Part 9: In Which Our Hero Reunites with His Best Mate and Once Again Conquers MTV

Rod Stewart ended 1988 dominating the Billboard Charts. His album, Out of Order had sold over 2 million copies and he had four singles in the top 12 of the charts. In 1989, Stewart would release a 4-disc compilation of his career so far titled, Storyteller. Stewart would re-record two of his favorite songs, which previously appeared on Atlantic Crossing and a brand new cover of a Tom Waits song.

Storyteller-The Complete Anthology 1964-1990 November, 1989

302. This Old Heart of Mine (1989 Version with Ronald Isley) (Brian Holland, Lamont Dozier, Eddie Holland, Sylvia Moy)

On Atlantic Corssing, Stewart tackled one of his most favorite songs. It was a slow, longing song of a stone cold Motown hit by the Isley Brothers. When Stewart decided to tackle it again, Michael Ostin suggested he have Ronald Isley appear on the song as well.

It is a stoke of genius. The two men mesh so well. The song is more in line with the original version, opposed to Rod’s more laid back, heartbreak version from 1975. Stewart is top vocal form. He takes the song and gives it the proper Rod Stewart hug of passion and rasp.

Grade: A

303. Downtown Train (Tom Waits)

Brought to Our Hero by record executive and thinks he knows Rod better than anyone, Rob Dickens, the story goes that Dickins had Rod sit in his office and tell him, “listen to this song, don’t say anything just listen.” When it was over, he told Stewart to listen to it again.

Stewart was in love with the song. But he felt Waits had a strong song lyrically but Stewart that the chorus could use a punch up with the beginning, “Will I see you tonight? On a downtown train?”

To say this is an amazing song would be an understatement. This is one of the songs I point to when people ask me “Which song do you think Rod Stewart sing the best on?” I think it’s a toss up between Downtown Train, Lost in You and Rhythm of My Heart.

Bob Seger claims to have heard it first and accused Rod of rushing his version out. Seger claims it was him, not Dickins who gave Stewart the idea in 1989. Stewart has denied this and since he is my favorite singer and there are multiple people that tell the story of how he heard the song, I believe Stewart.

Grade: A+

There is an early version of Downtown Train that appears on the deluxe digital version of Vagabond Heart. It is much closer to Waits’ original. It is interesting to hear this version and the version that Stewart ended up releasing, a more restrained Stewart gives the song a more mystic quality to it, it is good but I prefer the punched up version.

Grade: A

304. I Don’t Want to Talk About It (1989 Verison) (Danny Whitten)

In 1989 Stewart was a better/stronger singer than he was in 1975. Not a diss, he is the greatest rock ‘n’ roll singer of all time no matter the year. But, he had grown so much and added so much depth to his voice it is cool to hear him tackle old songs and re-record them so we can hear the power and change in his voice.

The 1989 version of I Don’t Want to Talk About It is more slick, with Stewart delivering an all time great performance. By being more slick, it does lose some of the loneliness of the original recording. Both however are brilliant in their own ways. No matter the version, you are listening to one of the greatest ballads in rock.

Grade: A+

Storyteller was a great way for the world to get ready for Rod’s next album. Storyteller on the success of both, This Old Heart of Mine and Downtown Train sold over 2 million copies. Stewart spent most of 1990 recording a new album. Stewart’s father passed away during the recording and Stewart dedicated 1991’s Vagabond Heart to his father Bob.

Vagabond Heart March 26, 1991

305. Rhythm of My Heart (Marc Jordan, John Capek)

Invoking powerful images of the sacrifice the men and the women of the military make, Stewart delivers one of his best in Rhythm of My Heart. Stewart is all over this song. From a powerful delivery of the chorus, “Oh the rhythm of my heart beats like a drum, with the words I love you rolling off of my tongue, never will I roam, for I know my place is home, where the ocean meets the sky we will be sailing.”

This song was rightfully a monster hit. The video is also first class. The song will give you goosebumps.

Grade: A+

306. Rebel Heart (Rod Stewart, Jeff Golub, Chuck Kentis, Carmine Rojas)

A blistering, funny song about going on a date with a woman that is just not interested in you. With Our Hero’s trademark charm and self deprecating humor makes Rebel Heart a winning rock song.

I love the way Rod describes his date, “she came to the door wearing a suit and tie, her hair cropped short, I couldn’t figure out why.” And the last verse of “Evening wound up on a very sad note, I drove her home and then she went for my throat, she said, “it’s fairly obvious I ain’t attracted to you, you bore me to tears, honest you do, and by the way I can’t stand your British…”

Grade: A

An early version of Rebel Heart can be found on the digital deluxe version of Vagabond Heart. Not quite done, different lyrics and the music still trying to find its groove, it nonetheless gives you a glimpse into the studio with Stewart and band, for fans only.

307. Broken Arrow (Robbie Robertson)

A beautiful song, that Rod found and owns. Robertson’s version is also really wonderful. Robertson dropped his version in 1987, and Stewart much like he did with Downtown Train, transforms the song slightly with a more forceful reading. Stewart also brings the drums forward, giving it an earthly sound.

The biggest change you will hear is in the phrasing. The most noticeable is the aching way Stewart sings, “Do you feel what I feel? Do you feel what I feel?! Ah, can you see what I see, can you cut past the misery.”

Stewart is in top vocal form, and the public agreed. It soared to number 20 on the Billboard Charts.

Grade: A

308. It Takes Two (with Tina Turner) (William “Mickey” Stevenson, Sylvia Moy)

The lead single from Vagabond Heart, brought two legends together for a blistering cover of It Takes Two, first made famous by Marvin Gaye and Kim Weston. Not a surprise that this was hit. Stewart and Turner have appeared in concert together several times and they have undeniable chemistry.

Not only a big hit in Europe, but it was also the center of a Pepsi ad campaign, which included a fun commercial/video.

Grade: A

309. When a Man’s In Love (Rod Stewart, Jeff Golub, Chuck Kentis, Carmine Rojas)

Our Hero perfectly captures how it feels to be in love. A winning song that finds Stewart absolutely owning the room with a powerful reading, full of confidence and power.

I especially love, “Oh but don’t it make you want smile and dance, may God bless us all with a little romance.” Awesome guitar work, peppered with strings and a driving drum beat gives this ballad some real power.

Grade: B+

310. You Are Everything (Thom Bell, Linda Creed)

First dropped in 1971 by The Stylistics, Rod tackles a soul classic and does an ok job updating the music to a more adult contemporary styling. It is not a bad cover, nor does Rod not sing well, it’s just a little too safe after the blistering start to the album.

Grade: B-

311. The Motown Song (Larry John McNally)

Our Hero can take a song that has somewhat silly lyrics and make an absolute smash out of it (see Love Touch). The Motown Song isn’t as silly as some of the other songs he’s tackled, in fact Stewart’s impassioned phrasing and singing make this song a blast.

The video is also a stone cold classic. Having an animated version of Stewart tangle with his contemporaries make for one hell of a good time. Plus, The Temptations sing on the song as well, giving it more depth. Such a joyous song that can drag you out of the gutter.

Grade: A-

312. Go Out Dancing (Rod Stewart, Jeff Golub, Chuck Kentis)

Much like Young Turks, Go Out Dancing has an incredible hook from the keyboards. Once again, there is a Rod Stewart song that is on a Rod Stewart album that should’ve been a hit. Go Out Dancing, has the feel of Dynamite to me.

A fun song that has a guitar solo, Stewart at top vocal form and it’s a Stewart original that deserved to be on the radio. Songs like this should have given Stewart confidence to keep on writing songs. But, shockingly, it seems the powers that be at Warner Bros. (Cough Dickins Cough) thought Stewart was a better interpreter of other people’s songs. It would also play into the next two years and an album that was lost for 17 years, but more on that later.

For now, just know that Go Out Dancing is a Stewart classic and should be cranked at maximum volume.

Grade: A+

313. No Holding Back (Rod Stewart, Jim Cregan, Kevin Savigar)

“So when the music starts, just flow from your heart, like the coming of an early spring.” Another song that has Our Hero pleading with a friend to not let his head get in the way of feelings. The chorus is sing along great, “Give it all you got, no holding back, let the light into your soul, ain’t it better to lose a love than to never love at all.”

Stewart is so good in this song, my favorite moment being, “die in her arms if she wants you to, be thankful for each passin’ day” Chills.

Grade: A

314. Have I Told You Lately (Van Morrison)

It is always shocking to me that a curmudgeon like Van Morrison is capable of writing such beautiful love songs. Appearing on Morrison’s “Avalon Sunset” in 1989, and was a moderate success. The song however, has some poignant and beautiful lyrics. Morrison’s version is a great mellow song that he delivers with aplomb.

Stewart takes what made Morrison’s song winning and adds his powerful vocals to it. There is a version of this song that took on a life of its own a couple years later, but we will tackle that soon.

Grade: B+

315. Moment of Glory (Rod Stewart, Jeff Golub, Chuck Kentis, Carmine Rojas)

When a traveling salesman’s affair is discovered by his wife, he learns that his fleeting Moment of Glory, was not worth it.

A song that is up beat with a Motown style feel to it, Stewart again crushes it vocally. Fighting guitars undercut the seriousness of the lyrics, which make for a really interesting listen. Stewart pleads to the listener, “Would you give it all up for a moment of glory?”

Grade: B

313. If Only (Rod Stewart, Jim Cregan, Kevin Savigar)

Nothing like slowing everything down to close out an album with brilliant guitar work. What makes Stewart so successful in my opinion, is his ability to connect to the listener with pure emotion. “If only I ever noticed, the sadness in her eyes, she’d still be in my arms tonight, if only.”

My favorite line is, “If only I said I’m sorry, I’d been a much better man, she’d still be in my arms tonight, if only.”

Every time I hear this song it makes me reflect on how to be grateful for the woman and life that I have.

A classic, that again should have made its way to the radio.

Grade: A

Vagabond Heart continued Stewart’s hot streak. Rising to number 10 in the USA and number 2 in the UK, the album is also platinum in at least 8 countries. What is remarkable, is that there are some gems that did not make the album, which can be found on the digital extended version and of course, The Rod Stewart Sessions.

314. Sweet Soul Music (Live) (Sam Cooke, Arthur Conley, Otis Redding)

A joyous song that was recorded live with some incredible energy, with horns and background vocals peppering Rod’s energetic vocals. Not the deepest song lyrically but a hell of a lot of fun. Stewart’s call of “Oh Yeah!” when you think the song is over, only to have it start up again is magic.

Grade: B+

315. Somebody to Hold (Studio Rough) (Rod Stewart and band)

Take note of studio rough. Not close to being done, with some rough music and rough Stewart gibberish. As you listen to it, my guess is it that Stewart had an idea for the chorus but that’s it as the verses are nonsense. I also have no idea who the writers, I am guessing. For fans who want to own all of Stewart’s songs.

Grade: D-

316. A Good Lover is Hard to Find (Rod Stewart)

This is an awesome track. It is completed and some of Rod’s most clever lyrics, “At a Shanghai bus stop, a young girl blew me a kiss, she said “me and my sister will make you an offer you can’t resist.”

We follow Our Hero as he has sexual encounters around the world, with Stewart’s trademark humor and wit. I have no idea why this was left of Vagabond Heart, my only guess is that its racy, non-PC lyrics did not fit with the rest of the album, but I could also say that about Rebel Heart.

Another one of Stewart’s “dirty” songs that I love.

Grade: A+

317. May You Never (John Martyn)

The late John Martyn wrote and performed this song in 1973. And his version is a rambling, brilliant folk song. You should seek it out. Eric Clapton also recorded this song, a pop version for his album, Slowhand, which I think is “meh”.

Stewart takes Martyn’s way and holy cow, what a performance. Only a guitar, I am not sure who is playing guitar, my guess is Jim Cregan, it is the only instrument on this song, except for Stewart’s throat. It is brilliant, it is one of the songs I am most grateful for that was discovered in 2009, it is that good. Don’t listen to the critics who say that Stewart betrayed his gifts in the mid 1970’s, play this song for them, they will be eating their words.

Grade: A+

318. My Town (Glass Tiger featuring Rod Stewart) (Jim Cregan, Alan Frew, Alan Connelly, Wayne Parker)

Released in August of 1991, is this fun little ditty from the Canadian band Glass Tiger. With Scottish lyrics and his writing partner Jim Cregan lending a hand to the song writing, Stewart was asked if he would like to be a part of the song, which he did.

It is a nice song about the place Alan Frew grew up in Scotland with some powerful vocals from him as well. Stewart for his part pipes in and delivers the goods. Stewart is invested in the song and it shows in his performance.

Grade: B+

With the success of Vagabond Heart, there was pressure from Warner Bros for Stewart to put out another album. This is where history and folklore collide in Stewart’s career. The singles selected for Vagabond Heart, were not written by Rod. Stewart mentioned that he started to think that he was not a good song writer and executives at Warner’s had him thinking that too.

I am not sure how the idea of Once In A Blue Moon came to be, as there are a couple of stories that I have read and floating around the world, the most likely one is that Stewart, with his song writing confidence shot, decided with Trevor Horn to record an album of covers. Not any covers but ones that Stewart loved and wanted a crack at. But the powers that be intervened. And Stewart’s recordings from the Summer of 1992 where lost, until 2010. Some of these songs where released on a compilation album, Lead Singer, with different mixes, while others were b-sides to singles, again with different mixes.

Once In A Blue Moon Summer 1992

319. Ruby Tuesday (Mick Jagger, Keith RIchards)

Released by some unknown rock band in 1967, The Rolling Stones had a hit on their hands with a psychedelic, mellow rock song that turns it up for the chorus, and all the way to the top of the charts.

Stewart’s cover is brilliant. He ditches the flutes and heavy bass for a piano opening and full orchestra. One of Stewart’s under appreciated talents as an interpreter of other peoples songs is that he slightly changes some of the lyrics or tempo making the song take on a whole new life. Here he changes the chorus ever so slightly, “Goodbye Ruby Tuesday, who could hang a name on you? When you change with every new day, still I’m Gonna miss you.” He speeds up the chorus, giving the song a more purposeful drive and then slows down the verses giving the whole endeavor a dream like quality.

Grade: A

The version of Ruby Tuesday that appears on the “official release” of Lead Vocalist, features a slightly different vocal take and a more robust mix, it is still a great cover, but I prefer the Once In A Blue Moon version.

320. The Groom’s Still Waiting at the Altar (Bob Dylan)

A Bob Dylan song that appears on his Shot of Love album, Stewart brings the guitars way up, with them being the driving force of the song. Dylan has back up singers give the song a southern blues feel. Stewart goes straight into the blues and gives it a much more rough a tumble feeling. Stewart really sinks his teeth into this song and gives one hell of a performance.

Grade: B+

There are several versions of The Groom’s Still Waiting at the Altar that you can find. The first official release of the song appeared on the 1995 single, This. Again with a slightly different mix than on Once In A Blue Moon. Another different mix appears on 2009’s The Rod Stewart Sessions.

321. Shotgun Wedding (Ray Hammond)

The dreary sound of “Here Comes the Bride” gives way to a fun little ditty that finds Our Hero, desperate to marry his girl after her father threatens him with a gun.

The earliest version of Shotgun Wedding I can find is from 1966, by Roy C. Stewart sticks pretty close to the original, even down to the spoken words. Stewart for his part, does add a third verse, which he states on Lead Vocalist, he doesn’t know from where it just happened. Fun and breezy, with a funny accompanying music video.

Grade: B

An identical version of Shotgun Wedding appears on Lead Vocalist.

322. The Downtown Lights (Paul Buchanan)

A beautiful song that is haunting and poignant. This song will appear later on an official Stewart album, but here the mix is different and the vocals slightly different, more restrained.

The Downtown Lights first appeared on the Scottish band The Blue Nile’s album Hats. Trevor Horn stated that he was listening to Hats and Rod told him, “I’ve heard this song, Trevor, I fucking love it!” Me too Rod, me too.

Grade: A

323. Windy Town (Chris Rea)

The guitar, the piano at the beginning of Windy Town, immediately get you in the mood for a sweeping tale of a bitter, windy town. First appearing on Chris Rea’s Dancing With Strangers, there it is a fast, upbeat song to juxtapose the harsh lyrics.

Stewart forgoes that. He chooses to lean into the more cold aspects of the song. Rea is a good singer, but Stewart emotes so much more, giving the song much more life.

Grade: A-

There is a piano version of Windy Town that appears on 2009’s The Rod Stewart Sessions that reminds everyone that Rod Stewart is one of the greatest singers of all time. It’s brilliant.

324. This (Marc Jordan, John Capek)

A sweeping power ballad from the writing team that gave Stewart one of his biggest hits, Rhythm of My Heart, This is a little more restrained but the lyrics are incredible.

In Stewart’s vocal cords This absolutely soars. When I hear this song, I picture Rod leaning his head back, closing his eyes and singing his heart out.

Grade: B+

325. Stand Back (Stevie Nicks, Prince Rogers Nelson)

One might think that Our Hero tackling the driving 80’s beat of a hit by Stevie Nicks would not be a good idea, I however think this cover of Stand Back is brilliant. Stewart allows the song to slowly build to said beat, with an orchestra introducing us to the cold, dark world of love.

I was not a fan of Stewart’s gender swap of (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Man. I adore it here. Stewart once again proves that no one can sing rock ‘n’ roll like he can, leaving behind a wake of pale imitators.

Stewart also ditches the more synth driven original in favor of a full band experience. Both are great and both deserve your attention.

Grade: A+

Stand Back also appears, nearly identical on Lead Vocalist. The only change is the intro is roughly 5 seconds longer

326. Let The Day Begin (Michael Been)

A driving, 80’s flavored song that was first made a hit by The Call. Stewart retains the power of the song while adding some Celtic flair and Stewart delivers a winning performance.

Stewart is one of the best in music to give sincere readings and elevating material to something new. The Call’s original is great, Let The Day Begin takes on a new meaning in the hands of Rod Stewart.

Grade: A

There are two other versions of Let The Day Begin. Stewart’s version first appeared on the Unplugged…and Seated single for Have I Told You Lately. This version is a slightly different mix with the same lyrics. On The Rod Stewart Sessions, again we find an alternate mix that is more synth driven. I think the Once In A Blue Moon version is the best.

327. First I Look At The Purse (William Robertson, Robert Rogers)

A groovy, hit from The Contours of Do You Love Me fame. Stewart goes full on blues with First I Look At The Purse would fit right in with his early efforts with Jeff Beck. Slowing the song down and adding a winking change-jingling sound gives the song a dirty feel.

It is also funny to hear Stewart sing only about caring about how much money a woman has. The man has literally dated some of the most beautiful women in the world.

Grade: B+

A nearly identical version of First I Look At The Purse appears on Lead Vocalist. The big difference is the mix, it isn’t quite as down and dirty.

328. Tom Traubert’s Blues (Waltzing Matilda) (Tom Waits)

A beautiful song with beautiful and complicated lyrics, sung beautifully by Our Hero. Of all the iterations of the songs that appeared on Once In A Blue Moon, Tom Waits’ Tom Traubert’s Blues (Waltzing Matilda) is the only one that has not been remixed or changed. Stewart and Trevor Horn knew they had a winner. Even without an “album” for it to be on, the single shot to number 6 in the U.K.

The complicated lyrics are sung with such conviction by Stewart that you feel like he is telling you a story and is an old friend. I love this song. I love the music. I love how well Stewart sings it.

Grade: A+

Once In A Blue Moon was unceremoniously scrapped. The fans would not hear the album as intended until 2010. Some of the songs would show up on different Stewart albums, or be b-sides to singles Stewart would release over the next few years. A lost art in music seems to be the complete album. And that’s exactly what Once In A Blue Moon was, a complete, beautiful album. With the release of The Rod Stewart Sessions, more winning songs from the recording sessions finally made it out for public consumption. There is some hidden tracks on Once In A Blue Moon and Stewart did not rest after he completed Once In A Blue Moon.

329. First I Look At The Purse (Fast Version) (William Robertson, Robert Rogers)

In the vain of the J. Geils Band’s version, but a little more rocking, Stewart first tried First I Look At The Purse as a straight rock ‘n’ roll song. Stewart changed his mind and went for a full on blues number, which I believe is more effective. There is merit here but it loses its bite.

Grade: B

330. The Groom’s Still Waiting At The Altar (Run through version) (Bob Dylan)

I really funny and enlightening outtake that takes the listener on a nearly 20 minute breakdown on how Stewart as not only the singer, but also the producer/interpreter of music lands on an idea. It is awesome to hear Stewart figure out what he likes and how he arrives at the guitar’s contribution to the opening of the song and the sound he wants it to make.

Grade: A

331. In A Broken Dream (1992) (Featuring David Gilmour and John Paul Jones) (David Bentley)

In the biggest, how in the hell was this never released, Stewart revisited his 1969 hit, In A Broken Dream with Pink Floyd’s David Gilmour shredding his guitar and Led Zepplin’s John Paul Jones on the organ. Not only that but Stewart has grown by leaps and bounds as a singer. This is a brilliant hard rock song.

This will give you goosebumps. It is a supergroup that is absolutely destroying a song. This is the definitive version of this song. This should have gotten more press when it was included on The Rod Stewart Sessions.

Grade: A+

332. This Wheel’s On Fire (Richard Danko, Bob Dylan)

Speaking of fire, Stewart tears into another Dylan song that is aggressive and full of anger. He choose the much more fun The Groom’s Still Waiting At The Altar as the Dylan song for his album, but this might be the stronger of the two.

My only guess is that maybe it didn’t fit musically with the rest of the album as it is a harsh, and hard song.

Grade: B+

333. I Wanna Stay Home (Andy Strummer)

I feel like this a lot of days. I don’t want to go anywhere, I just want to stay home. First appearing on an album by San Francisco’s Jellyfish, Stewart adds so much more by ditching the candy coated “bops” and the horns in favor of a more nuanced performance.

Stewart again is crushing it vocally, this song could have easily found its way onto the album, it is really good.

Grade: A-

334. Your Song (from Two Rooms) (Elton John, Bernie Taupin)

In a celebration of the the songwriting duo of Elton John and Bernie Taupin, Rod contributed a well constructed and beautiful version of the 1970 top 10 hit Your Song.

Stewart does John proud by updating the sound but not losing what made the song a hit in the first place. Stewart scored a moderate hit with his cover, topping out 41 on the top 100, but number 6 on the adult contemporary charts.

Grade: B+

With Once In A Blue Moon finished, Stewart would make an appearance on MTV Unplugged. Eric Clapton’s Unplugged album was a huge commercial and critical hit. Stewart took the opportunity to dust off some of his forgotten gems and reunite with Ronnie Wood. Stewart’s appearance was a huge success, so big in fact that Warner Bros decided to release Unplugged…and Seated and completely shelf Once In A Blue Moon. Although it was an interesting move, it seemed to be the right one. Revisiting and giving new life to his biggest and best songs made Unplugged…and Seated a worldwide smash hit, selling over 3 million copies in the USA alone.

Unplugged…and Seated May 24, 1993

335. Hot Legs (Unplugged Version) (Rod Stewart, Gary Grainger)

Right off the bat, we knew we were in for something special. A musically toned down version of Hot Legs doesn’t seem like it would work. But it does. It’s fun, bouncy and Stewart’s voice is brought front and center.

Grade: A+

336. Tonight’s the Night (Gonna Be Alright) (Unplugged Version) (Rod Stewart)

A song made for the unplugged setting, Rod’s 1976 smash hit translates brilliantly. Having his backing vocals echo the chorus and and amazing vocal embellishments to song add a new layer to a great song.

Grade: A+

337. Handbags and Gladrags (Unplugged Version) (Mike d’Abo)

In Storyteller’s liner notes, Stewart remarked how people were asking him to perform this live. He obliges on Unplugged…and Seated making it the perfect vehicle for it to be heard for the first time in 23 years.

Grade: A

338. Cut Across Shorty (Unplugged Version) (Wayne Walker, Marijohn Wilkin)

Another dusty gem that was a favorite of The Faces makes its triumphant return to Stewart’s set list. Here he exudes happiness as Ronnie Wood makes his way to the stage. The big difference from the previous version is Stewart is a better singer here, and this song pops.

Grade: A+

339. Every Picture Tells A Story (Unplugged Version) (Rod Stewart, Ronnie Wood)

An early gem fits the unplugged setting perfectly. Stewart does change some of the non-PC lyrics but the song remains a slice of Stewart’s troubadour days.

Grade: A+

340. Maggie May (Unplugged Version) (Rod Stewart, Martin Quittenton)

Stewart’s trademark song gets a slower opening with Stewart letting his voice be center stage. It is brilliant. Lately on tour Stewart has gone back to the slower opening allowing the audience to sing along with him a maximum volume.

Grade: A+

341. Reason to Believe (Unplugged Version) (Tim Hardin)

Remarking that he and Ronnie Wood hadn’t done this together since they recorded it, 22 years ago. Reason to Believe raced up the charts, peaking at number 19 on the Top 100 and number 2 on the Adult Contemporary charts.

Grade: A+

342. People Get Ready (Unplugged Version) (Curtis Mayfield)

Taking a song that he and Jeff Beck did so brilliantly in 1985 and giving it new life as an orchestrated sweeping ballad is another inspired choice. It is more moving and although the ‘85 version is in its own right awesome, with Stewart’s voice free of studio embellishments and echoes make this a winner.

Grade: A+

343. Have I Told You Lately (Unplugged Version) (Van Morrison)

One of the latest songs Stewart would tackle for Unplugged appeared on his last studio album. And while that version is good, the live version of Have I Told You Lately takes on a life of its own. Removing the sterile aspect of the studio, you hear Our Hero sing his heart out. In fact, he is so in love with Rachel Hunter during this period, he dedicates the song to her and cries and chokes up at the end.

Grade: A

344. Tom Traubert’s Blues (Waltzing Matilda) (Unplugged Version) (Tom Waits)

A song that translates really well to the unplugged brand, but also sounds just like the album version so while still amazing doesn’t break any new ground.

Grade: A

345. The First Cut Is The Deepest (Unplugged Version) (Cat Stevens)

Another great choice for the setting Stewart’s 1976 hit, The First Cut is the Deepest is another song that benefits from the backing vocals adding a whole new layer of depth.

Grade: A+

346. Mandolin Wind (Unplugged Version) (Rod Stewart)

What else can be said about one of Stewart’s greatest songs? Here he plays banjo (rather well) and makes me wish that he would play this song live and I would be there. One can dream…

Grade: A+

347. Highgate Shuffle (Unplugged Version) (Traditional arranged by Rod Stewart)

One of two new songs for this album, Highgate Shuffle is a blues number that Stewart repurposed for his unplugged concert. It is fun and the band really shines. Not the deepest song, but damn is it fun to sing along to.

Grade: B

348. Stay With Me (Unplugged…and Seated Version) (Rod Stewart, Ronnie Wood)

Stewart’s playful banter with Ronnie Wood before this classic of The Faces gave the album is winking title. Another balls out rock song like Hot Legs that you don’t think would work in this setting but it does. From Wood’s guitar to Stewart’s vocals it all works.

Grade: A+

349. Having A Party (Unplugged Version) (Sam Cooke)

Another new song that was a surprise hit for Stewart, he once again channels his hero Sam Cooke. It’s a joyous and celebratory way to end the album. It is the perfect closer and easy to sing along to. I loved when a couple of years ago Stewart opened his concert with Having A Party, it works as a great opener and closer.

Grade: A

There are several other songs from Rod’s performance on Unplugged that were either released as a b-side single or on the deluxe version of the album from 2009.

350. Gasoline Alley (Unplugged Version) (Rod Stewart, Ronnie Wood)

The title track from Stewart’s classic second studio album is another showcase of why a lot of Stewart’s songs work so well as an unplugged song. It doesn’t change the song at all but hearing Wood and Stewart on Gasoline Alley again brings a tear to this Rod Stewart fans eye.

Grade: A+

351. Forever Young (Unplugged Version) (Rod Stewart, Jim Cregan, Kevin Savigar, Bob Dylan)

One of the joys of seeing Rod Stewart live is you know that he is always singing live. No backing vocals just him…and sometimes his cock ups. Here is a great version of his 1988 hit, that he promptly forgets the lyrics to during the final verse, thus endearing him to his fans more.

Grade: A

352. It’s All Over Now (Unplugged Version) (Bobby Womack, Shirley Womack)

Appearing on the b-side of Reason to Believe a fun, bouncy version of Stewart’s own that he recorded in 1970. He does fix the last verse that he changed in the 1970 version.

Grade: B+

353. The Killing of Georgie (Unplugged Version) (Rod Stewart)

The hardest song from the Unplugged set to track down, maybe due to the fact that Stewart tells the audience that he might mess it up, and he does. Anyways, if you find this in a totally legit way you get treated to a stripped down version of one of Rod’s best. And if you can find it, do. You won’t regret it.

Grade: A+

Stewart wasn’t done in 1993. He toured on the success of Unplugged…and Seated where he also added songs to his setlist that were new. You can find two of them on the awesome Tonight’s The Night: Live 1976-1998. The other was performed in Japan. But Stewart would save his biggest hit with two friends and a number 1 hit in November.

354. Baby Please Don’t Go (Live) (Joe Williams)

A blue song that Stewart sinks his teeth into with great abandon. It is fun and the crunchy guitars are great. Stewart’s vocal performance is great, the song isn’t deep, it’s just fun.

Grade: B

355. Twistin’ The Night Away/Chain Gang (Live) (Sam Cooke) (Sam Cooke, Charles Cooke)

Stewart loves Twistin’ The Night Away. It’s been a part of his setlist since the 70’s. Here he adds another Sam Cooke classic for a brief moment, but what a moment it is. The medleys that appear on his live albums are amazing. They give a glimpse on Stewart’s ear and how he can meld songs together.

Grade: A

356. My Girl (Live, Budokan, Japan) (Smokey Robinson, Ronald White)

One of the most famous songs of all time, Stewart tackles it and owns it. He sounds so good it is almost criminal. You can find Stewart’s version of this song on YouTube. You should. Stewart doesn’t veer too far from why the song is famous he just adds the Stewart voice to it and makes it to die for.

Grade: A+

357. All For Love (with Bryan Adams and Sting)(Bryan Adams, Robert “Mutt” Lange, Michael Kamen)

The story goes that Rod Stewart wasn’t originally supposed to be on All For Love. But a last minute cancellation by another big star left the door open for Our Hero. Stewart boarded a plane and laid down his vocals to one of the biggest hits of 1993.

Taking a cue from the film “The Three Musketeers” the idea was to put three huge stars together for one amazing power ballad, and boy do they deliver. I am biased but Stewart is the real powerhouse here. He can deliver a performance that no one can even come close to. Sting and Adams are great but they are no Stewart.

The chorus and the sweeping verses make this a sing along classic. Ready for a stadium and live performances. Rod doesn’t perform this, in fact I have only seen through setlist.fm it pop up in his concerts a handful of times. Which is really unusual since it was a number 1 hit on the Billboard Top 100. Oh well, just enjoy the power of rock stars being rock stars.

Grade: A

Stewart once again proved he can deliver hit after hit. There seemed to be no signs of him slowing down. Stewart however did slow down a little. After Unplugged…and Seated Stewart would take a two year break and a four year break from a studio album. Something almost unheard of for him. But he did not lose a step. Stay tuned for Part 10, In Which Our Hero Returns to His Roots.