As Time Goes By...The Great American Songbook: Volume II

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
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

Album Description
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.

Tracks:

Time After Time
Im In The Mood For Love
Dont Get Around Much Anymore
Bewitched, Bothered & Bewildered (Duet with Cher)
'Till There Was You
Until The Real Thing Comes Along
Where Or When
Smile
My Heart Stood Still
Someone To Watch Over Me
As Time Goes By (Duet with Queen Latifah)
I Only Have Eyes For You
Crazy She Calls Me
Our Love Is Here To Stay

Amazon.com

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

Album Description

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.

Customer Reviews:

igottaview.......2007-03-08

There is only 1 ROD STEWART and this album WILL NOT DISAPPOINT his fans! AWESOME! TIMELESS!

ANOTHER GREAT ONE!!.......2007-01-23

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!!!

Incredible.......2007-01-12

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!

Smooth and Easy Listening.......2007-01-11

Can't go wrong with this CD and it will keep your feet tapping.

Not Happy.......2007-01-11

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.

I finally called Amazon and they refunded my money. Amazon is a stand up company; just don't get envolved with and of there sub companys.

I've since ordered many things from Amazon and usually can't believe how fast they get things to me.

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