Just as Bob Seger was perfecting his distinctive brand of blue-collar American rock, along came Bruce Springsteen and, with those unforgettable power chords which launched the epic Born To Run, seized Seger’s crown.
Since then, Springsteen has conquered the world and Seger has ploughed a more modest furrow. Nonetheless, as the excellent collection of hits and near-hits testifies, Seger wrote some tremendous songs.
The shimmering Hollywood Nights, a cautionary tale about hedonism in LA, matches just about everything in Springsteen’s canon, while the world-weary Still The Same, a coruscating portrait of an unprincipled player who gambles with life, remains one of the greatest put-downs ever. Other gems include the atmospheric Night Moves, the lilting Rodney Crowell-penned Shame On The Moon and We’ve Got Tonight, that desperate plea for love in a lonely climate.
Throw in Mainstreet, Against The Wind and Old Time Rock And Roll and it’s clear, to adapt the title of this superb double CD, that rock’n’roll must never forget Bob Seger.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here