The inherent problem with Rod Stewart's Unplugged album is that it seems like a supremely calculated attempt to revive his career exactly as Eric Clapton did. Stewart returns to the acoustic rock & roll and folk that marked his greatest recordings; Ron Wood's supporting guitar is a nice bonus, recalling the glory days. Naturally, Unplugged can't...

The inherent problem with Rod Stewart's Unplugged album is that it seems like a supremely calculated attempt to revive his career exactly as Eric Clapton did. Stewart returns to the acoustic rock & roll and folk that marked his greatest recordings; Ron Wood's supporting guitar is a nice bonus, recalling the glory days. Naturally, Unplugged can't hope to match Gasoline Alley or Every Picture Tells a Story, but the amazing thing is how close it comes at times. He sounds fine, if a little bit ragged at first, but as the album progresses, his performances become more genuine and heartfelt, culminating in yet another sublime Tom Waits cover with "Tom Traubert's Blues (Waltzing Matilda)," as well as a hit single with Van Morrison's "Have I Told You Lately?" ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide