Soulbook
Rod Stewart · 2009
54 min · 15 tracks · new wave
A smooth, nostalgic collection of classic soul covers infused with Rod Stewart's signature raspy vocals and heartfelt delivery.
Top tracks — play these first
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It's the Same Old Song Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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My Cherie Amour — This rendition captures the essence of Motown, as Stewart's voice brings a new layer of emotional depth to the classic love song.
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(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher — Stewart's energetic performance transforms this uplifting anthem into a celebration of love, showcasing his vocal dexterity and passion.
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Tracks of My Tears — The poignant arrangement paired with Stewart's heartfelt interpretation highlights the song's themes of heartbreak and longing, making it a standout moment on the album.
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You've Really Got a Hold on Me — This track effectively showcases Stewart's ability to convey vulnerability, as he navigates complex emotions within a soulful framework.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album effectively showcases classic soul covers with strong arrangements but lacks standout original compositions.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent mid-tempo groove across most tracks, with only a few slower ballads that provide contrast.
- Each track is arranged with lush instrumentation, often including strings and horns that enhance the soulful feel of the covers.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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5/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady melodic journey throughout
- heartfelt moments of nostalgia
- warmth for cozy evenings
- for sing-along sessions
- uplifting tunes for gatherings
Maybe skip if you
- prefer fast-paced listening
- seek experimental soundscapes
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Fan Favorite — A beloved collection of soul covers showcasing Stewart's vocal style, appealing to dedicated fans.
- Themes
- Motown nostalgia· heartbreak ballads· soulful love anthems
- Career context
- By the time 'Soulbook' was released in 2009, Rod Stewart had already achieved significant commercial success and was enjoying a resurgence in popularity following his previous album, 'Still the Same... Great Rock Classics of Our Time' (2006). This album marked his foray into soul music, showcasing his ability to reinterpret timeless classics while solidifying his status as a seasoned artist comfortable in various musical genres.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Joe Cocker· David Bowie· Elton John
Tracklist
- 1 It's the Same Old Song Start here 4:16
- 2 My Cherie Amour 3:10
- 3 You Make Me Feel Brand New 4:36
- 4 (Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher 3:22
- 5 Tracks of My Tears 3:36
- 6 Let It Be Me 3:17
- 7 Rainy Night in Georgia 4:13
- 8 What Becomes of the Broken Hearted 3:19
- 9 Love Train 3:03
- 10 You've Really Got a Hold on Me 3:17
- 11 Wonderful World 3:34
- 12 If You Don't Know Me by Now 4:00
- 13 Just My Imagination 3:36
- 14 Only the Strong Survive 3:24
- 15 Never Give You Up 3:20
What to play next
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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