🎧 When the Needle Drops, Landscapes of Yesteryear Pt. 133 - Rod Stewart, the Sound That Changed Crossing the Atlantic
This is "Foxtrot," a coffee shop where music lovers from around town naturally gather.
With Kazuhiko, the master who loves UK rock, Ami, an up-and-coming copperplate print artist, and Yukihiro, a music magazine writer and friend since junior high, stop by from time to time to engage in quiet yet passionate music discussions over records and coffee.
Rod Stewart, "Atlantic Crossing" (1975)
Expansion into America and a Shift in Sound
Ami"Master, I heard that Rod Stewart changed significantly with this album. Is that true?"
Kazuhiko"Yes, it's true. As the title suggests, 'Atlantic Crossing' means 'crossing the Atlantic.' It's a work that symbolizes his shift in base of operations from the UK to America."
Yukihiro"Up until then, Rod had a sound that was more earthy rock and blues-oriented, partly due to his time with Faces. But with this album, he became sophisticated all at once."
Ami"I didn't know it could change that much. Even though it's the same person."
Kazuhiko"The change in backing musicians was also a big factor. He hired top-tier American studio musicians, so the sound became much more urban."
Yukihiro"Tom Dowd produced it, too. He's the one who worked with Aretha Franklin and Eric Clapton. The way the sound is crafted is different."
Ami"Wow... it feels like his world expanded all at once."
Kazuhiko"Exactly. It was a turning point in Rod's career as well. With this album, he shifted from being a 'UK rock guy' to a 'global pop star.'"
Yukihiro"Though, there were mixed reactions among fans. Those who loved his old, rougher style might have felt it was a bit lacking."
Ami"Ah... that happens when things change, doesn't it?"
Kazuhiko"But the greatness of Rod Stewart is that he wasn't afraid of that change. He updated his sound to match the times."
Yukihiro"Also, the structure of this album, divided into a 'slow side' and a 'fast side,' is interesting. It's a way of listening unique to LPs."
Ami"Dividing it into slow and fast, it's almost like a live concert setlist."
Kazuhiko"You noticed a good point. It's structured to control the listener's mood. It starts off mellow and then builds up the excitement in the second half."
Yukihiro"That sense of balance is what makes this album so complete."
Expressiveness and Pop Appeal Seen in Signature Songs
Ami "When it comes to famous songs on this album, is it 'Sailing' after all?"
Kazuhiko "That's right. 'Sailing' is one of Rod Stewart's signature songs. It was originally by another artist, but his version became the definitive one."
Yukihiro "That unique husky voice of his really elevates the nostalgia and poignancy of the song."
Ami "It's true, it feels gentle but a little lonely."
Kazuhiko "Rod's voice has a strange, human quality to it. It's precisely because it's not perfect that the emotion comes through."
Yukihiro "In contrast to that is 'I Don't Want to Talk About It.' This is also a cover, but he's made it completely his own."
Ami "It's amazing that even though it's a cover, it sounds like his own song."
Kazuhiko "It's his interpretive ability. He really understands how to sing a song to bring out its best."
Yukihiro "On the other hand, when you get to the 'fast side,' there are rock numbers like 'Three Time Loser.' He keeps that rough edge that is so characteristic of Rod here, too."
Ami "So not all the songs are gentle."
Kazuhiko "Exactly. It's not just ballads; he's doing rock properly, too. Because it has both sides, this album isn't just a change in direction, but a 'work that expanded his range.'"
Yukihiro "Also, the melodies are strong overall. Every song sticks in your ear. I think this is also a result of being conscious of the American market."
Ami "I see... so he's also thinking about music that will sell."
Kazuhiko "But it's not 'just to sell.' It's musically sound as well. That balance is exquisite."
Yukihiro "That's why this album is still being listened to today. While adapting to the changes of the times, it also possesses a universal appeal."
Ami "I've started to think that 'changing' isn't such a bad thing after all."
Kazuhiko "That's a good way to put it. I think Rod Stewart proved that with this work."
Yukihiro "Crossing the Atlantic might not have just been about the place, but about his own music as well."
Next time...
■ Characters
Kazuhiko: 52 years old. Master of the coffee shop 'Foxtrot.' Knowledgeable about UK rock and a record collector.
Ami: 26 years old. Waitress and budding copperplate print artist. A graduate of an art university, her dream is to hold a solo exhibition. She started becoming interested in music through the influence of the master.
Yukihiro: 52 years old. A music magazine writer and Kazuhiko's close friend since junior high school. He drops by the shop occasionally to drink black coffee.
* The name of the coffee shop 'Foxtrot' is derived from the Genesis album of the same name.