Never a Dull Moment: Album Review
Perhaps the last 'Original Rod' album
The speaker ping that signalled the successful connection between itself and my phone, marked the start of my album reviewing journey. Slumped in my bean bag, due to my lack of a comfortable armchair, I hit play on Rod Stewart’s fourth solo album.
Comprising of hit originals and classic covers, his 1972 work saw large success at it’s time of release, claiming number 1 in the UK for two weeks and reaching number 2 in the US. I put it down to the fact that he manages to take you on a raunchy and reflective journey in just shy of 33 minutes. In classic Rod style.
True Blue kicks the album off, wasting no time jumping into a great bluesy rhythm, accompanied by catchy keys that pop in and out of the song throughout. Battling the reality of his new found fame and his feelings of homesickness, this track sets the tone of duality that flows through the record, throwing you as a listener into the envious chaos of rock and roll life style, while eclipsing the fun, with his thoughtful reminiscing.
This magical rock, bluesy and folky mix of genres is carried on in tracks like Italian Girls which brings a harder hitting Stonesy first half before morphing into a heavenly mandolin coda. Although, You Wear It Well is where we really see Rod shine. At first glance a Maggie May 2.0, which is no surprise since it is co-written with Martin Quittenton, but this song really is a stand out, telling a tale of emotional in-articulation, that leaves little to be desired.
The ordering, of placing the funny and witty, folk-rocker Lost Paraguayos, that climaxes with a catchy horn section, bring an untameable smile across your face, before the raw and reflective Mama, You Been On My Mind is a touch of genius. By far my favourite song on the record, it doesn’t get much better than Bob Dylan’s poetic lyricism delivered by Stewart’s raspy, almost pain filled voice, which is impossible not to resonate with.
Now what would an early Rod Stewart album be without some classic covers? He offers a soulful rendition of Jimi Hendrix’s Angel, that does enough to stand alone , although it is the weakest song on the album in my opinion. He does however, end with two classic covers of I’d Rather Go Blind and Twistin’ The Night Away that add a sense of familiarity without leaving you with a yearning for the original.
Never A Dull Moment captures the thoughts of Stewart at this time in his life as he comes to terms with his success whilst acknowledging what he is leaving behind, creating a fun and thoughtful record. His voice commands attention whether he is unleashing its full power on Italian Girls or taking a softer approach on Mama, You Been On My Mind, and you just can’t help but listen.
Score 8/10