Lynyrd Skynyrd - Last of a Dyin' Breed

Lynyrd Skynyrd is a band with a history book of its own. When the name Lynyrd Skynyrd is mentioned to any music fan, immediately the name is linked to the tragic plane crash that took the lives of some of band members including lead singer Ronnie van Zant and guitarist Steve Gains, among others.

To many fans, that was the end of the band.

The plane crash was the turning point for this American band - they decided to call it a day until mid 1980's when they came back with the late singer's younger brother, Johnny,  on lead vocals. Since then, the band went through many lineup changes, except for Gary Rossington being the only original member of the band.

I like his guitar playing. 


I think they have recorded something like 15 studio albums and tons of live material. They are pioneers in their music genre, no doubt about it.

However, their songs never clicked in to me. Never. I never loved Lynyrd Skynryd music but I loved "Free Bird".

I hated "Sweet Home..." but their latest album just came out now, and it is amazing. 


Last of a Dyin' Breed is a solid rock album with a lot of country and southern rock music flavor thrown all over most of songs. Line-up changes in a band always has its impact on the overall music any band is making, but does that live up to the expectations of fans in the case of Lynyrd Skynyrd new album?

Highlights from the new album are the title track Last of a Dyin' Breed. Mississippi Blood, and Home Grown are among my favorites, and I can add Home'sTwisted and Good Teacher too.

There are some albums that you play and gradually fall in love with the music, and there are some that you just fall in love with the songs from first listen. This album is in the middle.

The problem I have is not with this band in particular. It is more of a general taste of music genre. I don't like country music or southern rock music - liked a little the work Zakk Wylde did a couple of years ago on his Pride and Glory album, though.

In short, Lynyrd Skynyrd delivered a very good album, regardless of whether they have stick to their southern rock roots or not.  Remember,  I never listened to full album from this band, but i think the new music will please many die hard fans.

The albums can easily be chosen as one of music highlights in 2012, in my opinion.

Track Listing:
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01."Last of a Dyin' Breed" 
02."One Day at a Time"
03."Homegrown" 
04."Ready to Fly" 
05."Mississippi Blood" 
06."Good Teacher" 
07."Something to Live For" 
08."Life's Twisted"
09."Nothing Comes Easy" 
10."Honey Hole" 
11."Start Livin' Life Again"



Band members on this album:
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Johnny Van Zant – lead vocals
Gary Rossington – guitars
Rickey Medlocke – guitars
Michael Cartellone – drums
Johnny Colt – bass
Mark Matejka – guitars
Peter Keys – keyboards
John Lowery aka "John 5" – guitar