By the time the 1980s rolled around,
the Allman Brothers had endured such a tumultuous ride the decade prior, that almost all of the air was let out of their musical tires by the time
Brothers of the Road hit the record stands. Many of the elements of
the Allman Brothers' sound remain intact here, but there are several things lacking that make this a less than essential album. The raw, rugged jams with climatic buildups and blistering guitar workouts have been substituted for a glossier, more pop-friendly sheen (thanks in no part to
Clive Davis' involvement with the group at the time). And while "Straight From the Heart" saw a reasonable campaign on the charts, the rest of the album is tepid at best. Shortly thereafter,
the Allman Brothers decided to hang it up again. This is one only truly dedicated fans and collectors should seek to add to their collection.