Search - Bob Seger :: It's a Mystery

The man and his songs

05/30/2000

(3 out of 5 stars)

"This CD is proof that Bob Seger is one of the most intelligent artists to grace the vinyl. He is very opinionated and tries to express himself in his songs. This worked when he was singing of "Night Moves" and other experiences of his youth. Unfortunately, listeners are not as intrigued by his mature take on the world. "Lock and Load" and "Hands in the Air" are excellent tracks. They have the recognizable "grind" that we seek in Seger's music. I am so loyal to the man that I can't criticize the rest of the CD. I can only acknowledge that listeners are disappointed when they listen for pleasure and get a lesson in current events/politics. Seger should write a book. He is intriguing and intelligent. I am looking forward to his next CD. I hear it is in the works."

Not true Bob, but not bad

Ryan Richards | Midland, MI United States | 12/12/2004

(3 out of 5 stars)

"I think "Seger fails, but this is a noble attempt" is a concise (if somewhat harsh) way to describe this CD. After the unified, down-home feeling of "The Fire Inside," Seger seems to be at a loss with this album. He tries to go everywhere musically and ends up going almost nowhere. I say "almost" because this album does have its moments. "Rite of Passage" and "It's a Mystery" are both hard-rocking (if musically uninspired) tunes, and "Revisionism Street" is a lyrically brilliant summary of the politics of entertainment. "I Can't Save You Angelene" is a wonderfully bluesy farewell to the one who's not worth pursuing--different and intriguing content for Seger. "Manhattan" pushes the envelope too; once you get past the initial quirkiness of Seger's singing style on this song (he sing-speaks it a la Shawn Mullins), it proves itself a powerful tale of a drug deal gone horribly wrong for both parties--"two more unsolved mysteries," as Seger notes. Beyond those songs, I didn't find much on this album that stood out. As other reviewers have noted, however, that doesn't mean the rest of the album isn't decent music, since it is Bob Seger... not the unparalleled Bob Seger of "Night Moves" and "Stranger in Town" and "Nine Tonight," but Bob Seger nonetheless. This is a good one to buy for posterity if you can find it at a bargain price."

Rite of passage

Surfing Guitarist | United States | 08/23/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Worth price of admission for this track alone. He writes naturally. Sings and plays with just the right feel. His voice suits the music perfectly!"