Search - Rod Stewart :: The Great American Songbook Collection (4CD/DVD)

Never been a Rod Stewart fan, but these are fantastic!

Fluffy | Florida | 11/21/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I've never been much of a Rod Stewart fan, but I absolutely love these albums! I heard my son playing them, and was immediately enticed and had to have the boxed set. They bring back memories of my father telling me about the big open-air dance theater that he used to go to back in the 40's and 50's. He told me there was magic at these dances with the moon and stars, beautiful music, beautiful girls, and romance in the air. They were the place to go and romance your sweetheart. This boxed set of four CD's contains elegant and classy renditions of old American classic favorites from a romantic era when music was special and the lyrics and melodies meant something. The boxed set also contains a short DVD and a photo and story insert about the creation of this series of great American classics. It is hard to pick any favorites in these CD's, because I love all the songs. Some of my favorites are "It Had to Be You", "Moonglow", "I'll Be Seeing You", "Smile", "As Time Goes By" (featuring Queen Latifah), "Stardust", "Isn't It Romantic", "Long Ago and Far Away", and "Let's Fall In Love". The orchestrations and contributing artists are top-notch. The only song that I would have liked to see another artist perform with Rod on is "Baby, It's Cold Outside", which he sings with Dolly Parton. Her squeaky, hillbilly voice just sent chills down my spine, like scratching your fingernails on a blackboard. It just doesn't lend well to these classy songs. It is evident in the span of the CD's how Stewart's voice and the arrangments of the music evolve to become better and smoother. Some people might say that Stewart's voice doesn't lend well to this type of music, but not any more so than Louis Armstrong's voice did when he sang the classics. Stewart sings with a passion that makes each song meaningful and special. This genre was a great transition for Stewart to change to after his Pop/Rock career. So light the fire, fix that special dinner, break out the wine and candles, and slow dance with your sweetheart to these magical melodies that will take you away to a very romantic place. I have listened to these CD's over and over since purchasing them, and they have definitely become some of my favorites. Stewart comments that he has no plans to continue with the great American classics series he has started, but I sincerely hope that he will decide to make more of these CD's. He has touched my heart and soul with these beautiful melodies, and you won't be disappointed with these treasures!"

Having seen Frank Sinatra perform live....

Jake | St Paul, MN United States | 12/01/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"What makes this series so rare is that the 4 volumes all compliment each other. Rod Stewart's voice is in great form and the arrangements are so simple and unassuming that you simply enjoy the music from one disc to the next. Great for the holidays, dinnertime, when company is over, right before you go to sleep etc. My favorite duet is the one with Cher from volume 2 but if you dont happen to care for an artist that Rod is duetting with rest assured that it doesnt take away from the realxing quality of the set as a whole. Although this isnt Sinatra its great to have a box of light standards that please from one disc to the next."

Thanks for MY memories

Two White Pups | MA | 12/31/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This boxed set was given to me as a Christmas Gift...but the memories each song has stirred up in my mind is more than any gift could have given.....memories of my parents dancing together...family gatherings from the past....old high school friends...unbelieveable--Thanks for the Memories!"