Stardust: The Great American Songbook Vol. 3

Opener "Embraceable You" is for the most part indicative of the rest of the album aside from a few vocal jazz tricks that don't sit too well on his gravelly, self-trained voice. "Manhattan", a duet with Bette Midler also highlights this lack of formal technique where his voice clashes with the rich, cabaret tone of Midler's. However, aside from these remembrances that Rod is a rock singer, the reason the American Songbook series is on its third volume is that he sounds fantastic singing this kind of music. Consistently through every song his apparently strained voice sounds effortless as he inserts a very natural dynamic feel. The highlight has to be "Baby it's Cold Outside", a wonderful duet with Dolly Parton who's warm, friendly, drawl complements him perfectly.

Stardust may not be the sort of music that would make him leap about and kick footballs at his fans but, Rod Stewart snr. has matured gracefully and seems very comfortable doing it. --David Trueman