Rod Stewart is a British singer-songwriter born in London in 1945. With his distinctive raspy voice and flamboyant stage presence, he rose to fame in the 1970s with hits such as “Maggie May”, “You Wear It Well”, and “Tonight’s the Night”. He has sold over 120 million records worldwide, making him one of the best-selling music artists of all time.
Throughout his career, Stewart has blended rock, pop, and soul, with occasional forays into country and folk. He has collaborated with numerous artists, including Jeff Beck, Ronnie Wood, and Stevie Nicks, and has recorded several albums of standards and covers of classic songs.
Stewart has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice, once as a solo artist and again as a member of the band Faces. He has also been honored with a CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) for his contributions to music.
Despite his decades-long career, Stewart has continued to release new music, with his most recent album, “You’re in My Heart: Rod Stewart with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra”, released in 2019. He remains a beloved figure in the music world and an icon of rock and roll.
10. Hot Legs
“Hot Legs” is a classic rock song by British singer-songwriter Rod Stewart, released in 1977 as a single from his album “Foot Loose & Fancy Free.” The track features a driving guitar riff, a pounding drumbeat, and Stewart’s trademark raspy vocals. The song’s lyrics are playful and flirtatious, describing a woman’s irresistible legs and the singer’s desire to be with her. “Hot Legs” became a hit for Stewart, showcasing his energetic performance style and his ability to create catchy and memorable songs. The track remains a fan favorite and a classic in Stewart’s extensive catalog of rock hits.
9. Forever Young
“Forever Young” is an iconic and uplifting track from Rod Stewart’s album “Out of Order”. The song features Stewart’s signature raspy vocals, accompanied by a buoyant arrangement of synthesizers, drums, and guitar. Lyrically, the song is a heartfelt ode to the joys of youth and the desire to remain forever young at heart. The chorus, with its infectious refrain of “May the good Lord be with you down every road you roam”, has become a beloved anthem of hope and encouragement for generations of listeners. Overall, “Forever Young” is a timeless classic that celebrates the beauty and optimism of youth.
8. The First Cut Is the Deepest
“The First Cut Is the Deepest” is a song written by Cat Stevens, but made popular by Rod Stewart in 1977. The song is a soulful ballad about a man who is struggling to open up to love again after being hurt in a past relationship. Stewart’s raspy voice and emotional delivery make the lyrics even more poignant. The song has been covered by many other artists over the years, but Stewart’s version remains the most well-known and beloved. The song’s timeless message of love and heartbreak resonates with listeners of all ages and has cemented its place as a classic in the world of music.
7. The Killing of Georgie (Part I and II)
“The Killing of Georgie (Part I and II)” is a poignant and emotionally charged song by British singer-songwriter Rod Stewart, released in 1976 as a single from his album “A Night on the Town.” The track features a slow and mournful melody, with Stewart’s soulful vocals backed by a haunting instrumental arrangement of piano, strings, and guitar. The song’s lyrics tell the tragic story of a young gay man named Georgie, who is murdered by a homophobic attacker. “The Killing of Georgie” is a powerful and moving tribute to the LGBTQ+ community and a testament to Stewart’s talent as a songwriter and performer. The song remains a fan favorite and a highlight of Stewart’s discography.
6. You Wear It Well
“You Wear It Well” is a song by Rod Stewart, released in 1972. It is a classic rock song that features Stewart’s signature raspy vocals and catchy guitar riffs. The lyrics tell the story of a man who reminisces about his past relationship and how he still thinks fondly of his former lover, despite their breakup. The song features a memorable chorus that showcases Stewart’s dynamic vocal range and ability to craft memorable hooks. “You Wear It Well” has become a staple of classic rock radio and remains one of Rod Stewart’s most beloved songs.
5. Da Ya Think I’m Sexy
“Da Ya Think I’m Sexy” is a disco-infused hit single from Rod Stewart’s album “Blondes Have More Fun”. The song features Stewart’s signature raspy vocals, accompanied by a danceable arrangement of synths, guitar, and horns. Lyrically, the song is a playful and flirtatious invitation to a potential lover, with Stewart asking the titular question in a cheeky and self-assured manner. The song’s infectious groove and catchy chorus have made it a staple of dance floors and radio stations for decades, cementing its place as a disco classic and a signature track of Stewart’s career.
4. Reason to Believe
“Reason to Believe” is a classic folk rock song by Rod Stewart from his third studio album “Every Picture Tells a Story” (1971). It was written by Tim Hardin and Stewart’s cover reached No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart in 1971. The song’s upbeat tempo, catchy melody and Stewart’s unique raspy vocals make it an iconic tune of its era. The song has a timeless quality and has been covered by many other artists over the years. The lyrics tell a story of a man who is trying to find a reason to believe in love again after heartbreak, with the memorable chorus expressing his hope for finding that reason.
3. Tonight’s the Night (Gonna Be Alright)
“Tonight’s the Night (Gonna Be Alright)” is a romantic ballad and hit single from Rod Stewart’s album “A Night on the Town”. The song features Stewart’s signature gravelly vocals, accompanied by a smooth arrangement of piano, saxophone, and drums. Lyrically, the song is a sultry and seductive invitation to a lover, with Stewart expressing his desire to spend a passionate evening together. The song’s melody is both tender and alluring, creating a mood that is both romantic and intimate. Overall, “Tonight’s the Night” is a timeless classic that captures the essence of seduction and desire.
2. Mandolin Wind
“Mandolin Wind” is a beautiful and heartfelt song by British singer-songwriter Rod Stewart, released in 1971 as a single from his album “Every Picture Tells a Story.” The track features Stewart’s soulful and raw vocals, accompanied by a gentle instrumental arrangement of acoustic guitar, mandolin, and piano. The song’s lyrics are introspective and bittersweet, reflecting on the passage of time and the memories of a lost love. “Mandolin Wind” is a poignant and emotional ballad, showcasing Stewart’s ability to convey deep emotions through his music and his talent as a songwriter. The song remains a fan favorite and a classic in Stewart’s discography.
1. Maggie May
“Maggie May” is a classic rock song by Rod Stewart, released in 1971. The song became one of Stewart’s signature tunes and was a huge commercial success, topping the charts in the UK and the US. The song tells the story of a young man’s romantic relationship with an older woman, Maggie May. The catchy melody and Stewart’s soulful vocals make the song a timeless classic. It is also notable for its use of a mandolin solo, which adds a unique element to the otherwise guitar-heavy sound. “Maggie May” has become a staple of classic rock radio and is widely considered one of the greatest rock songs of all time.
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.
