When Rod Stewart’s unmistakable rasp meets Jools Holland’s exuberant piano magic, the result is pure alchemy—and their rendition of Almost Like Being in Love is a dazzling testament to their effortless chemistry. Recorded with Holland’s Rhythm & Blues Orchestra, the track bursts to life with a bright, brassy fanfare before settling into a swinging groove that nods to the golden age of jazz while feeling utterly fresh.
Stewart’s voice, weathered yet velvety, wraps around the lyrics with playful charm, his phrasing loose and conversational, as if he’s sharing a secret with the listener. Holland’s piano work is nothing short of spectacular—his fingers dance across the keys with a mix of precision and spontaneity, tossing in bluesy trills, cascading arpeggios, and even a cheeky quote from another classic tune mid-solo.
The arrangement is a lush, big-band dream—punchy trumpets and sighing saxophones weave around a walking bassline that keeps the rhythm buoyant, while crisp snare brushes and the occasional cymbal splash add a touch of vintage glamour. Stewart, ever the showman, delivers the song’s lovestruck lyrics (“Maybe the sun gave me the power / ‘Cause I can’t take my eyes off you”) with a wink, his delivery part crooner, part rock ‘n’ roll rogue.
Holland, meanwhile, drives the energy with infectious joy, his piano fills bubbling up like laughter between verses. The track builds to a jubilant climax, with the horns blaring and Stewart ad-libbing with playful growls, as if he just can’t contain his delight.
This isn’t just a cover—it’s a celebration. Stewart and Holland take a beloved standard and infuse it with their own personalities: Rod’s effortless cool, Jools’ virtuosic flair, and the sheer joy of two legends reveling in the music.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to swing, Almost Like Being in Love in their hands feels like falling head over heels all over again.