Album Review: Bob Seger - I Knew You When

Baring a photo of his younger self - prior to his long-haired, ragged 1970s years - Bob Seger's 18th studio album clearly sends a strong message of nostalgia.

Sporting a shiny bowl cut, this fresh-faced The System-era Seger looks naive and youthful - surely in for a hell of a life. Compared to its cover, the album itself surely has nostalgic moments, but it is anything but youthful and fresh-faced. That's not to say that it is tired or dated, it is simply a record that has the meaty, powerful grunt of an ageing rocker.

Overall, the production is fairly middle of the road, with what sounds like simulated amps for the guitar tones and AutoTuned vocals at times, and the overall structure of the album supports this. The songs are well-written and easy enough to listen to, but none are memorable or momentous. The band is solid - take or leave the instrument tones - and the entire album is well-played. Those who are hoping to hear a triumphant comeback from Seger's legendary The Silver Bullet Band may be somewhat disappointed but, if you listen to the album as a standalone and judge it on its own merit, it is reasonable.