Stardust – The Great American Songbook Vol III

A good cover version is a reinterpretation of a familiar song. Unless an artist puts their own spin on a tune isn’t it just karaoke? Rod Stewart doesn’t seem to agree. The third chapter of his book of standards is formulaic and brings nothing fresh to the table.
The songs themselves are well-crafted and by their very nature easy to listen to, which is why they’ve lasted. Their melodies sound simple but this is deceptive, as they’re actually very hard to sing. Rod has a pleasant gravelly voice, but he’s missing the vocal power, range and technique that this genre requires. The orchestral arrangements are quite sparse, so a lot rests on the vocal and Stewart isn’t quite up to the challenge.
These songs have been done a lot and performed a lot better. Hearing this version of ‘What a Wonderful World’ left me pining for the emotional depth Louis Armstrong conveyed in the lyrics.
The big name duets are obviously designed to appeal to a certain demographic. ‘Baby It’s Cold Outside’ with Dolly Parton plays on both their reputations as ageing sex symbols. Tom Jones had the same idea on his Reloaded album. ‘Manhattan’ with ‘diva’ Bette Midler is in the usual turgid cabaret style.
In a failed bid for credibility Stewart collaborates with Eric Clapton on Blue Moon. Another track features the piano plonking of the overrated Stevie Wonder.
This is standards by numbers, Rod has added nothing of himself. Overall, a pretty anodyne affair.