For Rod Stewart, 2009 didn't just offer the chance to shoot out studio album number 26; it led to him reinventing his musical genius yet again. Soulbook, not to be confused with the first four installments of Rod's Great American Songbook, is a collection of classic soulful hits from the '60s and '70s.
And who better to cover said songs than Rod Stewart?
With his incredibly catchy and smooth vocal stylings, the Grammy-winning rock and roll artist shows the world that he still has it, even at the age of 64.
Throughout the album, Stewart collaborates with R&B leading ladies Mary J. Blige and Jennifer Hudson, while also teaming up with Smokey Robinson and 22-time Grammy winner Stevie Wonder.
Stewart begins the album with 'It's The Same Old Song,' originally by The Four Tops, and does a phenomenal job keeping up with the faster-paced chorus, never sounding a step behind.
The most lyrically challenging song of the album comes in the Jackie Wilson classic '(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher.' Once again, Stewart does a great job providing the beat to a song that raises spirits.
Stewart and Hudson's take on The Everly Brothers' 'Let It Be Me' proves to be an impressive duet, despite being a tale of two generations... separated by two generations.
Combining Stewart's easy on the ears lyrics with Hudson's rhythmic vocals, the two seem as though they have worked together before, even if there's decades of years between them.
Stewart closes out his Soulbook with 'Just My Imagination,' and what better way to go out then providing a smooth, Wonderbread remake of the beloved classic by The Temptations?
People critical of Stewart for not tackling new material and singing over already produced hits should take a step back. For years, Stewart has provided his fans with hit singles and classic albums and is an inspiration to already known and upcoming stars.
Why can't he try and make the great better, or more importantly, Stewart-er?
From beginning to end, Soulbook is a joy to listen to and true fans of his work will appreciate the fact that he's not going away any time soon.
E-mail: arts@ubspectrum.com
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
