Today we have Lynyrd Skynyrd's debut album Pronounced Leh'-nerd Skin'-nerd. Released in 1973, the album was well-received by critics and many of the songs became hit singles. It is often considered the band's best album. Because the band formed in 1965, many of the songs had been perfected over
a number of years during live performances and, therefore, the band allowed for little improvisation during the sessions for the album.
Ronnie's voice and lyrics radiate with personality and intelligence--which separates him from Gregg Allman who sings similarly but whom it is impossible to enamored by--especially on the slow, hard rock "Simple Man," his signature song "Mississippi Kid," and the politically conscious and groovy "Things Goin' On." Garry Rossington and Allen Collins achieve everything I love about twin lead guitars: vibrant riffs, powerful solos, and added texture. Finally, producer Al Kooper, who even gets to add a bit of his trusty organ, might have been wrong about "Simple Man," but he was right about this band's talent and I'm going to give him credit for the subtle use of the strings on "Tuesday's Gone," which adds volumes. A-
