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Music review: Bob Seger – ‘I Knew You When’

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Rhodes

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Bob Seger - ‘I Knew You When’

With 2017 coming to a quiet close, now is the perfect time for feeling nostalgic and looking back at the people and events that helped to shape who we are today.

On Bob SegerĢƵ latest effort, the Detroit rock legend finds himself in a reflective mood as he sings on the title track, “You helped me through my darkest hours/You always were my friend/You gave me hope to carry on/Because I knew you when.”

“I Knew You When” is SegerĢƵ 18th studio release and is dedicated to the memory of longtime friend Glenn Frey, who passed away in 2016.

The stirring “I’ll Remember You” serves as another Seger-penned track about friendship, loyalty and lessons learned.

As a member of both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame, Seger has always had a knack for crafting a memorable tune.

The 72-year-old Seger shows no signs of slowing down and proves that 2014ĢƵ “Ride Out” wasn’t his swan song as witnessed on new straightforward rock tracks “Runaway Train” and “The Highway.”

“Gracile” opens the set with the same gritty assurance and swagger displayed on 1976ĢƵ “Sunspot Baby” and 1980ĢƵ “Her Strut.”

The album also includes strong covers of Lou ReedĢƵ “Busload of Faith” and Leonard CohenĢƵ “Democracy.” Both tracks deliver a powerful and timely message about staying vigilant during turbulent times.

Rock flavorings of Led ZeppelinĢƵ “Kashmir” can be prominently heard on “The Sea Inside.” This pounding number soars with a dramatic sense of purpose by illustrating the calming solace discovered when moving away from earthly things and focusing on whatĢƵ truly in our heart.

The deluxe edition includes “Glenn Song.” The touching tribute to Frey features Seger closing the album by tenderly singing, “There was no one quite like you.” The friendship between the two artists had its early beginnings with SegerĢƵ “Ramblin’ Gamblin’ Man.” The 1968 hit featured Frey on acoustic guitar and singing backing vocals. Years later, Seger would lend his writing skills to the Eagles’ “Heartache Tonight.”

Once again rock and roll never forgets. And fortunately for fans, neither does Seger.

Clint Rhodes is the ĢƵ music reviewer. He can be reached at clinton43@me.com.

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