This week, we celebrated 80 years of the brilliant Bob Seger.
When you hear his music, you hear the soul of heartland rock. There is perhaps no voice as synonymous with the genre as his.
Initially finding success in his hometown of Detroit, Michigan, and then finding nationwide (and global) fame, Seger has become one of the biggest names in music.
Since the 1960s, with a sound that’s gravelly and powerful in the best possible way, the roots rocker has continuously delivered heartfelt stories through his song. Over the decades, musical and lyrical genius has helped him sell over 75 million records worldwide.
Whether it be as part of a group or solo, he has produced a vast catalogue of tunes that have come to be well-listened classics.
Among them, hits that speak to the working-class experience, love, youthful rebellion, and the bittersweet passage of time.
Let’s look back at five of these tracks that helped Seger ascend to musical greatness.
‘Ramblin’ Gamblin’ Man’ (1969)
‘Ramblin' Gamblin' Man’ was one of Seger’s first big hits with his band The Bob Seger System (formerly known as The Last Heard).
It’s rock and roll with a hint of funk - the tune picks you up and makes you want to dance, almost making you feel as though you’re a gambler on a winning streak.
‘Turn the Page’ (1973/1976)
‘Turn the Page’ is a concert classic for Seger. It must be said that it’s a life classic too, telling the moody tale about the often lonely grind of life.
As soon as you hear that haunting saxophone and melody, you can almost picture your whole life playing out in front of you.
It didn’t quite land upon its first release as part of the lacklustre ‘Back in ‘72’ album, but found its feet when a renewed live recording appeared in the 1976 ‘Live Bullet’ album. This acted as a solid introduction to the Silver Bullet Band and readied them for the release of their breakout ‘Night Moves’ album.
‘Night Moves’ (1976)
A massive hit with his Silver Bullet Band, ‘Night Moves’ is one of Seger’s most iconic songs, even being named as Rolling Stone’s song of the year in 1977.
It’s a ballad that comes packed full of nostalgia, delivered by that raspy, soothing voice. Never has a tale on the complexities and heartbreak of adolescent love sounded so good.
It’s a timeless classic and favourite for both listeners and Seger alike, as stated in a 1994 interview with the Detroit Free Press.
“It still has the exact meaning it’s always had for me - the freedom and looseness I had during high school. That romance actually took place after high school… Her boyfriend was in the service, and when he came back, she married him. My first broken heart.”
‘Old Time Rock and Roll’ (1979)
A tribute to rock and roll of the past, Seger took all the good things about old school rock and roll and put them into this song. ‘Old Time Rock and Roll’ lives up to its name and soothes the soul.
The song was so good it even found its way into the charts twice - first in the year of its release and then again in 1983. This came after the film ‘Risky Business’ featured Tom Cruise lip-syncing the hit.
‘Against the Wind’ (1980)
Another hit for Bob Seger and The Silver Bullet Band, this time in the form of a more reflective and sombre tune.
Seger puts his introspective hat on for ‘Against the Wind’ as he tells a heartfelt story of perseverance. Inspired by his cross-country running high school days, this one relates to anyone who's ever had to run against the wind, whether it be literally or figuratively.
This was yet another track that ended up on the big screen. Almost 15 years after its release, and staying true to its cross-country theme, the song featured in the soundtrack to one of Hollywood’s most famous runners, Forrest Gump.
Sixty years on, and the sound of Bob Seger continues to resonate across generations. His bluesy blend of rock and roll has earned him a place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and in the hearts of millions.
