Vagabond Heart

From the critic's review by John Aizlewood or even the first customer review, you might get the impression that this is a so-so CD. I have a number of Rod's other albums, including Downtown Train and Sing it Again Rod. I have never been a huge fan but to me this is the finest CD he has ever done, reflecting his roots and giving a wonderful balance between ballad and rock. Unlike his other albums, I keep coming back to this one, and I find it has aged well. Mr. Aizlewood misinterprets his Motown songs as an attempt to be Motown rather than a way for him to express his admiration for the genre. They still retain a distinctively Rod Stewart quality. (By the way, I truly wonder when Mr. Aizlewood mentions Downtown Train, which is not even on this CD). Rhythm Of My Heart is undoubtedly the strongest song, having a Celtic quality to it which is enhanced by the bagpipes, and Moment of Glory is the weakest. Yet to call any of it "filler" is a true disservice to the music, as is starting the review by talking about the singer's arrested emotional development. The yearning evident is If Only and Have I Told You lately is moving, and both songs show a reflective and mature understanding of mistakes and regrets in love. The great variety of musical expression on the different tracks does not detract from a unified thread of style and melodic theme which hold the CD together. If you have any interest in solid ballards and soulful rock all with a Celtic tinge, this is a must have.