Southern rock icon Van Zandt has released the video for “Speak His Name,” from the band’s first new album in nearly 20 years. Entitled Always Look Up, the album marks the duo’s first foray into Christian music while staying true to their Southern rock roots. Available on CD, vinyl and streaming, Always Look Up will be available everywhere through Frontiers Music SRL on November 22nd.
Pre-order/pre-save the album here and watch the new video below.
The Van Zandt musical dynasty had a strong family foundation. Donnie Van Zandt co-founded .38 Special, and his older brother Johnny Van Zandt was the frontman and co-founder of the iconic rock band, which was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. -After Van Zandt’s death, he is currently the lead vocalist for Lynyrd Skynyrd. But throughout the 40 years they’ve climbed the Southern rock and country charts together and separately, faith has remained an equally important factor in the equation, which is why they’ve finally made it clear on their upcoming new album. We decided to share their inspiring side.
“Making a gospel record has been on our bucket list for quite some time,” Donnie says of the sessions, which began during the pandemic. “We both believe deeply in Jesus Christ, so that was really the beginning.”
Despite their huge success, with .38 Special’s album sales exceeding 20 million and Lynyrd Skynyrd continuing to pack out arenas and amphitheaters, what makes Van Zandt so relatable is their are the first to admit their shortcomings and shortcomings and are struggling.
“To be honest, the devil used to be my best friend,” Johnny says. “I’m not going to lie about it and it’s not much that I didn’t try over the years, but I always heard my dad speaking the Bible (in his mind). Our dad… You should have been a preacher, because when he started preaching the gospel, you stood up and didn’t move. Of course, as kids, we listened to half of it and tried to consume everything we could. I always believed in Jesus Christ, but I wasn’t saved, and like the song “It’s Up To You,” which is on this new album, it was always in the back of my mind. I felt like there was a connection. Over the years, that voice of my father has reminded me to strive to be a better person. I’ve made a lot of mistakes and hopefully I won’t get to the pearly gates or they’ll be closed. I’m trying to get over them now! ”
Donnie added: “We’ve tried our best to write about truth, people, issues and situations, and we’ve tried to be true to ourselves. We don’t write anything that’s BS. We… We try to touch people emotionally and spiritually. If we can do that, I think we’ve done our job.”
“Always Look Up” tracklist:
“Awesome God”
“stand up”
“Warrior”
“I’m there.”
“Please tell me his name.”
“Why did God bring me here?”
“pray”
“it’s up to you”
“Sacred Moment”
“Leaning on the cross”
“Jesus Christ”
“Jesus Christ” Lyric Video:
“There You Are” Music Video:
line up:
Johnny Van Zandt: lead vocals
Donnie Van Zandt: vocals, guitar
Mark Matejka: lead guitar, rhythm, slide
Carl Lindquist: lead guitar, rhythm, slide
Jimmy Carter: bass guitar
Sean Fichter: drums & percussion
Jeffrey Roach: keyboard
Chris Hurst: keyboard
Dennis Wage: keyboard
