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You’ve probably seen this album advertised on TV. I did. Rod Stewart – It Had To Be You – The Great American Songbook and Rod Stewart – As Times Goes By – The Great American Songbook Volume II. I generally like the albums, though some people (*cough* Tom “T” Moran) say they don’t swing. I think the real problem is over engineering.

Yes. It sounds too polished I think. The strings are too perfect. The balance is too perfect. Actually, I think the vocals could be more present than they are. I think what the albums lack is intensity….

My favorite track off these albums is Time After Time. Somehow, Rod’s voice fits it perfectly. At the same time, while listening to this album, I keep wondering what would have happened if he was….well, say belting in front of a screaming big band? I think there could be something in that. I mean, the nice, packaged string section with rhythm section and a horn or two is nice. But it got old. Really fast.

There is one track that features Michael Brecker. Woohoo. Actually, its kind of interesting cause it isn’t the standard Brecker solo. He sounds like he might be using that rubber Otto link again that he supposedly used on the The Nearness of You album.

Anyhow, I enjoyed a few tracks off these albums. I think Rod might want to try the big band thing, though topping Frank Sinatra in that idiom would be hard. Rod, if you happen to read this, email Rory or something and maybe you can come sing with the Night Band sometime.

I give this album a 6 1/2 out of 10. I got issues with all the same sounding arrangements and the “too perfect” backgrounds. I want some grit damn it!