38 Special – Special Forces

Released in 1982, Special Forces is the fifth studio album from the American rock band 38 Special, marking their highest-charting studio release in the United States. Produced by Rodney Mills alongside co-producers and band members Don Barnes and Jeff Carlisi, the album was recorded at the legendary Studio One in Doraville, Georgia. This project solidified the group’s transition into a more polished arena rock sound while maintaining their deep southern rock roots. The collection features the hit single Caught Up In You, which became the band's first top ten hit on the Billboard Hot 100, and the successful follow-up You Keep Runnin' Away. Both tracks were co-written with Survivor's Jim Peterik, whose melodic influence helped define the band's commercial peak. The recording features the signature twin-guitar attack of Barnes and Carlisi, underpinned by the dual drumming of Jack Grondin and Steve Brookins. With its high-fidelity production mastered by Bob Ludwig at Masterdisk, the album achieved platinum status, highlighting 38 Special's mastery of hook-filled rock and soulful vocal harmonies provided by Donnie Van Zant and Don Barnes.

Tracklist