Rod Stewart - Every Picture Tells A Story

Every Picture Tells A Story - 3
Seems Like A Long Time - 3
That's All Right - 4
Tomorrow Is Such A Long Time - 3
Maggie May - 4
Mandolin Wind - 3
(I Know) I'm Losing You - 4
Reason To Believe - 3
Total - 27 stars / 8 tracks = 3.38 stars

I am of a generation that is barely aware of Rod Stewart. And, what we know of him mostly consists of seeing his face, smirking in front of a microphone, from the discount CD counters of drug stores. His "American Songbook" style of pseudo-crooning blacklists him to fogey status. So, it came as something of a surprise to find out that Rod Stewart is not entirely out of place on a rock and roll album.

The first notably good song is a cover of "That's All Right" (more famously covered by Elvis Presley). His enthusiasm and distinctive raspy voice are well-suited for quick-paced music overtop of honky-tonk piano and electric guitar. The second half of the track, Stewart's version of "Amazing Grace," is what you would expect from Rod Stewart singing "Amazing Grace."

"Maggie May" is an overly-familiar work-radio song. Nonetheless, it's a catchy tune, although its chorus feels unresolved, although constantly trying to get to a cadence that doesn't exist.

"(I Know) I'm Losing You" is the best song on the album, although little of its success has to do with Stewart. The instrumentals on this track are infectiously groovy, while the vocals would probably sound better done by someone else.

Generally, it's a shame that Rod Stewart's is the only name credited to the creation of the album. Oftentimes, it's the backing musicians that provide the real soul to the tunes, with Stewart's vocals being competent, without necessarily earning his solo marquee status.