Out now: 'You’re In My Heart: Rod Stewart with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra'; vinyl release coming next month

Rod Stewart is the latest pop/rock star to have his catalog revisited with orchestral arrangements. "You’re In My Heart: Rod Stewart With The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra," produced by Trevor Horn, was released last November. In case you missed the news amid the hectic Christmas holiday season, the collection is a must-buy for all Stewart fans. 

Available in both standard 15-track and deluxe 22-song editions, the hits - especially the early-to-mid-1970s numbers - all benefit from the grander treatment. They are often reminiscent of 1993's "Unplugged...and Seated" (in fact, the vocal track on "Handbags And Gladrags” is taken from that acoustic album and TV special).

A new duet version of the 1960s classic "It Takes Two" with Robbie Williams that was co-produced by Bernard Edwards is really fun and rocking. Both entertainers do some ad libs. They have a good rapport and vocal blend together. There's also a pleasant new ballad called "Stop Loving Her Today," co-written by Simon Climie (Eric Clapton). It features keyboards and programming by longtime Stewart collaborator Kevin Savigar. "Tonight's the Night" has new backing vocals and Hammond organ work by Alan Clark (Dire Straits).  

On February 7, the collection will be released as a 180-gram double LP. A special pink vinyl pressing will be available at local independent retailers. Meanwhile, Stewart resumes his Las Vegas residency at Caesars Palace in March.

Here's the track listing for the standard edition CD:

1. “Maggie May”

2. “It Takes Two” (with Robbie Williams)
3. “Sailing”
4. “Reason To Believe”
5. “Handbags and Gladrags”
6. “Tonight’s The Night (Gonna Be Alright)”
7. “I Don’t Want To Talk About It”
8. “The First Cut Is The Deepest”
9. “You’re In My Heart (The Final Acclaim)”
10. “I Was Only Joking”
11. “Young Turks”
12. “Forever Young”
13. “Rhythm Of My Heart”
14. “Have I Told You Lately”
15. “Stop Loving Her Today”