Gasoline Alley
Rod Stewart
1970
Album Summary
Gasoline Alley is the second solo studio album by the British singer-songwriter Rod Stewart. It was released on 12 June 1970. Originally released in the UK by Vertigo Records, it was re-mastered and re-issued in 2008 by Russian reissue label, Lilith Records Ltd. It is a collection of covers combined with Stewart's own compositions. Like many of Stewart's solo albums from the period, it featured significant musical contributions from the other members of his band Faces.
WikipediaI don't know, man. Rod Stewart. He's just... Rod Stewart. He's nothing special and he's never been something special. He's just a dude with a scratchy voice who can play piano but is only so-so when it comes to songwriting. This debut album... it's 110% a product of the time and hasn't aged well. I find it inoffensive with nothing realy exciting to recommend it. A little on the boring side, honestly. Just really middle-of-the-road background rock.
This is Stewart's golden era. Given the personnel and the sound it is basically a Faces record. And that is a good thing.
What do have against Rod Stewart? What did he ever do to me to deserve such ire (I think it was the feathered bleach tipped short hair like an Arizona golf retiree lady)? Anyhow, this album is great. Jumps back and forth between genres, folk, rock, a little blues, a little funk. Most impressive is the layering of string instruments, namely guitars. It seems almost all the songs have a depth imbued by the layers of guitars, 12 strings and mandolins, a few songs create a soundscape without a rhythm section. Every now and then he’ll throw in a rocking song with a bang in’ breakdown. Then at the end, sticking out like a sore thumb amongst all the folksy vibes is a funky electrified rock song to add a period to the album. Only strike against it is I found the lyrics a bit milk toast. It pains me to say it, but this album was dope. Giving it a well deserved 4.
Stewart’s voice is a great rock voice, for about half a song, then it starts to grate.
With a name like Rod Stewart, a raspy voice, and a rowdy personality, Rod Stewart is very rock-'n'-roll. I discovered him as a soft-rock figure, however. Kinda like Barry Manilow and Elton John. I discovered his popular live videos in Youtube such as his versions of "I Don't Wanna Talk About It" and "Sailing". This album is his second. Early Rod Stewart. Bland and generic Rod Stewart. To be fair, I didn't really expect anything surprising when I saw that cover. I expected it to be boring, and it is. Country-folk covers of "rock-'n'-roll" (according to critics) tracks. A few interesting instrumental feats here and there. Rod's raspy voice. I didn't find it captivating at all. It's dull, it's uninteresting, and I could die without listening to this album.
This was a new one for me. I really liked it, and helped change my view that Rod Stewart isn't as much as a fuck boy as I thought.
2nd Solo album for post faces Sir Roderick. A lovely mix of raucous blues and Mandolin tinged songs that touch his personal experiences. Lovely version of Womack & Womack's "It's All Over Now" which I think is better than the 'Stones version. Ronnie Woods guitar throughout this album is spot on and some lovely stuff throughout. Outstanding tracks the aforementioned "It's all over now" "Cut Across Shorty" and the eponymous "Gasoline Alley"
Same folky sound you attribute to Stewart. There's a retrospective feel to this, which is unexpected for a 1970 album by a guy who has made only his second solo album. The writers on this thing are epic though, Ronnie Wood, Bobby and Shirley Womack, Bob Dylan, and Elton John/Bernie Taupin. So cool! The album moves and feels like a compilation. That comes at the cost of cohesiveness, but it's still a great listen and great collaborations.
It's been a while since I've been served up a good old rock and roll album on here, and this was such a refreshing change. This album is vintage Rod, laid back, warm and bluesy. It's a joy to listen to. Stewart is in perfect voice and has an outstanding band backing him up, including all of his mates from the Faces. I mean really, this sounds like a Faces album. No complaints here. Gorgeous sound, with some top notch guitar and mandolin work. Fave Songs: Gasoline Alley, It's All Over Now, Jo's Lament, My Way of Giving, You're My Girl (I Don't Want to Discuss It), Cut Across Shorty
Stewart at his most soulful and before he become so calculated. From what we know now, the earnestness can seem like a put-on, but maybe that's just one beign jaded. Four very good songs – title cut, "County Comfort," "My Way of Giving," and "Lady Day" – the soulful ones basically. Much else feels disposable, replacement level rock of the era. His tone and phrasing are authentic, as the long-ago RS review had it, and well-judged, but few – if any – singers have had a voice better suited to rock. And to his credit, he works it well and versatilely and in many different styles. Perhaps that makes him a bit too chameleon-like but here the effect is coherent because of the marterial and mostly effective.
It's a music theory exercise solved in an uninteresting way. You can see flashes of cleverness in the way he covers songs, but once you get past the novelty, who cares? Best track: Only A Hobo
Rod Stewart, the man of many genres, had humble beginnings as a roots rock guy with a tinge of soul. It's not very good. It's like, he's definitely performing rock music, but it has no oomf to it. It's hard to describe but I find the whole sound so mundane and unoriginal. He does barely anything interesting with the music he's writing. There's a few good songs on here, I'll give him that, but Rod Stewart does not inspire much in the rock field.
I was quite bored by this. It's the typical early 70s "rock" sound. The songs are nothing to write home about, except for Country Comfort, which is a cover. 2/5
Boring, pedestrian, uninteresting boogie-woogie/blues rock that is made nearly unlistenable by Rod's horrible voice. Honestly only made it halfway through before I gave up.
Discazo. Desde los primeros acordes de "Gasoline Alley" al crudo retrato en "Only A Hobo", pasando por ese final de "My Way of Giving" y el desenfado de "Cut Across Shorty", disfruté todo lo que escuché. Más pretencioso, acaso, diría que me gustaron todas las "texturas". La canción final estaría cancelada hoy, pero qué bien suena, por cierto, este cierre de repente me dio vibras de los RHCP. En fin, un renovado respeto por Rod Stewart y su peculiar voz rasposa. 10/10
It’s quite a good album. The main selling point is Rod’s extreme vocal delivery.
Rollicking! I wasn't expecting to like this as much as I did, but either Stewart's vocals have grown on me, or they are a particularly good fit here (or both).
This reminds me of Carole King's Tapestry with the heartbreak songwriting. It's so tender, with the lyrical sensitivity of country music. I love it, especially the songs Jo's Lament and the title track.
3/17 3.5/5. Great Country-Blues-Rock album. Standout Tracks: It’s All Over Now, My Way Of Giving, Jo’s Lament,
Pegada blues abrindo o caminho sinais do que seria o hard rock. Destaque para Only a Hobo e Cut Across Shortly (as duas são cover)
Man, early Rod Stewart was so good! Not quite as good as his next album, but this is a really easy, fun listen
Early Rod Stewart and the Faces were amazing. Beautiful songs, well produced. 4 stars.
Good album, love the songwriting. I'm just personally not a big fan of Rod Stewart's vocals.
This is the kind of stuff I wanted to find doing this. I'm a slut for slide guitar. Album cover sucks. Songs are great.
Chido en general, pero no puedo evitar sentirme algo underwhelmed. A comparación del primer disco de Rod que escuchamos, este no menparec wque tiene trabajos de guitarra tan emocionantes. Aun así divertido y a gusto. Mi favorita fue: Cut across shorty. Mood: can't stop, won't stop
Tough one to rate - really enjoyed it but upon discovering after listening that it's mostly a covers album then it almost feels like a bit of a cheat? Rated solely for that initial listening but I'm still none the wiser to any talent Stewart may or may not have. Best track: Gasoline Alley
Good album, never listened to it. More rock than I thought was going to be on there
Really good album. Only a hit or two, but even the non-hits are catchy and well written. Good road trip tunes.
Short album of pretty decent covers. I wasn't expecting to like this going into it, but Rod won me over with his smooth vocals like every woman over 70.
This is a very good album, the song selection is near perfact for Rod's gravely voice. I vacilate between this album and his debut as to which is my favorite. 4.5 stars
Fedt album med mange gode numre. Skal lige have en genlyt mere. Tror det kan et eller andet
When Rod was nearing his peak. His love of folk shines through here and his obviously good taste. Backing band is Faces. Just a great 70's folk/rock album. Best Tracks: Gasoline Alley; Country Comfort; Cut Across Shorty
This is a very good album, the song selection is near perfact for Rod's gravely voice. I vacilate between this album and his debut as to which is my favorite. 4.5 stars
I love his music. This is a really easy listen and gives a glimpse of how good is songwriting was, and would become. Good stuff.
Love Rod Stewarts hits, but none on this album. Still good, some really catchy songs even on a first listen. Would listen again. 4
Sabía que debía haber algún álbum de Rod Stewart, pero se me hace curioso que sea este (de entre los 32 discos de estudio que tiene) porque, aunque es muy representativo de su primera época, no tiene más que quizá una de sus canciones realmente populares: Country Comfort (que por cierto es de Elton John). El disco en general me gusta mucho, pero imagino que debe ser un gusto adquirido porque esa voz rasposa que tiene desde hace 50 años no a cualquiera, y lo mismo el acompañamiento con mandolinas, pero creo que es justo lo que lo hace especial. Lo que no sabía a detalle es que en realidad casi todo son covers… Y de hecho así es en un montón de su discografía.
Nunca había escuchado un disco de Rod Stewart y fue una grata sorpresa. Muchas melodías agradables, arreglos sencillos pero bien ubicados y letras introspectivas hacen de este un muy buen disco.
There is something about this album that makes me want to get drunk. Would be a fine album to put on during a good drinking session with friends. Has an easygoing earthy soulfulness to it that feels very natural and genuine.
Honestly, I didn't know that Rod Stewart is so folky/country. That's not a bad thing though. I enjoyed the album. Songwriting, singing and musicianship are very solid. It's not an album I'd play on repeat though.
-Generally solid rock+ piano with a nice blues feel -Generally solid tracks with good energy dynamics (maybe a little low for my taste) up until "Cut Across Shorty" -"Cut Across Shorty" is probably my favorite track on the album. Really high energy with a great guitar/piano riff/jam -Right after "Cut Across Shorty," there was "Lady Day" and Jo's Lament" which were both mega boring and slow -Luckily the album finished off well on "You're My Girl (I Don't Want To Discuss It)," which is second best to "Cut Across Shorty" -Probably not as strong as the other Rod Stewart album I had, "Every Picture Tells A Story" -Probably a sketchy 4
I dunno, that 70’s blues rock sound still does it for me. And it helps that Rod’s still largely backed behind the Faces, who are a great band. The less plugged-in tracks don’t do much for me, but when Ronnie kicks in his iconic tone, this is a good time. B-
Liked this more than I expected. I was surprised when I learned it was from 1971. It sounded a lot newer to my ear than that. 4/5
I just love his voice. Didn’t know any of the songs. But loved this listen nonetheless. I do feel like it was a bit repetitive at times. However for the most part it was great.!
I’ve never given much time to Rod Stewart, the music he has charted with has never really appealed to me so when this landed on my playlist I was fairly ambivalent towards it. It’s a lot better than I had given credit for, and I can now see why People rate him as an artist. I still haven’t truly changed my mind about his chart music, but this album as an individual piece was an interesting and enjoyable Listen
a British singer-songwriter who doesn't suck! hallelujah! (also enlightening to an 80s kid who mostly knew "Do Ya" and "Forever Young" growing up)
Entertaining rock & Roll album with some nice guitars and easy listening pop/rock
Rod is amazing! He manages to sound like a jazz, folk, blues, and rock musician at the same time. I loved the range of songs on this album.
Is it the strings and mandolin? It's probably the strings and mandolin. It doesn't break the ceiling that British blues groups do, but as a solo effort Gasoline Alley is eminently authentic and doesn't have a weak tune. The mixing is strange, but Stewart has a voice that is impossible to lose. Covers and originals blend perfectly, a concert developing out of acoustic guitar and barroom piano.
The further along in the album I got, the more I enjoyed it. Really good vibes. Folk rock.
det är rätt bra emellanåt alltså. inte fy skam. och en bra längd på albumet. basen på sista låten (you're my girl) är magisk
You know what, not half bad...not a big Rod fan, but he has a hell of a band behind him at thus point
this was a whole lot better than i expected, like it kinda rocks in a folksy bluesy way and rod stewart sounded haggard (in a good way) even back when he was like 25. i'll probably never listen to it again but 3/5 all the same lol
A vision for things to come with his next album but some good jams on this one
The other side of the "oh that's where that song is from" coin: A name that's totally familiar but I don't know any of this music. I liked not just fine.
I'm liking this album of mostly covers way more than the first Rod Stewart record I got here.
I like a the juice. I know Rod is English but something about this feels like Americana. Great title track, final track of the album reminds me of "I'm Losing You" by the Faces. Good old fashioned guitar driven rock. Rod's raspy voice is iconic. Country Comfort had me thinking I actually like the country for a few minutes. I want to give this a four... but can't imagine revisiting this. As we dig into this I think to get a four it has to be something I'm going to come back to...
It's ok, decent for a bit of background but I wouldn't say there's anything stand out. Rods voice gets a bit grating
I have always enjoyed rod stewart and the faces but haven't listened through their albums much. I'm especially excited to be listening to an unknown album from 1970, an excellent year for rock albums. Immediately this sounds more like the 70's then the 60's. Which makes sence to me when I see Ronnie Wood listed on guitar. He was so important for giving the stones their sound in the early-mid 70's. The acoustic and sometimes irish folk sounding song really remind me of Led Zeppelin 3. I thought most of the fast songs sounded like 3am drunk music to stammer to. They all have that driving drum beat and piano banging away.
La verdad no entiendo porqué está incluido en esta lista. Soy de la idea que este men es un artista de singles y uno que otro deep cut pero no discos completos. Este disco no merece estar acá. Es desigual. Tiene unas 3 o 4 canciones bastante olvidables. Pero las otras, las que están bien, están muy bien. Es como country y blues, la voz rasposona de Rod es increíble, muy efectiva. Singular. Chido.
Took this one in on i5 to Skamokawa and am perplexed by the heavy traffic during COVID, and how this album made it among the 1001. Perhaps I don't grasp how truly big of a number 1001 is. There must be so many albums that do folk, do folk rock, do ballads, do the James gang thing on the last track, and do it better. We're gonna see so many more British white guys doing this and doing it better. Rod himself did it much better on his next album, for which I will throw down ample stars. Only a hobo is a great song. Maybe I just get grumpy in traffic. B-