Japanese Version Featuring A Bonus Track: Careless With Our Love.
CD Reviews
Will the real Rod Stewart PLEASE stand up!
D. Reichel | KY USA | 02/04/2006
(4 out of 5 stars)
"An outstanding release that should have stopped him making the current "songbook" crap he's shoving out now. The 1st three cuts flat out rock in a way Rod hasn't done in years. As cheap as you can pick this up used, you owe it to yourself to check it out."
Kick`s in many direction this one, but has flaire and style.
Kurt Olav Helle | Lonevåg, Osteroy Norway | 01/20/2006
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This is rock& roooool man !. Rod Stewart goes back to his roots on this, and kicks off with track 1 Cigaretts and Alcohol, and what a stunning opener. This is probably traditonal rock and roll, but anyway sets a standard trough the CD. Track 2 Oh La La is a more traditonal song, with a very good melody, which bring`s thought`s to the scootish
folk music, with fiddles and a seldom instrument called
bodran. Realy soul in this one. Track 3 Rocks is not up there. It`s similar in style with Track 1, but doesn`t realy have the right kick off and creativity, but anyway, it`s an ok rocker in the most traditional style. Track 4 is a ballad called Superstar, it`s ok, but sound`s to pompous in a way, and it`s
ridden by cliche`s. Track 5 Secret Heart, is as you read it is very, very, simple, but a good listen with some "soulbalsam" inbetween. Track 6 Hotel Chambermaid, kicks off in the right direction. This is similar in style with Track 1. Track 7 is a let down in a way. A ballad that it`s ok, but nothing more.
Track 8 When we Were The New Boys, swings in the right direction, and it`s the song with the most "hit" potensial on this CD. It has a very good refrain, and i don`t mind that the "theme" goes over and over again, when it`s done with quality as this one. The two last one`s is ballad`s .Ok, but nothing more. This CD kicks in many directions, but he`s best when he skip`s the ballads, and consentrate`s with the basic rock and roll`ers. A good buy, anyway. Rod Stewart always delivers the rock and roll package.
"
Get In Early For Best Selections (or, Rarely a Dull Moment)
Anthony G Pizza | FL | 01/05/2000
(3 out of 5 stars)
"After years of albums like "Body Wishes" and singles like "Love Touch" distanced Rod Stewart from his great early music, this album returns him to the hard-rocking forefront with one question: "Is it my imagination, or have I finally found something that's worth living for?" It's the first line of Oasis' "Cigarettes and Alcohol," and leads off the set's best (and first) three tracks.The wistful "Ooh La La," the Stones-like snaky swagger of Primal Scream's "Rocks" persuade you that The Rock Voice has returned. But things quickly slow down on the last seven tracks, as Rod mixes beer-stained weepers like "Secret Heart" and "Shelley My Love" with mismatches such as "Weak" (which sounds like a power ballad!) By the last pensive track, Rod asks another musical title question, "What Do You Want Me To Do?" The answer: rock more like this, only bluesier, faster, and with a few more songs."
A worthy effort by the "rooster" of rock
Kurt Olav Helle | 08/23/1998
(5 out of 5 stars)
"by and large, rod stewart's latest effort is a winning one! while most main stream critics continue to carp about his age or material selection, I always find two or three efforts on a stewart album highly enjoyable! My highlights include "Cigarettes and Alcohol", "Ooh La La", and the catchy, irresistible "Rocks"! Of course, I've always been partial to the rockers versus the ballads which I feel are primarly geared for his female audience! The rest of the album is OK, especially the title tune and "Hotel Chambermaid"! Let's face it folks, compared to most of the trek that passes for rock n roll, just about anything stewart does has a foundation based in "good ole fashion fun"...and after all, isn't that what rock is supposed to be all about? Suggestion: catch the man "live" doing this new material and forget what the critics say! You'll be glad you did!"
Stewart's voice still one of rocks greatest instruments.
Kurt Olav Helle | 06/24/1998
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Comparing "When We Were the New Boys" to Stewart's earlier works is pointless. Does his new CD stand on its own? Absolutely. Whether the songs chosen were written by young Brits is also pointless. Do the songs chosen work? Absolutely. Stewart's voice is still one of rock's greatest instruments. It is also worth noting that Rod produced this CD as well. Driving down the Sunset strip on a hot summers day with the top down blasting "Rocks"- it sounds real good and it feels good. As Rod said in a recent interview, "It's not a drug song, it's a good reflection on what life's all about, the ugly side of life. It's also a tremendously joyous song. Life is a bit stiff, it's a bit hard, but Friday and Saturday nights you get your rocks off." Rod may be 53 but rock and roll is still in his soul. The final track, "What do you want me to do?", is the best of the lot in showcasing Stewart's interperative skills. When he whispers, "I'm listening" you actually pause as if to listen with him. It's great to be listening to him again."
Track Listings (10) - Disc #1