About The Song
(Watch the video below)
"Passion," released in 1980, marked a pivotal moment in Rod Stewart's career as he delved into a new sound that combined rock with elements of new wave and synth-pop. The album of the same name showcased a departure from Stewart's more familiar rock and folk roots, revealing a willingness to experiment with different musical styles. "Passion" the album and its title track, in particular, stand as a testament to Stewart's versatility and his ability to evolve with the ever-changing landscape of popular music.
The song "Passion" opens with a distinctive synthesizer riff that immediately sets it apart from Stewart's earlier works. The pulsating electronic beat, coupled with the infectious melody, establishes a more contemporary sound that was reflective of the prevailing music trends of the early 1980s. Stewart's decision to embrace this electronic and synth-driven sound showcased his openness to innovation and a desire to stay relevant in a dynamic musical landscape.
Lyrically, "Passion" is a celebration of love and desire. Stewart's lyrics, delivered with his signature raspy vocals, convey a sense of urgency and intensity, perfectly matching the theme of the song. The chorus, with its anthemic quality, captures the essence of the passionate emotions being expressed, making it a memorable and impactful part of the track.
The production of "Passion" is a key element that contributed to its success. The use of synthesizers and electronic instrumentation, while a departure from Stewart's earlier works, added a layer of sophistication to the song. The arrangement skillfully blended the rock elements that Stewart was known for with the contemporary sounds of the time, creating a sonic fusion that resonated with a broad audience.
The accompanying music video for "Passion" further highlighted the song's contemporary vibe. Directed by Russell Mulcahy, the video featured stylish visuals and cutting-edge cinematography, capturing the energy and passion of the song. Stewart's charismatic presence and dynamic performance in the video complemented the modern and stylish aesthetic, creating a visual experience that resonated with the music's overall vibe.
While "Passion" marked a departure from Stewart's earlier musical style, it proved to be a successful transition. The song became a chart-topping hit, reaching the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100, and the album of the same name achieved commercial success. This demonstrated Stewart's ability to adapt to changing musical trends while maintaining his distinctive voice and songwriting prowess.
In retrospect, "Passion" remains a significant chapter in Rod Stewart's discography. It showcases his artistic evolution and his willingness to explore new sonic territories. The success of the title track is a testament to Stewart's ability to connect with audiences across different musical landscapes and reinforces his status as a versatile and enduring artist.
In conclusion, "Passion" represents a pivotal moment in Rod Stewart's career, marked by a departure from his established musical style. The song's fusion of rock with new wave and synth-pop elements, coupled with its lyrical celebration of love and desire, made it a standout track in Stewart's repertoire. The success of "Passion" demonstrated Stewart's adaptability and enduring appeal as an artist who could navigate the evolving currents of popular music.
Video
Lyrics
Let's sing along with the lyrics!
Somebody somewhere
In the heat of the night
Looking pretty dangerous
Running out of patience
Tonight in the city
You won't find any pity
Hearts are being twisted
Another lover cheated, cheated
In the bars and the cafes, passion
In the streets and the alleys, passion
A lot of pretending, passion
Everybody searching, passion
Once in love you're never out of danger
One hot night spent with a stranger
All you wanted was somebody to hold on to yeah
Passion, passion
Passion, passion
New York, Moscow, passion
Hong Kong, Tokyo, passion
Paris and Bangkok, passion
A lotta people ain't got, passion
Hear it in the radio, passion
Read it in the papers, passion
Hear it in the churches, passion
See it in the school yards, passion, wuh
Once in love you're never out of danger
One hot night spent with a stranger
All you wanted was somebody to hold on to yeah
Once in love you're never out of danger
One hot night spent with a stranger
All you wanted was somebody to hold on to, somebody to hold on to
Alone in your bed at night, passion
It's half past midnight, passion
As you turn out your sidelight, passion
Something ain't right, passion
There's no passion, there's no passion
There's no passion, I need passion
You need passion, we need passion
Can't live without passion
Won't live without passion
Can't live without passion
Even the president needs passion
Everybody I know needs some passion
Some people die and kill for passion
Nobody admits they need passion
Some people are scared of passion
Yeah, passion