be on any of the Country charts currently going; a song that brings visions of Garth Brooks, Tim McGraw, and Montgomery Gentry, is a direct appeal for people to look up and understand they are part of a greater picture. The vocal shout of “There You Are,” immediately awakens the heart and informs us that there is sunlight after darkness.
Admittedly, each song is about Jesus Christ, something that the duo was not concerned about, but rather proud of, stating, “If we could even bring one individual to Jesus Christ, our mission is a success.” This can be explicitly seen in the finale of the record, “Jesus Christ.” A bluesy, raw, and almost clawing tempo reverberates throughout this final track. Not trying to beat around the bush, Van Zant loudly proclaims between the lines that we all have more to give, but also more to receive. There are greater horizons out there for all of us, and Van Zant clearly understands this and utilizes this record as a direct plea to their fans.
The group is not trying to be controversial or problematic, and anyone would be crazy to think so, but they are trying to improve the lives of people around them. They understand that there is
a lot of division within our country and world, at this time. The brothers have pledged their music and efforts to improving everything around them; a wagon that we should all be able to
jump on board.
Fans of Southern Rock and contemporary Christian music will all find pleasure within the listings present, but this record should be exposed to the masses. Regardless of background, religion, or financial status, we can all improve the world around us and need to understand that we are surrounded by love and support if we look hard enough. “Always Look Up” will be praised for its sincere, heartfelt messaging, but also for the magnificent musicianship that occurs throughout the album. From open to close, Van Zant has a purpose, and the group works tirelessly and quite effectively at accomplishing its delivery, which in no certain terms is to be referred to as easy.
In the end, Van Zant has provided fans with another must-listen album, chock-full of passion and creativity that is sure to set eardrums abuzz. That is why Cryptic Rock gives Always Look Up 4 out of 5 stars!
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