Charlie Daniels Albums (38)
'Songs from the Longleaf Pines'
Release Date 3/22/2005
Tracks 13
Label Koch
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What The Critics Say
Songs from the Longleaf Pines is Charlie Daniels' tribute to bluegrass-gospel -- a tribute album that covers two rarely touched-upon aspects of Daniels' music. He's recorded bluegrass numbers before, and his music certainly has been informed by it, but he's never done a full-fledged bluegrass record before and, apart from a low-budget collection in the early 2000s, he's never done an all-out gospel record. So, this is a first, which would be noteworthy in of itself, but the truly remarkable thing about Songs from the Longleaf Pines is that it's a lively, passionate, invigorating record that's his best album in quite some time. What makes the album such fun is that it captures a peerless musician playing with a peerless supporting group, including such stalwarts as Earl Scruggs, Ronnie McCoury, Rob McCoury, and Chris Thile. They have a natural, easy chemistry that's apparent on such sweet, slow numbers as "Softly and Tenderly," but truly comes to life on the breakneck jams that dominate this album. This is a band of veterans playing with a natural, offhand virtuosity that's all the more exciting for being easy and familiar. Perhaps this isn't the flashiest album Daniels has cut, or the rowdiest, but its low-key, modest charms make this a minor gem in his catalog. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide
'Freedom and Justice for All'
Release Date 7/8/2003
Tracks 14
Label Audium
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'Merry Christmas to All'
Release Date 10/8/2002
Tracks 12
Label Audium
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What The Critics Say
Making music involves two very separate but integral worlds: the electronic environment of the studio and the high-octane world of the stage. Even though Charlie Daniels and his band have proven that they can move recorded merchandise, it has been the group's energetic live performances that have marketed them as one of country-rock's hottest commodities. The two musical worlds unite to spawn the digitally mastered adrenaline rush that is The Live Record. Recorded live in Florida, North Carolina, and Virginia, the extended play truly captures both the energy and musical genius of a live Charlie Daniels concert, at least as close as humanly possible without the huddle of bodies dancing in their seats. Perhaps best of all is the chance to enjoy over an hour of Daniels favorites, such as "In America," "Still in Saigon," and "The Devil Went Down to Georgia" without the muffle that might occur at a large outdoor venue. Each guitar lick and fiddle assault is crystal clear and is especially laudable on Daniels' seven-minute instrumental, "Sidewinder." Lynyrd Skynyrd's Southern classic, "Freebird," is another set-list sizzler, featuring the electronic wail of the lead guitar. As live albums go, this one deserves kudos. The added bonus is that the listener gets not only a rousing good time, but a greatest-hits collection of one of country's greatest entertainers. ~ Rick Cohoon, All Music Guide
'How Sweet the Sound: 25 Favorite Hymns and Gospel Greats'
Release Date 1/1/2001
Tracks 25
Label Sparrow
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What The Critics Say
Country-rock fiddler Charlie Daniels leads his band through two CDs of religious music on How Sweet the Sound: 25 Favorite Hymns and Gospel Greats. Backed by a full choir, Daniels' gruff road dog image is nowhere to be found on this collection, but stripped-down gems like "Softly and Tenderly" or the bluegrass infused "I'll Fly Away" are tucked in among the big production numbers. ~ Zac Johnson, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Not since Fire on the Mountain has the Charlie Daniels Band delivered a record so emotionally charged with screaming guitars and real, honest to goodness Southern-style rock & roll. From the opening chords of the ultimate rock-band-on-the-road tune, "Road Dogs," it is obvious that this release is neither a straight gospel recording like Steel Witness nor a country flavored album like Same Old Me. This is Charlie's hottest rocking recording in many years and a breath of clear, fresh air. Not that there was anything wrong with his previous endeavors. Each had its own set of high points and bits of musical genius, but Road Dogs rocks. "Ain't No Law in California" is an especially memorable rebel yell of a song, with Charlie belting out "Welcome to the wild wild west." "Sidewinder" is more than a little reminiscent of the very best Allman Brothers Band instrumental, featuring triple-lead guitars, overlapping in smooth, tight harmony with all the flavor of a Mexicalli road trip. At the age of 63, Charlie Daniels has returned to his Southern rock roots and sounds as good as ever. This is one old road dog who isn't even considering curling up on the porch and letting life pass him by. He's rockin,' but it's not in a rocking chair, it's behind a Gibson guitar. ~ Michael Smith, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Charlie Daniels' Tailgate Party serves as his tribute to the great bands of the South. The CD itself rocks from beginning to end, kicking things off with a retelling of his Southern rock & roll call, "The South's Gonna Do It Again." Next up, Daniels pays homage to Stevie Ray Vaughan, ripping through "Pride and Joy," before tipping his substantial hat to Toy Caldwell and the Marshall Tucker Band with "Can't You See." Perhaps the biggest surprise of the set comes when Charlie Daniels covers Hootie & the Blowfish, the pride of Columbia, SC. His rendition of "Let Her Cry" is genuinely nice, and Daniels' cover of Atlanta Rhythm Section's "Homesick" is a brilliant reminder of the power and hard-rocking energy that Atlanta Rhythm Section possessed. "Keep Your Hands to Yourself" is filled with a maximum dose of good humor, and lots of good old-fashioned Charlie Daniels Band guitar work. The Georgia Satellites would be proud. "Statesborro Blues" serves as Daniels' tribute to the Allman Brothers Band, and the Charlie Daniels Band delivers a rousing rendition of the Grinderswitch hit "Peach County Jamboree." Covering all the Southern bases, ZZ Top's "Sharp Dressed Man" follows, leading into a tender and emotionally charged cover of Lynyrd Skynyrd's own tribute to Duane Allman, "Freebird." Following this outstanding salute to the South's greatest players, Daniels and the boys in the band smoke a trio of their own, delivering red-hot versions of their "Legend of Wooley Swamp," "El Toreador," and "The Devil Went Down to Georgia." ~ Michael B. Smith, All Music Guide
