Bob Seger: Beautiful Loser : Music Reviews : Rolling Stone

Album Reviews

Bob Seger is a superb songwriter and Midwestern rocker who's been ignored for far too long. He had a hit, "Ramblin' Gamblin' Man" in 1968, but superior followup singles went unheard. The dramatic "East Side Story" (his first regional hit), the frighteningly intense "Lookin' Back" and the most passionate, personalized antiwar song of the Sixties, "2+2," should have been part of everyone's radio heritage.

Beautiful Loser is Seger's eighth album. While it lacks a classic to rank with past 45 greats, it's his most consistent effort, a deft balance of chugging rockers and striking, reflective numbers. The lyrics are thoughtful and intriguing, with tasteful musical backing from the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section. "Jody Girl" and "Fine Memory" are melodic, touching songs which suggest a restrained Van Morrison, while Tina Turner's "Nutbush City Limits" contributes a timely, slashing change of pace. "Sailing Nights" is reminiscent of Procol Harum's nautical phase—potentially perilous waters, but Seger navigates them well.

The key cut is the six-minute "Katmandu," a fierce rock & roller wherein Seger adapts a familiar Chuck Berry lyrical mode to his own purposes: Ten years of not making it in his homeland is enough—next stop, Katmandu. With this fine LP, he deserves his long delayed recognition—now.