When brothers
Johnny and Donnie Van Zant get together, it's not just another record in the country-rock world, it's an event. The instantly identifiable voices of
.38 Special and
Lynyrd Skynyrd are teaming up for the first time under their own surname (just
Van Zant) -- and the results are nothing short of a modern southern classic. Leaning more on the country side of things than rock is a big risk, but one that pays off. The themes of the 11-song showcase tread familiar waters: love, loss, heartache, family, being homesick, and partying -- all make their grand appearances in here in one fashion or another. But the real gem of
Get Right with the Man is the sincerity with which these topics are treated. Never have the brothers sounded so relaxed behind a microphone, and the results are a pure southern barnburner of a good time from start to finish. ~ Rob Theakston