Search - Rod Stewart :: The Rod Stewart Sessions 1971-1998 (Highlights)

EXCELLENT COMPILATION:

Geoffrey Garoghan | U.K. | 11/05/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This 4-disc set profiles the hits of Rod Stewart from the very beginning (1969) to 1998 and has an updated version of the classic first issued under the name of 'Python Lee Jackson' - 'In A Broken Dream'. This is a fantastic insight into the long career of Stewart, although I do rather think that its no wonder that some of them have never before seen the light-of-day, I think that had they done so before Rod Stewart became the superstar that he is today, he would quite likely still be digging graves!, although none sink to the depths of the early version of 'Rosie' on the special edition of 'A Night On The Town' released earlier this year, THAT is a track that really does make you squirm!



Anyway, back to 'The Sessions' set; an excellent compilation and most beautifully packaged - and definitely a MUST-HAVE for anyone who has followed the career of Rod Stewart, now in its fifth decade and showing no sign of waining. Indeed, his latest album 'SOULBOOK' reveals that Rod's unique voice is as good as ever, and proves beyond all doubt that he posseses the excellent skill and ability of turning his hand to any classic song and making it all his very own.



10/10



Geoff Garoghan. ©"

ROD'S BEST "ORIGINAL" SINCE "OUT OF ORDER"

Robert M. Allgaier | baltimore, MD | 10/29/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I only give this 4 stars because (for me) the 1st disc & 2nd disc are mostly inferior versions of previously released studio recordings. That being said, there are two discs worth of "new" material. "Think I'll pack my Bags" is a sparse mid tempo winner that should have been included on "Smiler". "Rosie" is a folky b-side from "A night on the Town" sessions. The collection kicks into gear with "When I'm Away from You" (which should have been hit) deleted from "The Greatest Hits", "Time of My Life" is a stripped down heartbreaker from the "Foolish Behavior" sessions, as is the upbeat "Maybe Baby" which also should have been a hit. Disc 3 really kicks things into gear, "I wish you Would" is a studio demo from "Body Wishes" that rawks, "Show Me" is more organic than a lot of what ended up on BW. "Hard Lesson to Learn" is an acoustic version of another b-side, with some real heartfelt lyrics, "Love is a Four Letter word" is another terrific ballad, and the demo version of "Forever Young" is a terrific example of what Rod's capable of when he puts pen to paper. "A Good Lover is Hard to Find" is an out take from "Vagabond Heart" & would have made an exceptional 1st single from that album. Disc 4 is a full cd of gems from the '90's with "hits" galore. I (we) should be thankful for all the great music from this artist in the '60's, '70's, '80's & '90's, however, after listening to disc 4, it makes me wish Rod would get his acoustic guitar out & start writing songs again. These demos & out takes & b-sides are better than any of the covers he's been doing for the last ten years. If he never writes another song, however, I'll be happy that I picked up this collection & you'll be too."

Like wine....

Campbell, Linda | Cincinnati, OH USA | 11/04/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"He gets better with age. who would have thought

a small hyper guy with a raspy voice would

turn into such a phenomena!! This was a Christmas

present for my husband but to bad - it's mine now!!

Buy it you will enjoy it!"