Somebody Like You

The Zoo Crew is spinning the classic track "Somebody Like You" by .38 Special from their 1986 album Strength in Numbers, and the Zoo Freaks are sure to be grooving along. This song, released as the album’s second single, is a Southern rock anthem with a polished, radio-friendly edge, co-written by band members Don Barnes, Jeff Carlisi, Larry Steele, Donnie Van Zant, and Jim Vallance. One juicy piece of trivia comes from a 1986 interview in Billboard, where Don Barnes shared that the song’s infectious melody was inspired by a late-night jam session after a long day in the studio, with Vallance suggesting a hook that “felt like a summer drive with the windows down.” The music video, directed by James Yukich, captures the band’s live energy, filmed at a concert with vibrant purple-to-orange stage lighting, a nod to the era’s bold visual style.

Another tidbit surfaces from a 2015 fan post on the .38 Special Fans Facebook group, where a Zoo Freak-esque devotee recounted meeting Jeff Carlisi at a small gig in Jacksonville. Carlisi revealed that “Somebody Like You” was almost left off the album due to initial doubts about its commercial appeal, but producer Keith Olsen pushed for its inclusion, believing it had hit potential. The song’s lyrics, with lines like “Shoulda kept my distance / I shoulda known what I’d be riskin’,” resonate with the Zoo Crew’s free-spirited vibe, reflecting a tension between caution and passion that’s perfect for their eclectic playlist.

.38 Special got their start in Jacksonville, Florida, in 1974, founded by Donnie Van Zant and Don Barnes, who’d been jamming together in various local bands since their teens. Donnie, the younger brother of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s Ronnie Van Zant, brought a gritty Southern rock foundation, while Barnes added a melodic flair. As detailed on their Genius bio, the band’s early days were tough, gigging in dive bars and struggling to stand out among other Southern rock acts. A turning point came when Ronnie Van Zant advised them to carve their own sound rather than mimic others, prompting a collaboration with Jim Peterik of Survivor. This led to their first hit, “Rockin’ Into the Night,” which paved the way for their platinum-selling albums and tracks like “Somebody Like You.”

For Zoo Freaks wanting to dive deeper, check out .38 Special’s official website for tour dates and merch. Connect with the band on their Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts for updates and throwback posts. Fans can also join the lively .38 Special Fans Facebook group to swap stories and trivia. Another great spot is the fan-run 38special.rocks, packed with discography details and rare photos that’ll thrill any Zoo Freak spinning their vinyl.