By By Delia Panescu
Before he became a crooner of classic romantic songs, Rod Stewart wore shaggy frosted hair and full makeup. This era in the British singer’s life and in pop music, is compacted into his Greatest Hits album. The compilation CD includes the artist’s best known songs and varies from those that border on the slightly-raunchy, to his sweetest love songs and even some of the hits that only true fans love.
Beginning with a honky-tonk sound, the album’s first song is “Hot Legs.” While having this song blasting from a car does not fit any measures of cool, it can certainly be a fun secret listen. The trip down memory lane continues with the timeless “Maggie May.” Nothing is more amusing than listening to the story of a misguided youth who is seduced by an older woman, especially when it is Rod Stewart singing.
The most embarrassing of all is the album’s “Do Ya Think I’m Sexy?” It is simply one of those songs that a soccer mom would play while remembering her wild times in high school and definitely fits the epitome of a guilty pleasure. The tune’s disco beat and string interlude is catchy enough to make anyone at least tap their feet.
Having already included Stewart’s more risqué singles, Greatest Hits turns to the sentimental favorites of his career. What comes next is Stewart’s raspy yet soulful voice singing, “I didn’t know what day it was / when you walked into the room.” The song “You’re In My Heart” is beautiful, sweet and loved by Rod Stewart fans. In listening to this, one can clearly see how the long-time rocker transitioned to Sinatra covers.
Sentimental lyrics continue with the album’s next three tracks. The songs depict someone suffering from a broken heart, emotional distress or completely in love and tug a bit at the listener’s heart. Though they can easily be viewed as hokey by those born after their release, the songs also have the opportunity to serve their sentimental purpose.
The rest of the songs are rather lack-luster compared to the ones at the beginning. His version of Cat Stevens’ ‘The First Cut Is The Deepest” is even included in this album. The song was also covered last year by Sheryl Crow. Stewart’s rendition seems more aged to those who spent the last year listening to Crow’s version on the radio, but his unique vocals also make the song seem less manufactured.
This album is perfect for those that enjoy Rod Stewart’s best-known music. However, it also includes some hits that never got air-play and leave the listener wondering, “When did this come out?” In either case, Rod Stewart’s Greatest Hits is a fun trip down the ’70s music lane.
