Soulbook

Soulbook is the 25th studio album by British rock and pop singer Rod Stewart, released on 27 October 2009 by J Records.^[1] The album consists of 13 cover versions of classic soul, Motown, and R&B songs primarily from the 1960s and 1970s, marking a departure from Stewart's preceding Great American Songbook series of standards albums toward soul material that influenced his early career.^[2][3] Produced by Steve Tyrell and Steve Jordan, Soulbook features prominent guest vocalists on several tracks, including Stevie Wonder on "My Cherie Amour," Mary J. Blige on "You Make Me Feel Brand New," Smokey Robinson on "Tracks of My Tears," and Jennifer Hudson on "Let It Be Me."^[4][5] Other notable covers include "It's the Same Old Song," "(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher," "What Becomes of the Brokenhearted," and "Love Train."^[5] The album was recorded across multiple studios in the United States, emphasizing a polished, orchestral soul sound with big-band arrangements.^[6] Upon its release, Soulbook debuted at number 4 on the US Billboard 200 chart, selling 84,000 copies in its first week.^[7] It also reached number 7 on the UK Albums Chart and peaked at number 4 on charts in Sweden and New Zealand.^[8] Critically, the album received mixed reviews, with praise for Stewart's charismatic delivery and the star-studded collaborations but criticism for its overly polished production and lack of innovation in reinterpreting the originals.^[9][10]

Background and production

Album concept

Soulbook marked Rod Stewart's 25th studio album and served as the sixth entry in his ongoing series of standards recordings, previously focused on the Great American Songbook's jazz and pop classics, but this time pivoting to a collection of soul and Motown staples from the 1960s and 1970s. The album represented a deliberate genre shift, allowing Stewart to delve into the R&B influences that had shaped his vocal style since his early career. This evolution was announced in the lead-up to its October 2009 release, positioning Soulbook as a personal homage rather than a continuation of the orchestral big-band arrangements of prior volumes.^[11] The concept for Soulbook stemmed from Stewart's enduring admiration for soul pioneers, whose emotive delivery and raw passion had profoundly influenced him from adolescence. Artists such as Sam Cooke, Otis Redding, and The Temptations were pivotal in molding his raspy, soul-infused singing approach during the 1960s and 1970s, with Stewart often citing their records as the "oxygen that fueled my passion to sing."^[12] He described the project as a long-held dream, realized after years of success with the Songbook series, to pay tribute to these icons who inspired his transition from rock to more interpretive vocal work.^[13] Central to the album's vision was the strategic inclusion of guest artists to recapture the authenticity of the original soul era, blending Stewart's voice with contemporary and legendary figures from the genre. Collaborations were planned with Stevie Wonder on a duet evoking Motown's harmonic warmth, Mary J. Blige for a modern R&B edge, Smokey Robinson to honor his Miracles-era legacy, and Jennifer Hudson to infuse gospel-tinged power.^[14] These pairings were envisioned early in the project's development to bridge generational gaps and amplify the album's nostalgic yet fresh appeal.^[11] The idea crystallized in early 2009, following the reflective pause after his fifth Songbook album in 2006, as Stewart sought to reconnect with his R&B roots amid a desire for variety in his standards explorations. This timing aligned with his career's maturation, prompting a return to the soul sounds that first captivated him as a young performer in London clubs.^[12]

Recording sessions

The recording sessions for Soulbook took place in 2009 across multiple studios in the United States, including Celtic House and Bill Schnee Studios in Los Angeles, Royal Studios in Memphis, Capitol Studios in Hollywood, and The Village in Los Angeles.^[5] Additional sessions occurred at Germano Studios in New York and Morrisound Recording Studios in Tampa.^[6] The project primarily unfolded during the summer, allowing Stewart to immerse himself in the material after years of interest in soul covers.^[15] Primary production duties were led by Steve Tyrell, who provided overall vision and handled vocal production, drawing from his experience on Stewart's Great American Songbook series.^[2] Steve Jordan contributed as co-producer, focusing on drumming and establishing the album's rhythmic groove, while Chuck Kentis managed keyboards, arrangements, and engineering to support the soulful textures.^[16] The sessions emphasized a live band approach with top session musicians to authentically recreate the '60s and '70s soul era, incorporating horn sections and layered backing vocals that evoked the Motown sound.^[2][5] Notable guest contributions included Stevie Wonder, who recorded his harmonica and vocals for "My Cherie Amour," adding a direct link to the song's original Motown roots.^[17] Engineering was overseen by Al Schmitt, Sam Cooke's longtime collaborator, to ensure fidelity to classic soul production techniques.^[14]

Musical content

Style and influences

Soulbook embodies the predominant soul, R&B, and Motown styles of the 1960s and 1970s, serving as a tribute to classic tracks from those eras.^[3] The album's production, helmed by Steve Jordan and Steve Tyrell, incorporates retro techniques that evoke the polished sound of Tamla Motown and the rawer Memphis soul associated with Stax Records, alongside the sophisticated Philadelphia soul aesthetic.^[18][19] These elements are realized through lush, syrupy arrangements featuring strings from the Jordan String Orchestra on multiple tracks.^[9][20] Rod Stewart's vocal delivery on the album adapts his characteristic raspy rock tone to soulful phrasing, prioritizing emotional depth and interpretation rather than direct imitation of the originals.^[10] This results in confident, relaxed performances that blend suave understatement with exuberance on upbeat numbers and melancholy on slower ones.^[3] The standard edition clocks in at 47:13, with tempo variations ranging from lively interpretations like "It's the Same Old Song" to poignant ballads such as "What Becomes of the Brokenhearted," illustrating the album's versatile application of these stylistic influences to soul cover selections.^[6][9][3]

Cover selections and arrangements

Soulbook features 13 covers of classic soul tracks from the 1960s and 1970s, selected by Rod Stewart and his collaborators to emphasize enduring hits that personally resonated with him and captured the essence of Motown, Philadelphia soul, and Stax Records legacies.^[14] The process involved sifting through numerous options, prioritizing radio-friendly staples like "It's the Same Old Song" by the Four Tops, "My Cherie Amour" by Stevie Wonder, and "Soul Man" by Sam & Dave for their timeless appeal and cultural impact, while deliberately avoiding obscure tracks to maintain broad accessibility.^[14] This focus ensured the album highlighted iconic songs that had defined soul music's golden era, such as Jimmy Ruffin's "What Becomes of the Brokenhearted" and the O'Jays' "Love Train," selected for their uplifting melodies and narrative depth.^[10] The arrangements largely adhered to the originals' structures, preserving core chord progressions, melodies, and rhythmic grooves to honor the source material, while incorporating subtle modern updates for Stewart's vocal style.^[10] For instance, on "You Make Me Feel Brand New" by the Stylistics, arranger Bob Mann retained the song's signature harmonies and tempo but added lush string sections performed by the Los Angeles Strings to enhance emotional intimacy without altering the fundamental progression.^[5] Similarly, tracks like "(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher" by Jackie Wilson featured string arrangements by Willie Mitchell, introducing a polished, contemporary sheen while keeping the exuberant brass-driven energy intact.^[5] Some selections were adjusted in pacing—slowed for ballads like "Tracks of My Tears" or slightly accelerated for uptempo numbers—to better suit Stewart's raspy delivery, ensuring the covers felt fresh yet faithful.^[14] Guest artists were integrated to amplify the songs' interactive elements, drawing on their soul expertise to enrich dynamics. Mary J. Blige's duet vocals on "You Make Me Feel Brand New" introduced layered call-and-response interplay, echoing the original's group vocal style while adding raw emotional power through her ad-libs.^[10] Stevie Wonder contributed harmonica and backing vocals to "My Cherie Amour," subtly reinforcing the track's whimsical Motown vibe without overshadowing Stewart's lead.^[5] Smokey Robinson's feature on "Tracks of My Tears" brought authentic interplay to the verses, heightening the song's melancholic storytelling, while Jennifer Hudson's harmonies on "Let It Be Me" provided soaring counterpoint to deepen the duet's tender resolution.^[5] These collaborations not only elevated the arrangements but also connected the album to soul's foundational figures, blending reverence with innovative vocal textures.^[10]

Release and promotion

Singles and marketing

The marketing campaign for Soulbook highlighted Rod Stewart's longstanding affinity for soul music, with promotional efforts including an ITV special, An Audience with Rod Stewart, aired on November 11, 2009, in the UK.^[21] The album's international rollout began on October 17, 2009, in Europe, with the UK release on November 9, 2009, ahead of its US release on October 23, 2009, through J Records.^[10]

Formats and packaging

Soulbook was released in several formats, primarily as a standard compact disc (CD) containing 13 tracks. The standard edition, distributed by J Records and Sony Music, featured a runtime of approximately 47 minutes and was packaged in a conventional jewel case with a clear tray and a 12-page booklet containing liner notes and credits.^[5][6] Certain regional variants included bonus tracks, expanding the tracklist to 14 songs. For instance, the UK edition added "Never Give You Up" as a bonus track, while some international releases incorporated "Only the Strong Survive."^[22] No deluxe edition with additional tracks such as "I Can't Get No Satisfaction" or "The Best Thing" was identified in primary release documentation. The album was also available as a digital download through platforms like iTunes and Apple Music, offering the standard 13-track version without exclusive video content.^[23] No vinyl LP edition was produced at the time of the album's initial release in 2009.^[22] The album artwork consisted of a black-and-white photograph by Mark Seliger depicting Rod Stewart in a retro soul-inspired pose, eyes closed and singing into a vintage microphone, set against a blurred urban skyline evocative of Memphis, Tennessee—where portions of the album were recorded at Royal Studios. Art direction and design were handled by Josh Cheuse.^[5][6][24] Special editions included a Japanese release on Sony Music Japan (catalog SICP-2504), which followed the standard 13-track format but came with an obi strip and bilingual liner notes typical of import CDs. No unique content such as extended essays on soul history was noted in this version. A European digipak variant (Discbox Slider) offered the same tracks in a slimmer, eco-friendly packaging.^[22]

Commercial performance

Chart performance

Soulbook debuted at number 4 on the US Billboard 200 chart on November 14, 2009, marking Rod Stewart's sixth consecutive top-five debut on the ranking and selling 84,000 copies in its first week.^[25][7] The album also reached number 1 on the US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, reflecting its strong appeal in the genre category. It spent a total of 16 weeks on the Billboard 200, demonstrating sustained performance driven in part by adult contemporary radio airplay. Internationally, the album achieved notable success across several markets. It peaked at number 3 on the Canadian Albums Chart, number 9 on the UK Albums Chart, number 11 on the Australian ARIA Albums Chart, and number 25 on the German Albums Chart.^{[26][27][8][28]} In year-end tallies, Soulbook ranked number 162 on the 2010 US Billboard 200 and number 41 on the 2010 Canadian Albums Chart, underscoring its enduring commercial impact.^[29][30]

Certifications and sales

Soulbook received several international certifications reflecting its commercial success in key markets. In Canada, the album was certified Platinum by Music Canada on January 12, 2010, denoting shipments of 80,000 units. In the United Kingdom, it achieved 2× Platinum status from the British Phonographic Industry on December 4, 2015, for 600,000 units shipped.^[31] Australia awarded it Platinum certification by the Australian Recording Industry Association, equivalent to 70,000 units.^[31] In the United States, Soulbook sold over 328,000 copies according to Nielsen SoundScan data for 2009 alone, surpassing 300,000 units by the end of 2010, though it did not receive an RIAA certification.^[31] Post-release digital streaming contributed to its longevity, but physical sales remained the primary driver during its initial run. Globally, the album reached an estimated 1 million units sold by 2010, with strong performance in European markets bolstering its totals. As of 2025, it has sold over 2 million units worldwide.^[31][32] Compared to Rod Stewart's prior Great American Songbook series albums, which each averaged around 3.7 million units worldwide, Soulbook's sales were slightly lower, attributable in part to the shift from swing standards to soul covers.^[32]

Reception

Critical reviews

Soulbook received mixed reviews from music critics, with praise for Rod Stewart's vocal charisma tempered by criticisms of overproduction and lack of originality. On the review aggregation website Metacritic, the album earned a score of 52 out of 100 based on 14 reviews, reflecting a generally mixed reception.^[33] Several reviewers highlighted Stewart's engaging delivery and the album's lively guest appearances by artists such as Stevie Wonder, Mary J. Blige, Jennifer Hudson, and Smokey Robinson. AllMusic critic Stephen Thomas Erlewine gave the album 2.5 out of 5 stars, commending its joyful energy and smooth flow compared to Stewart's prior covers projects, stating that it avoids feeling overly karaoke-like while remaining comfortably entertaining.^[6] Similarly, The Guardian awarded 2 out of 5 stars, appreciating the fun reinterpretations of soul classics despite production excesses.^[9] Critics often accused the album of inauthenticity, vocal limitations, and excessive polish that diluted the source material's raw spirit. Digital Spy rated it 2 out of 5 stars, pointing to Stewart's strained vocals on higher notes and the arrangements' slavish adherence to originals, which left the project feeling like a commercial product rather than a passionate tribute.^[34] The Guardian also noted the over-syrupy productions and phoned-in quality in places, suggesting the effort halted Stewart's artistic decline but did not reverse it.^[9] The Daily Telegraph assigned 3 out of 5 stars, praising successful homages to Motown tracks like "You've Really Got a Hold on Me" for their evident affection, yet critiquing the overall familiarity as resembling upscale karaoke.^[35]

Industry accolades

Soulbook did not receive any major Grammy Award nominations.^[36] The album's collaborations with prominent soul artists, such as Stevie Wonder on harmonica for "My Cherie Amour," were highlighted for lending authenticity and boosting its standing within the soul genre.^[37]

Track listing

Standard edition

The standard edition of Soulbook comprises 13 tracks drawn from classic Motown, Philadelphia soul, and other influential R&B sources, clocking in at a total runtime of 47:13. The sequencing begins with high-energy, horn-driven Motown staples to energize listeners, gradually shifting toward poignant ballads that emphasize emotional vulnerability, providing a cohesive narrative arc through soul music's joyful and heartfelt traditions.^[22] This core lineup, released on standard CD and vinyl formats, excludes any bonus material found in deluxe or regional variants.

Bonus tracks

The deluxe and special editions of Soulbook feature two exclusive bonus tracks that further explore classic soul influences. "Never Give You Up," a 3:24 cover of Jerry Butler's 1968 hit, reinterprets the song with soulful vocals and orchestral arrangements. Written by Jerry Butler, Kenneth Gamble, and Leon Huff, this track was added to enhance the album's soul theme. Complementing it is "Only the Strong Survive," a 3:19 cover of another Jerry Butler classic from 1968, featuring emotive delivery and rhythmic brass. Credited to the same writers, Jerry Butler, Kenneth Gamble, and Leon Huff, the song highlights resilience in love. These recordings were produced alongside the standard edition to broaden the album's appeal within soul music traditions.^[22] Both tracks are available exclusively on digital platforms like iTunes and select physical releases, including the deluxe CD edition, which extends the total runtime to 53:56 minutes. They also appear in certain international variants, such as the Japanese pressing, providing collectors with enhanced content while maintaining the album's cohesive soul aesthetic.

Personnel

Musicians

The primary performers on Soulbook were led by Rod Stewart on lead vocals across all tracks.^[22] Guest musicians included Stevie Wonder on harmonica and vocals for "My Cherie Amour," Mary J. Blige on vocals for "You Make Me Feel Brand New," Smokey Robinson on vocals for "Tracks of My Tears," and Jennifer Hudson on vocals for "Let It Be Me."^[6][5] The core band consisted of Greg Phillinganes on keyboards and acoustic piano for tracks 2, 5, 12, and 13, Ray Parker Jr. on guitars for tracks 1, 2, 4, 6, 8-11, with additional guitars by Dean Parks, Michael Landau, and Paul Jackson Jr.^[4][43][2] Drums were handled by Steve Jordan on multiple tracks including 1, 2, 4, 6, 8-11, and Ricky Lawson on tracks 3, 5, 12, 13.^[43] Bass lines were provided by Reggie McBride, Bob Babbitt, Darryl Jones, Leland Sklar, Nathan East, and Conrad Korsch across various tracks.^[43][20] The horn section incorporated the Memphis Horns for added soul authenticity, with Wayne Jackson on trumpet for track 11, Jack Hale on trombone for track 11, and James Spake on saxophone for track 11, alongside other horn players like Tom Scott on saxophone for tracks 1, 8, 9, 10.^[44][43] Backing vocalists included Bridget Anne Cady and Di Reed on several tracks such as 1, 2, 4, 7, 8, 10, 11, with additional contributions from Natasha Pearce, Darryl Tookes, and Judith Hill.^[43][16]

Full List of Contributors

The album's recordings involved over 20 musicians with session-specific roles, as follows:

• Vocals: Rod Stewart (lead, all tracks), Stevie Wonder (harmonica, vocals; track 2), Mary J. Blige (vocals; track 3), Smokey Robinson (vocals; track 5), Jennifer Hudson (vocals; track 6), Bridget Anne Cady (backing; tracks 1,2,4,7,8,10,11), Di Reed (backing; tracks 1,2,4,7,8,10,11), Natasha Pearce (backing; tracks 7,8,10), Darryl Tookes (backing; tracks 7,12,13), Judith Hill (backing; select tracks).^[43][16]
• Guitars: Ray Parker Jr. (tracks 1,2,4,6,8-11), Dean Parks (select tracks), Michael Landau (select tracks), Paul Jackson Jr. (track 12), Bob Mann (tracks 5,7).^[4][2][43]
• Keyboards/Piano: Greg Phillinganes (tracks 2,5,12,13), Michael Bearden (tracks 1,2,4,11), David Paich (tracks 6,8,10), Bob Mann (tracks 3,7), Henry Hey (track 7), Chuck Kentis (track 9).^[43][2]
• Bass: Reggie McBride (select tracks), Bob Babbitt (tracks 1,2,4,8,10), Darryl Jones (tracks 6,11), Leland Sklar (track 7), Nathan East (track 12), Conrad Korsch (track 9).^[43][20]
• Drums/Percussion: Steve Jordan (tracks 1,2,4,6,8-11), Ricky Lawson (tracks 3,5,12,13), Russ Kunkel (track 7), David Palmer (track 9).^[43]
• Horns: Tom Scott (saxophone; tracks 1,8,9,10), Lou Marini (saxophone; track 9), James Spake (saxophone; track 11), Chuck Findley (trumpet; tracks 8,10), Wayne Jackson (trumpet; track 11; part of the Memphis Horns), George Bohanon (trombone; tracks 8,10), Larry Farrell (trombone; track 9), Jack Hale (trombone; track 11; part of the Memphis Horns).^[43][44]
• Strings: Los Angeles Strings (tracks 1,2,6,8), New Memphis Strings (track 4), Bruce Dukov (concertmaster/violin; tracks 1,2,6,8), Charlie Bisharat (concertmaster/violin; tracks 3,5,7,12).^[43]

This lineup emphasized the album's soulful roots, with many players having extensive histories in R&B and pop sessions.^[6]

Production credits

The production of Soulbook was primarily handled by Steve Tyrell and Steve Jordan as album producers, with Tyrell additionally overseeing vocal production throughout the project.^[5][2] Chuck Kentis contributed production, keyboards, and recording on track 9 ("What Becomes of the Broken Hearted"), while Harvey Mason Jr. produced the vocals for Jennifer Hudson on track 6 ("Let It Be Me").^[4] Steve Jordan also provided drum production and performance on several upbeat tracks.^[1] Engineering and mixing duties were shared among a team of veterans. Al Schmitt handled string recording on tracks 1, 2, 6, and 8, as well as mixing on tracks 6, 8, and 10 at Capitol Studios in Hollywood, California.^[4][45] Bill Schnee managed string recording on tracks 3, 4, 5, 7, 11, 12, and 13, and mixing on tracks 1–5, 7, and 11–13.^[4] Niko Bolas contributed mixing on tracks 1, 3, 4, 7, and 11, while Chuck Kentis mixed track 9.^[4] String arrangements were crafted by Howard Drossin on select tracks and Willie Mitchell on others, enhancing the soulful orchestration.^[1][20] The album was mastered by Greg Calbi at Sterling Sound in New York City, ensuring a polished final sound across all tracks.^[46] Additional production coordination was provided by JoAnn Tominaga, with A&R by Keith Naftaly and project management by Lotus Donovan.^[22]