That’s what I thought about Seger when I only knew his adult comtemporary friendly radio stuff, and a couple of the big hit rock songs he did. He recorded some really good stuff though, that isn’t necessarily what he is widely known for.
I think it’s all a result of him trying for so long to get an audience outside of Detroit. Once he found success with the down tempo ballads, he mostly stuck with that, even though his hard rockers are arguably superior music.
Check out his cover of “River Deep Mountain High” from 1970, and tell me if your mom would jazzercise to this:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JjKoa3MbcLU
I was in the Navy when Seger’s Night Moves album came out. Ship of fools was one of my favorite songs LOL.
I just don't have an ear for the guy's raspy voice. Give me Jim Morrison pumped full of whiskey and quaaludes and even on a bad day he's Pavarotti compared to Seger.