Few bands have left as indelible a mark on rock music as The Faces. Known for their raw energy, rollicking performances, and unforgettable blend of blues, rock, and soul, The Faces burst onto the scene in the late 1960s and quickly earned a reputation as one of the greatest live acts of all time. With Rod Stewart’s raspy vocals, Ron Wood’s gritty guitar riffs, and the tight rhythm section of Ronnie Lane, Ian McLagan, and Kenney Jones, The Faces crafted songs that were as infectious as they were heartfelt. From timeless anthems of rebellion to soulful ballads loaded with emotion, their music has stood the test of time, influencing countless artists and captivating generations of fans.
In this article, we’re counting down the top 10 most popular songs by The Faces, celebrating the tracks that showcase their undeniable charisma, musical prowess, and larger-than-life personalities. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just discovering their catalog, these songs represent the very best of what made The Faces a rock ‘n’ roll powerhouse. So, crank up the volume, grab a drink, and get ready to dive into the music that defined an era. Here are the top 10 most iconic songs from The Faces!
1. Stay With Me (1971)
Released in 1971 as part of The Faces’ album A Nod Is As Good As a Wink… to a Blind Horse, “Stay With Me” has become the quintessential Faces track, defining their sound with raw energy and unapologetic swagger. From the very first note, Ron Wood’s gritty guitar riff pulls you in, setting the stage for Rod Stewart’s unmistakable raspy vocals. The song exudes confidence and humor as it tells the tale of a fleeting one-night stand, with Stewart’s charismatic delivery making the cheeky story both relatable and fun. Lyrically, the song takes on a playful, almost tongue-in-cheek approach to the idea of a no-strings-attached encounter, a common theme in rock music, but delivered with Faces’ unique, swagger-filled style. The pulsating rhythm and infectious chorus turn this song into a high-octane anthem that has been a fan favorite for decades. Its pure, adrenaline-fueled energy captures everything great about The Faces—gritty, playful, and completely unfiltered. Whether in live performances or on record, “Stay With Me” remains a staple in classic rock, showcasing the perfect combination of musicianship, charm, and attitude that defined the band during their peak.
2. Ooh La La (1973)
“Ooh La La” stands out as one of The Faces’ most beloved tracks, not just because of its catchy melody, but because of the wistfulness it captures. Released in 1973 as the title track of their Ooh La La album, this song, sung by bassist Ronnie Lane rather than Rod Stewart, carries a different tone from much of their catalog. The acoustic-driven melody is laid-back and reflective, perfectly matching Lane’s more delicate, sincere vocal style. The lyrics touch on themes of growing older and the bittersweet nature of hindsight, encapsulated in the famous line, “I wish that I knew what I know now, when I was younger.” That sentiment resonates with listeners of all ages, making the song a timeless meditation on life’s lessons and the passage of time. Musically, the song blends folk and rock influences, giving it a timeless and nostalgic feel. The simplicity of its structure only adds to its charm, as it invites listeners to reflect on their own experiences of regret, learning, and nostalgia. “Ooh La La” may have a mellow, understated vibe compared to the band’s more raucous songs, but its emotional depth has made it one of their enduring classics.
3. Cindy Incidentally (1973)
Released on the Ooh La La album in 1973, “Cindy Incidentally” captures The Faces’ ability to merge rock with soul and blues to create something entirely unique. The song is both lively and laid-back, filled with swagger and charm that epitomize The Faces’ freewheeling spirit during their prime. Rod Stewart’s vocal performance is playful and full of attitude as he tells the story of a man urging a woman, Cindy, to break free from her mundane life and embark on an adventure with him. The lyrics are simple yet effective, reflecting the band’s carefree ethos. Musically, Ian McLagan’s rollicking piano riffs inject a sense of spontaneity and excitement, while Ron Wood’s guitar work adds grit to the mix, creating a seamless blend of rock and roll with a bluesy undercurrent. The infectious melody and tight rhythm make the track an absolute standout, demonstrating the band’s ability to balance carefree fun with impressive musicianship. “Cindy Incidentally” has an easygoing feel to it, but it also captures the restless spirit of its time, where freedom and escapism were central themes in rock music. It remains one of The Faces’ most cherished tracks, a feel-good anthem that never loses its charm.
4. Had Me a Real Good Time (1971)
“Had Me a Real Good Time” perfectly captures The Faces’ love for the wild and carefree lifestyle they embodied in the early ’70s. Released as a single in 1971 and later included on their Long Player album, the song is a celebration of unfiltered fun, freedom, and a little bit of debauchery. Rod Stewart’s raspy vocals take center stage as he narrates a wild night out, reveling in the chaos and joy that comes with living in the moment. The song opens with a boogie-woogie piano riff courtesy of Ian McLagan, setting a party-like atmosphere that builds throughout the track. The rhythm section drives the song forward with an infectious energy, capturing the freewheeling, raucous spirit that was at the heart of The Faces’ music. As the song progresses, it builds to an explosive crescendo, layering guitars and vocals in a way that mirrors the high-energy chaos of a great party. “Had Me a Real Good Time” quickly became a fan favorite, with its upbeat tempo and celebratory lyrics making it a staple of the band’s live shows. It’s a track that doesn’t just tell a story—it pulls you into the experience, making you feel like you’re right there with them.
5. Flying (1970)
“Flying,” from The Faces’ 1970 debut album First Step, is a track that shows the band’s introspective side, revealing they were capable of more than just party anthems and rockers. This song takes a more emotional and reflective approach, with its lyrics speaking to a yearning for freedom and escape. Rod Stewart’s vocals are soulful and filled with longing, as he sings about breaking free from constraints and searching for something more meaningful. The song’s arrangement builds gradually, starting with a delicate acoustic guitar before layering in electric guitars and drums, creating a sense of movement that mirrors the theme of flight and escape. As the track progresses, it grows more intense, building to a soaring climax that feels cathartic and liberating. The blend of acoustic and electric guitars, combined with the tight rhythm section, gives the song a rich, textured sound that sets it apart from the more straightforward rock tunes in their catalog. “Flying” is a powerful song that highlights The Faces’ ability to mix introspection with musical complexity, offering listeners a chance to get lost in its emotional depths. It’s a testament to the band’s versatility and their skill in crafting songs that hit both musically and emotionally.
6. Pool Hall Richard (1973)
Released as a single in 1973, “Pool Hall Richard” is a fast-paced rocker that encapsulates the wild, rebellious spirit of The Faces. From the very start, the song bursts with energy, driven by Ron Wood’s punchy guitar riffs and a propulsive rhythm section. The lyrics tell the story of a brash, confident pool hustler, and Rod Stewart’s vocals perfectly capture the swagger and attitude of the character. His delivery is full of bravado, giving the song a cheeky, devil-may-care vibe that matches its subject matter. Musically, “Pool Hall Richard” is relentless, with each band member firing on all cylinders. Ron Wood’s guitar work is particularly notable, delivering sharp, infectious riffs that propel the song forward, while Ian McLagan’s piano adds an extra layer of rock and roll exuberance. The song’s upbeat tempo and infectious energy make it a favorite for live performances, where its high-octane nature really comes to life. “Pool Hall Richard” is one of those tracks that captures The Faces at their most carefree and fun-loving, reveling in the mischief and excitement that rock and roll was all about in the early ’70s. It’s a song that doesn’t take itself too seriously, and that’s exactly what makes it so irresistible.
7. Three Button Hand Me Down (1970)
“Three Button Hand Me Down,” from The Faces’ 1970 debut album First Step, is an anthem for anyone who’s ever taken pride in their individuality. The song is full of youthful exuberance, with Rod Stewart singing proudly about his second-hand clothes, defying the expectations of what it means to fit in. The driving bassline by Ronnie Lane gives the track its backbone, creating a funky groove that’s impossible to resist. The song’s upbeat rhythm, combined with its playful lyrics, makes it a joyous celebration of self-expression and non-conformity. Rod Stewart’s vocals are brimming with confidence, while Ron Wood’s guitar work adds just the right amount of grit to keep the song grounded in rock and roll. What makes “Three Button Hand Me Down” stand out is its infectious energy—it’s a track that feels loose, carefree, and utterly joyful. The Faces were known for their ability to have fun with their music, and this song exemplifies that. With its catchy chorus and funky rhythm, it’s the kind of song that immediately lifts your spirits, reminding listeners to embrace who they are without apology. It’s a timeless track that speaks to the rebel in all of us.
8. Too Bad (1971)
“Too Bad,” from The Faces’ 1971 album A Nod Is As Good As a Wink… to a Blind Horse, is a perfect example of the band’s ability to blend humor with hard-hitting rock and roll. The song’s lyrics tell a story of a man facing a string of unfortunate mishaps, but instead of wallowing in his bad luck, the tone remains light-hearted and cheeky. Rod Stewart’s vocals, as always, are full of grit and personality, delivering the lyrics with a wry sense of humor that makes the song instantly relatable. Musically, the track is driven by Ron Wood’s sharp guitar work and Ian McLagan’s rollicking piano, creating an upbeat, energetic sound that contrasts with the unlucky circumstances described in the lyrics. The song’s fast-paced rhythm and catchy chorus make it an instant crowd-pleaser, and it became a staple in the band’s live shows. “Too Bad” showcases The Faces’ ability to keep things light even when dealing with less-than-ideal situations, turning bad luck into a fun, high-energy rock anthem. Its infectious energy and playful attitude make it a standout in their catalog and a fan favorite to this day.
9. Debris (1971)
“Debris,” from the 1971 album A Nod Is As Good As a Wink… to a Blind Horse, offers a poignant and deeply personal side of The Faces, standing in stark contrast to their usual rowdy rockers. Written and sung by bassist Ronnie Lane, the song is a reflective ballad that delves into Lane’s relationship with his father. The acoustic melody is gentle and understated, allowing Lane’s heartfelt lyrics to take center stage. The song’s introspective nature and nostalgic tone create an atmosphere of quiet reflection, as Lane sings about sifting through the emotional “debris” of his past. Musically, the simplicity of the acoustic arrangement gives the song a timeless quality, while Lane’s raw and sincere vocal delivery adds to its emotional depth. “Debris” stands out not just because of its subject matter, but because it offers a glimpse into a more vulnerable side of the band, one that is rarely seen amidst their usual boisterous rock songs. Its emotional honesty has made it a favorite among fans who appreciate the band’s softer, more introspective moments. It’s a song that resonates on a personal level, offering a moment of quiet introspection in an otherwise rowdy catalog.
10. Miss Judy’s Farm (1971)
“Miss Judy’s Farm” opens A Nod Is As Good As a Wink… to a Blind Horse with an explosive burst of energy. Released in 1971, the song is a high-octane rocker that immediately grabs the listener’s attention with its driving beat and infectious guitar riffs. The song tells the story of a group of mischievous farmhands working for the no-nonsense Miss Judy, and Rod Stewart’s playful storytelling brings the characters to life with wit and humor. His raspy, dynamic vocals add an extra layer of charm to the track, while Ron Wood’s electrifying guitar work takes the song to another level. The rhythm section is tight and powerful, creating a sense of urgency and excitement that keeps the energy high from start to finish. “Miss Judy’s Farm” encapsulates everything that made The Faces great: their ability to combine sharp musicianship with a sense of fun and irreverence. It’s a song that feels alive with raw energy and spontaneity, making it an instant classic in the band’s catalog. Whether played live or on record, “Miss Judy’s Farm” never fails to get the crowd moving, showcasing The Faces at their most electrifying.
Edward Tomlin is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
