On Rod Stewart's new album, the first in years: the story and meaning of The Tears of Hercules (2021)

"The Tears of Hercules"which translates to "Tears of Hercules.", is the 32nd studio album by legendary singer-songwriter Rod Stewart! The record was released in November 2021 and its producer is already known for his collaboration with the British artist. Kevin Savigar. The tracks show that the 76-year-old star is still able to set the heat and surprise the listener! This is the artist's first new material in 3 years and Stewart, with his usual ego, says he is "prouder than ever". All 12 songs (as well as one bonus track) prove that rock'n'roll is still alive in this man's heart.

Creation and inspiration

The album was produced by Stewart in collaboration with the already mentioned Savigarom и by Emerson Swinford - guitarist, producer and composer from Los Angeles. Stuart and Savigar's collaboration began in the 2010s: the two achieved great success with such works as "Time" (2013), "Another Country" (2015). и "Blood Red Roses" (2018). And now, 3 years later, their collab has borne new, equally amazing fruit in the form of the "The Tears of Hercules"! Rod Stewart has co-written nine tracks for his new disc. Interesting fact: the composition "I Can't Imagine" is addressed to his wife Penny Lancaster. Actually, we offer to talk about the lyrics and musical mood of the album in more detail.

The mood of the record

"The Tears of Hercules" - is quite a versatile record, both lyrically and musically. Each track has its own unique message: "Hold On." addresses topical issues, including bigotry and racism, while the "Born to Boogie" serves as a tribute to Marc Bolan. The album's title track comes from the pen of Canadian singer-songwriter Mark Jordan, with contributions from composer Stefan Moccio. It first appeared on the disc "Make Believe Ballroom." 2004. The track is an analysis of the eternal conflict between home and the passion for travelling. Fun fact: Jordan had previously collaborated with Stewart as a co-writer of his hit song "Rhythm of My Heart".

Stewart's new album is full of life and rock 'n' roll, especially the first half. "Some Kind of Wonderful" has an upbeat tempo, and "Born to Boogie" is sure to remind you of the band's greatest hits "T. Rex."! There's also a cover of Johnny Cash "These Are My People". However, the second part of "The Tears of Hercules" seems to have been designed to allow the listener to wallow in sadness and nostalgia. Starting with. "I Can't Imagine" Stewart masterfully moves to the sentimental side. Closing the album is "Touchline," a song in which he salutes his late father.

Track list

Enough theory! We propose to move on to practice and enjoy the lyrical diversity in person "The Tears of Hercules".

"One More Time."

"Gabriella."

"All My Days"

"Some Kind of Wonderful"

"Born to Boogie"

"Kookooaramabama"

"I Can't Imagine"

"The Tears of Hercules"

"Hold On."

"Precious Memories."

"These Are My People"

"Touchline."

Release and promotion

The album's out 12 November 2021. The opening track 'One More Time' was released as the lead single: the music video for the song was filmed in London and in just a few months has racked up more than . 2.7 million views! Cheers "One More Time." followed by singles "Hold On." и "I Can't Imagine".

The photo that served as the album cover was taken by the singer's wife Penny during the filming of the music video "One More Time.". The inscription on Stuart's necklace, "Celtic." is a reference to a football club from Glasgow.

Criticism

Critics have received Rod Stewart's new album in a very mixed way. Some emphasised that on "The Tears of Hercules" the singer is more relaxed than, for example, on 2013's Time. Others noted that Stewart is a master of interpreting other people's material! Many perceived the record as absurd, but appealing at the same time. Thus, Hal Horowitz of American Songwriter admitted that he was sceptical about the production of this album from the beginning. In his opinion, only a few moments save the album from failure.....

Reviewer "The Independent" was more direct: he stated that in The Tears of Hercules, "Stewart glorifies carnal love in between songs about his late father."