Do Your Worst

The Zoo Crew is spinning the electrifying track "Do Your Worst" by Rival Sons from their 2019 album Feral Roots, a song that’s got the Zoo Freaks buzzing with its raw, bluesy energy. This track stormed the charts, hitting number one on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock Songs in March 2019, a testament to its gritty, radio-ready appeal. Critics like James Christopher Monger from AllMusic called it a “radio-ready banger” that channels the spirit of Led Zeppelin and The Black Keys, blending high-octane riffs with a modern edge. The song’s release was a big moment for the band, with Rival Sons’ X account celebrating its chart-topping success in a March 2019 post, thanking fans and radio stations for their support. Recorded at Nashville’s RCA Studio A and Muscle Shoals Sound Studio in Alabama, the song carries a Southern rock swagger, produced by Grammy-winner Dave Cobb, who helped craft its intense, timeless vibe.

One juicy tidbit about "Do Your Worst" comes from its premiere, which was hyped by Rolling Stone in September 2018. Rival Sons shared the track and its video on X, calling it a fresh offering for fans. The song’s live performances were a highlight during the band’s 2019 tour, with a review from Sonic Perspectives noting its standout moment at an Atlanta show, where it closed a set with explosive energy. Fans on Rival Sons’ Facebook have shared their love for its driving rhythm, with some speculating it was used in a TV commercial due to its catchy, anthemic quality. The track’s lyrics, described on Lyrics.com as evoking a mysterious stranger with a “voice like sugar,” add a layer of intrigue that hooks listeners.

Rival Sons formed in Long Beach, California, in 2009, rising from the ashes of guitarist Scott Holiday’s previous band, The Black Summer Crush. The band’s origin story is one of serendipity and bold choices. Vocalist Jay Buchanan, who grew up in a musical family with a mother who sang in church, was initially hesitant to dive into rock’n’roll. However, after being persuaded to re-record tracks for what would become their debut album Before the Fire, he found his calling. Buchanan’s powerful voice, often compared to legends like Robert Plant and Paul Rodgers, became the band’s cornerstone. Drummer Michael Miley and bassist Dave Beste (who joined after Robin Everhart’s departure in 2013) rounded out the lineup, bringing a tight, dynamic rhythm section. Their early days were marked by relentless gigging and a self-released debut that caught the ear of Earache Records.

The band’s breakthrough came with their 2011 album Pressure & Time, which hit number one on Amazon’s Hard Rock bestsellers list and cracked the Billboard Hot 100. Their retro-inspired, blues-rock sound, paired with electrifying live shows, earned them spots opening for icons like The Rolling Stones, AC/DC, and Black Sabbath. By the time Feral Roots dropped, Rival Sons had cemented their reputation as a modern rock powerhouse, with Rolling Stone praising their role in introducing new fans to the genre. Fans can connect with the band on their official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X. For Zoo Freaks looking to dive deeper, check out fan communities like the Rival Sons Fan Group on Facebook, where devotees share concert stories, photos, and more.