I know he hasn'tr exactly been a big writer of late -- Out Of Order way back in ’88 was the last album he really contributed to in a big way. Since then, subsequent albums showed a "bit part" effort. Through the 90s he only co-wrote a couple of tracks each album, with 1998’s "When We Were the New Boys" being the last.
What Might Have Been
Not the case, folks. I admire the guy in a big way, especially after what he’s been through with that gravelly voice of his and almost having to quit a few years back. And I also already own quite a few of his albums!
After all his tributes to crooners -- his Great American Songbook series -- he gave the impression he was going to release a new “rock” album, even though it would consist of covers.
Ahh, if only ...! This is a good easy listening CD, in sync with his previous four releases. I guess he’s kind of off the hook, as the album isn’t titled great rock songs, but, rock classics. By that I think he really means songs originally done by great rock artists.
Cover For Cover
Courtesy J Records
Now tell me, though, how big a rock star was Elvin Bishop, who Rod covers next on "Fooled Around and Fell In Love?" It is a passable song, but it makes me start to feel that this is the Great American Songbook Part 5!
Next up it’s the Pretenders’ "I’ll Stand By You." Rod Stewart as Chrissie Hynde? Hmmm. I guess this was safe choice. In all fairness, on his website he does say, “We’ve chosen songs very carefully to go with my voice.” No kidding, Rod! Maybe a little too safe, I’d say!
On the title track, "Still the Same," I have to say that Stewart does Bob Seger total justice. Well done on this, Rod, But it’s still not rockin’!
I was a bit surprised by the next track, "It’s A Heartache," Welsh lass Bonnie Tyler’s first big hit. When this first came out, I recall everyone saying, “Wow, a female Rod Stewart!” Ironic then that he should cover this. The song is still good and strong, and, yes, it works for Rod too!
Where's the Rock?
He covers John Waite’s "Missing You" fairly safely, again in keeping with the theme of this album: safe, soft pop/rock sounds.
"Father Son" was very popular, of course, for the artist now known as Yusuf Islam. Although the former Cat Stevens had one of those unique voice styles, Rod manages to make this song his own.
When I saw "Best Of My Love," The Eagles classic, on the track list, I was quite curious to see how Rod would handle it. He’s actually made it more country than the Eagles did! On so many of these songs, he has kept the music so true to the originals, it might’ve been good to see him mess around with the arrangements a little to really make the songs a little more his!
Rod can’t sing with a Bob Dylan twang, so again he plays it safe musically and vocally with "If Not For You." He sings it as if he wrote the song himself. I can’t take that away from the man. They simply could’ve been all his own originals. I mean, who else sounds like Rod Stewart, right?
And In Conclusion ...
"Love Hurts" was a huge hit for Nazareth, who really made their own with their soft-hard rock structure of this song. Rod keeps it pretty safe still.
The Bread/David Gates song, "Everything I Own" is okay, but, hey, it’s another ballad. The closing track, Van Morrison’s "Crazy Love" is also nothing to get excited about.
To summarize, it’s just that it’s a safe, “nice” – Urgh! – album. Heck, I would’ve even loved to have heard an updated version of "Stay With Me." Now, that’s the kind of rocker Rod used to be! Since this is a solo album, that Faces song could’ve been considered a cover, right?!
Rock classics? It should be renamed Classic Pop/Soft Rock songs!
