DURING THE 1970s Southern Rock music was at its zenith. Several groups reigned supreme, helping to fly the confederate flag loud and proud, whilst also receiving huge commercial accolades and setting out a mandate that would carry through to the next decade. The Outlaws were one of the movement’s most accomplished acts, securing a prime position in the southern rock hierarchy because they delivered the goods time after time.

Following a career defining double live album, the band made preparations for their fourth studio album, one that would not only showcase their roots but also pave the way for the future. To do this they tapped into a new producer, Robert ‘Mutt’ Lange, then just another rising star with, at the time, no global success. Recognising a creative genius, the band set about recording ‘Playing To Win’ in Georgia with Lange at the Helm and Rodney Mills (.38 Special, Lynyrd Skynyrd) in the engineer’s seat. This was to prove a highly potent combination.

Originally issued in 1978, the album showcased a band in search of something fresh but not crazy enough to abandon their heritage. As you might expect, the focus with Lange in the driving seat was on songs and melody, showcasing a style that sounded big, beefy and highly commercial. This was also a record to feature new guitarist Freddie Salem, a man who plied his trade with copious amounts of brawn, helping the band to evolve into a heavier rock rather than a country rock outfit. Check out songs such as ‘Take It Anyway You Want It’ and ‘You Are The Show’ for proof.