Whole lotta Rod: get the complete
American
Songbook box set.
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Product Description
Amazon.co.uk Review
At least Rod Stewart is consistent. Long accused by critics of selling his considerable interpretative talents short and playing it safe for the trappings of fame, Stewart revisits the font of his latest career revival here. But while 2002's It Had to Be You at least turned on the novelty of hearing raspy Rod the Mod tackle Broadway standards with a boozy, world-weary tone that sometimes reinforced the originals' intent with cross-generation flair, the rock icon has unfortunately reverted to form on this 14-track sequel.
Set against the laconic, cocktail-friendly productions of vets Richard Perry and Phil Ramone, Stewart's performances seem strangely detached throughout. Even when offered the chance of some real human interaction on a pair of ill-conceived duets with Cher (who at least attempts to bring some dramatic flair to "Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered") and Queen Latifah (whose recent turn in Chicago informs the title track), Stewart seems almost blissfully unaware of their presence. These are songs that virtually demand to be acted out, not phoned in. Brilliant vocal performances often reinforce the notion of "the singer, not the song"; here that old adage sounds more like a suggestion of where to place the blame for this album's disappointments. --Jerry McCulley
Album Description
On As Time Goes By--The Great American Songbook Vol 2, rock crooner Rod Stewart applies his distinctive vocal style to 14 timeless classics such as "I'm in the Mood for Love", "Smile", "As Time Goes By", "I Only Have Eyes for You", "Someone to Watch Over Me" and "Til' There Was You". There's even a sexy duet with Cher on "Bewitched, Bothered, and Bewildered", with the lesser-known original lyrics.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
33 of 35 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
My Dad is a Rod Stewart fan and I grew up listening to Handbags & Gladrags and the like. I got older and missed out his pretty-boy middle period. Then I was sitting watching Parky the other night and on came Rod and performed these fantastic versions of the standards. I bet every cabaret singer in the world has some of these in their repertoire. I think the Amazon reviewer misses the point - it is precisely Rod's detached and laconic style which makes these songs interesting listening. Listen to the orchestration and various instrumental solos. His voice is simply another instrument in the band and it works well.
I am sick of "Pop Idol" type pap that is being fed to us. It is great to hear somebody who can do it without being over-produced. Would any of those pop idols stand up and sing without need for overdubs, underdubs, scrubs and rubs?! I think not.
Great easy-listening, great in the car - although I do drive a Saab!
21 of 23 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
No one can deny Rod Stewart is a survivor having weathered four decades of rock, disco, pop, and countless hits such as "Maggie May," "Hot Legs," "Do You Think I'm Sexy?" and even a couple misses such as "Baby Jane" and "Almost Illegal."
Yet, he took a chance last year; a gamble if you will with AMERICAN SONGBOOK and dazzled a whole new group of fans including my 73-year-old mom with age old classics ranging from: "You Go To My Head" and "The Way You Look Tonight."
Well, it obviously paid off; hence his latest effort.
In a word, this work is a gem; a true beauty proving not only to any and all critics of the spiky haired Scotsman he's certainly got what it takes; talent, and lots of it.
Take it from me, a faithful fan of over twenty-five years, SONGBOOK VOLUME II is a seamless compilation that demands a listen, or two, or three, with the possible exception of the last track, "My Favorite Things," this is a true musical masterpiece.
Stewart's soulful sound perfectly suits these age old beauties particularly "Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered," a sultry, seductive duet with Cher, playfully crooning about forbidden love, not to mention, the title track, "As Time Goes By," proves another perfect fit with rapper/actress Queen Latifah. "Where or When," is equally flawless with haunting lyrics and a splash of longing wistfulness.
Enough said, listen for yourself...
Take a bow, Rod. By the way, I smell a Grammy...
17 of 19 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
I've never been a Rod Stewart fan but saw him on the Parkinson Show. Nearly switched channels but hung on to hear a couple of numbers from this CD. Just had to buy it but expected to hate the other tracks. I was blown away, it's superb. The duet with Cher is a classic. If you like songs that have words and music you can listen to instead of the usual racket we get deluged with, then get this CD pronto. Mr S has shot up a few rungs on my popularity ladder.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
Good one!
Rod Stewart continues his success from his first songbook here. If you liked the first one, you will like this one. Nice repertoire and he sings them well. Read more
Published 3 months ago by B. L. Nielsen
Easy Listening Music
I bought this CD as a Christmas present for my wife.
Both of us enjoy the timeless and classy music from a bygone age that Rod Stewart has resurrected and performs so... Read more
Both of us enjoy the timeless and classy music from a bygone age that Rod Stewart has resurrected and performs so... Read more
Published 16 months ago by Mrs. Hc Parkin
What a surprise!
What a lovely surprise! I,ve never been keen on Rod Stewart but his voice has mellowed and really suits these songs. Read more
Published 18 months ago by Barbara Allen
danceable
I wasn't a Rod Stewart fan before, but I am now with this CD ! in the words of Craig Revel Horwood "I LOVED IT! Read more
Published 19 months ago by Mw R. Moore
happy memories
of the two "great american songbook" albums the second is slightly more attractive than the first. But both bring back happy memories, are very listenable-to, and have some great... Read more
Published 22 months ago by quaker quacker
Go again, Rod, go............
Having bought and listened to the American Songbook CD, I then played Volume II. Rod's voice wraps itself around these old Standards like no other can. Read more
Published on 26 Mar 2009 by Walter de la Mare
Almost as good as volume 1
I like Rod, I like some of the old classics from the crooners and this take by Rod is not at all bad. Read more
Published on 2 Nov 2008 by Mr. A. Moore
Stress relief with Rod Stewart
I purchased this album for my wife who loves Rod Stewart.When she feels stressed,she listens to this album and finds it a great way to relax and unwind. Read more
Published on 2 Jan 2006 by s
the story so far the very best of rod stewart
My used copy arrived promptly as promised. It was well packaged and in excellent condition.The content is wonderful and bought back many lovely memories for me . Read more
Published on 29 Jun 2004 by mrs t a fowler
If you like the 'Big Bands' you'll love this!
I thought Rod's recording of 'It had To Be You' was great but this one is stupendous! His gravelly voice transports the listener from the mundane to the sublime. Read more
Published on 14 Jun 2004 by Robert Park
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