The year was 1971. A rooster cut, folk hero was about to release his signature album. The artist, Rod Stewart. The album, Every Picture Tells A Story. Over the course of his six decades in the music industry, Rod Stewart has been a force. From folk/rock, arena anthems, disco, new-wave, and the Great American Songbook, Stewart has pretty much sung every type of song.
As a die-hard, lifelong Rod Stewart fan, I decided to share with you, the loyal readers and listeners of my movie podcast my ranking of all of Rodâs solo studio albums. I really had to limit myself on these as he was a member of The Jeff Beck Group and The Faces. Plus, I omitted his live albums and The Rod Stewart Sessions which contained unreleased, unfinished and early versions of his hit songs. I wanted this to be a list for the Rod Stewart fans to debate and for non-fans to discover why I love his music so much.
32. Thanks for the Memory: The Great American Songbook Vol. 4 (2005)
I was never bothered by Rodâs choice to cover the Great American Songbook. At first it might seem odd, but if you heard or read interviews with Stewart, he often citied the American Songs from the 30âs and 40âs as big inspirations to him. Thanks for the MemoryâŠis perhaps the laziest Rod has ever been recording/making an album. Coming off the heels of his first number 1 album on the Billboard Charts in 25 years, Rod went to the well a few too many times and delivered an uninspired follow up.
I remember getting this CD and looking on the back and thinking it was odd that the songs did not have numbers on them, even more odd that the songs listed on the back were not in order, almost as if the record company said to Rod, âQuick! Release another Great American Songbook album, the last one went to number 1!â and did not bother with details like track listing.
On most of Rodâs albums even not his strongest ones, there are a few gems, Thanks for the MemoryâŠis no exception as âTaking A Chance on Loveâ and âNeverthelessâ are good. âMakinâ Whoopeeâ is a fun, cheeky duet with Elton John. But a complete misfire is the duet with Chaka Khan on the Sam Cooke classic âYou Send Meâ is enough to land this as Rodâs weakest effort.
Grade: D+
Highest Billboard Chart Position: #2
Songs to Groove To: Taking A Chance on Love, Nevertheless
31. Youâre in My Heart: Rod Stewart with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra-2 Disc Deluxe Version (2020)
After three successful albums that saw Rod Stewart return to songwriting, Youâre in My Heart was released that saw some of Stewartâs biggest hits reimagined with an orchestra. The biggest obstacle I think for any of these kinds of albums (see Buddy Holly, Elvis) is that are they necessary? The answer of course is no.
I will give some credit to producer Trevor Horn as he takes alternate vocal tracks for some of the songs. And the new song, âStop Loving Her Todayâ is a doozy. I canât help but wonder though how much better I would like that song with no over blown orchestra backing Rod. The album itself is not bad, itâs not great, itâs just there. I do really enjoy a couple of songs on the album, just not enough for me to give it anything more than a âmehâ.
Grade: C-
Highest Billboard Chart Position: Did not chart
Songs to Groove To: What Am I Gonna Do (Iâm So in Love With You), Stop Loving Her Today, Maggie May
30. As Time Goes By: The Great American Songbook Volume II (2003)
With the unlikely smash success of It Had to Be You: The Great American Songbook, mega producer Clive Davis quickly ordered the sequel, almost to the day a year later.
On the second volume Stewart has a little more confidence and it shows in his vocals and arrangements. Also popping up on the second volume that would define the next two were duets with some pretty big stars. Rod and Cher team up for a sultry reading of âBewitched, Bothered and Bewilderedâ, and âAs Time Goes Byâ with Queen Latifah. The song selection is a little tighter and the album has more bounce.
Grade: C
Highest Billboard Chart Position: #2
Songs To Groove To: âBewitched, Bothered and Bewilderedâ, âSmileâ, âTime After Timeâ
29. It Had to Be You: The Great American Songbook (2002)
After the commercial flop (unfairly) of Human, Rod Stewart took one of the biggest chances of his career. He would dip his toes into the standards of the American Songbook. Armed with a killer lineup of music producers, Rod released It Had to Be You into the world. To his surprise the album debuted at number 4 on the Billboard Charts, and went on to sell 3 million copies in the USA alone.
The critics once again could not understand the appeal of these albums and pretty much every album after A Night on The Town. Even Rodâs biggest fans who stuck by him were flabbergasted. I consider myself a pretty big fan (in fact, I love saying I am the biggest Rod Stewart fan in Colorado) and I still find his Great American Songbook phase fun. The songs themselves stick pretty close to the original recordingâs arrangements, but given the Stewart vocal treatment. I implore anyone who hasnât listened to these albums or listened to them once and wrote them off to give them a first or second chance. Stewartâs vocals on several tracks are incredible, especially the closer âThatâs Allâ. My biggest critique of the album is that is too safe and a little boring.
Grade: C
Highest Billboard Chart Position: #4
Songs To Groove To: âThese Foolish Thingsâ, âThatâs Allâ, âThe Way You Look Tonightâ, âThe Nearness of Youâ
28. Stardust: The Great American Songbook Volume III (2004)
The third time proved the charm for Rod Stewart as he scored a number one album on Billboard with his third American Songbook album in as many years. By now Rodâs Songbookâs have become a staple in the music world, with each volume gaining in popularity, in fact other artists would dip their toes in the water without as much success. Also, of note and also shocking is Rod Stewart received his first Grammy EVER for this album.
Stardust is a solid affair with Stewart again starting to really get into a groove with these albums (which came to a screeching halt with volume four). Heavy hitters are once again all over the album not just vocally but musically as well. Eric Clapton lends his guitar on a solid cover of âBlue Moonâ. Stevie Wonder helps out on a wonderful cover of âWhat A Wonderful Worldâ. Stardust is one of the better Songbook albums due to a nice balance of slow songs and truly fun songs. Having musicians lend a hand also helps elevate the album to heights the previous albums did not have.
Grade: C+
Highest Billboard Chart Position: #1
Songs To Groove To: âEmbraceable Youâ, Blue Moonâ, âWhat A Wonderful Worldâ, âBaby, Itâs Cold Outsideâ, âA Kiss to Build A Dream Onâ
27. Still the SameâŠGreat Rock Songs of Our Time (UK Bonus Track Edition) (2006)
After spending four years in standards land, Rod returns to Rock Nâ Roll roots with yet another cover album but tackling âclassicâ rock songs. The album gets off to a great start with Rod lending his trademark voice to âHave You Ever Seen the Rainâ and âFooled Around and Fell in Loveâ. Both songs are loaded with energy that make them winners. But the momentum is stopped when the songs lose the rock edge and veer into ok ballad territory.
That is my biggest complaint on an otherwise fun album. Tonally itâs all over the place. For every rock song there is a saccharine song waiting in the wings from âIâll Stand By Youâ to âMissing Youâ. Stewart makes us forget about those choices (which I am not sure were just his, I am just guessing the record company gave him songs to record and the put those on the album. My theory is I read an interview with Rod where he said that he wasnât a fan of âStill the Sameâ, but then the album wouldnât have a title) when âItâs A Heartacheâ or âFather and Sonâ blast through the speakers. If you plan on getting this album, seek out the U.K. version, it contains âLay Down Sallyâ one of the best on the record.
Grade: C+
Highest Billboard Chart Position: #1
Songs To Groove To: âHave You Ever Seen the Rainâ, âFooled Around and Fell in Loveâ, âFather and Sonâ, âItâs A Heartacheâ, âLay Down Sallyâ
26. Merry Christmas, Baby (2012)
I used to tell my wife, âRod Stewart will never release a Christmas albumâ, in 2012 he proved me a liar. And also, he proved me wrong as Merry Christmas, Baby is a safe, solid trip down Candy Cane Lane. Ironically this record also features the first Rod Stewart written song in 14 years with a new Christmas standard, âRed-Suited Super Manâ.
Merry Christmas, Baby is a classy album with some nice touches. On the opening track, âHave Yourself a Merry Little Christmasâ a piano that tinkles âJingle Bellsâ as the song fades out is nice. Give âSilent Nightâ a spin and you will be impressed on how well Rod owns that song. Every Christmas I listen to this album; I am always shocked about how fast it moves. There isnât really a downer on the album. The biggest complaint is that itâs a Christmas album so it is limited in its appeal, not its likeability.
Grade: B
Highest Billboard Chart Position: #3
Songs To Be Merry To: âHave Yourself A Merry Little Christmasâ, âLet It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!â âRed-Suited Super Manâ, âSilent Nightâ âAuld Lang Syneâ
25. Fly Me to the MoonâŠThe Great American Songbook Volume V Limited Edition Bonus CD version (2010)
It took five volumes, but I truly believe Fly Me to the Moon is an underrated, on the verge of great Rod Stewart album.
Gone are the stuffy arrangements that plagued the previous volumes and in its place are fun, wonderfully sung all-time classic songs. The biggest change in my opinion is Stewart serves as producer giving the album more bounce.
As a listener you will notice right away that this album is different. When the opening chords of âThat Old Black Magicâ hit your ear drums and Rod steps up to the mic you hear a more confident singer and music. This album absolutely sparkles from start to finish with one little bump in the road and thatâs âWhat A Difference a Day Makesâ. It brings the album down but luckily it is track 4 and Rod rebounds nicely with âI Get a Kick Out of Youâ.
Iâve included the bonus CD in this ranking as it is not just through away songs. âAll of Meâ is a winner so too is âCheek to Cheekâ. However, the best of the whole album for me is the song that closes out the album/bonus CD, âWhen I Fall in Loveâ. Rod is in top form on this track, easily his best performance in the whole series.
Grade: B
Highest Billboard Chart Position: #4
Songs To Groove To: âThat Old Black Magicâ, âBeyond the Seaâ, âMy Foolish Heartâ, âBye Bye Blackbirdâ, âAll of Meâ, âCheek to Cheekâ, âWhen I Fall in Loveâ
24. Body Wishes (1983)
The album of Rodâs that I think is his most uneven is 1983âs Body Wishes. The album boasts some stone-cold Stewart classics. âBaby Janeâ is one the most 80âs songs of the 80âs. Synths, guitars and a hooky chorus make it a winner. The cheeky, âWhat Am I Gonna Do (Iâm So in Love with You)â is a favorite of mine. It has the hidden gem track of âthis should be a hitâ of âDancinâ Aloneâ.
But Body Wishes seems to not know what it is at the same time. Stewart remarks in the linear notes that he called on Tom Dowd to help from keeping this album from going down in the toilet. And I have read that this was intended to be a double album. Listening to it you can see maybe trying to make the album too big, hurt it in the long run. The title track is silly but fun. The same canât be said for the misstep that is âGhetto Blasterâ or the over the top âReady Nowâ.
I will say that it is one of my favorite Rod Stewart album covers. Itâs a parody of the album â50,000,000 Elvis Fans Canât Be Wrongâ.
Grade: B
Highest Billboard Chart Position: #30
Songs To Grove To: âBaby Janeâ, âWhat Am I Gonna Do (Iâm So in Love with You)â, âDancinâ Aloneâ, âSweet Surrenderâ
23. Soulbook (2009)
Four volumes of the Great American Songbook and a detour in rock covers led to another cover album, Soulbook. Rod has made it clear that his most cherished artists are Sam Cooke, Otis Redding and other great African American singers. So, an album where he covers some of Motown and soulâs biggest hits is a no-brainer.
While most of the songs on Soulbook are pretty straight forward, Stewart does add some distinct flavor to several of the songs. His funkified version of Sam Cookeâs âWonderful Worldâ is a standout track. So too is the opening track of âItâs The Same Old Songâ which is stripped down before it kicks into high gear. I had a wish that when this came out, or even now, when Rod was in concert, he would come out with just a spotlight on him and start singing this song. Just him and his voice. It gives me chills just thinking about it. High marks too for âRainy Night in Georgiaâ, a soul song Stewart was born to sing.
Soulbook is a tribute to Rodâs heroes, and he brings the goods on a truly fun album.
Grade: B
Highest Billboard Chart Position: #4
Songs to Groove To: âItâs The Same Old Songâ, â(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higherâ, âTracks of My Tearsâ, âRainy Night in Georgiaâ, âWonderful Worldâ
22. Camouflage (1984)
The 1980âs are all about excess. Big hair, loud clothes and electronic music. After the slight misfire of Body Wishes, Rod decided to make an album for his American audience and Camouflage was born.
Camouflage starts really strong with the 1-2-3 punch of âInfatuationâ, âAll Right Nowâ and âSome Guys Have All the Luckâ. It tries to replicate the magic the rest of the way and it canât quite make it. The album is short so a lot of times you listen to it and say, âThatâs it?â
I will say however, Camouflage has a lot of guilty pleasure songs on it that I love. No song more than âBad for Youâ. I love this song. Itâs sexy, dirty and a little dangerous and the born-again Christian producer, Michael Omartian refused to produce it, I only know this because it is clearly stated in the liner notes he is not the producer because of this.
Grade: B
Highest Billboard Chart Position: #18
Songs To Groove To: âInfatuationâ, âSome Guys Have All the Luckâ, âAll Right Nowâ, âBad for Youâ, âHeart is on the Lineâ
21. Foolish Behaviour (1980)
The smashing public success of Rodâs 1978 album Blondes Have More Fun was somewhat overshadowed by the critical drubbing Stewart took for releasing a âdiscoâ album, and while I will tackle that a little later in this article, Foolish Behaviour seems to be a somewhat response to the critics. The disco music is gone, and it in its place are some more rock songs and a few ballads.
The first single, âPassionâ is a fun, somewhat shallow smash hit that has a haunting beat with some truly great lyrics, it is hampered however by a cool at the time shouting out of random things that have âPassionâ that make the song lose its impact. If I remember right, and I canât find the source, but I remember reading that Rodâs mother hated this song, hopefully someone can fact check me for sure.
The rest of the album is somewhat hit or miss with a lot of ok songs, good songs and in my opinion one of Rodâs best, most underrated songs ever, âOh God, I Wish I Was Home Tonightâ. âOh Godâ is Stewart at his absolute best. Funny, homesick, and heartachingly honest it should have been a massive hit. Other standout tracks are the self-deprecating âShe Wonât Dance with Meâ and the crunching guitars of âGiâ Me Wingsâ.
Grade: B
Highest Billboard Chart Position: #12
Songs To Groove To: âFoolish Behaviourâ, âPassionâ, âOh God, I Wish I Was Home Tonightâ, âShe Wonât Dance with Meâ, âGiâ Me Wingsâ
20. Human (2001)
After being with Warner Bros. Records for over two decades Stewart released his only record for Atlantic in 2001, Human. It was a big departure for Rod as he decided to release an album of all covers, no original songs written by him. In fact, he would not release an original song until Merry Christmas, Baby.
On Human Stewart teams up with a lot of, at the time, hot shot producers to try and replicate the magic that Cher captured with âBelieveâ. Gone are the days when Rod was the only producer as Human sports ten(!) and the critics and a lot of fans were not impressed. In my opinion, I think they both were misguided. I truly believe that Human might be Stewartâs most underrated album.
Yes, it is slightly over produced and a little too glossy but some of the songs and Rodâs vocals are on point. Take âSoul on Soulâ, a little much in production but the song is a winner. Rod absolutely crushes âLovelessâ, just a little too much backing vocals. There are a number of gems on the album. Macy Gray wrote âSmittenâ for Rod and it is magical. Slash of Guns N Roses lends his guitar on the weird but effective title track, âHumanâ giving it some teeth. One of the most bizarre songs Rod had ever recorded, âCharlie Parker Loves Meâ is stunning. It makes no sense but I adore the dream like quality of the song.
Tracks 8-11 is where Human really shines. Starting with a fun cover of Curtis Mayfieldâs âIt Was Love That We Neededâ. Track 9 is a country-tinged sing along doozy âTo Be with Youâ. I adore âRun Back into Your Armsâ and âI Canât Deny Itâ to close out the album.
âHumanâ did not get a fair listen when it was released, and I think is due for a fresh listen.
Grade: B
Highest Billboard Chart Position: #50
Songs To Grove To: âSmittenâ, âSoul on Soulâ, âCharlie Parker Loves Meâ, âTo Be with Youâ, âRun Back into Your Armsâ, âI Canât Deny Itâ.
19. Smiler (1974)
After a string of four amazing albums that Stewart released from 1969-1972, Stewart approached his fifth studio album with a swagger. The opening track on Smiler is a blistering, winning cover of Chuck Berryâs âSweet Little Rock ânâ Rollerâ and continues with an absolute classic âFarewellâ. Stewart however seems to coast a little for the rest of the album. Thatâs not a slight, it just seems that he wasnât challenging himself and settled into a comfort zone with the formula he had established over the last five years.
âSailorâ is a fun rock song that could easily find its place on a Faces album. A standout cover of two of Sam Cooke songs, âBring it On Home to Me/You Send Meâ, followed by a relentlessly paced duet with Elton John, âLet Me Be Your Carâ.
The next track is in my opinion one of Rodâs biggest missteps and I song I have a hard time listening to. Rod switches up the gender for â(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Manâ and it falls flat. It is one of two Rod Stewart songs I always skip. I try to listen to it, I canât.
The album detours after that into more hard rock songs, with the Stewart and Ronnie Wood penned âDixie Tootâ being a true winner. One of Rodâs best covers of a Bob Dylan song, âGirl from the North Countryâ is a stunner, Stewartâs reading of this song is magical and helps elevate the album.
Grade: B
Highest Billboard Chart Position: #13
Songs To Grove To: âSweet Little Rock ânâ Rollerâ, âFarewellâ, âBring it On Home to Me/You Send Meâ, âDixie Tootâ, âGirl from the North Countryâ
18. Every Beat of My Heart (1986)
Some of Rodâs album get lost in the shuffle due to huge hits they are sandwiched between, and Every Beat of My Heart is such an album. Rod scored hits on 1984âs Camouflage and 1988âs Out of Order produced many hits. Stewart brings the goods on this forgotten gem with winning covers and some truly great original songs.
The album opens with a sort of recapture the magic of âYoung Turksâ, âHere to Eternityâ. The story of a wrongfully accused man is told with a great vocal performance by Rod and gets the album going. âAnother Heartacheâ has a catchy chorus that Rod wrote and bet Bryan Adams, one of the co-writers that his new and improved version would be a hit, it kinda was but not quite. The next three songs are written or co-written by Rod and are all really fun rock songs. âA Night Like Thisâ takes a virginal boy excited for his romantic evening with a more experienced woman. The greatest song title ever, âWhoâs Gonna Take Me Home (The Rise and Fall of a Budding Gigolo)â is silly fun. âRed Hot in Blackâ has fighting guitars and a blistering pace.
Next up is the hit song âLove Touchâ, which Stewart is too embarrassed to sing live because the lyrics are silly and lame. But it is catchy and you can forgive it for that.
The four songs that close the album are all winners. âIn My Own Crazy Wayâ is Rod at his vocal finest. His heart-wrenching homesick, anthem ready âEvery Beat of My Heartâ is an effective tear jerker. The sweet, again killer vocals of âTen Days of Rainâ is an absolute gem waiting to be discovered. It seems most Rod Stewart albums have a song that should be a hit, âTen Days of Rainâ is one of those songs. Stewart closes the album with a cover of The Beatlesâ âIn My Lifeâ and gives the song a much more romantic feel. I donât care who knows it, but Rodâs version is superior.
Grade: B+
Highest Billboard Chart Position: #28
Songs To Grove To: âA Night Like Thisâ, âAnother Heartacheâ, âRed Hot in Blackâ, âIn My Own Crazy Wayâ, âEvery Beat of My Heartâ, âTen Days of Rainâ, âIn My Lifeâ
17. Blondes Have More Fun (1978)
Overshadowed by the worldwide smash hit âDa Ya Think Iâm Sexy?â (yes, itâs âDaâ not âDoâ it is commonly misprinted in most everything related to the song, itâs one of my Rod Stewart they donât really pay attention to him pet-peeves), Blondes Have More Fun, might be Stewartâs most fun album. The album is full of energy with Rod really embracing his one of the boys persona.
The opening track, âDa Ya Think Iâm Sexy?â is an absolute blast of a song. Yes, itâs a disco song but it is one of the best. A catchy chorus, and an instantly recognizable hook make it a canât miss. I also love the lyrics of the third verse; âThey wake at dawn, âcos all the birds are singing. Two total strangers, but that ainât what theyâre thinkinââ Pop music gold there.
Next up is the truly dirty and raunchy, âDirty Weekendâ itâs over quick and doesnât leave much of an impression. One of the hidden gems on this album is the folksy âAinât Love a Bitchâ. Peppered with catchy lyrics and guitars, I love this song. Rod gives a relationship one-two punch with the sweet, âThe Best Days of My Lifeâ and then shows his vindictive side with the mean and relatable âIs That the Thanks I Get?â
The next three songs continue the fun, a lovesick man yearns for an âAttractive Female Wantedâ, the title track of the album is another catchy rock song, âBlondes (Have More Fun)â and the wistful, âLast Summerâ slows things down. A discofied version of âStandinâ in the Shadows of Loveâ doesnât quite gain traction and the end track on the album is one that seems really out of place on Blondes Have More Fun, but it one of Stewartâs best.
âScarred and Scaredâ is a heart-breaking song about a man on death row. Yes, on Rod Stewartâs âdisco albumâ is a tender, sweet, painful song about a man whoâs in prison for murdering someone, waiting to be executed.
Grade: B+
Highest Billboard Chart Position: #1
Songs To Dance To: âDa Ya Think Iâm Sexy?â, âAinât Love A Bitchâ, âAttractive Female Wantedâ, âIs That the Thanks I Get?â, âBlondes (Have More Fun)â, âScarred and Scaredâ
16. Once in a Blue Moon: The Lost Album (2010)
In 1993, Rod Stewart released the incredibly popular live album, âUnpluggedâŠand Seatedâ. That album was a smash hit going platinum over 3x. Stewart was also working on a covers album that was a folksy-rock album that would never see the light of dayâŠuntil 2010.
All the songs on âOnce in a Blue Moonâ (honestly probably my favorite album title) where eventually released, however they were remixed and besides showing up on the UK only compilation album, Lead Vocalist , most songs were regulated to B-Sides of singles.
What makes this album so great is the striped down versions of these songs are wonderful. They give Rodâs voice so much room that I grin ear-to-ear every time I listen to the album.
âRuby Tuesdayâ opens the album with Rod showing Jagger how itâs done. A fun Dylan cover, âThe Groomâs Still Waiting at The Altarâ is next, followed by its brother from another mother, âShotgun Weddingâ where Stewart said he drunkenly wrote a third verse in the liner notes for Lead Vocalist. The over-production of âThe Downtown Lightsâ hindered its effectiveness on 1995âs A Spanner in the Works, not here. It is beautifully understated. âWindy Townâ also is stripped down and more effective. Rod really sinks his teeth into âThisâ a song that he was born to sing.
âStand Backâ is a driving song by Stevie Nicks, and Rod wanted to give it a go, it is a highlight track that is unexpectedly good. The true winner on this album is a song that has been the same in every release and thatâs Tom Waitsâ haunting âTom Traubertâs Bluesâ. Complicated lyrics beautifully sung by Stewart, a truly remarkable cover.
Grade: B+
Highest Billboard Chart Position: N/A
Songs To Grove To: âRuby Tuesdayâ, âShotgun Weddingâ, âThe Downtown Lightsâ, âThisâ, âStand Backâ, âTom Traubertâs Bluesâ
15. When We Were the New Boys (1998)
âHey you cover my songs, I am going to cover yours!â, is the approach Rod Stewart took with his 1998 album and his last for Warnerâs Brothers, When We Were the New Boys. Taking songs from Primal Scream, Oasis, Graham Parker and others Stewart delivers a lively rock and ballad album.
Kicking things off with Oasisâ âCigarettes and Alcoholâ launching the album into high gear. What is striking about this album is the next song is a tribute to Ronnie Lane, who had recently passed on his masterpiece from The Faces, âOoh La Laâ. Stewart had never sung it before as on The Facesâ album of the same name, Ronnie Wood took lead. Hearing on When We Were the New Boys makes you long for a 70âs version sung by Rod, itâs that good. Stewart delivers one of his finest performances on âOoh La Laâ. Not staying sentimental long, the next song is âRocksâ which finds our hero partying downtown.
When We Were the New Boys is a nice balance of rock ânâ roll and some heartbreaking ballads. Standout tracks include, âSecret Heartâ a Ron Sexsmith song that Stewart delivers with heartbreak. âShelly My Loveâ a tender reading by Stewart carries this song to a satisfying listen. The powerful âWeakâ is not to be missed. Stewart is on fire with this song, with the chorus being especially raw and powerful.
A guilty pleasure song, âHotel Chambermaidâ is a favorite of mine as it invokes memories of âHot Legsâ. Not to be missed is the Stewart penned title track. In it he reminisces about days gone by.
Grade: B+
Highest Billboard Chart Position: #44
Songs To Grove To: âCigarettes and Alcoholâ, âOoh La Laââ âRocksâ, âSecret Heartâ, âHotel Chambermaidâ, âWeakâ, âWhen We Were the New Boysâ
14. Blood Red Roses (2018)
By 2018, Rod Stewart had been producing albums for over 50 years. He had done everything and with Blood Red Roses he made an album with just about every style of music that he has recorded. Writing nearly every song on the album Stewart is in full command of his music and vocal stylings.
Opening with a dance number âLook in Her Eyesâ is a stark contrast to some of Rodâs earlier songs, in which the female doesnât fall for the guy at the club. My little boy has a favorite Rod Stewart song and thatâs the thumping âHole in My Heartâ. After two fun songs the album takes a serious turn with fond memories of a friend no longer with us in âFarewellâ. âDidnât Iâ is Stewart at his song writing best. A powerful song dealing with the fallout of a childâs overdose on drugs. The line âThere are times to remember and there are times that I wish to forgetâ, is poetically devastating.
If you ever wondered why Stewart is an amazing interrupter of others songs, look no further than Frank OâMeara and Sean OâMearaâs beautiful âGraceâ. The true story of Joseph Plunkett and Grace Gifford the day before his execution is so wonderfully told through lyrics and beautifully sung by Stewart.
Not all songs are winners, in fact âGive Me Loveâ is just not good. I donât say that often about Rod Stewart songs but trying to recapture the magic of âDa Ya Think Iâm Sexy?â in 2018 just doesnât work.
But forget about âGive Me Loveâ and enjoy the 1-2 punch of âJuliaâ and my favorite song on the album, the out of reach girl of âHoney Goldâ.
Grade: A-
Highest Billboard Chart Position: #60
Songs To Grove To: âLook in Her Eyesâ, âHole in My Heartâ, âGraceâ, âDidnât Iâ, âRest of My Lifeâ, âJuliaâ, âHoney Goldâ
13. A Spanner in the Works (1995)
Stewart was encouraged by the response to UnpluggedâŠand Seated and cut an album with folk songs, that was lost until 2010. Stewart revisited a lot of those songs on A Spanner in the Works, or rather producer Trevor Horn took a lot of the songs and âpunchedâ them up. The first two tracks, âWindy Townâ and âThe Downtown Lightsâ get the album off to a wistful, longing start.
The first single off the album is the Tom Petty penned, âLeave Virginia Aloneâ. Stewart stated that it was supposed to be on the Pettyâs album, âWildflowersâ that Petty left off because it sounded too much like a previous hit of his. It was the last song for the album and a great one. Stewart also admitted that he did not like the song at first, but he warmed to it. It is a winner, especially if youâre a fan of Rodâs early work as it hints of a song that could be on âAn Old Raincoat Wonât Ever Let You Downâ.
Rod covers Dylan with a great reading of âSweetheart Like Youâ, goes power ballad with the effective âThisâ, and brings some Irish Charm to the underrated co-written âLady Luckâ. The album gets a little sugary with the ballad, âYouâre the Starâ but it is saved by a powerful performance by Stewart. Rod pays tribute to his idols on the infectious âMuddy, Sam and Otisâ and again covers Tom Waits with another unusual choice, âHang on St. Christopherâ. Stewart reaches back to his Faces days for the raunchy love song, âDeliciousâ with fighting guitars peppering the song throughout its runtime.
Stewart closes the album with a barn-burning cover of Sam Cookeâs âSoothe Meâ. It is an absolute gem of a song. Rod brings the house down with his reading of âWild Mountain Thymeâ, which is renamed âPurple Heatherâ. Itâs a tremendous send off to a great album.
Grade: A
Highest Billboard Chart Position: #35
Songs To Groove To: âWindy Townâ, âLeave Virginia Aloneâ, âSweetheart Like Youâ, âLady Luckâ, âMuddy, Sam and Otisâ, âSoothe Meâ, âPurple Heatherâ
12. Time (2013)
Stewart spent the better part of two decades not writing songs. In 2012, he released his autobiography, âRodâ which gave him the spark he needed to write new songs and deliver one hell of an album.
Stewart turned to his longtime band mate, Kevin Savigar to help produce the album, and his current band to help him write the songs. What makes the album even sweeter is there are deluxe versions of the album that feature more great work from Stewart and company.
Time kicks of right away with a fun, bouncy catchy tune that was also the first single, âShe Makes Me Happy.â Stewart here sings about the joy of love and how it can bring happiness. One cool, sort of bummer about âShe Makes Me Happyâ is there are two versions of the song. When it was first released the second verse said âNow Iâm working out daily and watching my waistline, no more burgers and fries.â But it was soon updated on the album with, âNow Iâm working out daily and watching my waistline, Iâm rocking in paradise!â I prefer the first version but still a fun tune.
The joy of the infectious tribute to his father, âCanât Stop Me Nowâ is next, but the best song on the album follows with Rod teaming up with former Marilyn Manson guitarist Johnny 5 for the heartbreaking song of divorce, âItâs Overâ. I adore the lyrics of this song âInseparable were we, with a . breeze in our sails, now I feel a chill wind of a marriage that failed.â Stewart continues to reflect on his past with the auto-biographical âBrighton Beachâ. Next, Stewart sings about love in a driving beat, âBeautiful Morningâ. A hidden gem is next, a song of advice to his children, âLive the Lifeâ is bouncy and catchy. Not the deepest song on the album, but âFinest Womanâ is fun and breezy. The title track, âTimeâ is next followed by another Tom Waits cover, the simple and effective âPicture in a Frameâ. The silly disco-y âSexual Religionâ seems a little out of place with the tone of the rest of the album, but is solid. The album closes with a love song, âMake Love to Me Tonightâ and slows way down with âPure Loveâ.
There are two(!) deluxe versions of this album that contain six more tracks. The Target version, contains âHere Comes the Nightâ, âCold Waterâ and âShake Your Money Makerâ. The iTunes version comes with âCorrina Corrinaâ, âLeglessâ (so much fun!), and âLove Has No Prideâ.
Grade: A
Highest Billboard Chart Position: #7
Songs To Groove To: âShe Makes Me Happyâ, âCanât Stop Me Nowâ, âItâs Overâ, âBrighton Beachâ, âLive the Lifeâ, âTimeâ, âLeglessâ
11. Foot Loose & Fancy Free (1977)
Stewart followed up his smash album A Night on the Town, with the almost as good, Foot Loose & Fancy Free.
Truth be told, I adore Rodâs dirty rock songs and âHot Legsâ is one of my most cherished songs. I remember being a new Rod fan and this was my go to jam. Itâs fun and the definition of a rock song. The rock moves into funk, with âYouâre Insaneâ. The ultimate Stewart sing-along is next âYouâre in My Heart (The Final Acclaim)â. To this day I am not sure if he is singing about a beautiful woman, âThe big-bosomed lady, with the Dutch accent, who tried to change my point of view. Her ad-lib lines were well rehearsed but my heart cried out for you.â Or the beautiful game, either way itâs brilliant. Stewart really leans into his wild side with the âdonât count on me, to be here when the sun goes downâ stylings of âBorn Looseâ.
Stewart really slows things down with a haunting cover of Holland-Dozier-Hollandâs âYou Keep Me Hanginâ Onâ. Rod stays in slow mode with a song he had tried a couple of times before â(If Loving You is Wrong) I Donât Want to Be Rightâ (also on The Faces compilation Five Guys Walk Into a BarâŠ). A buried treasure on this album for sure is the break-up, not gonna make-up song, âYou Got A Nerveâ. Stewart is brilliant on this song.
The best song on the album closes it out, âI Was Only Jokingâ. Written by Stewart and Gary Grainger, this tale of growing up and striking out on love has always been magical to me. It really spoke to me in High School where I was always telling my girlfriends, âI Was Only Joking.â The catchy chorus, the catchy guitar riff, invokes Stewartâs early works with his now refined lyric-writing to create something that will forever stand the test of time.
Grade: A
Highest Billboard Chart Position: #2
Songs To Grove To: âHot Legsâ, âYouâre in My Heart (The Final Acclaim)â, âYou Keep Me Hanginâ Onâ, âYou Got A Nerveâ, âI Was Only Jokingâ
10. Another Country (2015)
Stewart returned to song writing with the great, Time. He returns two years later with another round of self-penned songs and some winning covers. Another Country is an impressive follow-up to an impressive album. Stewart did not rest on his laurels; in fact, he delivers a better more well-rounded album.
The Irish-y, folky opening track, âLove Isâ is the perfect opening to the album. The music, the lyrics are so joyous that you smile after the first couple of bars. My favorite song on the album is the down and dirty rock song, âPleaseâ. I love this song. It invokes late 70âs Rod to me and his screaming âPlease!â proves how great of a singer he is. If âPleaseâ is the 70âs, then âWalking in the Sunshineâ is the 80âs. Happy-go lucky and synth sparkle in this jaunty tune. The reggae song, âLove and Be Lovedâ is ok, and the rousing âWe Can Winâ tries to rally soccer supporters. Itâs fine but not the strongest on the album. The lyrics on the title track, âAnother Countryâ are wonderful. The tale of a soldier missing home, and writing to his love is great. Stewart follows the bouncy âAnother Countryâ with Stewart remembering his family telling him the stories of Britainâs bravery during World War II, in the powerful âWay Back Homeâ.
Rod again is romantic in the understated and beautiful, âCan We Stay Home Tonightâ. If you have a child, try not to shed a tear with âBatman Superman Spider-Manâ. Stewart relishes in his former ways with the Faces style of âThe Drinking Songâ. Itâs a funny trip down memory lane with some truly clever lyrics.
Iâve been telling you throughout this article about Rod Stewart songs that are brilliant and should be hits, Rodâs cover of âHold the Lineâ is such a song. It features a ukulele, plus some inspiring lyrics that anyone can relate to, âSometimes weâre lost and astray and the hope far away. Hold the line, weâll survive. So just smile through the rain, through the heartache and pain. Hold the line, weâll survive.â
There is a deluxe version of the album that you should seek out as it contains several good songs. The rock ânâ roll shout out song that is too clever, âEvery Rock ânâ Roll Song to Meâ is great. âOne Night with Youâ, Rod is back to his trickster ways with a woman, who wonât budge. A re-release of the classic âIn a Broken Dreamâ. The ok, âGreat Dayâ is next and forgettable. But, âLast Train Homeâ is left of the album for some unknown reason, it is awesome and deserved a spot on the final album.
Grade: A
Highest Billboard Chart Position: #20
Songs To Groove To: âLove Isâ, âPleaseâ, âAnother Countryâ, âWay Back Homeâ, âThe Drinking Songâ, âHold the Lineâ, âEvery Rock ânâ Roll Song to Meâ, âOne Night with Youâ, âLast Train Homeâ
9. Atlantic Crossing (1975)
After Rod officially split from The Faces, he also made another radical change. He decided to ditch the folksy-bluesy sound of all his previous solo efforts and release an album with stadium ready anthems and a more polished rock ânâ roll sound.
Stewart enlisted mega-producer Tom Dowd behind the glass and highly qualified backing band of Steve Cropper, Jesse Ed Davis, Booker T. Jones, Al Jackson Jr., and more. Atlantic Crossing was a big departure for Stewart but he slid right into the polished sound with ease. Also, lost these days is how much care was put into records. Atlantic Crossing is meant to be listened to, start to finish, it is expertly crafted that way.
The record is divided into two halves, the first half is call âFast Halfâ and finds Rod embracing not only his Faces roots but also the more polished sound he craved.
The album opens with the barn-burner tale of catching VD, yes venereal disease, not once, not twice, but it makes you a âThree Time Loserâ. And who needs a long term relationship, when youâre a rock star? As Rod is only âAlright for an Hourâ. Partying with the boys and being in a rock band, and the trouble they get into is the basis for âAll in the Name of Rock âNâ Rollâ. A winning cover of âDrift Awayâ keeps the album humming along. And my favorite song on the Fast Half is the down and dirty rock song âStone Cold Soberâ. This is a great rock song with energy and guitar riffs to spare.
The Slow Half is more winning songs. Danny Whitten wrote, âI Donât Want to Talk About Itâ but Rod Stewart owns it. Rod has said itâs one of the best songs ever written, I donât disagree. Whittenâs version is more intimate, Rodâs is full blown sing along mode. Rod elevates the song to levels that are unprecedent. Whittenâs version is worth a listen and implore you to seek it out. âItâs Not the Spotlightâ is a wistful cover, followed by âThis Old Heart of Mineâ which is a favorite of Stewarts. He would record it 14 years later with one of the Isley Brothers. Here he slows it down a touch, making it more romantic. As the only writer for âStill Love Youâ, Stewart captures the magic of his Mercury records with some wonderfully melodic music. Another Stewart standard closes the album, a cover of Gavin Sutherlandâs âSailingâ. Rod is in top vocal form on the track, yearning for his love while at sea.
Grade: A
Highest Billboard Chart Position: #9
Songs To Sail To: âThree Time Loserâ, âAlright for an Hourâ, âAll in the Name of Rock âNâ Rollâ, âStone Cold Soberâ, âI Donât Want to Talk About Itâ, âThis Old Heart of Mineâ, âStill Love Youâ, âSailingâ
8. Vagabond Heart (1991)
Rod Stewart owned the airways from 1988-1991. Stewart released three albums that dominated the charts. One that I wonât touch on is the career spanning Storyteller, that compilation though has Rodâs cover of âDowntown Trainâ which rolled into the station and peaked at #3 on the Billboard Single Charts, and an updated version of âThis Old Heart of Mineâ that would peak at #10 on the Single Charts.
After that success Stewart returned to the studio and cut one of his strongest top to bottom albums, Vagabond Heart.
Stewart kicks things of right away with a mesmerizing cover of âRhythm of My Heartâ. Rod crushes this song and it just pops. The album continues with the rock, âRebel Heartâ is funny and a great tune. Leaving the power songs behind, but not the power in his voice, Rod crushes âBroken Arrowâ. Stewart is a master at phrasing lyrics, and he shows that off on âBroken Arrowâ.
Tina Turner (and Pepsi) stop by for a blistering cover of âIt Takes Twoâ. And while Vagabond Heart has some remarkable covers, Stewartâs originals are just as good if not better. âWhen a Manâs in Loveâ is a fitting song to anyone who has been struck by Cupidâs Arrow. Another big hit on the album, with one of Rodâs coolest videoâs, âThe Motown Songâ pays tribute to the Legends from there with help from The Temptations. Itâs not written by Stewart and is a little silly, but damn is it a fun song to sing along to. Hey! Itâs time for, this song is so good it shouldâve been a hit and released as a single time! âGo Out Dancingâ is a pop masterpiece that should be cranked at maximum level. Although it would take the Unplugged version for the public to notice, Rodâs cover of Van Morrisonâs âHave I Told You Latelyâ is pretty great. I prefer the stripped down live version more, but Stewart sings it with great conviction here.
Stewart closes the album with two more originals, a cheating husband gets caught for his âMoment of Gloryâ. âIf Onlyâ closes the album and itâs another winner. Rod is in top vocal form here and commands the song.
Grade: A
Highest Billboard Chart Position: #10
Songs To Grove To: âRhythm of My Heartâ, âRebel Heartâ, âBroken Arrowâ, âIt Takes Twoâ, âThe Motown Songâ, âGo Out Dancingâ, âNo Holding Backâ, âIf Onlyâ
7. The Rod Stewart Album or the better title, An Old Raincoat Wonât Ever Let You Down (1969)
After a short stint in The Jeff Beck Group, Stewart went out on his own. Rod would forgo most of the Blues and Hard Rock that defined his days with Jeff Beck and release a folk/rock album that changed music landscape forever.
Stewart starts the album off with a tremendous cover of The Rolling Stonesâ âStreet Fighting Manâ. It differs from the original slightly, of course with a more laid-back approach and to me a better version. I am a fan of Stewartâs so I think he sounds better than Jagger and gives a better performance, I could be biased but I also think I am right.
He changes some of the lyrics to the traditional song, âMan of Constant Sorrowâ and brings some raw energy to the track. The blues and hard rock somewhat return in the as Rod gets down and dirty with self-penned, âBlind Prayerâ.
Stewart takes Mike dâAboâs âHandbags and Gladragsâ and makes it his own. In fact, many years later he would sing it on UnpluggedâŠand Seated, and it now it pops up in his live sets once in a blue moon. Itâs a brilliant cover.
The title track, âAn Old Raincoat Wonât Ever Let You Downâ is Stewart as his song writing best. Reliving his youth, his fashion style and telling a funny story about it is trademark Rod Stewart. It is one of my favorite songs. I wonder if he would ever consider singing this in concert? Probably not, since I would be the only one in the audience singing along and crying at the same time.
Stewart continues his song writing ways with another song about friends and their adventures together, âI Wouldnât Ever Change a Thingâ. âCindyâs Lamentâ is Stewart having a hard time being ignored by a girl.
Stewart brings the house down on at the end of the album with the wonderful, Irish folk song âDirty Old Townâ. I will never forget the night I saw Stewart perform this song. Itâs beautiful, and poignant and a song Rod Stewart owns.
Grade: A
Highest Billboard Chart Position: #139
Songs To Get Folksy To: âStreet Fighting Manâ, âMan of Constant Sorrowâ, âHandbags and Gladragsâ, âAn Old Raincoat Wonât Ever Let You Downâ, âDirty Old Townâ
6. A Night on the Town (1976)
Rod Stewart had successfully changed record companies and coasts with his platinum smash-hit album, Atlantic Crossing. Stewart confident he was on the right track returned to the studio in 1976 and delivered one of his finest albums.
Stewart again kept the format of a Slow Side and a Fast Side but on this album, the Slow Side was side one. âTonightâs the Night (Gonna Be Alright)â is the first single, the first song on the album and a gigantic hit. The story of a virginal girl and her more experienced paramour is a deliciously, not too subtle lyric roller coaster. The line, âYouâd be a fool to stop this tide, spread your wings and let me come insideâ got the song banned and me hot under the collar. It also shot to number 1 on the Billboard single charts with its catchy chorus and hooky music.
âThe First Cut is the Deepestâ is a song written by Cat Stevens (Yusuf Islam as he is known now), but is owned by Rod Stewart. Stewart cuts the definitive version so much so that when Sheryl Crow releases it in 2003 it is exactly like Stewartâs version, she even keeps the lyric change he did which is âwhen it comes to loving me sheâs/heâs the worstâ omitting the end of Stevensâ version of âwhen it comes to being loved, sheâs firstâ. Thus, making Stewartâs version a much more love sick cut.
âFool for Youâ is a light, fun breezy song that is a nice bridge to one of Stewartâs best songs.
âThe Killing of Georgie (Part I and Part II)â that chronicles the life and shocking murder of Stewartâs gay friend is hands down one of his best. Stewart weaves the tell of happiness, sadness and confusion all in one song. Stewart bears his soul, his voice in a 6:30 song that is hardly ever matched.
The Fast Side kicks off with the raunchy, catchy not suitable for grandma, âThe Balltrapâ. âPretty Flamingoâ is a hoot, but after my mom (yes, my mom) told me she watched a stripper to this song I will never listen to it the same. âBig Bayouâ is some southern rock that was also covered by Rodâs longtime friend Ronnie Wood on his 1975 album, New Look. I adore âThe Wild Side of Lifeâ. Originally a twangy country song released in 1952 by Hank Thompson, Stewart tears into the song with confidence and gusto, giving it a driving purpose.
A Night on the Town would be higher in my personal rankings if âRosieâ made it on to the album. It is a winner of a track that was regulated to B-Side of âThe Killing of Georgieâ. Instead, the album concludes with my least favorite Rod Stewart song, âTrade Windsâ. It is over-produced, and just a lame song. Some people say âDa Ya Think Iâm Sexy?â is Stewartâs biggest misstep, in my opinion itâs easily âTrade Windsâ.
Grade: A
Highest Billboard Chart Position: #1
Songs To Groove To: âTonightâs the Night (Gonna Be Alright)â, âThe First Cut is the Deepestâ, âThe Killing of Georgie (Part I and Part II)â, âThe Balltrapâ, âThe Wild Side of Lifeâ
5. Tonight Iâm Yours (1981)
Foolish Behaviour could not quite match the success of Blondes Have More Fun, Tonight Iâm Yours returns Rod to chart and critical success with several hit songs, stone-cold classics and buried gems. From top to bottom it is a well-made album.
The album also signaled that Stewart was fully embracing the 80âs right from the opening beats of the title track, âTonight Iâm Yours (Donât Hurt Me)â which is a confident, crazy fast song about hooking up just for a night. The chorus is catchy, the music is fantastic, Rodâs voice is in full power. âHow Longâ is a solid cover that Stewart delivers with oomph. Iâve mentioned I love that Rod is one of the guys, and some of my favorite songs are about being âone of the guysâ. The silly, out of order ( đ) driving force of âTora, Tora, Tora (Out with the Boys) delivers on all of this.
If you want more rock ânâ roll Stewart obliges with a rip-roaring cover of âTear it Upâ. Ever the sentimental lad, Rod returns to his youth with âOnly a Boyâ. A winning Bob Dylan song makes its return to a Rod album with âJust Like a Womanâ and just like other Dylan songs, Stewart does it better. Dylan can write songs like no one else; Stewart can sing Dylan songs the way the were supposed to be.
After the sweetness that is âJust Like a Womanâ, Stewart shows his vindictive side with âJealousâ. Never one to stay negative for a long time, âSonnyâ reminisces about a love lost.
Where Rod really excels at storytelling is when he writes a song with a beginning, middle and end. Add in some really great music, catchy chorus and a sliver of rebellion and you have a classic rock ânâ roll song. âYoung Turksâ is everything. Itâs a song I will blast every time it pops up. It deserves to be played loud.
A buried gem closes Tonight Iâm Yours, âNever Give Up on a Dreamâ is dedicated to Terry Fox, a Canadian athlete, who had a leg amputated due to cancer, and died after running for 143 days raising money and awareness for cancer. Fox attempted to run across Canada and although he did not make it, he inspired millions, including Rod Stewart.
Grade: A+
Highest Billboard Chart Position: #11
Songs To Groove To: âTonight Iâm Yours (Donât Hurt Me)â, âHow Longâ, âTora, Tora, Tora (Out With the Boys)â, âTear it Upâ, âOnly a Boyâ, âJust Like a Womanâ, âYoung Turksâ, âNever Give Up on a Dreamâ
4. Out of Order (1988)
Do you remember your first album youâve ever bought? I sure do. My dad introduced me to Rod Stewart with the 1984 Concert Video. Iâve loved him ever since. I remember me dad telling me he was going to our local Target. I am not sure the year, but it was before Vagabond Heart. I was either 7 or 8 and when we got to Target I asked my dad if I could buy a Rod Stewart tape. I might be romanticizing this next part but itâs how I remember it. My dad with a twinkle and a tear in his eye, said âYes.â
We walked over to the music section, and in those days the cassette tapes were in slots, sideways. I walked over to the âSâsâ and started looking for Rod Stewart.
I found them and was hit with a dilemma. There were many Rod Stewart tapes. I asked my dad for help and he said âPick whatever one you want.â I grabbed two, Absolutely Live, and Out of Order. I wanted Absolutely Live because it had so many songs on it. I also wanted Out of Order because it looked cool. My father sensing I was having a crisis, looked at me, smiled and said, âGet them both.â I couldnât wait to get home and put these tapes into my Teddy Ruxpin tape player.
Now that I am older, I can say that Out of Order is an incredible album. In my view not a misstep on the album. Rod has never sounded better.
âLost in Youâ is a classic Rod Stewart song with some awesome music and lyrics. I love this song. Rod is so good a phrasing, it hooks you in right away with the opening shout of âHey Baby youâve been on my mind tonight!â Are you looking for an incredibly catchy, buried gem of a song, look no further than the life of a troubadour song âThe Wild Horseâ.
âLethal Dose of Loveâ is a divisive song amongst Stewartâs fan. I like it, it reminds me of âHot Legsâ with a dash of âThe Balltrapâ.
The song that everyone knows is a Rod Stewart song is on this album, âForever Youngâ. Borrowing heavily from the Bob Dylan song of the same name, (in fact Dylan would receive song writing credit for the song after its initial release) is one hell of a song. Itâs been the graduation song for many people, (including my brother. I graduated high school in 1999, he in 1998. Our class choose the Prince song â1999â, how unoriginalâŠ).
Not to be missed is the smash hit, âMy Heart Canât Tell You Noâ. The pain of someone cheating on you and still loving them is painstakingly conveyed in Stewartâs impassioned reading of the song.
A rock song through and through, âDynamiteâ is the hit that was not to be. I still have no idea how this song never caught on. A blues standard, âNobody Knows You When Youâre Down and Outâ is given the proper Stewart treatment.
So, itâs a little creepy and somewhat stalker-y but the fun of âCrazy About Herâ cannot be denied. The sax in it alone makes it a winner, and the lyrics are incredibly clever. Rod is in top vocal form with an unbelievable cover of âTry a Little Tendernessâ. This is one of Stewartâs best covers hands down and for more listening enjoyment, seek out the live version from the album Tonightâs the Night, it will give you chills. âWhen I Was Your Manâ keeps things romantic, and the album closes with the winning song about hooking up with âthe farmers daughterâ in âAlmost Illegalâ. The chorus is magical and the rest of the song is Stewart at his most clever.
Grade: A+
Highest Billboard Chart Position: #20
Songs To Groove To: âLost in Youâ, âThe Wild Horseâ, âForever Youngâ, âMy Heart Canât Tell You Noâ, âDynamiteâ, âCrazy About Herâ, âTry a Little Tendernessâ, âAlmost Illegalâ
3. Gasoline Alley (1970)
Although Rod Stewartâs solo album debut stalled at 139 on the Billboard Charts, there were signs that his star was starting to ascend. He would really break through with his next album, but he had laid the groundwork through his work with Jeff Beck and The Faces.
Gasoline Alley is Stewartâs before superstardom masterpiece. A showcase album of winning covers and undeniable originals. As you listen to this album there is not a bum in the bunch. The acoustic guitars that drive âGasoline Alleyâ, the title track tell your ears all that needs to be known about this album. Itâs sensitive, thoughtful and a gem. The Faces lend a hand to a rip-roaring cover of the Womackâs âItâs All Over Nowâ with a confidence that only Rod Stewart can bring. âOnly a Hoboâ is heartbreaking and one of Rodâs best interpretations of a Dylan song. Stewart turns to the Small Faces for his next cover, âMy Way of Givingâ which I adore Stewart being the backing vocals on this as well.
Elton John and Bernie Taupin wrote âCountry Comfortâ and Rod brings it right into his wheel house. Who knew that when Rod cut âCut Across Shortyâ in 1971, it would gain new life in 1993 on his Unplugged album? The fable of âA Country Boy named Shorty and a City Boy named Danâ in a race for the beautiful Ms. Lucy is gold. Seek out the Eddie Cochran version too, itâs fantastic.
Rodâs pen returns with the great âLady Dayâ. Capturing the missing of a love in a wistful, beautiful folk song. The absolute gem on this album is Rodâs semi-autobiographical song âJoâs Lamentâ. Where âCindyâs Lamentâ is anger towards the woman, âJoâs Lamentâ has Stewart internalizing the hurt and pain his caused to his love. I donât think I am going out on a limb here by saying this is one of Stewartâs finest compositions. He breaks your heart with lyrics that say âYou bore my child then I left aside, I donât expect you to forgive, but I am not so young and Iâm so afraid, to sleep alone for the rest of my days.â
Rod closes the album with the barn-burner âYouâre My Girl (I Donât Want to Discuss It).â
Grade: A+
Highest Position on Billboard Chart: #27
Songs To Groove To: Listen to the whole album!
2. Every Picture Tells a Story (1971)
Stewart broke through big time with his third solo album, the genre defining Every Picture Tells a Story. The album took Rod from âHey youâre cool if you know who Rod Stewart isâ to a superstar. And itâs easy to see why.
Stewart really mastered the folk/hard rock scene with his previous album, Gasoline Alley and perfected it here. The title track kicks the album off with Stewart and Ronnie Wood writing a song about his basking days. There is no real hook on âEvery Picture Tells a Storyâ but the song revs up to a blistering crescendo. Stewart further builds his cred with a harrowing cover of âSeems Like a long Timeâ. And in a moment of brilliance or really big rock ânâ roll balls, Stewart tears into a cover of âThatâs All Rightâ. But that is only half the story of that song. As it fades away, we the listener are treated to a beautiful rendition of âAmazing Graceâ, which is not listed on the album.
Bob Dylan is covered again with a country style version of âTomorrow is Such a Long Timeâ that he fully makes his own.
What can be said about âMaggie Mayâ that hasnât been said before. It is five minutes of pure folk/pop bliss. It is a standard in which all folk songs will be measured. Almost left off the album, it was placed on the B-Side of âReason to Believeâ and according to Rod a DJ in Cleveland flipped it over and rock music forever changed.
Most likely Rod Stewartâs best written song, âMandolin Windâ is often overshadowed by the success of âMaggie Mayâ. The tale of struggling to survive a brutal winter and âthe coldest in nearly 14 yearsâ is a masterpiece.
The Faces lend a hand on a hard rock version of â(I Know) Iâm Losing Youâ giving it a dark quality that is haunting reminder of love lost. Rod closes the album with a soulful rendition of Tim Hardinâs âReason to Believeâ. âReason to Believeâ was the original A-Side single, and it wouldnât be until 1993 when Stewart recorded it for his Unplugged performance that it truly gained traction, on âEvery Picture Tells a Storyâ, itâs a little slower but doesnât lose its power.
Grade: A+
Highest Billboard Chart Position: #1
Songs To Groove To: Listen to the whole album!
- Never a Dull Moment (1972)
After releasing one of the greatest albums of all-time how does one follow that up? Rod Stewart decided to stick to the same basic formula but in my opinion deliver his best album. He does however lean a little more on The Faces for this album, which in turn makes it slightly more rocking. Ronnie Wood lends a writing hand on âTrue Blueâ. A tale of returning home, or rather trying to get home with no money.
Wood helps out again with âLost Paraguayosâ which is a down and dirty rock song about ditching your (gulp) too young girlfriend for âsome South American sunâ. Not sure if you could get away with this song today, but it is a hell of a good time. Outdoing Dylan is a trademark of Rod Stewart and he does it here again with the beautiful âMama, You Been on My Mindâ. And while escaping to South America might not have worked, Wood and Stewart try again this time with âItalian Girlsâ. But this time, his love lust proves his downfall as he is outsmarted by the woman in question and the song fades with the melancholy âShe broke my heart, she broke my heartâ.
Jimi Hendrix recorded âAngelâ just before he died and was released posthumous in 1971. Stewart records it in 1972 and I think Jimi would have been proud.
I am often asked what is my favorite Rod Stewart song, and it always makes me pause. I do always end on the same answer and thatâs âYou Wear It Wellâ. My argument being that it has the feel of âMaggie Mayâ, but it has Stewartâs charm and wit throughout and I just connect with it.
Rod is hands down one of the best interpreters of music period. His take on âIâd Rather Go Blindâ is pure fire. It gives me chills every time I listen to it. I can picture Rod tilting his head back and just unleashing some of his best vocals put on record. It is a stunning piece of blues/rock.
If you canât outdo Sam Cooke (and no one can) take one of his songs and make it your own. Rod does that with a down and dirty version of Cookeâs âTwistinâ the Night Awayâ. Rod has said he could never do it better then Cooke, so he just did it different. Rodâs version is really great as it speeds up and slows down and lets the drums breathe.
Grade: A++
Highest Position on Billboard Charts: #2
Songs To Twist The Night Away To: Listen to the whole album!