(Pronounced 'Lĕh-'nérd 'Skin-'nérd) is the debut studio album by American rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd, released on August 13, 1973, by MCA Records. The album includes several tracks that have become staples of the band's repertoire, such as "Gimme Three Steps," "Simple Man," "Tuesday's Gone," and "Free Bird." The latter track was instrumental in propelling the band to national fame.
The album initially peaked at No. 27 on the US Billboard 200 in 1975. It was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) on December 18, 1974, and later achieved double platinum status on July 21, 1987. In 2020, Rolling Stone included it in its list of the "500 Greatest Albums of All Time," ranking it at number 381.
(Pronounced 'Lĕh-'nérd 'Skin-'nérd) immediately established Lynyrd Skynyrd on the rock-and-roll map. Upon its release, rock journalist Robert Christgau praised the album, giving it an "A" rating and describing Lynyrd Skynyrd as a "staunchly untranscendent band." The band's visibility was significantly boosted when producer and friend of Pete Townshend, Al Kooper, secured them a spot as the opening act for The Who on their American tour. This exposure introduced Lynyrd Skynyrd to much larger audiences.
Rolling Stone magazine recognized the album's impact by ranking it number 403 on its 2012 list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time and number 381 in the 2020 edition.
