Still the Same...Great Rock Classics Of Our Time

Unquestionably one of rock's greatest vocalists, Rod Stewart should have titled this album Great Rock Classics of My Time. Most of these Top 40 tunes and others like Dylan's "If Not for You" were popularized in the early to mid-'70s, when Stewart was entering his rock prime. He's perfect to croon Elvin Bishop's "Fooled Around and Fell in Love," soulfully pained on Bonnie Tyler's "It's a Heartache," and right in the pocket on the Pretenders' "I'll Stand by You." And his unmistakable raspiness puts another layer of wisdom on the old Cat Steven's classic "Father & Son." But you also have to wonder about some of the safe song choices, such Badfinger's "Day After Day" and Nazareth's "Love Hurts." Why he continues to record mossy cover songs is a legitimate question. What's stopping him from getting back in trenches with some contemporary rock songwriters and really reinventing himself? The karaoke lounge is no place for a guy this great to hang. --Martin Keller

More Great Rod Stewart

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

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

Thanks For The Memory...The Great American Songbook IV

Customer Reviews:

Better Than Ever, Not Still The Same
I put this CD on and went walking without looking at the titles. Surprise after surprise. Oh yeah, that too. Great. And then again. I think this is the mature Rod like the rest of us who grew up with him. The choice of songs, the arrangements, especially the use of acoustic guitars mixed with amped ones, make this CD a winner. If you remember when melodiy was associated with pop/rock and you could really believe the story and feel the emotion, you'll like this CD.
--2006-12-14

THE BEST BY THE VOICE.
Rod Stewart and Clive Davis has chosen a bunch of great 70s songs, some expected (Love Hurts, It's a Heartache, Have You Ever Seen The Rain), some almost forgotten (Still The Same, Crazy Love, the masterpieces Day After Day and If Not For You), and given them the usual Stewart touch that proved so musically and commercially successful for 30s and 40s songs. Old Stewart fans may missed the times when he was a rock superstar, but his re-readings of classic songs has reinvented him in this century when most people thought he was way down forever.
--2006-12-09

Writers block?
When was the last time you truly sat down to write and record some original music? Oh wait, it is easier to make Great American Songbook Vol 25 and then record some old rock standards to keep those few fans that remember that you used to do rock and roll the slightest bit interested in you. The money train just keeps a rollin' on and on. What fools people are to continue to buy this stuff....it just encourages them to make more and more garbage!
--2006-12-06

Rod Stewart - Still the Same (and I'm glad!)
I enjoy this CD. Rod does do a better job on some of the songs than the originals. His interpretation of these great rock classics actually refreshes them. If you appreciate Rod Stewart's talent, you will like this CD. He has a great voice and he's one of the few that can freshen up the oldies with his style. Thanks, Rod!
--2006-11-28

Avoid this album if you really love rock music
Rod Stewart's "Still the Same...Great Rock Classics Of Our Time" has finally arrived just in time for the holidaze. But wait, what's with the title....still the same as what? As the great American Songbook crooner or the elderly rocker who thinks it`s about time to "rock 'n' roll" again? And why do the "great" rock classics of our time, all over again. Just once I'd love to hear an artist do the unknown song, the b-side, the forgotten outtake, the tune that might be improved upon, but nope. My wife even thinks this collection is pretty poor and she likes Rod Stewart. It's one thing to tackle the thirties and forties material, but not the worn out rock and "pop" staples. I found it to be another sign that rock music is not growing old gracefully. The only 60's artists that are still vital appear to be Neil Young, Paul McCartney, Bob Dylan and the lone rock band, Deep Purple of all things. As one critic wrote: If Rod had done something like "Highway Star" that would be of some interest.

Avoid this album if you really love rock music.
--2006-11-28

- J-Records