**Introduction**

There have been many bands in Rock History who have experienced continued success despite a number of lineup changes, One such band who have managed to do this are Lynyrd Skynyrd. In 1977 at the height of their early success disaster struck when a plane the band were travelling in during their tour for the album Street Survivors crashed in Missisippi. Six people died when the plane crashed due to fuel exhaustion. Along with the Road manager and the two pilots three members of the band died, they were Ronnie Van Zant, Steve Gaines and Cassie Gaines. The other band members could have died but were very lucky to survive with a few broken bones.

In 1987 the band reunited for a tour with new members former guitarist Ed King and Ronnie's younger brother Johnny who took over as lead singer and main songwriter. Their first album since reuniting was not until 1991 with Lynyrd Skynyrd 1991. Whilst they were not back to amazing success of the previous Lynyrd Skynyrd they had good reviews from the critics and fans alike. After the success of the album they became working on their seventh studio album which was 1993's The Last Rebel.

**The Last Rebel**

The album was Recorded at Emerald Sound Studios, Nashville, TN And was Released in February 1993, The Last Rebel moved the sound on from the previous album whilst still keeping the Lynyrd Skynyrd sound alive. The Last Rebel Combines Heavier Rock tracks with some sounds reminiscent of the previous Lynyrd Skynyrd before the Plane Crash.

Personnel
Gary Rossington - guitar
Ed King - guitar
Johnny Van Zant - lead vocals
Leon Wilkeson - bass
Billy Powell - piano, Hammond organ, synthesizer
Randall Hall - guitar
Kurt Custer - drums, cymbals, percussion
Dale Krantz-Rossington - background vocals

1.) "Good Lovin's Hard to Find" - 3:55

This is a very catchy track to open the album, the guitars and drum beat come in at the same time and then the backing from the piano comes in. This track also features a fantastic horn section. This is a fabulous flowing track which combines old school Lynyrd Skynyrd with a frenetic Rock feel. A fabulous solo is the crowning glory of this track.

2.) "One Thing" - 5.13

This is one of the best tracks on the album, The unique three guitar lineup works a treat on this track with the superb Billy Powell on Piano. Johnny Van Zant provides a superb strong vocal for this track. I really love the pace of this track as it really has a superb tempo and some of the guitar playing from Gary Rossington in particular is Spectacular.

3.) "Can't Take That Away" - 4:19

This is one of the tracks on the album that most feels like the earlier Lynyrd Skynyrd. The female backing vocals remind you of the early Lynyrd Skynyrd and the vocals from Johnny Van Zant add a different touch than those of his late brother Ronnie. Excellent guitar work from all three guitarists is another fine feature of this track along with the infectious chorus that is just begging to be sung.

4.) "Best Things in Life" - 3:54

This is another track which features the kind of Piano licks featured on a number of Lynyrd Skynyrd's best known hits. This track has a little heavier feel though. I really love the flow of this track as it has such an energy about it that would be great Live. This track is about how you can feel when you are in Love with someone.

5.) "The Last Rebel" - 6:47

This is a really excellent track. It opens with a dramatic military style drum piece and then the soft guitars come in. Johnny's voice then comes in with the Bluesy guitar licks in the background. Then the drums come in and this track really gets going. This is a truly sensational track with some great examples of the slide guitar legends. Awesome track indeed. Everything about this track is amazing.

6.) "Outta Hell In My Dodge" - 3:47

This is an interesting track about when everything gets on top of you and you feel it would be better if you just left town and started somewhere else. This is a catchy slice of Southern Rock which has a really great flow about it. The piano is similar to previous Lynyrd Skynyrd but the guitars have a rockier and edgier feel about them. A fine track.

7.) "Kiss Your Freedom Goodbye" - 4:46

You really need to listen to this track To get a real feeling of how catchy this really is. This tracks is about your hometown becoming more and more unsociable. This is summed up by these lyrics "Life's good in this small town, population 62, Our bank ain't been held-up since 1932, Our doors are always unlocked But not for long I'm tellin' you". This is a great track with a superb Piano solo which has more than a touch of The Blues about it.

8.) "South Of Heaven" - 5:15

This is another fantastic track with a great flow. Another indication of the fine three pronged guitar attack of Gary Rossington, Ed King and Randall Hall. Some of the Guitar work on this track is as good as anything in the Lynyrd Skynyrd back catalogue. Some great Piano licks aswell from Billy Powell. A fine song indeed.

9.) "Love Don't Always Come Easy" - 4:34

This is the slowest track on the album and also one of the best. This track is about having to work to for a relationship. This track features a guitar solo that is laid back but superb and then the solo becomes less laid back towards the end with an amazing final solo to cap this amazing track off. An absolutely superb track. Amazing Ballad.

10.) "Born to Run" - 7:25

No this is not a cover of Bruce Springsteen's Born to Run but this closing track is an uptempo track which is another very catchy Rock out track. It's also the longest track on the album by 38 seconds over The Last Rebel. I love some of the Guitar licks on this album and the Piano is again a great part of the appeal of the track. Fabulous closing track.

**Overall**

The Last Rebel is one of Lynyrd Skynyrd's best albums and features some amazing songs which blend the old style with a newer heavier Rock feel. I feel Johnny Van Zant's vocals are an improvement on his brother Ronnie's but Gary Rossington is as great on guitar as ever. This is an amazing album on it's own merit. Check out their other albums from the second coming of the band.

Also posted on Dooyoo as Lakerfanster