Review Summary: Black Oak Arkansas Still Rocks!
It’s been a long time since Jim Dandy Mangrum and Black Oak Arkansas have put out a studio release. Mangrum has put together a fine collective of musicians with an excellent outcome and this album was definitely worth the wait. Unlike The Allmans, Skynyrd, The Outlaws, and so many other southern rock bands, Black Oak Arkansas never got the full recognition that they deserved.
Underdog Heroes shows us how this band can still rock after all these years. This record is filled with a powerhouse of rock and roll that they have always been known for as well as some nice surprises. The song The Devil’s Daughter features some soul-stirring lead vocals from new singer Samantha B. Seauphine, and Do Unto Others exhibits some remarkable guitar playing from former member Shawn Lane who passed away quite a few years ago. There also is a memorable tribute to another deceased member Ruby Starr where the band performs their own custom version of Grand Funk Railroad’s Heartbreaker. The title track has a heavy-hitting rock sound with some nice bluesy guitar riffs and the song Channeling Spirits pays honor to a host of rock and roll legends that we have lost over time. It's been over half a century since the band’s beginnings, and Jim Dandy’s voice today sounds as great as it ever did along with all his signature growls and howls. The musicianship and production on this album are flawless while still retaining the classic Black Oak Arkansas sound.
Unfortunately, this would be that last studio album with original and long-time guitarist Rickie Lee Reynolds. Sadly, he passed away two years after the release. If Jim Dandy and company can continue to make more recordings like Underdog Heroes, I can only hope that we won’t have to wait so long until their next one.
