As Time Goes By...The Great American Songbook: Volume II
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
Produced again by luminaries Richard Perry, Phil Ramone and Clive Davis, Volume II consists of 14 all-timers 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," "Til' There Was You," and a delicious duet with Cher on "Bewitched, Bothered, and Bewildered," with the almost-never-heard original sexy lyrics.
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- UPC: 828765571029
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160 Reviews
| From: Amazon Posted: Oct 27, 2007 Type: User Review |
Great Album
If you like Vol.1, try this Album no2.
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 5.00/5 |
| From: Amazon Posted: Aug 16, 2007 Type: User Review |
Changing my mind on Rod Stewart
I was never a fan of Rod Stewart during his so-called "hit" years. I didn't care for his voice or his arrangements and never could figure out what people saw in his music of the time.
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5.00/5 |
| From: Amazon Posted: Mar 08, 2007 Type: User Review |
igottaview
There is only 1 ROD STEWART and this album WILL NOT DISAPPOINT his fans! AWESOME! TIMELESS!
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5.00/5 |
| From: Amazon Posted: Jan 23, 2007 Type: User Review |
ANOTHER GREAT ONE!!
AGAIN, HERE IS THE GREAT SOUND OF ROD STEWART! AND HIS DUETS ARE GREAT ALSO. THAT IS HALF THE FUN, LISTENING TO THE SPLENDID BLENDING OF VOICES!! I HAVE ALL FOUR OF HIS COLLECTION AND CAN'T WAIT UNTIL #5 ARRIVES IN THE STORES!!!
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5.00/5 |
| From: Amazon Posted: Jan 12, 2007 Type: User Review |
Incredible
I got this CD along with "Thanks for the Memories" by Rod Stewart for my dad and he absolutely loves them. Next time I see him, he said he would save a dance or two for me. Great music!
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5.00/5 |
| From: Amazon Posted: Jan 11, 2007 Type: User Review |
Smooth and Easy Listening
Can't go wrong with this CD and it will keep your feet tapping.
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5.00/5 |
| From: Amazon Posted: Jan 11, 2007 Type: User Review |
Not Happy
I ordered this item thru Amazon but with another company. I never received the album and could not get them to respond to my e-mails.
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 1.00/5 |
| From: Amazon Posted: Jan 04, 2007 Type: User Review |
As Time Goes By The Great American Songbook Vol 2
A really great nostalgia CD.
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 4.00/5 |
| From: Amazon Posted: Dec 13, 2006 Type: User Review |
Another hit for my collection
After inadvertently receiving Volume I (because I forgot to return a Columbia House card), I became a convert to Rod's new "style". I couldn't wait to get Volume II. I wasn't disappointed. As I said in my review of the first CD, be aware of what...
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5.00/5 |
| From: Amazon Posted: Nov 09, 2006 Type: User Review |
Easily found my Easy Listening CD's
I had been looking for more Rod Stewart music and found these at a great price. One of the songs he sings is the one my husband and I danced to at our wedding reception. You can't beat the price and I'm really happy I found this set of CD's.
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4.00/5 |
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