This is a very good compilation, even if incomplete. No one disc can contain all of Rod Stewart's hits, so you may want to get another of his greatest hit CDs, to supplement some songs that aren't on this CD. Strictly speaking, though, this CD has many great songs and I highly recommend it.

Rod Stewart recorded most of his best music in the late 60s and early 70s. By the middle of the Me Decade, his work was already beginning to show the signs of fatigue that would eventually lead to his artistic irrelevance. That said, "Downtown Train," makes a nice companion piece to "The Mercury Anthology," the double disc collection that contains all of his best early stuff. The two together are easily a better value than the "Storyteller" anthology itself.

The best inclusion is "Stay With Me," the nasty little pop gem Stewart recorded with The Faces that is left off of most of his anthology albums. Also strong are his mid-70s ballad "Tonight's the Night," the disco era hit "Passion," the new wavish "Young Turks" and his fine Jeff Beck 80s collaboration "People Get Ready." On the downside is an inferior updated version of "I Don't Want to Talk About it" and the exclusion of the hits "Do Ya Think I'm Sexy?" and "Hot Legs." Also on the downside is a flimsy CD booklet that contains no lyrics.

Overall, a passable collection of Rod Stewart tunes that was originally put together to highlight the title track.

This hits collection may have first been considered only a way to get Rod Stewart's then-newest hits ("Downtown Train" and "This Old Heart of Mine") to those unable or unwilling to buy the 4CD "Storyteller" box. But its value lies in better songs, not necessarily biggest hits, from Stewart's previous 15 years.

Starting with Faces' rollicking "Stay With Me," the songs here reflect Stewart's roots and influences over cash-ins like "Do Ya Think I'm Sexy?" and "Love Touch." They emphasize story songs ("Young Turks," "Killing of Georgie") and sensual, heartfelt rock ballads ("My Heart Can't Tell You No," "Tonight's The Night"). These show more conviction and passion than, say, "Passion" or certainly anything on "Blondes Have More Fun."

Stewart goes from whisper to shout on Tom Waits' "Downtown Train," giving a fine performance. But his duet with Ronald Isley on "This Old Heart of Mine" is touching. Both sang it before (Ronald w/the Isley Brothers) yet as they harmonize and trade lines -- Stewart with someone he no doubt admired and emulated as a young singer, Isley with a thoughtful, sometimes prodigal, soul disciple --you're comforted and saddened not just over the girl who gave "half a kiss," but the wistful joy in soul, especially 60s Motown that remind us, Rod Stewart here especially, of what we miss. Recommended.

Though it's only 12 songs this is a nice collection by Rod Stewart. For more of his work, though, you're better off with the Storyteller set. If you only need one cd to keep in the car or stereo cd player, this one is highly recommended.

I really liked this cd. I have always liked Rod Stewart and this is definitely a great cd. He has style all his own. This is some of his best ever!!