Atlantic Crossing (Deluxe Edition)

With Atlantic Crossing, Rod Stewart headed to America and hooked up with legendary Atlantic Records R&B producer Tom Dowd to set out and try a new attack of sleeker soul and pop-rock. The ‘70s were changing and it was time to replace the rough and tumble urgency of his folk-based hard rock with smoother rhythms, horns, and a brighter sound than his audience was used to. The 2009 Deluxe Edition includes the entire album presented in rougher, demo form, bringing back some of the toughness that producer Tom Dowd subdued on the final album. “Three Time Loser” cranks like an old Faces track. Dobie Gray’s “Drift Away” retains an exceptional grit. “This Old Heart of Mine” and “Still Love You” are yet more sweet Stewart soul ballads where the voice takes control of the situation. An exceptional bonus is the inclusion of a cover of the Bee Gees’ “To Love Somebody,” Allen Toussaint’s “Holy Cow” and Otis Blackwell’s Elvis Presley hit “Return to Sender” recorded with Memphis’ MG’s backing Stewart for what would be their final time, as drummer Al Jackson was killed only months later.