Wednesday 28 February 2024

Foot Loose & Fancy Free - ROD STEWART***

Hot Legs/You’re Insane/You’re In My Heart/Born Loose/You Keep Me Hangin’ On/(If Loving You Is Wrong) I Don’t Want To Be Right/You Got A Nerve/I Was Only Joking

With Footloose & Fancy Free vocalist Rod Stewart continued to enjoy a high degree of popularity despite departing from his rock roots to embrace a much blander sound. You’re In My Heart and Hot Legs were both UK top five hits. (US:2 UK:3)

“The album as a whole lacks energy, and Stewart at times, seems to be going through the paces, rather than leading his generation onto the dance-floor, let alone leading it into exciting new musical territory. His raspy voice is still effective though.”

“Somewhat more rocking than the last one, or at least the rockers are more memorable, and that's a big advantage.”

“I only checked this album out fairly recently and was surprised how good it was. It rocks harder, and is better produced, than the first two Warner albums and with only eight tracks there isn't any filler.”

Footloose & Fancy Free isn't a spectacular album, but it contains some solid and occasionally outstanding songs. Hot Legs is either reviled or loved by fans, and while it does contain some incredibly inane lyrics, it’s got an incredibly catchy beat. You're In My Heart is one of Rod’s prettier songs and I Was Only Joking is one of his most underrated songs.”

“The lead off track Hot Legs really cooks with some gritty vocals, cool lyrics, and solid instrumental support. You're Insane and Born Loose continue this trend. However, Rod shows a tender side as well. I Was Only Joking is a very touching tune with lyrics of a relationship gone sour. Some good acoustic and electric guitar solos add to the tune. You Got A Nerve is another tune with an intriguing vocal and a nice low key instrumental touch. All in all this a good album before Rod went the disco route and alienated many of his rock fans.”

“Rod Stewart's Foot Loose & Fancy Free has so much variety, a newcomer would be excused for thinking it's a greatest hits package. However the rest of the LP consists of solid songs that are usually overlooked by classic rock archivists.”

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