Description
Lynyrd Skynyrd – Street Survivors – 180 Gram Vinyl Record
Released on October 17, 1977, Street Survivors was the fifth studio album by Lynyrd Skynyrd, and tragically, it became the final album released before the devastating plane crash that killed lead singer Ronnie Van Zant, guitarist Steve Gaines, and backing vocalist Cassie Gaines (Steve’s sister) just three days after the album’s release. This sudden tragedy forever changed the legacy of Street Survivors, turning it into a haunting piece of rock history.
Street Survivors captures Skynyrd at their creative and technical peak, blending Southern rock swagger with blues, boogie, and even elements of funk. The addition of Steve Gaines, who joined the band shortly before the album, injected fresh energy and musicianship into the group. His guitar work and songwriting pushed the band toward more expansive and intricate arrangements, making this one of the tightest and most polished albums in their catalog.
Lyrically, the album touches on life on the road, personal struggles, rock ‘n’ roll excess, and defiant Southern pride—all recurring themes in Skynyrd’s music. However, the album’s tragic context gave some of its lyrics, like “What’s Your Name” and “That Smell”, an almost prophetic weight after the crash.
Notable Tracks & Highlights
“What’s Your Name” – One of the band’s most recognizable hits, this boozy, autobiographical rocker tells the tale of touring mischief with playful swagger and a catchy chorus.
“That Smell” – A chilling standout, this dark, swampy groove was written as a warning about drug and alcohol abuse, with its ominous refrain—*”The smell of death surrounds you”—becoming heartbreakingly prophetic after the crash.
“I Know a Little” – Written by Steve Gaines, this upbeat, honky-tonk boogie showcases his phenomenal guitar chops, adding a playful, bluesy flair to the album.
“You Got That Right” – A high-octane duet between Ronnie Van Zant and Steve Gaines, the song’s carefree attitude and dual lead vocals make it a celebration of life on the road, tinged with the tragic knowledge of what was to come.
“Ain’t No Good Life” – Another Steve Gaines-penned song, this slow blues burner stands out for its emotional depth, and its lyrics about life’s struggles took on extra weight after the crash.
“One More Time” – Originally recorded during the Pronounced ‘Lĕh-‘nérd ‘Skin-‘nérd sessions, this somber, soulful ballad was re-recorded for Street Survivors. Its lyrics about final moments felt eerily fitting after the tragedy.
“Honky Tonk Night Time Man” – A Merle Haggard cover given the full Skynyrd treatment, showing off their country roots while keeping the boogie rock vibe alive.
The original album cover featured the band standing amid flames, with Steve Gaines almost fully engulfed—a striking and tragic image in light of the crash. Out of respect for the victims and their families, MCA Records replaced the cover with a more subdued band photo after the accident. In later years, the flame cover was restored, but it remains one of the most haunting coincidences in rock history.
Street Survivors became one of Skynyrd’s most successful albums, reaching #5 on the Billboard 200 and eventually going double platinum. However, the plane crash ensured that it would always be remembered as the album that marked the end of the original Lynyrd Skynyrd era.
Despite the tragedy, the music itself stands as some of the band’s finest work, and many fans and critics consider it their most mature and musically accomplished album. The combination of the band’s signature swagger, sharper-than-ever songwriting, and the added firepower of Steve Gaines elevated Street Survivors to near-mythical status.
Street Survivors is more than just an album—it’s a time capsule of a band at their creative zenith, just before tragedy struck. It’s equal parts celebration and cautionary tale, and it remains a foundational piece of Southern rock history.
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic sealed
Track Listing
What’s Your Name
That Smell
One More Time
I Know A Little
You Got That Right
I Never Dreamed
Honky Tonk Night Time Man
Ain’t No Good Life
