Rod Stewart - It Had to Be You... The Great American Songbook
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Free Music Notes for It Had to Be You... The Great American Songbook
Free Music Review: Romance and chivalry are not dead yet! GRIN
Hit: 5 Stars
Although the Amazon review politely implies that Rod's voice isn't 100% of what it used to be, I would beg to differ! His voice is in top form for this first CD of his Great American Songbook series. His voice lends itself well to all the emotions tied into love: ecstasy, angst, pain, lust, longing, and more. On the CD Rod succeeds in performing a great collection of classic love songs that cannot be ignored. (And indeed, these Rod Stewart songbook CDs have not been ignored, as evidenced by their sales!)
The CD set starts out beautifully with "You Go To My Head;" and it's honestly very tough for me to tell you which song is my favorite--they're all so well done! I suppose I personally favor "That Old Feeling" and "I'll Be Seeing You." Rod sings all the songs here to perfection. I would definitely agree with the reviewer who writes that "Romance Is Always In Vogue, And So Is Rod Stewart!"
Rod also deserves recognition for being able to seamlessly do such classic romantic songs after years and years of performing rock songs and material. Not many can do this as wonderfully as Rod has.
There's even more here: the liner notes offer the complete lyrics to each song and some very nice photos of Rod in both color and black and white. There is an extensive history of the formation of this album written by Bill Zehme as well.
I recommend this CD for the lovers of classic songs as well as fans of Rod Stewart. This CD makes for a relaxing reprieve from the stress of life. Get it! GRIN
Free Music Review: Rod The Mod Becomes Rod The Crooner On This Successful Outing
Hit: 5 Stars
Rod Stewart has assumed many roles in his 30 - plus year career: folk rocker ("Maggie Mae", "You Wear It Well"), dance pop demigod ("Da Ya Think I'm Sexy", "Some Guys Have All The Luck"), soft rock balladeer ("My Heart Can't Tell You No", "Forever Young"), and, riefly, modern R & B artist (the so so 2001 "Human" album). Most recently, however, Rod his most differnent and unlikely role: crooner.
On "It Had To Be You...The Great American Songbook", Rod tackles songs made famous by Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, Nat King Cole and a wide range of singers who were big before Stewart was even born. So, Stewart does have a lot to live up to. However, all worries can be put to rest as this album is a highly enjoyable collection of standards that are perfect for a nice evening or a late night romantic drive.
At first, the idea of Rod attempting classics like "You Go To My Head", "They Can't Take That Away From Me" and "These Foolish Things" may seem absurd, but Rodm pulls them off with flair and pinache. In fact, when hearing these songs, the listener almost instantly relaizes how perfect Rod's voice is for this type of material. They mesh perfectly together. Rod clearly has a huge amount of respect for these songs, as they bristle with the same worth and sincerity he puts into his own songs like "Have I Told You Lately" and "Rhytm Of My Heart".
The bottom line is that this cd is soething you will not regret purchasing. Even if you don't like Rod Stewart, you will find something enjoyable out of this cd.
Free Music Review: The old rocker in mellow mood
Hit: 5 Stars
I never thought I would say this, but Rod Stewart sings brilliantly! There, I've said it.
As a rock singer, Rod Stewart has used his gravelly voice to good use with the Faces and then as a soloist, but could anyone envisage him taking on these standards? In the past, the answer may have been a resounding "NO". Now, think again!
This album has a bunch of very wonderful standards - all of them great songs - and Rod sings them brilliantly (there, I've said it again!). He has a fabulous orchestra behind him and a production team that has made sure the album comes out with such polish that it is gleaming - positively blinding.
I fully appreciate, and respect, the reviewer who wondered whether it was Rod or the songs we liked, but I like both. As for others performing these songs, some of those mention are known for singing this kind of material. The beauty of this album is that Rod is NOT associated with the genre. Call it a "novelty" but it works.
I also understand that this was a labour of love for Rod, but feel it was time well worth spent. A lot of people must have agreed, because the man decided to go and do it all again with another collection, which is just as good.
He is looking and sounding good - and he is mellowing and ageing gracefully!
A well-deserved success - I love it.
Free Music Review: The kind of music I love!
Hit: 5 Stars
I have had this CD since it was released. At first, I couldn't imagine Rod singing this style of music. I've always liked Rod's music fine, I wouldn't say I was a huge fan, though~I could take it or leave it. But this series has changed my mind about him.
As a big fan of the crooners, this is the kind of music I love to listen to. This is the music I put on for a relaxing evening at home. Or the music I listen to while I'm working. There have been a lot of complaints (especially for the later volumes) about Rod not having the "right" sound to do these songs. Capitalizing on America's music history, etc. Well...so what? Did you really expect that Rod Stewart would sound like Frank Sinatra? Like it or hate it, most everyone would agree that Rod's sound is distinctive. If you only want to hear Frank or Dean or Tony or Nat sing these songs, then listen to their albums! I don't think Rod intended to sound like any of those guys when recording these albums. He intended to sound like himself, singing classic "great American songs". I love listening to the greats. But I also enjoy listening to these offerings by Rod. Listen to it for what it is: Rod Stewart singing those wonderful American classics, scratchy voice and all.
Given the choice of listening to "Do Ya Think I'm Sexy" or "That's All"... I'm going for "That's All"!
Free Music Review: A gutsy and refreshing cd
Hit: 5 Stars
The sound of this cd is, in my opinion, unmatched by anything else thats been recently released. The music world is now filled with commercially driven songs with meaningless lyrics that all sound the same. I greatly admire Rod Stewart for finally making this album of classic songs. Despite what the critics (whom are only worried about being edgy and cool) say, this album is top-notch if you like this style of music and you like Rod Stewart. The sounds of the orchestra are wonderful. The sax and trumpet solos, the standing bass....pretty much all of it. I don't normally listen to music from the mid 1900's, but I've always respected the quality and sincerity of it. I'm very thankful that I decided to pick up this cd, because its quickly become one of my all-time favorites. When I can't take any more of the radio and I need a change of pace, I play this cd and relax. I can only describe the sound of this album as "romantic." That's really the best word to use. And I don't mean that in a soppy, exaggerated way. It makes me think of movies from the 50's and people dancing - in an era that had a lot more character and substance than the one which we currently live. I highly recommend this cd!