Rod Stewart - As Time Goes By...The Great American Songbook: Volume II
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Music Reviews of As Time Goes By...The Great American Songbook: Volume II
Music Review: Oh my this is bad
Rating: 1 Stars
Rod Stewart lacks the style and heart to make these songs his own. What made performers like Sinatra great was they truly emboldened the songs they sang with a depth and character. They made them their own. Rod Stewart is just a stand in who doesn't contribute anything new to the performance of this music and his signature voice simply kills legendary hits like "I'm In The Mood For Love". This album isn't about bringing a new vision to the performance of these classics. It's about Rod Stewart trying to milk one last cent out of a fading career. If you want to enjoy a modern restyling of great jazz and vocal favorites, pickup any CD from Diana Krall. She delivers soulful, extraordinary performances in the tradition of Ella Fitzgerald, Mel Torme, Nancy Wilson, Ertha Kitt, and Frank Sinatra. That's how it's supposed to be done.
Music Review: Who would have thought?
Rating: 5 Stars
Who would have thought that the same sandpaper-y voice that gave us "Maggie May" and "Do Ya Think I'm Sexy" would one daymake a cliche-ridden old chestnut like "I'm in the Mood For Love"
sound fresh and new? Rod Stewart does it again--in his second foray into the world of American standards.
His choices are great, and he has never sounded better---
he has developed a very pleasant and unexpected upper range.
His duet with Cher on "Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered" will probably not make anyone forsake Ella Fitzgerald's definitive version, but it is nonetheless a delight.
The idea of making "As Time Goes By" a man/woman duet is inspired, and Queen Latifah positively sounds as though she is channeling Billie Holiday.
All in all, a great recording from a singer who obviously loves his material.
Music Review: too marvelous for words
Rating: 5 Stars
I would only wish one small wishfor this recording: it would be great to have included the marvelous Johnny Mercer chesnut-TooMarvelous For Words! It is "too very very,too extraordinary to ever be in Webster's Dictionary" Rod continues his winsome but swinging style with more grand songs,PLUS, Cher, who has always been an underated talent, and some very nice singing by the Queen, terrific studio musicians including some Jazz stars like Peter Nero, Christian McBride,Rich Koz, and finally real string sections for lush and luscious orchestrations. No doubt the producers and Rod felt more comfortable adding real strings after the success of volume one. I hope there is a volume 3 and maybe a tour so we old music lovers can dress up and see Rod Live on stage with strings! I'll gladly buy a ticket or two.Music Review: A Perfect Cocktail Hour or Nightcap CD
Rating: 5 Stars
After a few listens, I realized this CD can't be improved upon. It is my first 5 star review on Amazon.com. Of course the songs are timeless to begin with, but they could have been ruined. Instead they are respected and beautifully arranged by the best in the business. You almost forget that Rod Stewart was a bum shaking rock star, as he has grown into these songs the second time out. The highlights are the duets with Cher and Queen Latifah. If Clive or Rod are reading this, let me suggest a duets CD, a la Frank Sinatra. Of course, as a long time Stewart fan I hope he puts out another rock/r&b of original music, but if not, As Time Goes By caps off a remarkable career. This CD makes you Wild Again, Beguiled Again by music and the talented people who make it... Thanks for Playing it Again Rod.Music Review: On second thought......
Rating: 3 Stars
You know, I too am one of those who long ago wrote off Rod Stewart, probably around the time "Do You Think I'm Sexy" hit the airwaves. Why? Bcause his early work with Ron Woods / Faces, and his solo albums were such blues and rock tour-de-forces, I -- like may others -- hated to see such raw, expressive talent go to waste. So, when I found out he had switched to covering tunes from the Great American Songbook, my first response was "Whatever...I certainly won't be adding them to my music collection." Then, I heard his and Cher's rendition of "Bewitched, Bothered, and Bewildered." To my surprise, it actually works! Plus, they sound like they were having a great time while recording it. So, while I'm not fully pursuaded by Rod Stewart's recent career path, I'm willing to give this cd another chance.