By
Vanessa Francis
Rod Stewart
Human
(Atlantic)
Grade: B
Sometimes the oldies turn out the goodies.
Rod Stewart, known for his coiffed image and inflamed ego, has actually churned out a decent compilation of songs. His latest, Human, is a genuine come-back attempt by an artist in his 50s.
Some older artists pathetically try to mold their music to today's genre. Stewart sticks to his guns with the punchy melodies and solid instrumental orchestration which made him famous.
He brings aboard one of today's most talented musicians, Macy Gray, as co-writer of the track "Smitten," as well as featuring a Gray sound-alike, known as Helicopter Girl, on the track "Don't Come Around Here."
Stewart's voice, though, is often drowned out by a chorus of female backup singers. When it does comes time for him to step up, the music takes its turn in subverting his efforts.
Stewart dabbles in reggae sounds with the ballad "If I had you." Seemingly a corny attempt, the experiment works, resulting in a fairly decent finished product.
Much of the foundation of the song "To Be With You" is near-identical to some of Stewart's early '70s hits like "Maggie May" and "Angel."
The last track, "I Can't Deny It," is Stewart's lone attempt at imitation of today's pop music.
It's an eerie combination of boy-band harmony and the power-ballad feel of a Bryan Adams song.
Stewart may not be one of the world's greatest singers, nor are his songs the most creatively arranged, but somehow he passes the grade.
Although he has done nothing out of the ordinary on this album, for Stewart, like his signature leather pants, Human is a perfect fit.
