I grew up in the southeast US which is geographic ground zero for southern rock. In fact, my wife lived in Macon which is hometown of the Allman Brothers Band. We would often drive by “The Big House” (now Allman Brothers Band Museum) and the cemetery where Duane Allman was buried. Southern rock bands like Lynyrd Skynrd and 38 Special were part of the culture and the proverbial chicken soup for my soul. When I saw news of the Van Zant brothers producing a Christian album, I kept a close eye.
Donnie and Johnny Van Zant are the younger brothers of the late Ronnie Van Zant, one of the founders of Lynyrd Skynrd. They formed their own bands: Donnie went to form 38 Special and Johnny formed the Johnny Van Zant Band. When Ronnie died in a plane crash in 1977, Skynyrd disbanded only to be reunited later in 1987 with Johnny as the lead singer. Although driving forces in these two legendary rock institutions, the brothers would get together over the years to record albums together. They tended to stick to country and southern rock subjects until “Always Look Up.” Even though Christian lyrics are not foreign to them, they hadn’t yet done an exclusively Christian album. The time seemed right to check it off their bucket list.
Upon that first listen, a wave of nostalgia came through. There is a blend of classic and southern rock in an emotionally-filled, Spirit-driven album of praise and worship songs. It is not heavy, coming from hearts that have walked a while with the Lord through both the ups and downs, showing us what living in faith should look like, flaws and all. The flaws being the scars of life and not in the music as the music is performed beautifully. Lyrically it is personal, not too preachy, while also engaging the listener to really consider Jesus, inviting them into the band’s praise.
The songs follow a similar overall structure with a soft opening building in layers as the song picks up steam in a large crescendo. Acoustic guitars and keyboards with electric guitars used sparingly are woven into a musical tapestry that is intricate, but not overly dense. The rock organ is the main nostalgic driver, amplifying the emotions being built up over the song. Johnny lands a heartfelt lead vocal performance that goes beyond notes to translating what’s in his heart. Southern rock idioms like backing gospel choirs, slide guitars, and other bluesy motifs come through to give it that rural feel. There is some enjoyable variety in song structures like false endings and gear shift key changes that make each song unique and fun.
The lyrics are undiluted praise and worship that I wouldn’t be surprised to hear in small country churches. It is not preachy, admonishing the listener to follow Jesus and stand up for one’s faith. I did find “Why God Brought Me Here” amusing with its imagining of heaven. It was the mention of “Mama cooking collard greens” and Grandma Francis’ red high heels that gave me a chuckle, but also a reference to Ronnie that I found touching making it clear those that have died aren’t gone. No eye has seen nor ear heard what is waiting for us in heaven, but I personally would pass on the collard greens.
A couple of songs stood out more than the rest. The album opener, “Awesome God,” is a fantastic praise and worship song with a great catchy chorus. “Stand Up” keeps the energy up with a straight forward southern rock style replete with guitar and keyboard solos. “Speak His Name” is a tender song that shows off how gentle their sound can be in praising the Holy Name, while with an intricate musical background. “Holy Moment” is my favorite track on the album with its organ and lead guitar work creating southern rock done right. The closing track is the longest song on the album and a touching comprehensive spiritual statement on Jesus, what He did and what He means now.
I love this album and can see it making repeated plays in the future. This is not novel either musically or lyrically as Christianity is often woven in southern rock and country music since their inception. However, I wouldn’t have sought it out if I didn’t hear about the album here. If you have a taste for classic/southern rock or AOR with praise and worship lyrics, “Always Look Up” will be an excellent addition to your library.
Rating: 9.0/10
Written by Sean Bailey
Tracklist
1 – Awesome God
2 – Stand Up
3 – Warrior
4 – There You Are
5 – Speak His Name
6 – Why God Brought Me Here
7 – Praying
8 – It’s Up to You
9 – Holy Moment
10 – Leaning on the Cross
11 – Jesus Christ
Van Zant is:
Johnny Van Zant – lead vocals
Donnie Van Zant – vocals and guitar
Mark Matejka – lead, rhythm, and slide guitar
Carl Lindquist – lead, rhythm, and slide guitar
Jimmy Carter – bass guitar
Shawn Fichter – drums and percussion
Jeffrey Roach – keyboards
Chris Hurst – keyboards
Dennis Wage – keyboards
Release Date: November 22, 2024
Record Label: Frontiers Records
Discography:
Van Zant (1985)
Brother to Brother (1998)
Van Zant II (2001)
Get Right With the Man (2005)
My Kind of Country (2007)
Always Look Up (2024)
Social Media: Website | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | Spotify | Bandcamp
Videos for There You Are
Video for Speak His Name
Video for Awesome God
Video for Jesus Christ