It Had to Be You... The Great American Songbook

Rod Stewart

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 22, 2002)
• Original Release Date: 2002
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: J-Records
• ASIN: B00006JL4J
• Also Available in: DVD Audio  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (369 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,042 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

• This is item 1 in The Rod Stewart: The Great American Songbook Series.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
Rod Stewart's mellowing years have neatly coincided with a commitment to smart ballad choices and a generally warmer musical persona. Rod the Mod liberated at last? Like many a pop singer, Stewart returns here to what's become generally known as the Great American Songbook, that evergreen body of mid-20th century songcraft that continues to inspire singers across oceans and generations. It's said that Stewart has been vocalizing many of these songs in private for years, and given the warm, human scale of most of the performances here, it's not hard to believe. Producer Phil Ramone's spare, unobtrusive arrangements inspire the singer to some of his most subtle and rewarding performances in years. Stewart's slightly weary vocal tack handsomely suggests the smoke, booze, and aching heart that lie at the best of these songs. Such back-to-the-future efforts can often sound like a last career gasp; here, they seem a refreshing breath of fresh air. --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

99 of 112 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A soon to be classic CD by a classic voice..., October 23, 2002

By	Todd McWaters (Pensacola, FL United States) - See all my reviews

Initially, I cringed when I first learned Rod Stewart was to release a CD of "standards". How could Rock-n-Roll's most unique voice opt for this particular venue? Rod is a rocker, not a Sinatra or a Bennett! Surely it would be a travesty for rock, as well as a slap in the face to all the legendary performers who had originally introduced these timeless standards. Admittedly, as a lover of both genres, I was skeptical; now, I'm happy to say I was wrong. In retrospect, it is only appropriate that he now explore this type of music as an artist.

Over a career that spans almost 40 years, Rod has sang rock, blues, R&B, soul, ballads, pop and most recently, hip-hop. Now we are offered Rod Stewart as crooner. The transition has been a long time coming. After hearing "Songbook", one has to admit it is also long overdue. Originally, some, like myself, may be erroneously tempted to confine Rod to a specific genre. Unfortunately, when one often thinks of Stewart, visions of the "rock star"...the loud clothes, spiked hair and raucous onstage antics immediately come to mind. In fact, it is these very perceptions that have overshadowed his career and misled so many, particularly Stewart's critics over the years. The image has for so long obscured Rod's true talent, his uniquely amazing voice, which has always been his greatest asset.

On "The Great American Songbook", it's ALL about the voice. Rod Stewart's voice is now truly showcased as never before. The familiar raspiness is still there, yet refined, mature and smooth as silk. When listening to this new release, one would almost think that these songs were originally written with Rod in mind. His delivery is passionately sincere and hauntingly valid. It would have been easy for Stewart to simply "cover" these classics, as many other artists have done in the past and, I might add, failed miserably at it. This is not the case with "Songbook". Instead, Rod has interpreted these songs as only he can do, making them his own while reinventing and defining them for an entirely new generation to appreciate and savor. While remaining true to the original musical arrangements, Stewart adds a soulful, modern twist to the vocals. Think Sam Cooke and Billie Holiday being channeled at the same time.

Whether one likes Rod Stewart or not, whether one is a diehard rock fan or a lover of these classic standards, this CD is a must have and deserves a listen. Like the timeless classics showcased in this release, Rod Stewart's voice also stands the test of time. With the release of "Songbook", it is only fitting that he now be included on the exclusive list of legendary vocalists. Rod has earned that.

Young, old, or in between, "Songbook" speaks to us all. It appeals to a much wider audience than anything Rod has ever done in his long career and should be greatly received. It's definitely a refreshing change to some of the material currently being released today in music. For those who thought Rod was a "has been", think again! For those who would pigeon hole Rod into one specific category, I dare you to think outside the box. Personally, I hear a Grammy nod in the not so distant future...

20 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A gutsy and refreshing cd, December 14, 2002

By A Customer

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!

42 of 49 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars What a great cd!, October 31, 2002

By	V. Messner (PA, United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

When I purchased this cd, I wasn't quite sure what to expect. I wasn't at all disappointed. Rod's voice goes with these classic songs perfectly and the music is extremely soothing and relaxing, while at the same time managing to be both sad and cheery, evoking thoughts of a past era. In the inside of the cd cover, you'll read that Rod has used most of these songs to warm up his voice at concerts for years. He grew up with these songs and has a great love for them, and his passion shows through clearly. While I've always enjoyed Rod Stewart's music, I've never had more respect for his vocal talent than I do now after listing to this cd.