Milestone: 38 Special Releases First Album in 20 Years and Collaborates with Train on New Single
Southern rock legends 38 Special are celebrating their monumental 50th anniversary in 2025 by releasing Milestone, their long-awaited studio album after a hiatus of over two decades. To kick off this landmark occasion, the Florida-based band has unveiled “Slightly Controversial,” a dynamic track featuring a collaboration with Pat Monahan from Train.
The song is centered around a mysterious woman who thrives on intrigue and unpredictability, as lead vocalist Barnes explains. Describing her as enigmatic and guarded, Barnes praises Monahan’s performance on the track, noting that he captured the essence of the character flawlessly during their recording session together.
Monahan reflects on the collaboration with gratitude, sharing that covering 38 Special’s classic “Hold On Loosely” with Joe Bonamassa led to this incredible opportunity to work on a new song with the band. He describes it as a significant honor to be part of 38 Special’s latest project after admiring their music for so long.
Milestone also sees 38 Special reuniting with long-time collaborator Jim Peterik, known for his work with Survivor, including co-writing hits like “Hold On Loosely” and “Caught Up In You.” Additionally, Randy Bachman, from Bachman-Turner Overdrive and The Guess Who, contributes his songwriting skills to the album, bringing another level of rock expertise to the table.
According to Barnes, Milestone represents a refreshing take on the classic 38 Special sound, with a goal of not just creating another record, but making a bold statement after their extended break. The album features a wide range of tracks, including the high-energy opener “So Much So Right,” which delves into themes of intense passion and enduring love, setting the tone for the rest of the record.
Originating in Jacksonville, Florida in the early 1970s, 38 Special quickly established themselves as southern rock icons with a more mainstream appeal compared to their counterparts like Lynyrd Skynyrd. With over 20 million albums sold globally and platinum certifications spanning multiple eras, the band’s reputation for delivering energetic live shows and timeless music remains their hallmark.
In 2025, 38 Special continues their tradition of relentless touring with upcoming dates across the US alongside bands like Kansas, Styx, Jefferson Starship, and The Outlaws. Fans can also engage with the band through Don Barnes’ exclusive show on TalkShopLive, where he discusses the creation of Milestone and offers limited signed editions of the album on colored vinyl and CD.
As 38 Special embarks on this new chapter in their storied career, Milestone promises to be a significant addition to their legendary discography, solidifying their status as one of the most enduring and iconic bands in the history of southern rock music.