Rod Stewart's The Best Of Rod Stewart, released by Warner Bros. Records in 1989, represents a comprehensive retrospective of one of rock music's most distinctive and enduring voices. By the time this compilation arrived, Stewart had already established himself as a major force in popular music, having built a career spanning multiple decades with his raspy, emotionally resonant vocal style and his ability to bridge rock, soul, and pop sensibilities. This collection captures the essence of his commercial and critical success during his most prolific period.
The album showcases Stewart's remarkable range as both an interpreter and original artist. His breakout hit "Maggie May" opens the collection, immediately establishing the ragged charm and narrative storytelling that became his trademark. The compilation smartly balances his biggest commercial successes with deeper cuts that reveal his versatility. "Sailing," one of his most recognizable ballads, sits alongside the controversial disco-influenced "Da Ya Think I'm Sexy?", demonstrating his willingness to evolve with musical trends while maintaining his core identity.
What makes this compilation particularly strong is how it highlights Stewart's gift for emotional vulnerability. "I Don't Want To Talk About It" and "The First Cut Is The Deepest" showcase his ability to deliver intimate vocal performances that resonate with listeners, while uptempo numbers like "Young Turks" and "Downtown Train" prove his energetic command of rock and pop formats. The inclusion of his cover of "This Old Heart Of Mine" reveals his skill at recontextualizing existing material through his distinctive interpretation.
The vinyl format of this 1989 release captures the warmth and character that Stewart's voice demands, with the album divided evenly across two sides. "Tonight's The Night (Gonna Be Alright)" and "You're In My Heart" further demonstrate his prowess with romantic material, while "Every Beat Of My Heart" closes the collection with characteristic vigor. For collectors, this Best Of compilation represents an excellent introduction to Stewart's catalog or a convenient gathering of his most essential works. It encapsulates why Stewart became one of the defining voices of rock and pop music, appealing to audiences across multiple generations and musical preferences.