Atlanta Rhythm Section ‎– Quinella (Reissue) (1981/2000)

The group's only release for Columbia is a superb piece of Southern rock, timeless in its lyrical sensibilities, which are all voiced in a smoothly raspy manner by lead singer Ronnie Hammond (backed by his own overdubs and Buddy Buie). Barry Bailey's and J.R. Cobb's guitars grind and crunch along, and Paul Goddard and Roy Yeager's bass and drums provide a rock-hard foundation to this celebration of Southern manhood. The songs are just about perfectly crafted, never outstaying their welcome or lasting longer than they can sustain interest. A few of the more lyrical numbers, like the harmony-driven "Alien," offer considerable melodic charm, almost venturing into CSN territory on their choruses (featuring Steve McRay as guest back-up singer) -- coupled with the first-rate playing, they're the surprising highlights of this hard rocking classic.