Wild-Eyed Southern Boys is the fourth studio album by American Southern rock band .38 Special, released in January 1981 by A&M Records.
The album was produced by Jim Peterik and Jeff Carlisi, two of the band's members. It reached number 11 on the Billboard 200 chart and was certified double platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
The album spawned the hit singles "Hold On Loosely" and "Fantasy Girl". "Hold On Loosely" is a Southern rock anthem that has become a staple of classic rock radio. It reached number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and was certified gold by the RIAA. "Fantasy Girl" is a power ballad that features Carlisi's soaring guitar solo. It reached number 22 on the Hot 100 chart.
The other songs on the album are also well-received by fans and critics. "Wild-Eyed Southern Boys" is a bluesy rocker, "Back Alley Sally" is a swampy slow-burner, and "Hittin' and Runnin'" is a driving hard rock song.
Wild-Eyed Southern Boys is considered one of the best albums by .38 Special. It helped to solidify the band's status as one of the leading Southern rock bands of the 1980s.
| Original Release: 1980. |
| Catalog No: CD 3298. |
| Type: Jewel Case. |