Greatest Hits – Bob Seger
Bob Seger – a huge seller of albums in the 80s, yet all I remember him for is “Shakedown” from Beverly Hills Cop II (not true, I do remember hearing “Night Moves” and “Against the Wind”).
“Roll Me Away” is a solid start but the shift up to “Night Moves” is significant. There’s something about the chords, the melody, the way he sings it that makes this a great song. The use of the keyboard to provide a bed for the song as it shifts into the second verse is a nice touch.
I don’t know what the studio version sounds like, but the live version of “Turn the Page” is similarly enjoyable. A nice moody piece.” "You'll Accomp'ny Me" is another that’s OK – a song that shuffles along nicely with a decent organ to back it.
“Hollywood Nights” is one of the best songs here. Nice song, nice organ backing – I’m starting to sound repetitive now, aren’t I? - Well, just hang on a minute.
"Still the Same”, “Old Time Rock & Roll” and “We’ve Got Tonight” are pure filler – well-intentioned lyrics building up to a singalong chorus with lots of female back vocalists – Filler on a greatest hits album!
I’ve heard “Against the Wind” before and I suppose this must be one of his most well-loved songs. It’s got a nice melody but it’s not as powerful as I remember it. After this improvement, it’s back to the filler. There’s nothing wrong with any of the songs individually, it’s just that none of them leave an impression. The lyrics of “In Your Time” made me chuckle, given everything that’s been said about Mr Seger in this thread. “Feel the wind. And set yourself the bolder course”, he sings, whilst no doubt grinning and hauling another bag of cash to the bank.
I notice that Mancitydoogle has said that he has always considered Bob Seger a poor man’s Springsteen, and on the evidence of this album, boy, he wasn’t kidding!
Look how the second paragraph of the Wikipedia entry on “Heartland Rock” starts:-
“The genre is exemplified by singer-songwriters Tom Petty, Bob Seger, Bruce Springsteen, and John Mellencamp ….”
Whilst that might be the case, I’d argue that Mr Seger is not fit to lick the boots of the other three. There’s little evidence here that he can write majestic epics like the Boss, or come up with inventive arrangements or social commentary like Mellencamp, and whilst he has a few decent tunes, they are not in the same league as Petty’s average songs, let alone his best.
Additionally, all three of these artists have bands whose members bring something unique to their sound, enhancing the songs of their singer. Whilst Seger undoubtedly has competent musicians, the hour of music presented here gives them little chance to shine.
However, I would always rather listen to this type of music than “experimental” music (in most cases, read: downright awful). It’s proper music approached and played in the right way, and Bob Seger has a pleasant voice. It comes as a soothing balm after a few recent choices, and for that reason I’m giving it 6/10.
PS: I notice there’s a Greatest Hits 2 if this wasn’t enough to sate your desire for Seger.
