Rod Stewart Sessions 1971-1998

Instead of just discussing the music which is, y'know, fantastic... much of it quite surprising... I thought I'd share some comments on the box set itself.I made my living for quite a while as a photographer and shot Rod many, many times onstage and backstage. Since those ancient times I've dealt with many graphic designers, ad agencies, etc... so I'm hyper critical about good design versus bad.All this to tell you that... this is simply the most beautifully designed box set I've ever held in my hands. It's just exquisitely done. It's a jaw dropper.Whoever did this design understands Rod, understands Rod's most serious fans, and understands the fine craft of Art Deco. Imagine some Busby Berkeley 30's movie with huge deco apartments high above Manhattan... and rich folks flitting about in tails and silk dresses... think of those amazing sets from those old black and white films and it's as if whoever designed those designed this box set.Highly, highly recommended, fellow Rod fans, you'll be thrilled.If they give a Grammy for box set design, I nominate this one.

This was a gift for my husband, who has been a HUGE fan for decades. He declared it his favorite of all time This is a beautiful presentation of Rod raw. This is like being in the studio when he is jamming. Rod's sense of humor shines through as he makes up lyrics as he tunes up. We love it!

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.

Buy it now. Buy it now. Buy it now!!!!I was just on a music blog & folks were discussing how incredible this is.I purchased it right here from Amazon back in 2009. Man, I can't believe it's been 8 yrs since release.I can tell you this, I'm working through it again & it's easily the most under the radar ....or underrated box set of all time. Or both!!!All previously unreleased gems. True early/alternate versions of the legendary 71-98 back catalog of one of the greatest rock and roll singers, songwriter, and performer of all time.No exaggeration here.You always hear "if you're a hardcore fan then this set is for you!"I disagree. If you're a fan at all of Sir Rod & this golden period, your mind will be blown.Go ahead now....if ya missed the press release (Insane, but don't think there was much of one) - buy this immediately & report back.Less than 5 stars - you're a troll. How can anyone rate this under 5 stars?

This 4-disc set profiles the hits of Rod Stewart from the very beginning (1969) to 1998 and has an updated version of the classic first issued under the name of 'Python Lee Jackson' - 'In A Broken Dream'. This is a fantastic insight into the long career of Stewart, although I do rather think that its no wonder that some of them have never before seen the light-of-day, I think that had they done so before Rod Stewart became the superstar that he is today, he would quite likely still be digging graves!, although none sink to the depths of the early version of 'Rosie' on the special edition of 'A Night On The Town' released earlier this year, THAT is a track that really does make you squirm!Anyway, back to 'The Sessions' set; an excellent compilation and most beautifully packaged - and definitely a MUST-HAVE for anyone who has followed the career of Rod Stewart, now in its fifth decade and showing no sign of waining. Indeed, his latest album 'SOULBOOK' reveals that Rod's unique voice is as good as ever, and proves beyond all doubt that he posseses the excellent skill and ability of turning his hand to any classic song and making it all his very own.10/10Geoff Garoghan. ©

I am a huge Rod fan, and had no idea this existed! I love it! The studio cuts, with many sounding different than any other versions I have heard, plus music that I had never heard before that are prime-time Rod. If you are a Rod Stewart fan, especially of the classic Rod style, you will love having this as part of your collection.

This is a very good sounding sets,many songs have words a bit differentVery refreshing.

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.

This set has been just like discovering Rod Stewart all over again.Imagine you were hearing James Morrison or David Gray for the first time, and you would be well impressed with their individual qualities... now multiply that by 100 to get the idea of finding Rod on these tracks.The songs are strong, standing the test of time which so many songs fail to do. Indeed, In A Broken Dream takes on a whole new life with Pink Floyd's Dave Gilmour playing guitar over Rod's new vocal. Yes... I still prefer the original by Python Lee Jackson on which Rod so remarkably added guest vocal in the 1969 session for the band, but this is a new version and comes alive all over again.Same can be said for many of the tracks where a different take, or an acoustic run-through in the studio, have been captured for us to hear. Some real gems.Have a listen and find your own special moments... there will be many in this vast collection which will inspire you to find the original studio albums and increase the listening pleasure still further.

As another reviewer has mentioned this is an excellent set of alternative takes. We all get over familiar with the original of classic cuts so it's refreshing to to hear them in a different way. Well worth the money for a set by an honest performer

he sang these when he had a great voice his new cd will be called sing it again you silly old sod?

Absolute must for Rod fans

Allways playing this love the Maggie may and in a broken dream versions