The Rod Stewart Sessions 1971-1998

Wow this collection is simply amazing!! - I don't write reviews but feel I must since this is not getting the attention it deserves. I have had a week to listen and what an incredible and deep set of unreleased recordings. Perhaps the best part is the completely new songs such as When I'm Away From You, May You Never, Hard Lesson To Learn and the foot stompin Thunderbird to name a few) but for me it's hearing alternate versions of classics and unvarnished versions of his 80s and 90s material that was far too often overproduced. Here, these songs shine with the raw power of Rod's vocal cords. This is a must-have and most significant release of Rod Stewart recordings since the 70s.

Rod Stewart has been my absolute favorite singer ever since I was twelve years old so any review from me is probably going to be prejudiced. There has never been a recording he has made hat I didn't like. This collection is a treasure and truth is, they could have charged double the price and I would have paid it. Now that I have rendered my review highly questionable to most readers, I will continue. LOL. Seriously, this is a wonderful collection. Even devoted Stewart fans will be shocked to hear early version of MAGGIE MAY. My personal favorite on the whole collection is the piano version of WINDY TOWN. I was up late one night writing and had the CD playing softly in the back ground and the song literally gave me goose flesh. It is that awesome. If you are a Rod Stewart fan you will treasure this collection.

From the opening alternative version of "Maggie May" to the last song, this set is full of Rod Stewart gems. Not only does this set highlight what a brilliant interpreter of other people's songs Stewart is, it also clearly brings to light his underrated song writing abilities.

On many of the slower tunes, the passion in Stewart's voice makes you feel the emotion in your gut, your heart and your soul. Alternative versions of "Girl from the North Country" and "First Cut Is The Deepest" are standouts. "Time Of My Life" and "Hard Lesson To Learn" make you feel the emotions and confusion surrounding a heart-wrenching break-up.

But this set does not just a collection of heartbreaking songs. There are some hard rocking "new" songs and alternative versions of Stewart classics. His remake of "In A Broken Dream" with help from Pink Floyd's David Gilmour on guitar, Led Zeppelin's John Paul Jones on organ and Nick Lowe is an instant rock classic.

Music critics almost always take the easy route when reviewing Stewart's music and career by talking about what "might have been" and say the only great music he made was in the early 70's. While it's true, he has had some clunkers and made some missteps, Stewart obviously could not be getting by on smoke and mirrors for this many years.

"Sessions" gives Rod Stewart fans and non-fans a behind the scenes view of a rock legend. A must have.