Underdog, Atlanta Rhythm Section
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Underdog is the eighth studio album by the Southern rock band Atlanta Rhythm Section (ARS), released in June 1979. It is widely considered a high point of their "soft rock" or "pop-rock" era, following the massive success of their previous album, Champagne Jam.
The album is also notable for being the final studio recording to feature original drummer Robert Nix, who left the band shortly after its release.
Chart Success & Singles
The album was a commercial success, reaching #26 on the Billboard 200 and earning a Gold certification from the RIAA. It produced two major Top 20 hits:
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"Do It or Die": A smooth, melodic track that peaked at #19.
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"Spooky": A cover of the 1967 Classics IV hit. This was a "full circle" moment for the band, as ARS members Buddy Buie, J.R. Cobb, and Dean Daughtry were all originally members of Classics IV. Their 1979 remake reached #17.
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The "Doraville" Sound
Like most of their classic work, Underdog was recorded at Studio One in Doraville, Georgia. The production by Buddy Buie emphasized the band’s incredible technical proficiency—particularly the "clean" but biting guitar style of Barry Bailey and the tight rhythmic pocket of bassist Paul Goddard.
MINT - sealed
NM - likely never played - almost perfect
VG+ - light scuffs, light scratches wont effect play
VG - signs of wear, light scratches you can feel
GOOD - surface noise, visible groove wear
POOR / FAIR- some damage, causing issues like skipping & distorted audio
OIS - original inner sleeve
