It Had to Be You... The Great American Songbook [Enhanced]

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

Tracks:

You Go To My Head (feat Dave Koz)
They Can't Take That Away From Me (feat Arturo Sandoval)
The Way You Look Tonight
It Had to Be You (feat Michael Brecker)
That Old Feeling (feat Arturo Sandoval)
These Foolish Things (feat Dave Koz)
The Very Thought of You
Moonglow (feat Arturo Sandoval)
I'll Be Seeing You
Everytime We Say Goodbye (feat Dave Koz)
The Nearness of You
For All We Know
We'll Be Together Again
That's All

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:

Rod Stewart.......2007-06-28

It Had to Be You... The Great American Songbook
~ Rod Stewart
Given as gift to my 73 yr old aunt.
She requested it!

Another Great CD.......2007-06-02

Once again, Rod Stewart "Great American Song Book" Series is great. We now have all of them and enjoy them all. He has always been a talent and these series of CD's are just as wonderful as all of Stewart's music. Highly recommend.

Save Your Money!.......2007-05-15

I already had his "As Time Goes By" album and listen to it constantly so I figured it would be a natural to buy this one. Couldn't wait for it to be delivered. Played it once and it was Awful all the way around. His voice, the accompanyment, the sound! It's sitting in front of me as I type this and I have no desire to ever play it again, that's how bad it is. On the other hand, his "As Time Goes By" disk is fabulous! But if I had bought "It Had to Be You" first it would have ended there. Unfortutely, I can't get my money back. Don't make the same mistake unless you adore this guy and will put up with anything he recorded no matter how bad it is.

a real disappointment.......2007-05-15

I bought this CD with great expectations,however after hearing it several times I have to say that Rod Stewart failed.His singing is unable to convey the soft swing mood which is fundamental to this beautiful songs.His voice sounds dull and does not transmit any emotion.I think Mr Stewart should return to what he really does masterfully,pop/rock

Rod Stewart, Crooner.......2007-05-07

Wonderful! If you ever danced to or just listened to these songs way back then, you will love the new Rod Stewart singing about romance.

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

Average customer rating:

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

Manufacturer: J Records/BMG
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music
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Product Description

The tracks are; 1. You Go To My Head, 2. They Can't Take That Away from Me, 3. The Way You Look Tonight, 4. It Had To Be You, 5./ That Old Feeling, 6. These Foolish Things, 7. The Very Thought Of You, 8. Moonglow, 9. I'll Be Seeing You, 10. Every Time We Say goodbye, 11. Thje Nearness Of You, 12. For All We Know, 13. We'll Be Together Again, and 14. That's All.

Average customer rating:

It Had To Be You - The Great American Songbook
Rod Stewart
Manufacturer: BMG
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music

Traditional Pop | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music
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{3 CD GIFT SET} It Had To Be You...The Great American Songbook / Human / Elton John - Greatest Hits

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{3 CD GIFT SET} It Had To Be You...The Great American Songbook / Human / Elton John - Greatest Hits

ProductGroup: Music
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