It Had to Be You: The Great American Songbook by Rod Stewart

Pros: Beautiful new interpretations of beloved American Songbook classics by Gershwin, Kern, Porter and others

Cons: The follow-up albums never matched the brilliance of the original

The Bottom Line: The best of the bunch!

Review: On It Had To Be You: The Great American Songbook Vol. 1 by Rod "the Bod" Stewart, Rod lovingly resuscitates WWII-era standards by Gershwin, Kern, Porter, and others in a laid-back ballroom style. Opening with They Can't Take That Away From ...

Pros: Outstanding songs, beautifully sung.

Cons: none

The Bottom Line: Great songs sung by a great singer. A must have for anyone who likes modern music.

Review: I have always loved Rod Stewarts voice, but I was completely in awe of his singing, on this disc. He conveys feeling, which is easily communicated to the listener. I must have been risky for him, to decide to do this album. Everyone I know, fan or not...

Pros: Wonderful, relaxing, one hundred percent. It's all good.

Cons: Wish he had done more songs but has since released them :)

Review: Unlike the previous reviewer, I got this because I like Rod's voice, and I love classic songs. This is the best of both! This is my favorite to listen to on the deck with a glass of wine, or while floating in the pool. It's great, more than great. So ...

Pros: It's not a 2-CD Set

Cons: Rod Can't Sing Most Of This Material

The Bottom Line: Great songs, awful performances. Seek out versions by the singers who made them standards to begin with.

Review: When I saw the commercial for this one on late night tee-vee, at first I thought it was some kind of a joke. It took me a second to realize it really was Rod Stewart crooning (or croaking) genuinely horrid versions of American classics. This album is...