This ex-Manfred Mann vocalist released a pair of estimable solo albums on A&M in the mid-‘70s and A Little Misunderstood – Collection Volume Two distills the essence of these recordings into a single package. Best known for writing the poignant Rod Stewart hit “Handbags and Gladrags,” D’Abo returns repeatedly to the themes of squandered youth and misplaced dreams in his work. As a composer, his piano-based tunes combine well-shaped melodies with unexpected chords, bringing to mind Billy Joel during his Cold Spring Harbor period. Tracks like “Battlefield,” ”My Load” and “My Life (Is Starting from Today)” reflect upon twists of fortune over music tinged with jazz, gospel and ragtime. The sonic settings here range from orchestral pop (“Salvation Song”) to scruffy country (“The Last Match”) and soulful roots-rock (“Broken Rainbows”). While D’Abo’s vocals aren’t particularly distinctive, he does turn in a powerful performance on this collection’s title track, a heart-tugging ode to a streetwalker. A Little Misunderstood makes the case that this neglected artist has more to offer than a few bags and rags.