As Time Goes By...The Great American Songbook: Volume II
click the image to get it in cd-cover size
| Release Date: |
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| Label: |
J-Records |
| Rating: |
3.5 |
Description: 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 a slate of American pop standards with a boozy, world-weary tone that sometimes reinforced the originals' intent with trans-generational flair, the British rock icon unfortunately reverted to form a year later 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 at 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
Tracklist of As Time Goes By...The Great American Songbook: Volume II
Reviews:
"As Time Goes By," Rod Sings The Standards!
Rod Stewart is truly a musical treasure. From the beginning he has been at the forefront of musical trends and this album is no exception. Who would have ever thought that a Rock & Roll legend like Rod Stewart would end up singing songs from the Great American Song Book? Well that is exactly what has happened. With this follow up release to "It Had to Be You" Rod has firmly planted his feet as one of the main artists leading the way back to the wonderful tunes from the Great American Songbook.
I have been listening to "As Time Goes By...The Great American Songbook: Volume II" for several months now, and the more I listen the more I realize that Rod has a real gift for interpreting these gorgeous lyrics and melodies. His duets with Cher and Queen Latifah are exceptional, and Rod's version of "Time After Time" is my favorite. The musicians are truly wonderful and the production is first class. I applaud Rod Stewart for a fine effort, and thank him for helping to keep this great music from the past alive.
Another contemporary crooner you should check out is Monte Procopio. Monte and his 13-piece band do a fine job of swinging the standards.
GREAT CD!
Just got it and really love it. It reminds me of the songs my Dad used to sing to my Mom!
** PLEASE DON'T BUY THIS CD ! **
If you loved Rod Stewart - as I did - go out and buy the box set "5 Guys Walk Into a Bar..." the fabulous Faces retrospective.
If you love the Great American Songbook, as Mel Torme called it, go out and buy any album by Torme, Sinatra, Fitzgerald et al and leave this set for fauning Oprah audiences. This voice does not do justice to these songs. It demolishes them - no poetry to these readings; just $ signs.
YECHHHH!