Stardust... The Great American Songbook, Vol. III
It's a little hard to take Rod Stewart seriously when, on the first track of this third installment in hisGreat American Songbookseries, he sings ruefully about his love life being "lean" ("Embraceable You"). But otherwise,Stardust...Volume IIIis as note-for-note solid as its predecessors--a cozy-up-to-the-fire treat that's also a pleasant reminder of these songs' staying power. "S'Wonderful" settles on the ears winningly, and Stewart's scratchathon voice scalpels the cobwebs off of "Isn't It Romantic" in a way that compels the average listener to reconsider thinking it dopey. In addition, the parade of high-wattage pals recruited to pitch in continues here, resulting in a couple of must-hear combinations.Eric Claptondelivers a rather un-Clapton-like guitar solo on "Blue Moon" andStevie Wonderblows harp like he means it on "What a Wonderful World," but it is the duets--"Baby It's Cold Outside" with the unsinkableDolly Partonand "Manhattan" with the indomitableBette Midler--that the dazzle most. --Tammy La Gorce