A$# 009 Bob Seger | Stranger In Town

Outside of the Beatles oeuvre, Bob Seger's Stranger In Town is my very favourite album.

It's a masterpiece, a tour de force. It's bloody brilliant. I can't get any more effusive in my praise. You won't see it near the top of any critics' lists of top albums of all time, but what do they know?!

Bob Seger has always been a master of straight-up rock, and in the second half of the 1970s had really hit his stride. Following on the heels of 1977's successful Night Moves, he released Stranger In Town in 1978. It went platinum several times over, and garnered a fistful of massive hits. But it's not because it has hit singles that this album shines.

No, it's because he takes those famous themes of alienation and displacement - much like ELO would do three years later in a much different way on Time - and weaves a set of songs that are positive and optimistic, while not shying away from exploring the pain of dislocation. Bob sings of being lonely in Tinsel Town, people who refuse to change, vintage musical tastes, feeling like "a spoke in a great big wheel", two lovers who share one last night etc. In other words, he sings about the human experience.

What are the standout tracks here? Well, the short answer is all of them. I've always thought Ain't Got No Money is the weakest (but barely), and Old Time Rock 'N' Roll did get a bit too much airplay. Which is the best? That' really hard to say. Let me put it this way - at least five songs tie for no. 2. If I really had to pick one track for no. 1, it would be Till It Shines:

Like an echo down a canyon
Never coming back as clear
Lately I just judge the distance
Not the words I hear
I've been too long on these islands
I've been far too long alone
I've been too long without summer
In this winter home
Still if we can make the effort
If we take the time
Maybe we can leave this much behind
Till it shines

TIS is a folky rocker, as is Hollywood Nights. Still The Same and Feel Like A Number really rock out. We've Got Tonite and The Famous Final Scene are great ballads. All of the tracks blend together to make a great cohesive aural experience.

Get this album!

Track listing:
1. Hollywood Nights
2. Still the Same
3. Old Time Rock & Roll
4. Till It Shines
5. Feel Like a Number
6. Ain't Got No Money
7. We've Got Tonight
8. Brave Strangers
9. Famous Final Scene