Last week I reviewed Between the Covers, a compilation of cover songs by various artists and groups (you can read my review here). Since I enjoyed that listening experience, I found two artists who recorded complete albums of cover songs: Rod Stewart and Phil Collins.
Still the Same: Great Rock Classics of Our Time came out in 2006. I’m assuming Rod Stewart chose these songs although there’s nothing in the liner notes to say he did. I liked Rod’s version of Bob Dylan’s “If Not For You ” and his version of Van Morrison’s “Crazy Love.” I was not crazy about Rod’s interpretation of Bob Seger’s “Still the Same.” All in all, Still the Same is a very listenable CD of cover songs. GRADE: B
Phil Collins does claim he chose the songs on his 2010 cover album: Going Back. Collins does a nice job on “Going Back,” a Gerry Goffin/Carole King, song. Collins clearly loved Goffin/King songs as a kid because he includes “Some of You’r Lovin’,” too. I really liked Collins’s version of Phil Spector’s “Do I Love You.” In addition to several Motown hits, Collins includes a soulful rendition of Curtis Mayfield’s “Talkin’ About My Baby.” I was impressed with “Papa Was a Rolling Stone,” too. If you’re looking for an album of songs that helped launch Phil Collins on his music career, check out Going Back. Do you remember these songs? GRADE: B+
TRACK LIST:
Side One:
Girl (Why You Wanna Make Me Blue) 2:33
(Love Is Like A) Heatwave 2:53
Uptight (Everything’s Alright) 3:02
Some Of Your Lovin’ 3:19
In My Lonely Room 2:25
Take Me In Your Arms (Rock Me For A Little While) 2:58
Blame It On The Sun 3:26
Papa Was A Rolling Stone 6:43
Never Dreamed You’d Leave In Summer2:59
Side Two:
Standing In The Shadows Of Love 2:42
Do I Love You 2:50
Jimmy Mack 2:56
Something About You 2:47
Love Is Here And Now You’re Gone 2:40
Loving You Is Sweeter Than Ever 2:48
Going To A Go-Go 2:49
Talkin About My Baby 2:47
Going Back 4:37
I remember the original/most famous version of these songs, not sure I’m very interested in listening to either Rod’s or Phil’s cover versions—although I think Phil’s album cover is nicer.
Deb, I love that “Phil Collins As a Kid” album cover, too!
I like some of Rod Stewart, especially his early solo albums and his work with the Faces. I have never liked Phil Collins. That said, I have never heard either of these albums but the Phil Collins looks the more interesting of the two.
Steve, I enjoyed both cover albums. I liked Collins’s a bit more because he really put a lot of effort into this CD. You can hear it!
Phil Collins was my son’s introduction to music so I heard a lot of him for a year or two in the eighties. But I think Stewart is the more interesting vocalist.
Patti, Phil Collins started out with a group called GENESIS and then launched a solo career. Rod Stewart was in three groups, THE DIMENSIONS, THE JEFF BECK GROUP, and FACES before he went solo. Stewart is among the best-selling music artists of all time, having sold over 250 million records worldwide. He has had 10 number-one albums and 31 top ten singles in the UK, six of which reached number one. Stewart has had 16 top ten singles in the US, with four reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100. He was knighted in the 2016 Birthday Honours for services to music and charity.
I have some favorite Rod Stewart songs on my playlist, but these ain’t none of ’em.
Dan, Rod Stewart wrote many of his hits. I was curious to hear what he would do when performing “Rock Classics.”
I’ve always liked Stewart and still enjoy hearing his early work, but have no interest in this collection of covers. Never had any interest in Collins at all.
Michael, I’m always fascinated by the music performers choose to sing. Phil Collins loved Sixties music and that fueled his music career.
This has reminded me of Pin Ups by David Bowie. Which I am playing right now.
Like minds, same ruts, Steve. The Pin Ups album immediately jumped into my mind with Here Comes the Night as my favorite there.
George, is Father and Son the Cat Stevens song?
Some interesting stuff on both but nothing that would make me run out and buy them.
Beth, yes, the “Father and Son” song is by Cat Stevens. Don’t run out and buy these CDs! I have duplicates I can send you!
I’m really off Rod after seeing him at Radio City some years ago, as his voice was pretty much shot (not that it was ever great). Jackie bought all his “standards” CDs but the quality deteriorates as the years go on. That said, this might be OK. The Collins (and I haven’t been a big fan other than the MIAMI VICE album) sounds more interesting, with a ton of Motown. (I know he covered “You Can’t Hurry Love.”) So, if I had them I’d try them at least once, but like Beth I am not running out to buy them.
I liked some of Stewart’s early songs. Back in the day in my hometown there was a mall photographer who wanted to be a Rod Stewart clone — his Stewart-lookalike haircut was dyed a ridiculous blond and he looked so pathetic he put me off Stewart’s music; not logical, but there you are.
As for Phil Collins…meh.
Jerry, I had some students who dressed like Rod Stewart. Whether they acted like Rod…that’s a different story.
I would love to hear all those songs sung by Rod Stewart. Anything sung by by Rod Stewart.
In fact I think we heard Still the Same sung by him on the radio the other day because I can never remember his name when I hear him singing.
Tracy, I’d be happy to send you a CD of Rod Stewart’s music! I have multiple duplicate copies (I forget what I have so I just buy another one).
George, I appreciate your kind offer, but I don’t want you to go to the trouble. I may even have some Rod Stewart CDs buried in one of our closets that I have forgotten about.
Tracy, if you change your mind I can put a Rod Stewart’s GREATEST HITS CD in the mail to you next week. No trouble at all!
Well…my singing range is rather similar to that of both singers…Alice had a karaoke “game” on one of her game systems and I impressed her by singing “Maggie May” wih the appropriate gravel in the throat…and while the lyrics ruin it, “Easy Lover” aside from them was a decent record (but the lyrics Really ruin it). I imagine both records to be reasonably fun.
Todd, I’m always curious about interpretations of songs by various artists.
Bruce Springsteen is doing covers of old songs from the 60s and 70s (many Motown titles) “Only The Strong Survive” which should appear in November.
He’s also on the road again with his E-band.
Wolf, Bruce Springsteen seems to be a tireless performer. I think I own more concert CDs of Springsteen than any other performer.