Rod Stewart

The problem with Rod Stewart comps is that there seems to be two basic kinds of Stewart fans: those who love his early rock records and those who prefer the winking adult-contemporary lothario. This astute 31-track collection shows that both Rods have merit. The first half of the set is where the real magic lives; cuts such as "Mandolin Wind" and "You Wear It Well" show off Rod's peerless rasp and backing from the Faces. But "The Killing of Georgie" is a soft-rock wonder that shows Rod's other life was worth living, too.