Atlanta Rhythm Section - Red Tape (1976) LP

When they released Red Tape in 1976, the Atlanta Rhythm Section were at the brink of success. They achieved it the following year, when A Rock and Roll Alternative nearly broke into the Top Ten, but they truly found their winning sound here. True, the songs aren't quite as distinctive as they would be just a mere year later, but the blend of soul, blues, country and rock is melodic and appealing -- maybe not as complex as the Allman Brothers, but rivaling the Marshall Tucker Band in terms of songwriting and sound. An impressive effort from a band beginning to find its feet.