The Small Faces were a British rock band that emerged in the 1960s and left an indelible mark on the music scene of their time. With their catchy melodies, poetic lyrics, and dynamic performances, The Small Faces achieved both critical acclaim and commercial success, becoming one of the most influential bands of their era. In this article, we will take a look at the top 10 best The Small Faces songs of all time. From the soulful ballad “All or Nothing” to the psychedelic masterpiece “Itchycoo Park,” these songs showcase the band’s diverse musical talents and highlight their ability to capture the spirit of their times. Whether you’re a lifelong fan of The Small Faces or a newcomer to their music, this list is sure to provide a fresh perspective on their legacy and inspire you to revisit their classic tunes. So, let’s dive in and explore the best of The Small Faces!
1. Lazy Sunday
“Lazy Sunday” by The Small Faces is a lively, upbeat tune that captures the carefree spirit of a lazy day. Released in 1968, the song is a mix of rock, pop, and folk music, with a memorable melody and catchy lyrics. The lead vocalist Steve Marriott delivers the lyrics with his signature gritty voice, accompanied by playful instrumentation featuring a prominent piano riff, a driving drum beat, and a brass section that adds to the song’s joyful energy. The lyrics describe a lazy Sunday spent lounging around and having fun with friends, with references to the band’s hometown of London and its bustling urban culture. Overall, “Lazy Sunday” is a fun, upbeat song that captures the essence of youthful, carefree summer days.
2. Itchycoo Park
“Itchycoo Park” is a psychedelic rock classic by The Small Faces, released in 1967. The song is known for its whimsical lyrics, dreamy melody, and swirling instrumentation. The lyrics describe a mystical place called Itchycoo Park, where the flowers grow high and the sun shines all day. The song’s title is a play on words, as “Itchycoo” is a British slang term for stinging nettles. The instrumentation features a swirling organ riff, a driving bass line, and layers of vocal harmonies, creating a lush soundscape that transports the listener to a different world. The song’s use of echo and reverb effects further enhances its dreamlike quality. “Itchycoo Park” is a beloved classic of the psychedelic rock genre, capturing the spirit of the 1960s counterculture movement and its celebration of peace, love, and freedom.
3. All or Nothing
“All or Nothing” by The Small Faces is a soulful rock ballad that was released in 1966. The song features the powerful vocals of Steve Marriott and the intricate guitar work of Ronnie Lane, with a simple but effective melody that builds in intensity as the song progresses. The lyrics are about a relationship that is on the brink of collapse, with the singer pleading with his lover to either commit fully to the relationship or walk away for good. The song is a powerful expression of emotional vulnerability and raw honesty, and is widely considered to be one of The Small Faces’ greatest hits.
4. Tin Soldier
“Tin Soldier” is a hard-rocking anthem that was released in 1967. The song features a memorable guitar riff and driving drums, with Steve Marriott’s powerful vocals conveying a sense of urgency and passion. The lyrics are a poetic expression of the highs and lows of love, with the protagonist declaring his devotion to his lover despite the challenges they face. The song’s title is a reference to a toy soldier that the protagonist compares himself to, as he fights to protect his love against all odds. “Tin Soldier” is a powerful and emotional song that showcases The Small Faces’ ability to blend hard rock with poetic lyricism.
5. The Universal
“The Universal” is a song by The Small Faces from their 1968 album “Ogdens’ Nut Gone Flake.” The song features a dreamy, psychedelic melody and ethereal vocals that create a sense of otherworldly wonder. The lyrics are a celebration of the universal nature of human experience, with the singer expressing a sense of interconnectedness with all of humanity. The song’s use of unconventional instrumentation, including a harpsichord and a brass section, adds to its surreal quality. “The Universal” is a beautiful and thought-provoking song that reflects the spiritual and philosophical explorations of the late 1960s.
6. Sha-La-La-La-Lee
“Sha-La-La-La-Lee” is a catchy and upbeat song by the British rock band The Small Faces, released in 1966. The song features lead vocalist Steve Marriott’s energetic and soulful voice, which perfectly complements the upbeat and fast-paced melody. The catchy chorus “Sha-La-La-La-Lee, yeah yeah yeah” is instantly memorable and has become one of the band’s most iconic songs. The song is driven by a pulsing rhythm guitar riff, Hammond organ fills, and a swinging bassline, which all come together to create a dynamic and danceable track. The lyrics are simple but effective, describing the singer’s infatuation with a girl and the irresistible pull of her charms. “Sha-La-La-La-Lee” is a quintessential example of the mod sound that The Small Faces helped to define in the 1960s, with its infectious energy and catchy hooks.
7. Afterglow (Of Your Love)
“Afterglow (Of Your Love)” is a beautiful and emotional ballad by The Small Faces, released in 1968. The song features lead vocalist Steve Marriott’s soulful and expressive voice, which conveys a sense of longing and heartbreak. The melody is lush and atmospheric, with soaring strings, gentle acoustic guitar, and a poignant piano line. The song’s arrangement is a departure from the band’s earlier mod-influenced sound, with a more mature and sophisticated approach that shows their versatility as musicians. The lyrics are heartfelt and introspective, describing the aftermath of a failed relationship and the lingering feelings of love that remain. “Afterglow (Of Your Love)” is a standout track from The Small Faces’ acclaimed album “Ogdens’ Nut Gone Flake” and is often regarded as one of their finest moments as a band. The song’s emotional depth and musical sophistication have ensured its enduring popularity among fans of classic rock and soul music.
8. Here Come the Nice
“Here Come the Nice” is a psychedelic rock song by The Small Faces, released in 1967. The song features a driving rhythm section and a catchy guitar riff, with psychedelic effects and keyboard flourishes adding to its trippy atmosphere. The lyrics describe the hedonistic lifestyle of the “Nice”, a term used to refer to mod subculture and its love of fashion, music, and drugs. The song’s distinctive chorus, “Here come the Nice, lookin’ so good, they’re gonna get ya”, captures the rebellious spirit of the era and the excitement of the youth culture. “Here Come the Nice” is a classic example of the British psychedelic sound that emerged in the late 1960s, with its kaleidoscopic imagery and infectious grooves.
9. I’ve Got Mine
“I’ve Got Mine” is a hard-hitting rock song by The Small Faces, released in 1965. The song features a driving rhythm section and a fiery guitar riff, with Steve Marriott’s raspy vocals delivering the lyrics with attitude and swagger. The lyrics describe the competitive nature of the music business and the band’s determination to succeed on their own terms. The song’s refrain, “I’ve got mine, don’t worry ’bout yourself”, embodies the band’s rebellious spirit and refusal to conform to the norms of the industry. “I’ve Got Mine” is a high-energy rock track that showcases The Small Faces’ raw and powerful sound, with its catchy hooks and powerful instrumentation.
10. Whatcha Gonna Do About It
“Whatcha Gonna Do About It” is a classic R&B-infused rock song by The Small Faces, released in 1965. The song features a driving rhythm section and a catchy guitar riff, with Marriott’s soulful vocals delivering the lyrics with energy and passion. The song’s lyrics describe a love triangle and the singer’s challenge to his rival to step up and take action. The song’s refrain, “Whatcha gonna do about it, what’cha gonna do?”, is a defiant challenge that captures the band’s rebellious and confrontational attitude. “Whatcha Gonna Do About It” is a standout track from The Small Faces’ early years, with its blend of rock and R&B influences creating a dynamic and exciting sound that helped to define the mod scene of the 1960s.
Samuel Moore 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.
