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It Had to Be You: The Great American Songbook

by Rod Stewart

Released: October 22, 2002

Traditional pop

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Why This Album Matters

This album matters because its strongest editorial story is: Breakthrough.

The Album

This album marked a new direction in Stewart's career, as it featured classic pop standards and jazz numbers from the Great American Songbook, a collection of the most important and influential American popular songs and jazz standards from the early 20th century. "It Had to Be You: The Great American Songbook" is an album by Rod Stewart, released on October 22, 2002. It allowed him to connect with a new audience and showcased his versatility as a vocalist.

Inside the Recording

The album was produced by Phil Ramone and Richard Perry, and it encompasses a variety of beloved classics by composers such as George Gershwin, Cole Porter, and Jerome Kern.

Stories and details

Interesting Facts

"It Had to Be You" was the first…

"It Had to Be You" was the first in a series of similar albums Stewart released, focusing on classic American songs, and it played a significant role in popularizing this trend.

The album's success is a testament to the…

The album's success is a testament to the timeless appeal of these songs and Stewart's ability to interpret them with reverence and style.

Watch and listen

Explore the Album

Rod Stewart - It Had to Be You: The Great American Songbook

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Then

Reception

Some standout tracks include "You Go to My Head," "They Can't Take That Away from Me," and the title track "It Had to Be You." This project was well-received and became a commercial success, revitalizing Stewart's career.

Full background

The Complete Album Story

"It Had to Be You: The Great American Songbook" is an album by Rod Stewart, released on October 22, 2002. This album marked a new direction in Stewart's career, as it featured classic pop standards and jazz numbers from the Great American Songbook, a collection of the most important and influential American popular songs and jazz standards from the early 20th century.

The album was produced by Phil Ramone and Richard Perry, and it encompasses a variety of beloved classics by composers such as George Gershwin, Cole Porter, and Jerome Kern. Some standout tracks include "You Go to My Head," "They Can't Take That Away from Me," and the title track "It Had to Be You."

This project was well-received and became a commercial success, revitalizing Stewart's career. It allowed him to connect with a new audience and showcased his versatility as a vocalist. "It Had to Be You" was the first in a series of similar albums Stewart released, focusing on classic American songs, and it played a significant role in popularizing this trend. The album's success is a testament to the timeless appeal of these songs and Stewart's ability to interpret them with reverence and style.