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| cover = AgainsttheWind.jpg
| cover = AgainsttheWind.jpg
| alt =
| alt =
| caption = Artwork for US single, also used for parent album
| type = single
| type = single
| artist = [[Bob Seger|Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band]]
| artist = [[Bob Seger|Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band]]
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| B-side = No Man's Land
| B-side = No Man's Land
| released = April 1980
| released = April 1980
| format = 7" vinyl
| recorded = 1979
| studio = Bayshore (Miami)
| recorded =
| studio =
| venue =
| venue =
| genre = *[[Heartland rock]]<ref name="Ramos-Kittrell2019">{{cite book|author=Jesús A. Ramos-Kittrell|title=Decentering the Nation: Music, Mexicanidad, and Globalization|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=WWbBDwAAQBAJ&pg=PA95|date=15 December 2019|publisher=Rowman & Littlefield|isbn=978-1-4985-7318-4|page=95}}</ref>
| genre =
*[[Heartland rock]]<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=WWbBDwAAQBAJ&pg=PA95&lpg=PA95&dq=Bob+Seger+Against+the+Wind+heartland+rock&source=bl&ots=ibO7WuaMbe&sig=ACfU3U0Y8pMscocdXWBUF84JSrX8DZgK_w&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwi5h4v8js7mAhXVJzQIHTA1BGs4MhDoATAJegQIChAB#v=onepage&q=Bob%20Seger%20Against%20the%20Wind%20heartland%20rock&f=false ''Decentering the Nation: Music, Mexicanidad, and Globalization'' by Jesús A. Ramos-Kittrell. Page 95.]</ref>
*[[soft rock]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://oldies.about.com/od/oldieshistory/tp/Sound-Familiar-10-Famous-Cameos-That-May-Surprise-You.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150526050043/http://oldies.about.com/od/oldieshistory/tp/Sound-Familiar-10-Famous-Cameos-That-May-Surprise-You.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=May 26, 2015|title=Sound Familiar? 10 Famous Cameos That May Surprise You - 60s and 70s Pop - Oldies Music|date=May 26, 2015|website=}}</ref>
*[[soft rock]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://oldies.about.com/od/oldieshistory/tp/Sound-Familiar-10-Famous-Cameos-That-May-Surprise-You.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150526050043/http://oldies.about.com/od/oldieshistory/tp/Sound-Familiar-10-Famous-Cameos-That-May-Surprise-You.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=May 26, 2015|title=Sound Familiar? 10 Famous Cameos That May Surprise You - 60s and 70s Pop - Oldies Music|date=May 26, 2015|website=}}</ref>
*[[roots rock]]<ref name="la2"/>
*[[country rock]]
| length = 5:34 (album version)<br>3:45 (single version)
| length = 5:34 (album version)<br>3:45 (single version)
| label = [[Capitol Records|Capitol]]
| label = [[Capitol Records|Capitol]]
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| next_title = [[You'll Accomp'ny Me]]
| next_title = [[You'll Accomp'ny Me]]
| next_year = 1980
| next_year = 1980
| misc = {{Extra album cover
| header = Alternative cover
| type = single
| cover = Against the Wind German single cover.jpg
| border =
| alt =
| caption = German cover
}}
}}
}}


"'''Against the Wind'''" is a song written and recorded by the American singer-songwriter [[Bob Seger]] for his [[Against the Wind (album)|eleventh studio album of the same name]]. It was released as the second single from the album in April 1980 through [[Capitol Records]]. Seger recorded the [[ballad]] during a two-year process that begat his eleventh album; it was recorded with producer [[Bill Szymczyk]] at [[Criteria Studios]] in north [[Miami, Florida]]. Sonically, "Against the Wind" is a [[mid-tempo]] [[soft rock]] tune with [[piano]] backing. It was recorded with Seger's Silver Bullet Band, and features [[backing vocals]] from [[Eagles (band)|Eagles]] co-frontman [[Glenn Frey]].
"'''Against the Wind'''" is a song by [[Bob Seger|Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band]] from the 1980 album ''[[Against the Wind (album)|Against the Wind]]''. Released as the second single from the album, it peaked at number 5 on the [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]].<ref>{{cite book |title= Top Pop Songs: 1961-2001|last=Whitburn |first=Joel |authorlink=Joel Whitburn |year=2002 |publisher=Record Research |page=218}}</ref>


"Against the Wind" explores the space between care and indifference from friends and loved ones. It centers on maturation and memories, like many other Seger songs, and carries a tender, mellow tone. Seger pulled from his [[high school]] years as a [[cross-country runner]] to form the song's title–a [[metaphor]] for growing old. "Against the Wind" became one of Seger's most successful singles, reaching number five on the [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]]. It also charted in [[Canada]], [[Australia]], and [[Belgium]]. It received high marks from [[music critic]]s, with many praising Seger's [[songwriting]]. The song has been celebrated by generations of [[country music|country]] artists, with covers by [[Garth Brooks]] and [[Brooks & Dunn]].
==Background and writing==
During an interview on [[WWFX]], "100 FM The Pike", Bob Seger said that "Against the Wind" came about from his days as a high-school cross country runner. He described the song as "about trying to move ahead, keeping your sanity and integrity at the same time."<ref name="rs">{{cite news|title=The Fire This Time|first=Timothy|last=White|work=[[Rolling Stone]]|date=May 1, 1980|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/the-fire-this-time-37716/|accessdate=November 20, 2019}}</ref> The "Jan" Seger references in the opening lyrics of the song refers to Jan Dinsdale, with whom he had a long-term relationship from 1972 until 1983. In ''Rolling Stone'', Seger elaborated on the song's meaning:


==Background==
{{cquote|Jan says to me all the time, ‘You allow more people to walk on you than anybody I’ve ever known.’ And I always say it’s human nature that people are gonna love you sometimes and they’re gonna use you sometimes. Knowing the difference between when people are using you and when people truly care about you, that’s what ‘Against the Wind‘ is all about. The people in that song have weathered the storm, and it’s made them much better that they’ve been able to do it and maintain whatever relationship. To get through is a real victory.<ref name="rs"/>}}
[[File:North Miami FL Criteria Studios01.jpg|thumb|The song was recorded at [[Criteria Studios]] in north [[Miami, Florida]].]]
"Against the Wind" developed over a two-year period when Seger was recording its parent album.<ref name="rs2"/> He was driven by the desire to have a number one album, and aimed to record [[hit singles]] for his eleventh album, emphasizing a deliberately commercial sound.<ref>{{cite news|title=Seger: Hard Work and Low Profile|date=January 16, 1983|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|first=Dennis|last=Hunt}}</ref> Seger felt more comfortable than before working in the studio. He personally opened up more to others, and distinguished it as the most fulfilled he had felt as a songwriter to that point.<ref name="red">{{cite interview|title=Radio Interview: In the Studio with Redbeard for Against the Wind}}</ref>


For ''Against the Wind'', he worked with Eagles producer Bill Szymczyk. The recording process was handled at higher-quality studios than before, with an emphasis on polish and getting "things right."<ref name="red"/> The song includes backing vocals from Eagles singer-songwriter Glenn Frey. Seger and Frey had met in the mid-1960s when they were both working the [[Detroit]] club scene, and had remained close since; a year prior, Seger co-wrote and made a guest appearance on the Eagles' "[[Heartache Tonight]]".<ref name="usa2">{{cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/nation-now/2016/01/19/bob-seger-glenn-frey-eagles/78994666/|title=Bob Seger on friend Glenn Frey: 'He was my cheerleader'|date=January 19, 2016|first=Brian|last=McCollum|newspaper=Detroit Free Press|accessdate=September 21, 2021}}</ref>
The line "Let the cowboys ride!" towards the song's end is a reference to the closing lyrics of the song "Santa Fe/Beautiful Obsession" by [[Van Morrison]].


==Themes==
Seger later said that the line "Wish I didn't know now what I didn't know then" bothered him for a while, but that everyone he knew loved it, so he left it in. He also said that it has since appeared in several other hits by other artists, so that proved it was an acceptable lyric.<ref>Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band ''Greatest Hits'', CD sleeve.</ref>
Like much of its parent album,<ref name="ny3">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1983/01/05/arts/the-pop-life-141710.html|title=THE POP LIFE|date=January 5, 1983|first=Jon|last=Pareles|newspaper=The New York Times|accessdate=September 21, 2021}}</ref> "Against the Wind" is a mellow, mid-tempo ballad<ref name="la4">{{cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1986-04-13-ca-4332-story.html|title=BOB SEGER RETURNS IN THE EYE OF THE STORM|date=April 13, 1986|first=Robert|last=Hilburn|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|accessdate=September 21, 2021}}</ref> with [[country-rock]] overtones. Steve Pond at ''[[Rolling Stone]]'' identified it as one of many Seger "mediums": mid-tempo tunes with "loping tempos, [and] subdued instrumentation."<ref name="rs2"/> Lyrically, "Against the Wind" centers on growing older,<ref name="rs2"/> and finds Seger confronting his memories<ref name="ny2">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/01/27/arts/music/27sege.html|title=A Rocker Who's Come to Terms With Time|date=January 27, 2007|first=Jon|last=Pareles|newspaper=The New York Times|accessdate=September 21, 2021}}</ref> and yearning for the simplicity of past times.<ref name="la1">{{cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1986-04-13-ca-4255-story.html?_amp=true|title=MOSS GATHERS UNDER 'ROCK'|date=April 13, 1986|first=Chris|last=Willman|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|accessdate=September 21, 2021}}</ref> It returns to familiar nostalgic territory for Seger; he characterized "Wind" as the final part in a [[trilogy]] of sentimental songs, following "[[Night Moves (Bob Seger song)|Night Moves]]" and "[[Stranger in Town (album)|Brave Strangers]]".<ref name="rs2">{{cite news|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/bob-seger-nice-guy-in-the-nasty-lane-57468/|title=Bob Seger: Nice Guy in the Nasty Lane|date=February 3, 1983|first=Steve|last=Pond|magazine=Rolling Stone|accessdate=September 21, 2021}}</ref> During an interview, Seger said that "Against the Wind" came about from his days as a high-school cross country runner. He described the song as "about trying to move ahead, keeping your sanity and integrity at the same time."<ref name="rs">{{cite magazine|title=The Fire This Time|first=Timothy|last=White|magazine=[[Rolling Stone]]|date=May 1, 1980|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/the-fire-this-time-37716/|accessdate=November 20, 2019}}</ref>


Music critic [[Maury Dean]] described the theme as being about aging and dealing with "all the burdens we'll ever have to face."<ref name=dean>{{cite book|title=Rock 'n' Roll Gold Rush|url=https://archive.org/details/rocknrollgoldrus00dean|url-access=limited|author=[[Maury Dean|Dean, Maury]]|page=[https://archive.org/details/rocknrollgoldrus00dean/page/n390 359]|year=2003|publisher=Algora Publishing|isbn=087586208X}}</ref> ''[[Billboard Magazine]]'' described "Against the Wind" as "a midtempo folky tale of young love featuring pretty piano backing."<ref>{{cite news|title=Top Single Picks|newspaper=Billboard Magazine|date=May 3, 1980|accessdate=2020-07-08|page=55|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-Billboard/80s/1980/BB-1980-05-03.pdf}}</ref>
A writer at ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'' described "Against the Wind" as "a mid-tempo folky tale of young love featuring pretty piano backing";<ref>{{cite news|title=Top Single Picks|newspaper=Billboard Magazine|date=May 3, 1980|accessdate=2020-07-08|page=55|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-Billboard/80s/1980/BB-1980-05-03.pdf}}</ref> Seger references a "Janey" in the opening lyrics of the song; this refers to Janey Dinsdale, with whom he had a long-term relationship from 1972 until 1983. In ''Rolling Stone'', Seger elaborated on the song's meaning:


{{cquote|Janey says to me all the time, 'You allow more people to walk on you than anybody I've ever known.' And I always say it's human nature that people are gonna love you sometimes and they're gonna use you sometimes. Knowing the difference between when people are using you and when people truly care about you, that's what "Against the Wind" is all about. The people in that song have weathered the storm, and it's made them much better that they've been able to do it and maintain whatever relationship. To get through is a real victory.<ref name="rs"/>}}
''[[Rolling Stone Magazine]]'' critic [[Dave Marsh]] stated in his review of the ''Against the Wind'' album that none of the ballads (including the title track) contained any memorable lines, but he later amended that to acknowledge that the lines "Well, those drifter's days are past me now/I've so much more to think about/Deadlines and commitments/What to leave in/What to leave out" are not only memorable but also haunting in the way Seger "haltingly expresses his indecisiveness."<ref name=son>{{cite book|title=Fortunate Son|author=[[Dave Marsh|Marsh, Dave]]|pages=[https://archive.org/details/fortunatesoncrit00mars/page/129 129–132]|year=1985|publisher=Random House|isbn=0394721195|url-access=registration|url=https://archive.org/details/fortunatesoncrit00mars/page/129}}</ref>
[[File:Bob Seger 1977.JPG|thumb|left|Seger, seen here in 1977, wrote the song about growing old.]]
In the tune, Seger second-guesses his career choice, particularly aspects of [[Concert tour|touring]], which he describes as "moving eight miles a minute for months at a time."<ref name="usa3">{{cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/music/2018/09/18/bob-seger-final-tour-concert-dates-tickets/1343589002/|title=Bob Seger announces final tour dates; he's retiring from the road after 56 years|date=September 18, 2018|first=Brian|last=McCollum|newspaper=Detroit Free Press|accessdate=September 21, 2021}}</ref> He mulls that he may have "lost [his] way," focusing too much attention on "breaking all of the rules that would bend."<ref name="wp3">{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/1983/09/06/running-against-an-ill-wind/c5d0634b-b59c-47c0-9022-cf1eb9906790/|title=Running Against an Ill Wind|date=September 6, 1983|first=Art|last=Harris|magazine=The Washington Post|accessdate=September 21, 2021}}</ref> It famously includes the line "Wish I didn't know now what I didn't know then", which Seger later admitted bothered him for a while in a grammatical sense.<ref>Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band ''Greatest Hits'', CD sleeve.</ref> The song "ends with a renewed determination to keep going";<ref name="wp1">{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/1980/04/02/bob-segers-working-class-rock-n-roll/9f9967cd-81a5-4cda-8f99-ca2f3817bae8/|title=Bob Seger's Working Class Rock 'n' Roll|date=April 2, 1980|first=Geoffrey|last=Himes|magazine=The Washington Post|accessdate=September 21, 2021}}</ref> as the song begins its outro, Seger concedes he is "older now, but still running against the wind."<ref name="usa1">{{cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/music/2019/01/25/final-milwaukee-concert-bob-seger-offers-spirited-goodbye/2671348002/|title=At final Milwaukee concert, Bob Seger offers a spirited goodbye fit for his legacy|date=January 25, 2019|first=Plet|last=Levy|newspaper=USA Today|accessdate=September 21, 2021}}</ref>

Its tone has been described as reflective and bittersweet.<ref name="wp2">{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/1980/10/02/bob-seger/9568f757-15a1-403c-bfb5-1b0b73408d6b/|title=Bob Seger|date=October 2, 1980|first=Richard|last=Harrington|magazine=The Washington Post|accessdate=September 21, 2021}}</ref> ''[[New York Times]]'' columnist [[Jon Pareles]] once characterized "Against the Wind" as a song about "crumbling hopes and the recognition of limits,"<ref name="ny1">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1996/02/23/arts/rock-review-with-age-and-time-bitterness.html|title=ROCK REVIEW;With Age And Time, Bitterness|date=February 23, 1996|first=Jon|last=Pareles|newspaper=The New York Times|accessdate=September 21, 2021}}</ref> while music critic [[Maury Dean]] considered its topic "all the burdens we'll ever have to face."<ref name=dean>{{cite book|title=Rock 'n' Roll Gold Rush|url=https://archive.org/details/rocknrollgoldrus00dean|url-access=limited|author=Dean, Maury|author-link=Maury Dean|page=[https://archive.org/details/rocknrollgoldrus00dean/page/n390 359]|year=2003|publisher=Algora Publishing|isbn=087586208X}}</ref> [[Robert Hilburn]], writing for the ''[[Los Angeles Times]]'', described the song a "heartfelt expressions of the search for innocence and integrity in a world where both qualities seem in short supply."<ref name="la2">{{cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1987-01-07-ca-2275-story.html|title=POP MUSIC REVIEW : SEGER OFFERS NEW REASONS TO BELIEVE|date=January 7, 1987|first=Robert|last=Hilburn|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|accessdate=September 21, 2021}}</ref> Though no [[music video]] was made for "Against the Wind" at the time of its release, a lyric video commemorating its fortieth anniversary saw release on [[YouTube]] in 2020. The clip showcases its songwriting atop "classic Seger imagery — animated horses, motorcycles, and vast [[National Highway System (United States)|American highways]]."<ref name="rs1">{{cite news|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/bob-seger-40th-anniversary-against-the-wind-video-956461/|title=Bob Seger Drops 40th-Anniversary 'Against the Wind' Video|date=February 21, 2020|first=Angie|last=Martoccio|magazine=Rolling Stone|accessdate=September 21, 2021}}</ref>

==Commercial performance==
"Against the Wind" was issued as the second single from its titular album in April 1980. Seger had no interest as to which songs were released as singles, and he simply left it up to Capitol to decide; "Wind" was chosen by the label's promotional director, Steve Meyer.<ref>{{cite magazine|first=Timothy|last=White|date=April 1, 1983|magazine=Musician|title=The Roads Not Taken}}</ref>

"Against the Wind" debuted at number 54 on the Hot 100 in the week ending May 3, 1980; it was the highest-debuting single of the week.<ref name="bb1">{{cite news|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Billboard/80s/1980/BB-1980-05-03.pdf|page=12; 62|title=Bob Seger Goes No. 1 First Time|date=May 3, 1980|first=Paul|last=Grein|magazine=Billboard|volume=92|issue=18|publisher=Billboard Publications, Inc.}}</ref> It moved into the top 30 the following week,<ref name="bb2">{{cite news|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Billboard/80s/1980/BB-1980-05-03.pdf|page=80|title=''Billboard'' Hot 100|date=May 10, 1980|magazine=Billboard|volume=92|issue=19|publisher=Billboard Publications, Inc.}}</ref> and moved into the top ten at the end of the month.<ref name="bb3">{{cite news|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Billboard/80s/1980/BB-1980-05-03.pdf|page=64|title=''Billboard'' Hot 100|date=May 31, 1980|magazine=Billboard|volume=92|issue=22|publisher=Billboard Publications, Inc.}}</ref> It reached its peak at number five on the Hot 100 on June 14.<ref name="bb4">{{cite news|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Billboard/80s/1980/BB-1980-05-14.pdf|page=72|title=''Billboard'' Hot 100|date=June 14, 1980|magazine=Billboard|volume=92|issue=24|publisher=Billboard Publications, Inc.}}</ref> It held at the position for three weeks.<ref>{{cite book |title= Top Pop Songs: 1961-2001|last=Whitburn |first=Joel |author-link=Joel Whitburn |year=2002 |publisher=Record Research |page=218}}</ref><ref name="bb5">{{cite news|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Billboard/80s/1980/BB-1980-06-28.pdf|page=72|title=''Billboard'' Hot 100|date=June 28, 1980|magazine=Billboard|volume=92|issue=26|publisher=Billboard Publications, Inc.}}</ref> After that, it began its descent from the top, and last appeared on the chart on August 23;<ref name="bb6">{{cite news|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Billboard/80s/1980/BB-1980-08-23.pdf|page=53|title=''Billboard'' Hot 100|date=August 23, 1980|magazine=Billboard|volume=92|issue=34|publisher=Billboard Publications, Inc.}}</ref> it remained on the chart as a whole for seventeen weeks, with eleven of those spent in the top 40.<ref>{{cite book|title=The Billboard Book of Top 40 Hits|year=2010|first=Joel|last=Whitburn|publisher=Billboard Books|isbn=9780823085545|page=581}}</ref> During this time, the single also climbed the magazine's [[Adult Contemporary (chart)|Hot Adult Contemporary]] chart, where it peaked at number seven.<ref name="bbac">{{cite web|url={{BillboardURLbyName|artist=Bob Seger|chart=Adult Contemporary}}|title=Bob Seger – Chart History|access-date=September 21, 2021|magazine=Billboard|publisher=Prometheus Global Media}}</ref>

Internationally, the song was successful as well. In Canada, it reached number six on the all-genre singles chart compiled by ''[[RPM (magazine)|RPM]]''.<ref name="can"/> It reached the lowest position on Belgium's [[Top 30 (Belgium)|top 30]] chart in January 1981,<ref name="Belgium"/> and peaked at 92 on Australian [[Kent Music Report]].<ref name="Kent"/>

==Critical reception==
''Rolling Stone'' critic [[Dave Marsh]] stated in his review of the ''Against the Wind'' album that none of the ballads (including the title track) contained any memorable lines, but he later amended that to acknowledge that the lines "Well, those drifter's days are past me now/I've so much more to think about/Deadlines and commitments/What to leave in/What to leave out" are not only memorable but also haunting in the way Seger "haltingly expresses his indecisiveness."<ref name=son>{{cite book|title=Fortunate Son|author=Marsh, Dave|author-link=Dave Marsh|pages=[https://archive.org/details/fortunatesoncrit00mars/page/129 129–132]|year=1985|publisher=Random House|isbn=0394721195|url-access=registration|url=https://archive.org/details/fortunatesoncrit00mars/page/129}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=The New Rolling Stone Record Guide|year=1983|publisher=Random House|isbn=978-0394721071}}</ref> Hilburn at the ''Los Angeles Times'' praised Seger's " timeless, often graceful Everyman edge" he lends to "Against the Wind" and its "tension between the idealism that [he] searches and the pitfalls in realizing the dreams."<ref name="la2"/> ''[[Cash Box]]'' called it a "thoughtful ballad," saying that the "light folk guitar melody is perfectly punctuated by piano touches and subdued rhythm."<ref name=cb>{{cite news|title=CashBox Singles Reviews|date=May 3, 1980|page=20|newspaper=Cash Box|accessdate=2022-01-01|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Cash-Box/80s/1980/CB-1980-05-03.pdf}}</ref> ''Cash Box'' also called the vocal phrasing and lyrics "compelling."<ref name=cb/>

A ''Rolling Stone'' reader's poll ranked "Against the Wind" as the third-best Seger tune.<ref name="rs5">{{cite news|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/readers-poll-the-10-best-bob-seger-songs-16631/|title=Readers' Poll: The 10 Best Bob Seger Songs|date=April 17, 2013|first=Andy|last=Greene|magazine=Rolling Stone|accessdate=September 21, 2021}}</ref> ''Classic Rock History'' critic Janey Roberts rated it as Seger's 4th best song, calling it "one of the most beautiful songs he had written in his career".<ref>{{cite web|title=Top 20 Bob Seger songs|author=Roberts, Janey|publisher=Classic Rock History|accessdate=2023-01-22|url=https://www.classicrockhistory.com/best-bob-seger-songs/}}</ref>

==Legacy==
"Against the Wind" has remained one of Seger's most popular songs; upon his arrival to [[Streaming media|streaming services]] in 2017, it ranked his second-most streamed song, behind "Night Moves".<ref name="usa4">{{cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/music/2017/06/26/bob-segers-classic-hits-flourish-his-first-week-streaming/427223001/|title=Bob Seger's classic hits flourish in his first week of streaming|date=June 26, 2017|first=Brian|last=McCollum|newspaper=Detroit Free Press|accessdate=September 21, 2021}}</ref> "Against the Wind" was famously used in a scene of the 1994 film ''[[Forrest Gump]]'', where the main character runs across the U.S.; it was included on its [[Forrest Gump: The Soundtrack|accompanying soundtrack album]].<ref name="la5">{{cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1986-04-13-ca-4332-story.html|title=For 'Gump,' Every Oldie Was Just Too Goodie|date=July 3, 1994|first=Steve|last=Hochman|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|accessdate=September 21, 2021}}</ref>
[[File:Deuceswild345.jpg|right|thumb|A cover by country stars [[Brooks & Dunn]] charted in 1999.]]
"Against the Wind" has been celebrated by generations of contemporary country artists. [[Toby Keith]]'s 1994 single "[[Wish I Didn't Know Now]]" borrows a lyric from "Against the Wind". Brooks & Dunn performed a cover of the song in 1999 that charted at number 55 on the [[Hot Country Songs]] charts based on unsolicited airplay. Of the duo, [[Ronnie Dunn]] called it one of the songs that shaped his taste, and suggested it influenced "This is one of those songs that, lyrically, we tried to write at the end of the Nineties. We were just taking Seger's era of rock and applying it to what we were doing in country at the time."<ref name="rs3">{{cite news|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-country/ronnie-dunn-songs-that-shaped-career-935198/|title=Brooks & Dunn's Ronnie Dunn: 10 Songs That Shaped Me|date=January 9, 2020|first=Joseph|last=Hudak|magazine=Rolling Stone|accessdate=September 21, 2021}}</ref> Later stars, like [[Jason Aldean]], offered similar remarks: "You listen to a song like 'Against the Wind' and you’re hanging on every word of the thing. You can’t help but be drawn into it."<ref name="la3">{{cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/music/la-et-ms-bob-seger-20150227-story.html|title=Bob Seger turns a page with a Nashville sound and liberal lyrics|date=February 27, 2015|first=Mikael|last=Wood|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|accessdate=September 21, 2021}}</ref> [[Vince Gill]] singled out "Against the Wind" as a composition he felt rivaled the work of [[Lennon-McCartney]] or [[Paul Simon]].<ref name="ny4">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/09/05/arts/05iht-seger.html|title=A comeback for Bob Seger, direct from Nashville|date=September 5, 2006|first=Alan|last=Light|newspaper=The New York Times|accessdate=September 21, 2021}}</ref> Garth Brooks recorded a cover of the song for a [[The Ultimate Collection (Garth Brooks album)|2016 box set]],<ref name="rs4">{{cite news|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-country/ronnie-dunn-songs-that-shaped-career-935198/|title=Garth Brooks to Cover Randy Travis, Skynyrd on New Box Set|date=October 24, 2016|magazine=Rolling Stone|accessdate=September 21, 2021}}</ref> as did [[The Highwaymen (country supergroup)|The Highwaymen]] for their [[Highwayman (The Highwaymen album)|debut album]]. Other artists from varying genres have also covered the tune; [[alternative rock]] group [[The Hold Steady]] released their version of the song on their 2007 [[extended play]], ''Stuck Between Stations''.

==Personnel==
Credits are adapted from the [[liner notes]] of Seger's 1994 ''[[Greatest Hits (Bob Seger album)|Greatest Hits]]'' compilation.<ref>{{cite AV media notes |title=Greatest Hits |others=Bob Seger |year=1994 |type=CD |publisher=Capitol Records |id=CDP 7243 8 30334 2 3}}</ref>
*[[Bob Seger]] – lead vocals, acoustic guitar, background vocals

'''The Silver Bullet Band'''
*[[Drew Abbott]] – electric guitar
*Chris Campbell – [[bass guitar|bass]]
*[[David Teegarden]] – drums

'''Additional musicians'''
*[[Glenn Frey]] – background vocals
*[[Paul Harris (musician)|Paul Harris]] – piano, [[Hammond organ|organ]]


==Chart performance==
==Chart performance==
{{col-begin|width=67%}}
{{col-begin}}
{{col-2}}
{{col-2}}


===Weekly charts===
===Weekly charts===
{|class="wikitable sortable"
{|class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
|+Chart performance for "Against the Wind"
!Chart (1980)
!scope="col"|Chart (1980–81)
!Peak<br />position
!scope="col"|Peak<br/>position
|-
|-
|Australian Kent Music Report<ref name="Kent">{{cite book |last=Kent |first=David |authorlink=David Kent (historian) |title=Australian Chart Book 1970–1992 |year=1993 |publisher=Australian Chart Book |isbn=0-646-11917-6}}</ref>
!scope="row"|Australia ([[Kent Music Report]])<ref name="Kent">{{cite book |last=Kent |first=David |author-link=David Kent (historian) |title=Australian Chart Book 1970–1992 |year=1993 |publisher=Australian Chart Book |isbn=0-646-11917-6}}</ref>
|92
|align="center"|92
|-
|-
!scope="row"{{single chart|Flanders|30|artist=Bob Seger|song=Against the Wind|accessdate=ACD|refname=Belgium}}
|Belgian ''VRT'' Top 30
|align="center"|30
|-
|-
!scope="row"{{single chart|Canadatopsingles|6|chartid=0199a|accessdate=September 21, 2021|refname="can"}}
|Canadian ''RPM'' Top 100
|align="center"|6
|-
|-
!scope="row"{{single chart|Billboardhot100|5|artist=Bob Seger|song=Against the Wind|accessdate=September 21, 2021}}
|US ''Billboard'' Hot 100
|align="center"|5
|-
|-
!scope="row"{{single chart|Billboardadultcontemporary|8|artist=Bob Seger|song=Against the Wind|accessdate=December 7, 2024}}
|US ''Billboard'' Hot Adult Contemporary Tracks
|align="center"|8
|}
|}
{{col-2}}
{{col-2}}
Line 80: Line 106:
!align="left"|Rank
!align="left"|Rank
|-
|-
|Canada ''RPM'' Top 100<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/rpm/028020-119.01-e.php?brws_s=1&file_num=nlc008388.0272&type=1&interval=24&PHPSESSID=mhe12pta2k83e08udtq66ot062 |title=Top 100 Singles (1980) |publisher=[[RPM (magazine)|RPM]] |accessdate=2017-07-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160425051319/http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/rpm/028020-119.01-e.php?brws_s=1&file_num=nlc008388.0272&type=1&interval=24&PHPSESSID=mhe12pta2k83e08udtq66ot062 |archive-date=2016-04-25 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
|Canada Top 100 (''RPM'')<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/rpm/028020-119.01-e.php?brws_s=1&file_num=nlc008388.0272&type=1&interval=24&PHPSESSID=mhe12pta2k83e08udtq66ot062 |title=Top 100 Singles (1980) |publisher=[[RPM (magazine)|RPM]] |accessdate=2017-07-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160425051319/http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/rpm/028020-119.01-e.php?brws_s=1&file_num=nlc008388.0272&type=1&interval=24&PHPSESSID=mhe12pta2k83e08udtq66ot062 |archive-date=2016-04-25 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
| style="text-align:center;"|41
| style="text-align:center;"|41
|-
|-
|[[Billboard Year-End Hot 100 singles of 1980|US Top Pop Singles (''Billboard'')]]<ref>{{cite magazine |date=December 20, 1980 |title=1980 Talent in Action – Year End Charts : Pop Singles |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=GyUEAAAAMBAJ&lpg=PP1&pg=PT63#v=onepage&q&f=false |page=TIA-10 |magazine=Billboard |volume=92 |issue=51|access-date=5 April 2020}}</ref>
|[[Billboard Year-End Hot 100 singles of 1980|US Top Pop Singles (''Billboard'')]]<ref>{{cite magazine |date=December 20, 1980 |title=1980 Talent in Action – Year End Charts : Pop Singles |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=GyUEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PT63 |page=TIA-10 |magazine=Billboard |volume=92 |issue=51|access-date=5 April 2020}}</ref>
|align="center"|51
|align="center"|51
|}
|}
{{col-end}}
{{col-end}}


==Cover versions==
==Certifications==
{{certification Table Top}}
In 1999, [[Brooks & Dunn]] covered this song on the [[King of the Hill (soundtrack)|television soundtrack]] to ''[[King of the Hill]]''. This version peaked at number 55 on the [[Hot Country Songs]] charts based on unsolicited airplay.
{{Certification Table Entry|region=United States|type=single|award=Platinum|artist=Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band|title=Against the Wind|relyear=1980|certyear=2022|accessdate=January 15, 2022}}

{{Certification Table Bottom|nosales=true|noshipments=true|streaming=true}}
The song was also covered by [[The Highwaymen (country supergroup)|The Highwaymen]] on their [[Highwayman (The Highwaymen album)|debut album]].

In 1978, two years before the US release, the song was covered (translated to Spanish under the title "Contra el viento") by Argentine rock band Plus on their second album ''Melancolica Muchacha''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rock.com.ar/discos/4/4984.shtml|title=Melancólica muchacha|work=rock.com.ar}}</ref>

[[The Hold Steady]] released their version of the song on their 2007 ''Stuck Between Stations EP''.

*[[Garth Brooks]] covered the song for the 2013 ''Classic Rock'' album in the ''Blame It All on My Roots: Five Decades of Influences'' compilation.

==In popular culture==
*The song was played in the movie ''[[Forrest Gump]]'', where Forrest was running across the country.<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pKKmzmeU5-0 | work=YouTube | title=Forrest Gump - Run Scene | date=August 29, 2012}}</ref> It was also used in the movie "For the Love of the Game"


==References==
==References==
{{reflist}}
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* {{MetroLyrics song|bob-seger|against-the-wind}}<!-- Licensed lyrics provider -->


{{Bob Seger}}
{{Bob Seger}}


{{Authority control}}

[[Category:1980 songs]]
[[Category:1980 singles]]
[[Category:1980 singles]]
[[Category:1999 singles]]
[[Category:1999 singles]]
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[[Category:Songs written by Bob Seger]]
[[Category:Songs written by Bob Seger]]
[[Category:Song recordings produced by Bill Szymczyk]]
[[Category:Song recordings produced by Bill Szymczyk]]
[[Category:1980 songs]]
[[Category:Capitol Records singles]]
[[Category:Capitol Records singles]]
[[Category:Songs composed in G major]]

Latest revision as of 10:17, 7 December 2024

"Against the Wind"
Artwork for US single, also used for parent album
Single by Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band
from the album Against the Wind
B-side"No Man's Land"
ReleasedApril 1980
Recorded1979
StudioBayshore (Miami)
Genre
Length5:34 (album version)
3:45 (single version)
LabelCapitol
Songwriter(s)Bob Seger
Producer(s)Bill Szymczyk
Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band singles chronology
"Fire Lake"
(1980) 		"Against the Wind"
(1980) 		"You'll Accomp'ny Me"
(1980)

"Against the Wind" is a song written and recorded by the American singer-songwriter Bob Seger for his eleventh studio album of the same name. It was released as the second single from the album in April 1980 through Capitol Records. Seger recorded the ballad during a two-year process that begat his eleventh album; it was recorded with producer Bill Szymczyk at Criteria Studios in north Miami, Florida. Sonically, "Against the Wind" is a mid-tempo soft rock tune with piano backing. It was recorded with Seger's Silver Bullet Band, and features backing vocals from Eagles co-frontman Glenn Frey.

"Against the Wind" explores the space between care and indifference from friends and loved ones. It centers on maturation and memories, like many other Seger songs, and carries a tender, mellow tone. Seger pulled from his high school years as a cross-country runner to form the song's title–a metaphor for growing old. "Against the Wind" became one of Seger's most successful singles, reaching number five on the Billboard Hot 100. It also charted in Canada, Australia, and Belgium. It received high marks from music critics, with many praising Seger's songwriting. The song has been celebrated by generations of country artists, with covers by Garth Brooks and Brooks & Dunn.

Background

[edit]
The song was recorded at Criteria Studios in north Miami, Florida.

"Against the Wind" developed over a two-year period when Seger was recording its parent album.[4] He was driven by the desire to have a number one album, and aimed to record hit singles for his eleventh album, emphasizing a deliberately commercial sound.[5] Seger felt more comfortable than before working in the studio. He personally opened up more to others, and distinguished it as the most fulfilled he had felt as a songwriter to that point.[6]

For Against the Wind, he worked with Eagles producer Bill Szymczyk. The recording process was handled at higher-quality studios than before, with an emphasis on polish and getting "things right."[6] The song includes backing vocals from Eagles singer-songwriter Glenn Frey. Seger and Frey had met in the mid-1960s when they were both working the Detroit club scene, and had remained close since; a year prior, Seger co-wrote and made a guest appearance on the Eagles' "Heartache Tonight".[7]

Themes

[edit]

Like much of its parent album,[8] "Against the Wind" is a mellow, mid-tempo ballad[9] with country-rock overtones. Steve Pond at Rolling Stone identified it as one of many Seger "mediums": mid-tempo tunes with "loping tempos, [and] subdued instrumentation."[4] Lyrically, "Against the Wind" centers on growing older,[4] and finds Seger confronting his memories[10] and yearning for the simplicity of past times.[11] It returns to familiar nostalgic territory for Seger; he characterized "Wind" as the final part in a trilogy of sentimental songs, following "Night Moves" and "Brave Strangers".[4] During an interview, Seger said that "Against the Wind" came about from his days as a high-school cross country runner. He described the song as "about trying to move ahead, keeping your sanity and integrity at the same time."[12]

A writer at Billboard described "Against the Wind" as "a mid-tempo folky tale of young love featuring pretty piano backing";[13] Seger references a "Janey" in the opening lyrics of the song; this refers to Janey Dinsdale, with whom he had a long-term relationship from 1972 until 1983. In Rolling Stone, Seger elaborated on the song's meaning:

Janey says to me all the time, 'You allow more people to walk on you than anybody I've ever known.' And I always say it's human nature that people are gonna love you sometimes and they're gonna use you sometimes. Knowing the difference between when people are using you and when people truly care about you, that's what "Against the Wind" is all about. The people in that song have weathered the storm, and it's made them much better that they've been able to do it and maintain whatever relationship. To get through is a real victory.[12]

Seger, seen here in 1977, wrote the song about growing old.

In the tune, Seger second-guesses his career choice, particularly aspects of touring, which he describes as "moving eight miles a minute for months at a time."[14] He mulls that he may have "lost [his] way," focusing too much attention on "breaking all of the rules that would bend."[15] It famously includes the line "Wish I didn't know now what I didn't know then", which Seger later admitted bothered him for a while in a grammatical sense.[16] The song "ends with a renewed determination to keep going";[17] as the song begins its outro, Seger concedes he is "older now, but still running against the wind."[18]

Its tone has been described as reflective and bittersweet.[19] New York Times columnist Jon Pareles once characterized "Against the Wind" as a song about "crumbling hopes and the recognition of limits,"[20] while music critic Maury Dean considered its topic "all the burdens we'll ever have to face."[21] Robert Hilburn, writing for the Los Angeles Times, described the song a "heartfelt expressions of the search for innocence and integrity in a world where both qualities seem in short supply."[3] Though no music video was made for "Against the Wind" at the time of its release, a lyric video commemorating its fortieth anniversary saw release on YouTube in 2020. The clip showcases its songwriting atop "classic Seger imagery — animated horses, motorcycles, and vast American highways."[22]

Commercial performance

[edit]

"Against the Wind" was issued as the second single from its titular album in April 1980. Seger had no interest as to which songs were released as singles, and he simply left it up to Capitol to decide; "Wind" was chosen by the label's promotional director, Steve Meyer.[23]

"Against the Wind" debuted at number 54 on the Hot 100 in the week ending May 3, 1980; it was the highest-debuting single of the week.[24] It moved into the top 30 the following week,[25] and moved into the top ten at the end of the month.[26] It reached its peak at number five on the Hot 100 on June 14.[27] It held at the position for three weeks.[28][29] After that, it began its descent from the top, and last appeared on the chart on August 23;[30] it remained on the chart as a whole for seventeen weeks, with eleven of those spent in the top 40.[31] During this time, the single also climbed the magazine's Hot Adult Contemporary chart, where it peaked at number seven.[32]

Internationally, the song was successful as well. In Canada, it reached number six on the all-genre singles chart compiled by RPM.[33] It reached the lowest position on Belgium's top 30 chart in January 1981,[34] and peaked at 92 on Australian Kent Music Report.[35]

Critical reception

[edit]

Rolling Stone critic Dave Marsh stated in his review of the Against the Wind album that none of the ballads (including the title track) contained any memorable lines, but he later amended that to acknowledge that the lines "Well, those drifter's days are past me now/I've so much more to think about/Deadlines and commitments/What to leave in/What to leave out" are not only memorable but also haunting in the way Seger "haltingly expresses his indecisiveness."[36][37] Hilburn at the Los Angeles Times praised Seger's " timeless, often graceful Everyman edge" he lends to "Against the Wind" and its "tension between the idealism that [he] searches and the pitfalls in realizing the dreams."[3] Cash Box called it a "thoughtful ballad," saying that the "light folk guitar melody is perfectly punctuated by piano touches and subdued rhythm."[38] Cash Box also called the vocal phrasing and lyrics "compelling."[38]

A Rolling Stone reader's poll ranked "Against the Wind" as the third-best Seger tune.[39] Classic Rock History critic Janey Roberts rated it as Seger's 4th best song, calling it "one of the most beautiful songs he had written in his career".[40]

Legacy

[edit]

"Against the Wind" has remained one of Seger's most popular songs; upon his arrival to streaming services in 2017, it ranked his second-most streamed song, behind "Night Moves".[41] "Against the Wind" was famously used in a scene of the 1994 film Forrest Gump, where the main character runs across the U.S.; it was included on its accompanying soundtrack album.[42]

A cover by country stars Brooks & Dunn charted in 1999.

"Against the Wind" has been celebrated by generations of contemporary country artists. Toby Keith's 1994 single "Wish I Didn't Know Now" borrows a lyric from "Against the Wind". Brooks & Dunn performed a cover of the song in 1999 that charted at number 55 on the Hot Country Songs charts based on unsolicited airplay. Of the duo, Ronnie Dunn called it one of the songs that shaped his taste, and suggested it influenced "This is one of those songs that, lyrically, we tried to write at the end of the Nineties. We were just taking Seger's era of rock and applying it to what we were doing in country at the time."[43] Later stars, like Jason Aldean, offered similar remarks: "You listen to a song like 'Against the Wind' and you’re hanging on every word of the thing. You can’t help but be drawn into it."[44] Vince Gill singled out "Against the Wind" as a composition he felt rivaled the work of Lennon-McCartney or Paul Simon.[45] Garth Brooks recorded a cover of the song for a 2016 box set,[46] as did The Highwaymen for their debut album. Other artists from varying genres have also covered the tune; alternative rock group The Hold Steady released their version of the song on their 2007 extended play, Stuck Between Stations.

Personnel

[edit]

Credits are adapted from the liner notes of Seger's 1994 Greatest Hits compilation.[47]

  • Bob Seger – lead vocals, acoustic guitar, background vocals

The Silver Bullet Band

Additional musicians

Chart performance

[edit]

Certifications

[edit]
Region Certification Certified units/sales
United States (RIAA)[52] Platinum 1,000,000‡

‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Jesús A. Ramos-Kittrell (15 December 2019). Decentering the Nation: Music, Mexicanidad, and Globalization. Rowman & Littlefield. p. 95. ISBN 978-1-4985-7318-4.
  2. ^ "Sound Familiar? 10 Famous Cameos That May Surprise You - 60s and 70s Pop - Oldies Music". May 26, 2015. Archived from the original on May 26, 2015.
  3. ^ a b c Hilburn, Robert (January 7, 1987). "POP MUSIC REVIEW : SEGER OFFERS NEW REASONS TO BELIEVE". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved September 21, 2021.
  4. ^ a b c d Pond, Steve (February 3, 1983). "Bob Seger: Nice Guy in the Nasty Lane". Rolling Stone. Retrieved September 21, 2021.
  5. ^ Hunt, Dennis (January 16, 1983). "Seger: Hard Work and Low Profile". Los Angeles Times.
  6. ^ a b "Radio Interview: In the Studio with Redbeard for Against the Wind" (Interview).
  7. ^ McCollum, Brian (January 19, 2016). "Bob Seger on friend Glenn Frey: 'He was my cheerleader'". Detroit Free Press. Retrieved September 21, 2021.
  8. ^ Pareles, Jon (January 5, 1983). "THE POP LIFE". The New York Times. Retrieved September 21, 2021.
  9. ^ Hilburn, Robert (April 13, 1986). "BOB SEGER RETURNS IN THE EYE OF THE STORM". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved September 21, 2021.
  10. ^ Pareles, Jon (January 27, 2007). "A Rocker Who's Come to Terms With Time". The New York Times. Retrieved September 21, 2021.
  11. ^ Willman, Chris (April 13, 1986). "MOSS GATHERS UNDER 'ROCK'". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved September 21, 2021.
  12. ^ a b White, Timothy (May 1, 1980). "The Fire This Time". Rolling Stone. Retrieved November 20, 2019.
  13. ^ "Top Single Picks" (PDF). Billboard Magazine. May 3, 1980. p. 55. Retrieved 2020-07-08.
  14. ^ McCollum, Brian (September 18, 2018). "Bob Seger announces final tour dates; he's retiring from the road after 56 years". Detroit Free Press. Retrieved September 21, 2021.
  15. ^ Harris, Art (September 6, 1983). "Running Against an Ill Wind". The Washington Post. Retrieved September 21, 2021.
  16. ^ Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band Greatest Hits, CD sleeve.
  17. ^ Himes, Geoffrey (April 2, 1980). "Bob Seger's Working Class Rock 'n' Roll". The Washington Post. Retrieved September 21, 2021.
  18. ^ Levy, Plet (January 25, 2019). "At final Milwaukee concert, Bob Seger offers a spirited goodbye fit for his legacy". USA Today. Retrieved September 21, 2021.
  19. ^ Harrington, Richard (October 2, 1980). "Bob Seger". The Washington Post. Retrieved September 21, 2021.
  20. ^ Pareles, Jon (February 23, 1996). "ROCK REVIEW;With Age And Time, Bitterness". The New York Times. Retrieved September 21, 2021.
  21. ^ Dean, Maury (2003). Rock 'n' Roll Gold Rush. Algora Publishing. p. 359. ISBN 087586208X.
  22. ^ Martoccio, Angie (February 21, 2020). "Bob Seger Drops 40th-Anniversary 'Against the Wind' Video". Rolling Stone. Retrieved September 21, 2021.
  23. ^ White, Timothy (April 1, 1983). "The Roads Not Taken". Musician.
  24. ^ Grein, Paul (May 3, 1980). "Bob Seger Goes No. 1 First Time" (PDF). Billboard. Vol. 92, no. 18. Billboard Publications, Inc. p. 12; 62.
  25. ^ "Billboard Hot 100" (PDF). Billboard. Vol. 92, no. 19. Billboard Publications, Inc. May 10, 1980. p. 80.
  26. ^ "Billboard Hot 100" (PDF). Billboard. Vol. 92, no. 22. Billboard Publications, Inc. May 31, 1980. p. 64.
  27. ^ "Billboard Hot 100" (PDF). Billboard. Vol. 92, no. 24. Billboard Publications, Inc. June 14, 1980. p. 72.
  28. ^ Whitburn, Joel (2002). Top Pop Songs: 1961-2001. Record Research. p. 218.
  29. ^ "Billboard Hot 100" (PDF). Billboard. Vol. 92, no. 26. Billboard Publications, Inc. June 28, 1980. p. 72.
  30. ^ "Billboard Hot 100" (PDF). Billboard. Vol. 92, no. 34. Billboard Publications, Inc. August 23, 1980. p. 53.
  31. ^ Whitburn, Joel (2010). The Billboard Book of Top 40 Hits. Billboard Books. p. 581. ISBN 9780823085545.
  32. ^ "Bob Seger – Chart History". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved September 21, 2021.
  33. ^ a b "Top RPM Singles: Issue 0199a." RPM. Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved September 21, 2021.
  34. ^ a b "Bob Seger – Against the Wind" (in Dutch). Ultratop 50. Retrieved ACD.
  35. ^ a b Kent, David (1993). Australian Chart Book 1970–1992. Australian Chart Book. ISBN 0-646-11917-6.
  36. ^ Marsh, Dave (1985). Fortunate Son. Random House. pp. 129–132. ISBN 0394721195.
  37. ^ The New Rolling Stone Record Guide. Random House. 1983. ISBN 978-0394721071.
  38. ^ a b "CashBox Singles Reviews" (PDF). Cash Box. May 3, 1980. p. 20. Retrieved 2022-01-01.
  39. ^ Greene, Andy (April 17, 2013). "Readers' Poll: The 10 Best Bob Seger Songs". Rolling Stone. Retrieved September 21, 2021.
  40. ^ Roberts, Janey. "Top 20 Bob Seger songs". Classic Rock History. Retrieved 2023-01-22.
  41. ^ McCollum, Brian (June 26, 2017). "Bob Seger's classic hits flourish in his first week of streaming". Detroit Free Press. Retrieved September 21, 2021.
  42. ^ Hochman, Steve (July 3, 1994). "For 'Gump,' Every Oldie Was Just Too Goodie". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved September 21, 2021.
  43. ^ Hudak, Joseph (January 9, 2020). "Brooks & Dunn's Ronnie Dunn: 10 Songs That Shaped Me". Rolling Stone. Retrieved September 21, 2021.
  44. ^ Wood, Mikael (February 27, 2015). "Bob Seger turns a page with a Nashville sound and liberal lyrics". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved September 21, 2021.
  45. ^ Light, Alan (September 5, 2006). "A comeback for Bob Seger, direct from Nashville". The New York Times. Retrieved September 21, 2021.
  46. ^ "Garth Brooks to Cover Randy Travis, Skynyrd on New Box Set". Rolling Stone. October 24, 2016. Retrieved September 21, 2021.
  47. ^ Greatest Hits (CD). Bob Seger. Capitol Records. 1994. CDP 7243 8 30334 2 3.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  48. ^ "Bob Seger Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved September 21, 2021.
  49. ^ "Bob Seger Chart History (Adult Contemporary)". Billboard. Retrieved December 7, 2024.
  50. ^ "Top 100 Singles (1980)". RPM. Archived from the original on 2016-04-25. Retrieved 2017-07-21.
  51. ^ "1980 Talent in Action – Year End Charts : Pop Singles". Billboard. Vol. 92, no. 51. December 20, 1980. p. TIA-10. Retrieved 5 April 2020.
  52. ^ "American single certifications – Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band – Against the Wind". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved January 15, 2022.
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