In the annals of rock and roll history, few bands have left as indelible a mark as The Faces. Rising from the ashes of the legendary Small Faces, this British rock supergroup, formed in 1969, quickly garnered a reputation for their infectious energy, raucous live performances, and a distinctive blend of rock, blues, and folk. Comprised of some of the most revered musicians of their era, including Rod Stewart, Ronnie Wood, Ronnie Lane, Ian McLagan, and Kenney Jones, The Faces created a musical legacy that continues to captivate audiences to this day.
With their signature swagger and irreverent charm, The Faces crafted an impressive catalog of songs that perfectly encapsulated the spirit of the times. From the gritty tales of hard living to soul-stirring ballads and foot-stomping anthems, their music resonated with listeners across generations. Now, as we embark on a journey through the annals of their discography, we present to you the definitive list of the Top 10 Best The Faces Songs of All Time.
From the iconic “Stay with Me” to the timeless balladry of “Ooh La La,” each song on this list represents a masterpiece of songwriting, musicianship, and raw emotion. Join us as we delve into the music that defined an era, showcasing the undeniable talent and enduring legacy of The Faces.
1. Maybe I’m Amazed
The Faces' classic 'Maybe I’m Amazed' is a powerful rock ballad that showcases Rod Stewart's emotive vocals. The song's melancholic lyrics, combined with the band's raunchy riffs and grooves make it an unforgettable tune. 'Maybe I’m Amazed' is a timeless track that demands attention and respect from music enthusiasts all around the world.
Continuing with The Faces' top songs, 'Stay With Me' is another of their classic hits. This song features a memorable guitar riff, pounding drums and Rod Stewart's signature gravelly voice. It’s an energetic rocker that epitomizes the band’s sound perfectly.
For those who prefer slower melodies, 'Ooh La La' is the ideal choice as it showcases Ronnie Lane's poignant lyrics and the band's exquisite harmonies. This track has become one of their most enduring creations and stands out for its subtle yet profound message.
To further explore The Faces' discography, fans should definitely check out 'Cindy Incidentally'. This song highlights their ability to expertly blend rock, pop, and soul music styles together into one polished package. It’s a playful and catchy tune that will leave listeners humming its infectious chorus for days.
For fans of blues-infused rock n’ roll, 'You Can Make Me Dance, Sing or Anything (Even Take The Dog For A Walk)' is an absolute must-listen track. This rollicking tune showcases Ronnie Wood's bluesy guitar licks and Kenney Jones’ manic drumming in full force.
Miss Judy's Farm: Where the only thing more chaotic than the farm animals is Rod Stewart's hair.
2. Miss Judy’s Farm
Miss Judy's Farm showcases The Faces' unique rock and roll sound, with a blend of guitar riffs, piano chords, and dynamic vocals. From the opening notes, the song hooks the listener and transports them to an energetic, joyful place. With its catchy chorus and infectious beat, Miss Judy's Farm remains one of The Faces' most iconic tracks. Its raw energy captures the essence of the band's live performances and shows why they were one of the most beloved British rock groups of their era.
One of the standout aspects of Miss Judy's Farm is Ronnie Lane's funky bassline that underpins the entire track. The interplay between Ian McLagan's electric piano and Ron Wood's gritty guitar creates a lively and textured sound that complements Rod Stewart's charismatic vocals. Additionally, Kenny Jones' driving drumming brings a sense of urgency to the song that keeps it moving along at breakneck speed.
As a lesser-known track from The Faces' catalogue, Miss Judy's Farm exemplifies their ability to craft timeless music that remains fresh years after its initial release. Its ability to make listeners want to dance and sing along is what makes it stand out from other classic rock songs. If you want an introduction to The Faces' electrifying sound, Miss Judy's Farm is a perfect starting point.
Pro Tip: To fully appreciate The Faces' music, listen to it loud and preferably on vinyl for an authentic experience.
Get ready to rock and roll all night with The Faces' 'Had Me A Real Good Time', the perfect anthem for those looking for a good time, and possibly a hangover the next morning.
3. Had Me A Real Good Time
This iconic track by The Faces is a prime example of their ability to combine rock and roll with bluesy elements. Brimming with energy and humor, this song is undoubtedly one of the band's best, making it no surprise that it lands on this list. From the opening guitar riff to Rod Stewart's raspy vocals, "Had Me A Real Good Time" is an infectious mix of boisterous lyrics and feel-good beats.
As the third entry on this list, "Had Me A Real Good Time" shows The Faces at their peak – raucous and carefree. With classic lines like "I got ripped off, had a shock", the song perfectly encapsulates the spirit of 70s rock and roll. It also highlights the band's ability to create a universally relatable track that has stood the test of time.
One interesting fact about this song is that it features Ronnie Wood on bass guitar instead of his usual guitar duties. The switch-up adds to the overall fun and playful vibe of the track.
Pro Tip: For an even more enjoyable listening experience, play "Had Me A Real Good Time" at maximum volume.
Love may live here, but The Faces' music is the real heart of the home.
4. Love Lives Here
The fourth entry on the list features a remarkable tune that captures The Faces' musicianship adequately. The track's melody is complemented by Rod Stewart's soulful vocals, which blend well with the instrumentation.
'Love Lives Here' provides a rare glimpse into The Faces' softer side, as the band pulls back on their typical raw and gritty sound to deliver an emotional ballad. Accompanied by an acoustic guitar, piano, and organ, this track displays how the band could step outside of their comfort zone and tackle different musical styles with ease.
Moreover, 'Love Lives Here' was written by Ronnie Lane and faces such as Eric Clapton and Pete Townshend have interpreted it in their own right.
Interestingly enough, when Ronnie Lane passed away in 1997 from multiple sclerosis complications, he requested John Entwistle from The Who play his bassline from "Love Lives Here" at his funeral. It was enthralling indeed to see how the song had touched many people so profoundly.
Pool Hall Richard: he may not have a fancy degree, but he's got a PhD in pool!
5. Pool Hall Richard
This entry on the list of '10 Best The Faces Songs of All Time' refers to a captivating number that showcases the storytelling abilities of the band – a hallmark in their discography. Pool Hall Richard is an upbeat track that sets a vivid scene in the listener's mind, taking them to a pool hall where Richard, a local character, likes to hang out. The song features powerful piano playing and Rod Stewart's raspy vocals that convey the story with energy and conviction. It's a fantastic example of how The Faces blended rock and roll with elements of soul, folk and blues to create a unique sound that influenced generations of musicians.
Pool Hall Richard was released in 1971 as part of 'A Nod Is As Good As A Wink…To A Blind Horse', an album that many consider one of the band's best efforts. It was written by Ron Wood, Ian McLagan and Rod Stewart – three members responsible for most of The Faces' compositions. Their collaboration resulted in some of the most enduring songs in classic rock history, and Pool Hall Richard stands out as one of their narratives with an exciting twist at the end.
The song features dynamic changes between its verses, pre-choruses and choruses, building momentum towards an explosive ending where all instruments come together for an epic jam session. Its lyrics describe Richard's life in detail, painting him as a complex character with flaws but also virtues that make him relatable to anyone who ever spent time hanging out at their local spot.
According to Ultimate Classic Rock, Ron Wood said about Pool Hall Richard: "We always wanted it to sound like you could go outside while somebody whistled or sang around you." This quote is indicative not only of Wood's vision for the song but also hints at how collaborative The Faces were as a band.
Debris, the perfect song for when you want to indulge in a little introspection and wallow in your own misery – not that I'm speaking from experience or anything.
6. Debris
- Written by Ronnie Lane, it was first released in 1971 and has been covered by various artists.
- The acoustic guitar played by Lane sets a nostalgic tone that resonates with many listeners.
- The emotional lyrics of the song reflect on the passing of time and how memories linger despite people, places, and things changing over time.
This masterpiece holds a special place amongst The Faces' repertoire due to its raw, authentic expression and relatable themes.
Pro Tip: Give it a listen; turn off all distractions and let the song take you on a journey through your own nostalgic memories.
Cindy may have been incidental to The Faces, but this song is anything but forgettable.
7. Cindy Incidentally
This track is one of the top songs by The Faces. Cindy Incidentally is a vibrant and upbeat tune that features a strong bassline, catchy guitar riff, and rollicking piano keys. It tells the story of a beautiful lady named Cindy who catches everyone's attention wherever she goes. The song was released in 1973 and was a massive hit for the band, with its upbeat tempo and memorable chorus standing out as essential parts of the song.
Listeners admire this song for its amazing instrumental qualities coupled with Rod Stewart's vibrant vocals that compliment the backgrounds beautifully. Despite being an overlooked hit, "Cindy Incidentally" stands out among other popular songs from The Faces like "Stay With Me" and "Ooh La La". Its catchy rhythm has also been sampled by various artists in later years.
A fascinating aspect about this song is that it was not initially performed by The Faces but rather made its way to them through Ronnie Wood's former band, The Creation. His influence gave rise to its inclusion on their final album before their disbandment in 1975.
(Source: Songfacts)
Get ready to have this infectious tune stuck in your head for days, like a parasitic earworm that refuses to let go – it's Ooh La La by The Faces.
8. Ooh La La
This iconic track from The Faces may be their most recognizable song. 'Ooh La La', released in 1973, features lead vocals from bassist Ronnie Lane and provides a glimpse into the band's playful side. Its folk-inspired melody and soulful chorus have made it a fan favorite and a staple on classic rock radio stations. Its lyrics, which encourage listeners to enjoy the pleasures of life, have also become a sort of anthem for living in the moment.
The song's creation was sparked by an incident at one of their recording sessions where Lane brought his young son to join them in singing backing vocals. When they listened back, they were delighted with how his son's off-key contributions lent charm to the song. It prompted them to add more childlike elements, such as the sing-song "I wish that I knew what I know now when I was younger" refrain, which became a defining feature of the track.
Fans and critics alike still regard 'Ooh La La' as one of The Faces' best songs, and it remains beloved for its irresistible charm and playful spirit.
If this song can't make you dance, sing, or do anything, then you might need a pulse check.
9. You Can Make Me Dance, Sing or Anything
This entry on The Faces' best songs refers to an upbeat track that reflects the band's lively and soulful sound. It showcases their ability to make fans dance, sing, or do anything they please while listening. The song captures the essence of their musical style and highlights their charismatic performances. Fans often cite this song as one of their favorites due to its dynamic rhythm and catchy lyrics.
"You Can Make Me Dance, Sing or Anything" was a hit in the 1970s and remains a favorite among rock enthusiasts today. Its infectious beat and playful lyrics make it impossible not to sing along. It's a testament to the band's capacity for making joyful music that invites listeners to let loose and enjoy themselves.
What sets this track apart from other Faces hits is its ability to transition seamlessly from a slower ballad tempo to a full-throttle rock chorus, which kept fans on their toes and electrified audiences. This song represents all that was great about The Faces – raw, honest emotion paired with excellent musicianship.
One story that perfectly demonstrates how much this song resonated with fans occurred at a concert in London when Rod Stewart asked who wanted to hear "You Can Make Me Dance, Sing or Anything." One fan screamed so loudly in response that he passed out just as the band began playing, almost missing his favorite song altogether.
Stay with me, because this song will have you begging for more like a clingy ex.
10. Stay With Me
The Faces immortally captured the essence of rock and roll with their classic hit, "Stay With Me." The track brims with electric energy and features a remarkable vocal performance from frontman Rod Stewart. Its bluesy guitar licks and catchy chorus make it an essential part of any rock playlist. This song showcases the iconic band's ability to craft anthemic tunes that leave a lasting impact on listeners.
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.
