As Time Goes By - The Great American Song Book Vol 2 [Audio CD]

On As Time Goes By--The Great American Songbook Vol 2, rock crooner Rod Stewart applies his distinctive vocal style to 14 timeless classics such as "I'm in the Mood for Love", "Smile", "As Time Goes By", "I Only Have Eyes for You", "Someone to Watch Over Me" and "Til' There Was You". There's even a sexy duet with Cher on "Bewitched, Bothered, and Bewildered", with the lesser-known original lyrics. Amazon.co.uk At least Rod Stewart is consistent. Long accused by critics of selling his considerable interpretative talents short and playing it safe for the trappings of fame, Stewart revisits the font of his latest career revival here. But while 2002's It Had to Be You at least turned on the novelty of hearing raspy Rod the Mod tackle Broadway standards with a boozy, world-weary tone that sometimes reinforced the originals' intent with cross-generation flair, the rock icon has unfortunately reverted to form on this 14-track sequel. Set against the laconic, cocktail-friendly productions of vets Richard Perry and Phil Ramone, Stewart's performances seem strangely detached throughout. Even when offered the chance of some real human interaction on a pair of ill-conceived duets with Cher (who at least attempts to bring some dramatic flair to "Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered") and Queen Latifah (whose recent turn in Chicago informs the title track), Stewart seems almost blissfully unaware of their presence. These are songs that virtually demand to be acted out, not phoned in. Brilliant vocal performances often reinforce the notion of "the singer, not the song"; here that old adage sounds more like a suggestion of where to place the blame for this album's disappointments. --Jerry McCulley