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.
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
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.
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
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).
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.
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.
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
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.
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"
Love Rod Stewarts hits, but none on this album. Still good, some really catchy songs even on a first listen. Would listen again. 4
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.
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
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
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.!
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.
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
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-
He's clearly a good songwriter, and the vocal style works. It's not hugely interesting but decent
A nice arrangement of Dylan's Only a Hobo is the standout alongside Country Comforts. Hopefully there are other Rod albums in this as his has better albums.
My perception of Rod Stewart has always been that he makes really boring music, this album has changed that perception somewhat as I liked it much more than I expected. But still not something I'm going to come back to
It's just solid. Some of the songwriting is excellent, some not so much. Without much surprise my favorite song ("Only a Hobo") was written by Bob Dylan. I don't think there's much to revisit here, other than "Only a Hobo", but I liked it.
Not into this era or Rod. He has some absolute bangers but none on this album unfortunately. You’re my girl is probably my favorite track on the album.
Early Rod Stewart during his solo career. It was fine. Same Rod voice. Songs were fine.
September 9, 2021 Not bad, but nothing too special. Jumps back and forth between some tracks I liked and some I liked less. Good instrumentation.
Kurz überlegt, so beim ersten Song, ob er wohl auch mit 18 im Düsseldorf rumrannte. Oder uns wohl im weiteren Verlauf den britischen Bruce Springsteen geben will. Aber nichts davon manifestiert sich danach besonders. Statt dessen satte Produktion (die Drums und Gitarren - fantastisch aufgenommen, oder?), schöne Mischung aus stones-ig groovendem Bluesrock (Gasoline Alley (Kunststück, Ronnie Wood hört man natürlich raus) It’s all over now), Balladen, und weiterer, teilweise einfach sehr stilistischer ausgeborgt und gut abgehangener Weisheit (Country Comfort) und, ja wie soll man das nennen, prä-Americana? Mit den Eigenkompositionen gegen Ende (Lady Day, Jo‘s Lament) wurd‘s dann für meinen Geschmack bisschen zu folkig, aber dieses präzise groovende You‘re My Girl reißt auch das wieder raus. Schwankt um die 3,5 - am Ende isses Stewarts für mich an manchen Stellen leicht zu rauchig/harzig klingende Stimme, die noch höhere Weihen verhindert. Aber echt nur knapp.
So schnell ich das hier abhandeln wollte, lässt sich Roddy dann doch nicht abwickeln. Wirken die meisten Songs gerade zu Anfang wie eine gute Barband am Freitag Abend, wurdest im Verlauf dann doch intensiver. Schon diese traurig-schönen langsamen Nummern („Only A Hobo“, „Country Comfort“) sind es wert, dem Album sicher noch so manches Airplay gönnen. Vor allem auf entspannt sonnige Autofahrten. Was „Cut Across Shorty“ anstellt, belegt, warum es sich manchmal lohnt, zu warten. Könner 3.1
Honestly? Nothing special. I won't run to turn it off, but I won't put it on either. Acceptable.
Was ok. Some of the songs/lyrics were jammy and weird. Preferred the straight rock songs
gostei mais do que eu esperava. Eu tinha um preconceito achando que era musica de veio, mas é legal! (ou eu esteja velha kkkkry)
No real stand out tracks, kind of like background rock music, nothing special, but not awful.
I always forget that there was a time when Rod Stewart was cool and not the creepy lounge lizard he eventually became. (I hope this means that) I finally understand what my grandma sees in him. 3.25
Largely forgettable, I'm sure there's a better rod Stewart album out there, his voice us very unique
"Gasoline Alley" world almost as a companion piece of the discography of Rod Stewart band, Faces. It has contributions of almost every member in the band at the time, but the result is a little more folk and roots rock then the general Faces sound. It's a mix of Stewarts own compositions mixed with interestingly arranged covers of rock and roll classics like "It's All Over Now" and "Country Comfort". It's a competent record, as most things Stewart did at the time, but not as historical for pop music as some would sugest.
I always think of Rod Stewart as the cheesy "Da Ya Think I'm Sexy" and slightly less cheesy "Maggie May" singer, so it's always surprising to hear his more bluesy early stuff. This album isn't anything too special but it was pretty easy to listen to. 3.5 stars
Title track aside, there’s not much that stands out on this perfectly fine bluesy rock record tinged with folk. You have to really dig Stewart’s voice to love this more, though.
It’s just amid album in my opinion nothing special or awe inspiring it’d a decent solo album but honestly I would much rather be listening to something else
Mostly alright. He just makes me cringe, I can't get past that I'm afraid. Some decent stompers on there though, foot was tapping along.
I would have rated almost all of the songs in this album 3 or 4 stars, with the majority being 3. Still, of the 4s, I love the rock n' roll style and the strong themes. Plus, I have a soft spot for good musicians who don't have "perfect" voices.
Rod Stewart is a good singer and his sond are good. Of this album I like "My way of giving".
Eh, is there any need to have this AND "Every Picture Tells A Story" on the list? If you're gonna have multiple Rod Stewart albums, maybe don't pick ones from consecutive years? This was fine, I guess. Didn't really grab me even with two play throughs. Fave track - "It's All Over Now"?
A little torn here, not the biggest Rod Stewart fan...but I do like Gasoline Alley, Lady Day...and the cover of Dylan's Only a Hobo but You're My Girl feels like it wants to be on a different album.
You can see the roots of Every Picture Tells a Story here. These first three records are my favourite era of Solo Rod.
I went many years thinking I didn’t like Rod Stewart because I hate Sweet Caroline, and only a few years ago found out it’s actually Neil Diamond that I don’t like. Another reason I thought I didn’t like him was because I don’t like the song Mandy, but again came to realise my dislike is for Barry Manilow. So let’s give Rod his fair chance! Songs I already know: none Favourite after listening: Only A Hobo, Country Comfort Overall: 5/10 This was very middle of the road old-man-rock music. It doesn’t try anything interesting, but also doesn’t do anything terribly. It’s the kind of album where you just stop paying attention and forget you’re listening to anything. You’re not anticipating the end so so can stop listening, but at the same time you’re also not invested while listening. It’s very fitting that the main colour on the album is beige, because this album could not be more neutral. Side note, the two tracks I thought were best are covers of Bob Dylan and Elton John, so he shined brightest for me when performing music where somebody else took the wheel with the actual writing.
I like this one reasonably well. Rod Stewart has always been good, even if I don't seek to listen often. This collection of songs was not as familiar to me as others of his.
Dona la sensació que en aquesta època primerenca Stewart encara no havia solidificat la seva personalitat. Semblant al rock suat i belicós de The Faces, aquest segon disc en solitari no està entre el top dels millors discos del cantant. Malgrat això, sempre podem trobar grans moments, com la versió de 'Country Comforts' i un dels temes que passaran al seu llegat de grans èxits, 'Cut Across Shorty'. La resta és rock de batalla, poderós i amb una veu única, però no imprescindible
Die stem van Rod is gewoon top. En de liedjes zijn vriendelijk :) Prima voor de zondagmorgen. Niet heel spannend verder.
not bad but nothing stood out as deserving to be on this list, some good covers of elton john & dylan
What does Rod Stewart do? He’s not writing songs or playing instruments so it’s all about his look and his tone? Hard Pass
I would classify this album as blues rock. The album starts off strong with gasoline alley. Cut Across Shorty has great blues guitar solos. Otherwise filled with Rod Stewart's raspy voice, which I don't care for. I have a feeling this album won't be too memorable on this list.
It’s ok but to me it’s kind of like background music I would throw on and not pay attention to.
Another album that was just a bit meh. Where are all the albums I really need to listen to before I die???
Middle of the road music for the masses. Not offensive, but not very interesting either. 5/10
Started off ok but tailed of. Rod being Rod, not offensive but nothing remarkable about this
Fone: Grado Sr60e Não escutei muito para definir uma música predileta No geral gostei muito das guitarras, Rod com uma voz de véio já nos anos 70 Agradável mas não me cativou
A decent album. Stewart has an undeniably distinctive voice and takes control of all the songs. However, a full album of his froggy rasp is a bit jarring. Best songs: Country Comfort & Cut Across Shorty
1. Gasoline Alley- A simple song about going home. Has some kind of country influences to my ears. 2. It's All Over Now- I like this one a little better. It reminds me of something that would be played at a honky tonk bar. It's a long song though! 3. Only a Hobo- I think this is a Bob Dylan cover. Very depressing song. 4. My Way of Giving- Another country-rock type song. Not very memorable imo. 5. Country Comfort- Kind of reminds me of an Elton John song (not sure if this came first). I guess it's just a song about life in the country. Not bad- nice to listen to. Lyrically better than some others so far, I think. I think the end drags on just a little bit though 6. Cut Across Shorty- A good old story-type country song. Like some others on this album, I think it suffers from being too long. 7. Lady Day- Nice little shorter song. Pretty background guitar. 8. Jo's Lament- A sad song. A slow song. One of the better ones on the album I think. 9. You're My Girl- Upbeat closer to the album. Lyrics haven't aged very well. I don't think this is a bad album, but I would never listen to it in my leisure time. If someone else is listening to it in the background, sure. It's not very memorable to me- it's Rod's first album ever so it makes sense.
lyrics and vocals weren't that great but the instruments were really varied and nice to listen to. Nothing really here really sticks out to me as great, like if I wanted this albums vibe I could listen to people who have done it better.
It’s okay folky rock. The story songs wear a bit thin after the first few tracks. Nothing super memorable or great to latch on to.
Alright but kind of forgettable. Best song was a Dylan cover and I probably would enjoy the original more.
13. Beep. Beep. Beep. Beep. Beep. Beep. Beep. Beep. Beep. E no entanto, nada a registar. MotA: Country Comfort "I think I know now what's making me sad"
Rod Stewart's second album is a rock album from the 70's with a collection of covers & originals. The music is beautiful, but I can't help to feel like it's background music.
listened right through it very generic but not bad. I didn't feel the need to stop listening
Country met rock'n'roll invloeden. Klinkt niet slecht maar ik ben ook niet echt onder de indruk. Gewoon niet heel bijzonder eigenlijk.
The heavier tracks are really good. Not here for the chilled out stuff though, it doesn't suit his voice. I also don't see the point of the tracks where you can't hear him over the instrumentation, but maybe that was cool back in the day.
This sounds less like a cohesive album, and more like Rod Stewart throwing various songs and genres at the wall to see what sticks. I've never been a huge fan of Rod Stewart, this isn't doing much to change that. Favorite track: "You're My Girl"
Good to know that Rod Stewart has been cranking out songs that sound indistinguishable from one another for 50 years.
A very middle-of-the-road album - it seems like Rod Stewart was made to play in the background of a shop? My top pick is 'Country Comfort' but upon looking it up, it's an Elton John original (who did it way better). I have nothing good to say, nothing bad to say.
I've heard a few Rod Stewart songs before, but never really got into his music. The old blues/classic rock ballads are dated, uninteresting, and quite frankly do nothing for me. While the music is nice and performed well, it's just a bit boring for my taste.
It's fine. Just doesn't really evoke any reactions in me. Meat and potatoes classic rock.
This is really bad. Tacky faux blues, totally uninspired writing, fucking horrid mix. No thanks.