AMG Review of Thanks for the Memory: The Great American Songbook, Vol. 4

Eric Schneider
All Music Guide

Apparently, Rod Stewart's desire to cover American jazz/pop classics is as great as the titular Songbook itself, since this is the gravelly voiced British singer's fourth foray into standards territory. Thanks for the Memory features more guest artists than the two previous discs in the series, with Stewart's collaborators ranging from R&B legend Diana Ross (on the playfully romantic "I've Got a Crush on You") to smooth jazz trumpeter Chris Botti (who lends his pleasant horn lines to "I Wish You Love"). Stewart is also joined by fellow '70s rock icon Elton John for a breezy take on "Makin' Whoopee." Of course, he's fully capable of carrying a tune by himself, as best revealed on string-laden renditions of "Blue Skies" and "I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm."