Rod Stewart. One of the greatest singers of all time and my favorite artist ever. Rod had an uncanny ability to be one of the boys and a helpless romantic, a lot of times in the same song. That’s why I believe he has had a career that has spanned five(!) decades. Like many people who love something I can pinpoint the moment I was forever a Rod Stewart fan…
My father and mother had just gotten a divorce. My dad moved in with my grandmother while he was looking for a new place to live. We spent every other weekend with my dad. My dad always had something going on. Always building, always tinkering. My dad would spend a lot of time in his garage hammering away on projects. One day I am pretty sure we were getting on his nerves. So he took me and my brothers down to the basement where my grandmother had her TV and VCR. He said watch this concert of Rod Stewart and pick a favorite song. My dad put in The Rod Stewart Concert Video, and as soon as he came out in a hot pink suit, sunglasses, with a canary yellow shirt I was hooked. The song, “Infatuation”. I ran up the stairs and told my dad that the first song was my favorite. My dad told me to watch the rest and then pick your favorite song, again I am sure he just wanted to be left alone but little did he know he created a Rod fan for life. My father and I have been to seven Rod Stewart concerts together and we still reminisce about each one.
Rod Stewart was born on North London on January 10, 1945. One birthday in his teens instead of getting a model train set he wanted Stewart’s father brought him home a guitar and told him, that there was money being a musician. From that gift bore a young man who would travel Europe and develop a style of folk and rock that would define him over the next five decades. The story of Stewart’s discovery is one of rock legend, playing harmonica on a railway platform, Rod was approached by John Baldry, who offered him a spot in his band. Rod accepted. After several years of bouncing around from one band to another, and releasing unsuccessful singles, Rod was invited to join Jeff Beck in his rock and blues band. Two albums were released to success in America but never really catching on in England. Rod left the Jeff Beck group shortly before Woodstock and set out on his own, signing a contract with Mercury Records. During this time Steve Marriott had just left The Small Faces, Ron Wood who had developed a friendship with Rod invited him to join the band as well. Rod accepted and was now a solo artist and part of a group.
“An Old Raincoat Won’t Ever Let You Down” was released in November of 1969 and Stewart’s style was established. Balancing blues, R&B, with a blend of folk and rock “An Old Raincoat” was sloppy and brilliant all at the same time. A couple of months later, The Small Faces, who were now named simply The Faces, with Rod on vocals released “First Step”. The Faces were a rock band through and through. Their first albums were brilliant but lacked some discipline. Songs would stretch to eight minutes in length and while each of their albums are rock classics they lacked the intimacy of Rod’s solo albums. By the time 1971’s “Every Picture Tells A Story” Stewart’s chart topping solo album, it became clear that Rod’s solo career was getting too big for The Faces. The Faces would release their best album, plus the greatest album title ever, “A Nod Is As Good As A Wink…To A Blind Horse”, in 1971 as well but Rod was the star. The Faces would release one more album, “Ooh La La” in 1974, but Ronnie Wood’s decision to join The Rolling Stones, sealed the fate of the fun loving Faces.
By 1975, Rod was now a full blown solo artist. He also relocated to the USA where he polished his sound with the appropriately titled, “Atlantic Crossing”. Gone was the folk of his early albums, replaced with stadium ready anthems like “Sailing”. Stewart career would launch it the stratosphere with hit album after hit album. Culminating with the disco-rock number one smash, “Blondes Have More Fun”. And of course the worldwide number one hit single, “Da Ya Think I’m Sexy?” Hated by critics and adored by fans Stewart would continue to change with the times. New wave synth pop in the 80’s to polished adult rock in the 90’s. One thing never changed, Rod still pumped out hits and was still one of the biggest concert draws in the world.
In the 2000’s after a misfire on the R&B infused “Human”, Stewart dived into The Great American Songbook. Stewart would release five volumes of the series and enjoy chart success he hadn’t seen since the 70’s. But just as soon as the world got used to Rod the Crooner, Rod returned to song writing with 2013’s “Time”.
Here are my 101 favorite Rod Stewart songs. This was not an easy list to compile. No, some of these are not critical darlings, but I am a Rod Stewart fan, and why I love one song over the next is something I cannot explain. Some songs just connect to me. You will find his most cherished songs of course, but I think you will also find some hidden gems. I encourage you to listen to these songs and judge for yourself, I think you will find a couple in here that you too will laugh, cry and sing to. (It’s not movies but damn it’s fun!)
101. She Won’t Dance With Me (Foolish Behaviour, 1980)-I love when Rod just makes silly, trashy, funny songs. “She Won’t Dance With Me” is Rod having a go at himself. Lusting after a woman who wants nothing to do with him, I can relate.
100. Holy Cow (Atlantic Crossing, Deluxe Edition, 2009)-Dusty gems were found when Rhino went into Rod’s vault and unearthed a lot of diamonds in the rough. Holy Cow is a fun little jaunt that’s light and breezy.
99. Run Back Into Your Arms (Human, 2001)-I still believe that “Human” is criminally underrated. The first single off the album, “Run Back Into Your Arms” is vintage Rod. A tale of a lovers mistake and just wanting to be forgiven, this song is definitely worth a listen or two.
98. Go Out Dancing (Vagabond Heart, 1991)-Stewart had a commercial smash album with “Vagabond Heart”, and while the singles all have appeal, “Go Out Dancing” is a hell of a fun song. It also features a terrific vocal performance by Rod.
97. She Makes Me Happy (Time, 2013)-Rod’s first single off of “Time” had a lot riding on it. Stewart returned to songwriting and had a lot to prove. Stewart succeed as “She Makes Me Happy” set the tone for a triumphant return. His lyrics proved to be just as clever as ever with a wink and a smile.
96. Last Train Home (Another Country, 2015)-If “Time” reminded the public of Stewart’s ability as a songwriter, 2015’s “Another Country”, confirmed it was here to stay. Take the song, “Last Train Home”. Left of the official release of the album, it could only be found on a Target exclusive bonus track. What people missed was a heartfelt, stirring performance by Stewart. Seek this song out.
95. Auld Lang Syne (Merry Christmas, Baby, 2012)-A Christmas album by Rod Stewart always scared me. I thought it would be unnecessary, but surprise (not really) it was well done. The highlight easily is “Auld Lang Syne”. Rod’s voice was made for this traditional ballad.
94. Just Like A Woman (Tonight I’m Yours, 1981)-Bob Dylan is not a good singer, but he is one hell of a songwriter. Rod seems to understand and deliver the words as Dylan had always intended. The highlight of “Just Like A Woman” to me is Stewart’s phrasing of lyrics. A prime example of how it feels Rod is singing a song just to you.
93. Time After Time (As Time Goes By…The Great American Songbook Volume II, 2004) The only Songbook song on my list, Time After Time is a classic song that Rod wraps his vocals around. I am also bias as this is the song my wife and I had our first dance to.
92. Walking In The Sunshine (Another Country, 2015)-Although it was released just last year, “Walking In The Sunshine” would easily fit into Rod’s 1988 album, “Out of Order”. Fun, catchy, and synthy I smile from ear to ear whenever this song pops up on my iPod.
91. Charlie Parker Loves Me (Human, 2001)-A deep cut from “Human”, “Charlie Parker Loves Me” is full of complicated lyrics and a catchy chorus. I am not sure why I love this song but I do.
90. If We Fall In Love Tonight (If We Fall In Love Tonight, 1996)-The title track off of Rod’s ballad compilation features a little over production, but damn is it catchy. The music video is also great.
89. Almost Illegal (Out of Order, 1988)-Some of my favorite Rod Stewart songs are ones that are buried on his most popular albums. The last song on “Out of Order” is the story of forbidden love told at a breakneck pace with a catchy chorus.
88. Leave Virginia Alone (A Spanner In The Works, 1995)-The success of Rod’s live performance and album, “Unplugged…And Seated” Stewart decided the time was right for an album of folky rock songs that he did so well in the 70’s. “Leave Virginia Alone” was the first single off of “A Spanner In The Works” and it perfectly captures the sound Rod was going for.
87. A Good Lover Is Hard To Find (The Rod Stewart Sessions, 2009)-I have no idea how this song did not make it onto “Vagabond Heart”. Lost to the world until Rhino’s amazing 4-CD box set of unreleased songs was finally released to adoring Rod fans, “A Good Lover” is funny and one heck of a rock song. The only reason I can think of is it was close to “Rebel Heart”, and maybe tonally did not fit on the album. I am just glad we finally got to hear it.
86. Jodie (B-side single from, “Oh! No Not My Baby”, 1973)-Regulated to the B-side of a single, “Jodie” is a The Faces song without an album. Fun, light and the best part, extremely catchy.
85. Never Give Up On A Dream (Tonight I’m Yours, 1981)-Inspired by marathon runner Terry Fox, Stewart’s vocals soar in a heartfelt plea to never quit.
84. Blondes (Have More Fun) (Blondes Have More Fun, 1978)-Remember earlier when I said I like Rod’s throwaway trashy, silly songs? “Blondes (Have More Fun)”, is one of those songs. And while some might dismiss it as a trashy, no consequence song, listen to the lyrics, there’s fun to be had!
83. Rhythm Of My Heart (Vagabond Heart, 1991)-Rod respects the military and their sacrifices. He has several songs that pay those respects. “Rhythm of My Heart” is his most commercially successful of those songs, with a blistering performance by Rod, it is a winner.
82. Love Is (Another Country, 2015)-The first single off of “Another Country” let Rod’s fans know what kind of album to expect. Clever lyrics and Celtic sounds pepper “Love Is”.
81. Dynamite (Out of Order, 1988)-A song about cruising the town with your boys trying to pick up ladies is exactly what my friends and I did, except we never succeeded. Oh well that’s why I live vicariously through Rod Stewart.
80. Still Love You (Atlantic Crossing, 1975)-Stewart is a master storyteller. He puts his talents to great use in “Still Love You”. Heartfelt and sweet, it also has a lazy, relaxing feel to the music.
79. Lady Luck (A Spanner In The Works, 1995)-There’s an Irish charm to “Lady Luck” with some clever Rod Stewart lyrics thrown in for good measure.
78. Miss Judy’s Farm (A Nod is a Good As a Wink…To A Blind Horse, 1971)-The Faces hit their apex with “A Nod”, a great mix of songs all that had a different vibe to them. “Miss Judy’s Farm” is a classic love song, by love song I mean 18 year old boys who were “whipped in the barn until dawn.”
77. Live The Life (Time, 2013)-Another great song from “Time”, “Live The Life” is a heartfelt plea to a son to make sure he lives life to the fullest. I love the chorus, it is very true, “So love the life you live, and live the life you love.”
76. Sailing (Atlantic Crossing, 1975)-A smash hit in the UK, “Sailing” is a song made to be sung at the top of your lungs in concert. Stewart owns songs about longing and maybe no song has us longing more than “Sailing.”
75. Hungry Heart (Tonight’s The Night: Live 1976-1998, 2014)-This is an amazing cover of a Bruce Springsteen song. Rod slows it down and makes it more intimate.
74. (Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher (Soulbook, 2009)-Rod has always loved American soul music. He tackled some of the most beloved songs on 2009’s “Soulbook”, and the highlight is (Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher. Stewart’s vocal prowess is on full display with an impassioned reading and performance.
73. Bad For You (Camouflage, 1984) Rod’s sexy side strikes again. I love this song. It’s totally 80’s and totally inappropriate. It also has some pretty clever lyrics, “take me to your river honey, fracture my mind.”
72. What’s Made Milwaukee Famous (Has Made a Loser Out of Me) (B-Side Angel Single, 1972)-Rod takes a chance on a fun country song and it works. Rod says he can’t remember where he recorded it, maybe he enjoyed some of what made Milwaukee famous while recording this song.
71. I Can’t Deny It (Human, 2001)-An infectious song that is the kind of song that just picks you up. Add a catchy chorus and you have a lost Stewart gem. Also points for being my wife’s favorite Rod Stewart song.
70. Weak (When We Were The New Boys, 1998)-Talk about a lost gem. Buried on Rod’s last album for Warner Bros., “Weak” is a powerful reminder of Stewart’s interpretive skills.
69. Three Time Loser (Atlantic Crossing, 1975)-A rock song about a sexually transmitted disease that is also pretty funny. A fun and energetic track that gets “Atlantic Crossing” off to a fun start.
68. Italian Girls (Never A Dull Moment, 1972)-Rod Stewart and Ronnie Wood knew how to write a song that is part fun loving and shagging birds. They do that on “Italian Girls” but they end the song with them longing for those some girls.
67. Stay With Me (A Nod Is As Good As A Wink…To A Blind Horse, 1971)-Speaking of shagging birds. “Stay With Me” makes no apologies about the life of a rock star. The Faces biggest hit showcases the boys at their partying best.
66. Hold The Line (Another Country, 2015)-The catchiest song off of “Another Country”, “Hold The Line” is such a joy to listen to. Not too many songs utilize the ukulele but maybe more should.
65. Three Button Hand Me Down (First Step, 1970)-A song about dressing sharp should be Rod Stewart’s theme song. I adore the bass line in this song and the lyrics are Rod at his most clever.
64. Windy Town (Once In A Blue Moon, 2010)-“Windy Town” was first heard by Rod’s 1995 album, “A Spanner In The Works”. And while it was good on “A Spanner”, it is a gem on “Blue Moon.” Stripped of the over production, “Windy Town” is haunting and beautiful. 
63. Some Guys Have All The Luck (Camouflage, 1984)-Trapped in the 80’s but a hell of a lot of fun, “Some Guys Have All The Luck” was a song Rod learned from Robert Palmer, who also covered it. How do you know it’s an 80’s song? Sax solo!
62. Tom Traubert’s Blues (Waltzing Matilda) (Lead Vocalist, 1993)-A weird meandering song written by Tom Waits, “Tom Traubert’s Blues”, is still a great cover by Stewart. I enjoy any song that challenges Rod as a vocalist, and this song does just that.
61. Smitten (Human, 2001)-Macy Gray wrote this song for Rod for his 2001 album “Human”. A song of longing with a catchy chorus. I said it earlier but I think “Human” is underrated.
60. In My Own Crazy Way (Every Beat of My Heart, 1986)-Another type of song I enjoy are ones that are simple, not over done production wise and let Rod just sing. “In My Own Crazy Way” fits the bill rather nicely. It does build to a crescendo at the end but that just adds to the song, not take away from it.
59. Guess I’ll Always Love You (Absolutely Live, 1982)-An original “Live” song that once again proves that Rod is the master at funny, heartfelt songs with winning choruses. 
58. I Don’t Want To Talk About It (Atlantic Crossing, 1975)-Ballad’s that are well written and covered by Rod can be breathtaking. “I Don’t Wanna Talk About It” is Rod again making someone else’s song and completely making it his own.
57. The First Cut is The Deepest (A Night On the Town, 1976)-Another song written by someone else that is now known as a Rod Stewart song. “The First Cut Is The Deepest” hits all the right notes and is a great sing-a-long in concert.
56. A Hard Lesson To Learn (B-Side Single, Love Touch, 1986)-Regulated to the B-Side of a commercial hit, “Love Touch”, how “A Hard Lesson To Learn” was left off of “Every Beat of My Heart” is a mystery. But it isn’t the only song that has befallen some of Rod’s best work. Maybe at over six minutes it was too long, however I think an excuse is just that, an excuse. At least it is available digitally and a stripped down version is on “The Rod Stewart Sessions”.
55. Can’t Stop Me Now (Time, 2013)-Rod’s rise through the ranks of obscure singer to rock and roll royalty is chronicled in a loving tribute to his father.
54. Infatuation (Camouflage, 1984)-The song that made me a Rod Stewart fan! Cool music video just adds to the awesomeness of “Infatuation”. Plus Rod rhymes “big bass drum, losing all equilibrium.” That alone makes this a winning song. 
53. Downtown Train (Storyteller, 1989)-Tom Waits’ “Downtown Train” is a well written song. It just needed the punch of a great singer. Enter Rod Stewart, he crushes this song. Rod’s sister, Mary said in “Behind The Music” it made her cry and knew Rod had a hit. She was 100% correct.
52. Rebel Heart (Vagabond Heart, 1991)-We all have been in love with someone who is too busy being a free spirit to care. “Rebel Heart” is fun and full of energy, and is one of my friend Ty’s favorite Rod Stewart song.
51. Ten Days Of Rain (Every Beat of My Heart, 1986)-Kevin Savigar, and Tony Brock team up with Stewart to pen a song about breaking up. Yes, when you lose someone it can feel like it’s “raining all over this world.”
50. Lady Day (Gasoline Alley, 1970)-Stewart flexes his songwriting ability with a folk tune from his second album. By this time Stewart was really settling into his trademark style, captured perfectly on “Lady Day.”
49. Stone Cold Sober (Atlantic Crossing, 1975)-Crunching guitars and getting drunk, pretty much the most accurate rock and roll song ever. Loads of fun with a driving force behind it, “Stone Cold Sober” proved Rod hadn’t totally left The Faces behind.
48. Da Ya Think I’m Sexy? (Blondes Have More Fun, 1978)-Another turning point in Rod’s career was this world wide smash disco song. Hated by critics, loved by fans “Da Ya Think I’m Sexy?” is still the ultimate disco/rock song. Looking back on it I still don’t think critics will ever understand it, I however believe that as an artist you need to change with the times. And I disagree, it’s not a sellout song by any means. “Da Ya” still has the trademark Rod wit throughout, “They wake at dawn, cos all the birds are singin’. Two total strangers but that ain’t what they’re thinking.” Plus people mistakenly think Rod is singing about himself, he’s not, he’s telling a story, “She sits alone waiting for suggestions. He’s so nervous, avoiding all her questions.” Such a fun song.
47. Had Me A Real Good Time (Long Player, 1971)-The Faces were a bunch of fun lovin’ lads and no song better captured their spirit then, “Had Me A Real Good Time.” A song about getting drunk at a high class party and getting kicked out. I am not sure another band could pull a song like this off so brilliantly.
46. Way Back Home (Another Country, 2015)-Rod has always admired the armed forces. Here he recalls stories he heard about World War II. This song is absolutely stunning.
45. Cut Across Shorty (Gasoline Alley, 1970)-A sort of fairy tale told in a rollicking folksy way. A race for a ladies hand is won by Shorty, a country boy with the help of the beautiful Miss Lucy, “cos Ol’Lucy had fixed the race.” By the time the fast city boy Dan crossed the finish line, “he found Shorty waiting there.”
44. Girl From The North Country (The Rod Stewart Sessions, 2009)-Although this song is very good as it originally appeared on the 1974 album, “Smiler” I will take the version that is stripped down and allows Stewart to be the great singer he is. Another Bob Dylan song that seems to be written for Rod.
43. Hot Legs (Footloose and Fancy Free, 1977)-Fighting guitars. Lusting after a pair of legs. I love this song. Of course now Rod does not sing the no longer P.C. third verse with such delicacies as “Imagine how my daddy felt, in your jet black suspender belt. Seventeen years old, he’s touching sixty-four!”
42. Ooh La La (When We Were The New Boys, 1998)-When Ronnie Lane passed away in 1997 Rod paid tribute to him on his 1998 album, with a wonderful version of the Ronnie Lane penned, “Ooh La La.” Originally sung by Ronnie Wood on the final Faces album, “Ooh La La”, it was great to hear Rod give this classic song a go.
41. Tonight I’m Yours (Tonight I’m Yours, 1981)-New wave rock song with a drum machine might have been new in 1981, but what wasn’t new was a song about hooking up for only one night. Rod is having fun in this song and it is a blast to listen to at full volume.
40. My Heart Can’t Tell You No (Out of Order, 1988)-Another example of Stewart totally owning a song that he did not write. It deals with the fallout of your partner being unfaithful and being unable to say no to them. A song a lot of people can relate to.
39. In A Broken Dream (The Rod Stewart Sessions, 2009)-I am going to get a lot of flak from the die hard Stewart fans (Hey, I am one of them!) but I will take this all star version of a Rod classic over the 1970 version. Doug Gilmour and John Paul Jones join Stewart in this long lost gem. Stewart’s voice is in its absolute peak here.
38. Brighton Beach (Time, 2013)-Rod is always at his best reminiscing about times gone by. “Brighton Beach” is one of the stand outs on his return to song writing in 2013. Best line, “and I toured your heart with my out of tune guitar.” 
37. Pool Hard Richard (Single, 1973)-I enjoy this barroom song about trying to take down the local billiard shark. The Faces were always at their best when they were having fun.
36. Only A Hobo (Gasoline Alley, 1970)-Another Dylan song that Stewart owns. Rod is able to emote with his voice in a way that makes almost everyone else pale in comparison. With a heartbreaking reading of “only a hobo, but one more is gone” it will pull on your heartstrings.
35. Every Beat of My Heart (Every Beat of My Heart, 1986)-The title track of “Every Beat of My Heart” is all about being home sick. Again Rod makes you long for England even if you’ve never been there.
34. Ain’t Love A Bitch (Blondes Have More Fun, 1978)-A mid-tempo winner from Stewart if the wrongly labeled disco album, “Blondes Have More Fun.” This is pure Stewart in all his self-deprecating glory.
33. Tonight’s The Night (Gonna Be Alright) (A Night On The Town, 1976)-The lead single on Stewart’s “A Night On The Town”, the song shot to number one on the Billboard charts. Racy (for the time) lyrics added to its mystic. I often wondered how many people shagged to this in the 70’s?
32. You Can Make Me Dance, Sing, or Anything (Even Take The Dog For a Walk, Mend a Fuse, Fold Away the Ironing Board, or Any Other Domestic Shortcomings) (Single, 1974)-Of course The Faces would have one of the silliest titles for a song ever. Fun and light “You Can Make Me Dance” is The softer side of The Faces.
31. What Am I Gonna Do( I’m So In Love With You) (Body Wishes, 1983)-A troubled production on the album “Body Wishes” did not stop it from releasing a couple of gems. One of them is “What Am I Gonna Do (I’m So In Love With You). Pure 80’s love. 
30. Lost In You (Out of Order, 1988)-Out of Order produced a lot of winning songs, the snappiest is this break neck paced tell of love. Rod gives his all on this song, crank it up and enjoy!
29. Jo’s Lament (Gasoline Alley, 1970)-Rod once again looks to his own life for inspiration in a song about being afraid of being alone. I am not 100% sure but this song seems to be about when Rod and his girlfriend gave up their child for adoption and Rod’s not so tactful response, “You bore my child and I left you aside, I don’t expect you to forgive.” He comes back at the end of the song to what I believe is his most honest moment on record, “and I am so afraid, to sleep alone for the rest of my days.”
28. Please (Another Country, 2015)-What a song! Rod begging a woman to “stay with me tonight” sounds like it could easily fit on any Faces album. And Rod’s “Please!” will leave you speechless.
27. Cindy Incidentally (Ooh La La, 1974)-Clever little ditty about moving on from where you live, “Cindy” is another fun, great song from The Faces. I dream of the day Rod will sing this again in concert.
26. Come See Me Baby (The Cheater) (Five Guys Walk Into A Bar, 2004)-How in the world did this not make onto a Faces album? Amazing lyrics, great singing and wonderful music accompany this little ditty from The Faces. I am so glad that this saw the light of day, thanks Mac!
25. Crazy About Her (Out of Order, 1988)-One of my favorite songs from “Out of Order”, “Crazy About Her” has all the hallmarks of a great song. Clever lyrics, cool music, and a kind of rapping Rod Stewart. I always crank this one up. The music video is a stunner as well. I think I am going to listen to this right now.
24. Scarred and Scared (Blondes Have More Fun, 1978)-Singing about being on death row might not sound like a subject Stewart would tackle, but he does and the song is amazing. Losing your life in a heat of passion is the subject and the despair of one man who “killed a boy, just seventeen.”
23. Dirty Old Town (An Old Raincoat Won’t Ever Let You Down, 1969)-When Rod made his first album he mixed folk and rock to great success. “Dirty Old Town” is one of the highlights. I love seeing Rod perform this live because he busts out his guitar.
22. Reason To Believe (Every Picture Tells A Story, 1971)-Talk about making a song your own. Rod owns Tim Hardin’s “Reason To Believe”. It appears on “Unplugged…and Seated” as well where it gained even more airplay.
21. Rosie (B-side single, The Killing of Georgie (Part I and II), 1976)-I wasn’t alive in 1976, and even I do not understand how “Rosie” is not on “A Night on The Town”, and maybe my least favorite Rod Stewart song, “Trade Winds” is. Rosie is a winner in every sense of the word, funny, catchy and awesome, pretty much everything “Trade Winds” is not.
20. Just Another Honky (Ooh La La, 1974)-Maybe it’s the title of “Just Another Honky” on why it wasn’t a hit in 1974, because everything else is there on this Ronnie Lane penned, Stewart sung winner. Break ups are hard and we all seem to always find a way to rekindle what we lost. We think at the time that we want that person back and that’s why everyone can relate to the chorus, “You can go if want to. I don’t own you. Go be wild. Leave my hand it’s wide open, so’s the door forevermore.”
19. Baby Jane (Body Wishes, 1983)-The person you love is all of a sudden a big deal, and does not have time for you, but you remember when “you had no one to talk to”. Rod crushes yet another slice of pure 80’s gold.
18. Handbags and Gladrags (An Old Raincoat Won’t Ever Let You Down, 1969)-Rod did an amazing job on his first album writing songs and selecting songs he thought he could cover well. Mike D’Abo’s beautifully haunting “Handbags and Gladrags” was made for Rod Stewart. Rod is the best at telling stories through music. Even when he is not the writer his interpretation of songs usually is spot on.
17. Jealous Guy (Five Guys Walk Into A Bar, 2004)-Rod’s vocals on this lost track are a thing of legend. The opening banter between the boys is icing on the cake.
16. It’s Over (Time, 2013)-Rod’s return to song writing reached the pinnacle with “It’s Over”. A song about divorce that has some truly haunting lyrics, my personal favorite is “inseparable were we, with the breeze in our sails, now I feel the chilled wind of a marriage that failed.” Heartbreaking stuff.
15. Young Turks (Tonight I’m Yours, 1981)-Breaking free from your parents is a rite of passage. In “Young Turks”, Rod tells the story Billy and Patti, who make a break for the beach and party. It ends on a happy note with the birth of a “ten pound baby boy”. And Rod’s catchy chorus of “Young hearts be free tonight!” ensure this will be an anthem forever.
14. Farewell (Smiler, 1974)-Rod sings about his leaving his family behind in what I call the final act in his trilogy of Mercury. Making it big comes at a price, a price that Rod explores in “Farewell”.
13. You’re In My Heart (The Final Acclaim) (Footloose and Fancy Free, 1977)-Is this a song about a beautiful woman or the beautiful game? I’m still not sure, but what I do know is it is the greatest sing-a-long song ever!
12. An Old Raincoat Won’t Ever Let You Down (An Old Raincoat Won’t Ever Let You Down, 1969)-The title track off of 1969’s “An Old Raincoat” is Rod yet again succeeding on a song that is part style and part being young and having fun with your friends.
11. Love Lives Here (A Nod Is As Good As A Wink…To A Blind Horse, 1971)-A Faces song that builds on a metaphor for love lost in the disguise of a building being torn down. When The Faces fired on all cylinders the results would be heartfelt beautiful songs.
10. Forever Young (Out of Order, 1988)-A song for your children and a song for the young at heart, “Forever Young” is such a triumph of a song. Played at high school reunions and weddings galore, “Forever Young” is a timeless classic.
9. I’d Rather Go Blind (Never A Dull Moment, 1972)-I believe “I’d Rather Go Blind” to be Rod Stewart’s best cover. He owns this song. Heartfelt, powerful and everything this song should be, Rod’s vocals soar to incredible heights and emotion.
8. Gasoline Alley (Gasoline Alley, 1970)-A timeless song about being homesick and maybe you made a mistake to leave, “Gasoline Alley” is Rod at his folky best.
7. Every Picture Tells A Story (Every Picture Tells A Story, 1971)-Rod once again dips into the well of his own life this time telling the story about his busking days across Europe. I love how this song opens, “Spent some time feeling inferior. Standing in front of my mirror. Combed my hair in a thousand ways, but I came out just the same.”
6. I Was Only Joking (Footlosse and Fancy Free, 1977)-Growing up is hard. It sounds better when it is told through the wit and charm of Rod Stewart. Even at the height of Rod’s superstardom he still could tell a story completely grounded.
5. The Killing of Georgie (Parts I and II) A Night on The Town, 1976)-Groundbreaking song about the life and shocking murder of one of Stewart’s gay friends. Rod channels Bob Dylan with incredible lyrics like, “Georgie boy was gay I guess, nothing more and nothing less. The kindest guy I ever knew.” And of course the heartbreaking, “His mother’s tears fell in vain, the afternoon George tried to explain, that he needed love like all the rest. Pa said there must be a mistake, how can my son not be straight.” People often forget how great of a song writer Rod Stewart is.
4. You Wear It Well (Never A Dull Moment, 1972)-I think this has some of Rod’s best lines. Set to the same tempo as “Maggie May”, Rod struck gold again with guitarist Martin Quittenton. Part whimsy, part love song, “You Wear It Well” yet again proves Stewart is one of the best lyricists around. 
3. Mandolin Wind (Every Picture Tells A Story, 1971)-Perhaps Stewart’s best written song, “Mandolin Wind” tells the story of bracing for a brutal winter in the heartland of the American frontier. Every time I hear “Mandolin Wind” my heart breaks and soars all at the same time. Well done Roderick, well done.
2. Oh God, I Wish I Was Home Tonight (Foolish Behaviour, 1980)-I remember the first time I heard “Oh God, I Wish I Was Home Tonight”, my dad was taking us waterskiing across Colorado to Nebraska. My dad would always play Rod Stewart. He put in his latest buy, the “Storyteller” collection, cassette tape three. When the piano started I was in love, and when Rod started singing the cleverest lyrics he has ever written I knew I had heard a favorite song. To this day I never skip this song and I am always transported back to being eight years old going on camping trips. 
1. Maggie May (Every Picture Tells A Story, 1971)-Of course the greatest Rod Stewart song is the greatest folk/rock song of all time. Stewart achieved a number one album and number one single at the same time in both the U.S. and the U.K., a feat that very few have ever accomplished. “Maggie May” not only was a B-side single, it almost did not make the album! But the catchy, funny lyrics won out, and like Rod has said many times, “Some Guys Have All The Luck”. And “Maggie May” also established who Stewart would always be, one of the guys. The lyrics, “The morning sun when it’s in your face really shows your age. But that don’t worry me none in my eyes you’re everything.” Rod would further cement his status as being one of the cleverest lyricists with funny heartfelt lines as “All you did was wreck my bed and in the morning kicked me in the head.” I could go on and on about the genius of “Maggie May” but I would rather just listen to it.
This article of course is dedicated to my dad, Steve, you “Wear It Well” dad, “You Wear It Well”.