Van Zant’s Spiritual Awakening: Southern Rock Icons Return with Christian Music Debut ‘Always Look Up’
In a surprise move, southern rock legends Van Zant have reunited and ventured into uncharted territory with their first Christian music album, “Always Look Up”, marking a triumphant return after nearly two decades. This poignant new chapter in their illustrious career stays true to their southern rock roots while exploring themes of faith and inspiration, reflecting the duo’s lifelong commitment to their Christian beliefs. As members of the esteemed Van Zant musical dynasty, Donnie and Johnny Van Zant have built a legacy with .38 Special and Lynyrd Skynyrd, respectively, but now they’re sharing their most personal side yet, making “Always Look Up” a highly anticipated release on November 22, 2024, from Frontiers Music SRL.
“This has been on our bucket list for quite some time to do a gospel record,” says Donnie of the sessions that started during the pandemic. “We’re both big believers in Jesus Christ, so that’s really how it started.”
In spite of their enormous successes, including .38 Special’s more than 20 million album sales and Lynyrd Skynyrd continuing to sell out arenas and amphitheaters, much of what makes Van Zant so relatable is the fact they’ll be the first to admit their flaws and struggles.
“I’ll be honest with you, the devil was my best friend at one time,” says Johnny. “I’m not gonna lie about that and there ain’t too much that I didn’t try over the years, but I always kept hearing our dad speaking the Bible [in my mind]. Our dad should’ve been a preacher, because boy when he started talking the gospel, you didn’t get up and move. Of course as kids, I think we listened to half of it and tried to consume what we could, so that was always in the back of my head. I always believed in Jesus Christ, but I wasn’t saved and I felt like I had my personal connection, just like the song ‘It’s Up To You’ that’s on this new album. Over the years, that voice of my dad was reminding me to try to be a better person. I made lots of mistakes, lots of things that hopefully I don’t get to the pearly gates and they’re closed for me. I’m trying to get through them now!”
Adds Donnie: “We’ve tried our very best to just write about truth, about people, about problems and situations and just try to be true to ourselves. We don’t write nothing that’s B.S. We try to touch people emotionally and spiritually. If we can do that, I think we’ve done our jobs.”
Van Zant released the first single, “Jesus Christ,” in August. Inspired by a painting hanging in Johnny’s Sulfur Water Studios, the song speaks about the crucifixion and resurrection with vivid lyrical descriptions.
Watch the video here:
Always Look Up Track Listing:
?1. Awesome God
?2. Stand Up
?3. Warrior
?4. There You Are
?5. Speak His Name
?6. Why God Brought Me Here
?7. Praying
?8. It’s Up to You
?9. Holy Moment
?10. Leaning on the Cross
?11. Jesus Christ
