Great Rock Albums of 1980: Bob Seger- Against the Wind

For those who read my posting for Bob Seger's 1978 album "Stranger In Town," I apologise in advance for repeating myself but the fact remains, Bob Seger is the forgotten hero of 70's rock. With The Silver Bullet Band, he had a string of hits and great albums throughout the decade that live on today. Classics like "Night Moves," "Rock and Roll Never Forgets," "Hollywood Nights," "Old Time Rock And Roll" and my personal favourite, "Main Street" continue to give old men like me classic musical memories. Therefore, when his 1980 album "Against The Wind" was released, everyone was certain that he would continue his musical domination into the next decade.

Back in 1980, this was the album that knocked the iconic Pink Floyd album "The Wall" off the number one spot. I can see why this album is considered one of his best. It doesn't just rest on the laurels of Bob Seger's previous achievements but is an improvement on it, especially with the quality of the musicianship on the album. I can safely say that I think The Silver Bullet Band was at their very best when recording the album. The title track, which was a top ten hit, is a prime example. I love the musical interlude in the middle of the song where the piano and the guitar trade off each other. Then there is the ballad "No Man's Land," where my best memory of the song was when it was played at the heavy metal club I used to frequent in London in dedication to a fellow metalhead who had tragically passed away. From the more AOR "You'll Accompany Me" to the more vociferous "Her Strut," this album demonstrates why it knocked Floyd off the top spot and stayed there for six weeks.

Track Listing:

1. The Horizontal Bop

2. You'll Accompany Me

3. Her Strut

4. No Man's Land

5. Long Twin Silver Line

6. Against The Wind

7. Good For Me

8. Betty Lou's Getting Out Tonight

9. Fire Lake

10. Shinin' Brightly

Bob Seger

The Silver Bullet Band- tracks 1-3, 6 & 8

Bob Seger- vocals, guitar

Drew Abbot- guitar

Alto Reed- horn, saxophone

Chris Campbell- bass

David Teegarden- drums, percussion

The Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section- tracks 4,5,7, 9 & 10

Barry Beckett- piano, keyboards

Randy McCormick- organ, keyboards

Pete Carr- guitar

Jimmy Johnson- guitar, horn

David Wood- bass

Roger Hawkins- drum, percussion

I once saw a band called The Queer Boys in London who I thought sounded like a combination of The Rolling Stones, Aerosmith and Bob Seger. Now this would lead me to conclude that the music of Bob Seger had an indirect impact on heavy metal. Maybe it did, but what I do know is that he put out some great music and the album "Against The Wind" is arguably his best.

Next post: 38 Special- Rocking Into the Night

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