often than not, however, the ensemble rips into its new batch of songs with such intense force that all but the most diehard Betts fans won’t care one bit." In Rolling Stone Parke Puterbaugh wrote, "These southern-rock road warriors' first studio album since 1994 is surprisingly solid: Returning guitarist Warren Haynes – the best axman to pass through the band since Duane Allman – plays with a steely, tensile power, while youngblood Derek Trucks... counterpoints with mellower, more even-keeled lines.... There's nothing radically new going on here, but the level of engagement is noteworthy." Steven Hyden in PopMatters said, "It should go without saying that the playing on Hittin' the Note is uniformly excellent.... But if the songs are merely workmanlike, the easy roll and tumble of the ensemble playing is still highly enjoyable.... But there's a real warmth and sense of pleasure poring out of the laser-guided grooves here that comes from long-time mates locking into a groove and seeing where it takes them." Track listing "Firing Line" (Gregg Allman, Warren Haynes) – 5:17 "High Cost of Low Living" (Allman, Haynes, Jeff Anders, Ronnie Burgin) – 7:52 "Desdemona" (Allman, Haynes) – 9:20 "Woman Across the River" (Bettye Crutcher, Allen Jones) – 5:51 "Old Before My Time" (Allman, Haynes) – 5:23 "Who to Believe" (Haynes, John Jaworowicz) – 5:38 "Maydell" (Haynes, Johnny Neel) – 4:35 "Rockin' Horse" (Allman, Haynes, Allen Woody, Jack Pearson) – 7:23 "Heart of Stone" (Mick Jagger, Keith Richards) – 5:06 "Instrumental Illness" (Haynes, Oteil Burbridge) – 12:17 "Old Friend" (Haynes, Chris Anderson) – 6:12 Personnel The Allman Brothers Band Gregg Allman – Hammond B-3 organ, piano, clavinet, lead vocals Butch Trucks – drums Jaimoe – drums Warren Haynes – lead, slide, acoustic, and acoustic slide guitars (left side), lead and background vocals Marc Quiñones – congas, percussion Oteil Burbridge – bass Derek Trucks – lead, slide, and acoustic slide guitars (right side) Production Produced and mixed by Michael Barbiero and Warren Haynes Engineer: Michael Barbiero Assistant engineers: Reuben Kaller, Mike Scielzi Mastering: Greg Calbi Art direction, illustration: Hugh Syme Design: Linda Yue Photography: Danny Clinch, Dimo Safari, Kirk West References 2003 albums The Allman Brothers Band albums Sanctuary Records albums