As Time Goes By… The Great American Songbook, Vol. II

Released in 2003, 'As Time Goes By… The Great American Songbook, Vol. II' solidified Rod Stewart's late-career pivot from rock icon to premier interpreter of standards. Following the massive commercial success of the first volume, this sequel doubled down on the formula: high-gloss production by Richard Perry and Phil Ramone, lush orchestral backing, and high-profile guest appearances. Sonically, the album sits firmly in the Traditional Pop and Vocal Jazz categories, eschewing the bluesy grit of Stewart's early work for a more polished, 'smooth' aesthetic. Critics noted that while the arrangements were safe, Stewart's unique vocal texture provided a necessary edge to the familiar material. The album was a commercial juggernaut, reaching the top of the charts and proving that there was a massive audience for classic melodies delivered with a rock-star pedigree. It remains a definitive example of the 'standards' trend that swept through veteran artists in the early 2000s.