Rod Stewart, born on January 10, 1945, in London, England, is a British rock and pop singer-songwriter known for his distinctive raspy voice and charismatic stage presence. Stewart rose to prominence in the late 1960s and early 1970s as the lead singer of The Jeff Beck Group and Faces before achieving solo success.
Stewart’s solo career took off with albums like “Every Picture Tells a Story” (1971) and “Never a Dull Moment” (1972), featuring hits like “Maggie May” and “You Wear It Well.” His music spans various genres, including rock, pop, folk, and soul, showcasing his versatility as an artist.
Over the years, Rod Stewart continued to release successful albums, exploring different styles and collaborating with various artists. Some of his other well-known songs include “Do Ya Think I’m Sexy?,” “Tonight’s the Night,” “Da Ya Think I’m Sexy?,” and “Forever Young.”
In addition to his musical accomplishments, Rod Stewart is known for his dynamic stage presence and flamboyant style. He has enjoyed a career spanning several decades, earning him a place among the best-selling music artists of all time.
1. Maggie May
“Maggie May” is a classic rock song by Rod Stewart, released in 1971. It served as the lead single from his third solo album, “Every Picture Tells a Story.” Written by Stewart and Martin Quittenton, the song became one of Stewart’s signature tunes and is considered one of his most iconic tracks.
The song tells the story of a young man’s romantic entanglement with an older woman named Maggie May. The lyrics convey a mix of nostalgia, romance, and a touch of regret. Stewart’s emotive and raspy vocals, coupled with the folk-influenced melody, contributed to the song’s widespread appeal.
“Maggie May” topped the charts in the United States and the United Kingdom, solidifying Rod Stewart’s status as a solo artist. The success of the song helped propel the album “Every Picture Tells a Story” to commercial acclaim, making it one of the defining albums of the early 1970s.
The timeless quality of “Maggie May” has led to its enduring popularity, and it remains a classic in the rock genre. The song’s infectious melody and storytelling prowess showcase Rod Stewart’s ability to connect with audiences through his music.
2. You’re In My Heart
“You’re in My Heart (The Final Acclaim)” is a song by Rod Stewart, released in 1977 on his album “Foot Loose & Fancy Free.” The song is notable for its combination of rock and disco elements, showcasing Stewart’s ability to blend different musical styles.
“You’re in My Heart” features catchy and upbeat instrumentation, including a prominent guitar riff, and it is known for its anthemic chorus. The lyrics express Stewart’s love and admiration for a significant other, blending heartfelt sentiments with a celebratory and lively musical arrangement.
The song was a commercial success, reaching the Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100. Rod Stewart’s distinctive raspy vocals, coupled with the energetic and memorable melody of “You’re in My Heart,” have contributed to its enduring popularity over the years. The song remains one of Stewart’s signature hits.
3. Tonight’s the Night
“Tonight’s the Night (Gonna Be Alright)” is a classic rock ballad by Rod Stewart, released in 1976 on his album “A Night on the Town.” The song is known for its romantic and seductive lyrics, showcasing Stewart’s raspy vocals and storytelling style.
“Tonight’s the Night” features a slow tempo and a soulful arrangement, creating an intimate and passionate atmosphere. The lyrics convey a sense of anticipation and desire as Stewart expresses his feelings to a romantic partner. The song’s chorus, with the repeated line “Tonight’s the night, it’s gonna be alright,” has become iconic.
The track became one of Rod Stewart’s biggest hits, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States. Its success solidified Stewart’s reputation as a prominent rock and pop artist in the 1970s. “Tonight’s the Night” remains a timeless classic and a favorite among fans of Stewart’s music.
4. Have I Told You Lately
“Have I Told You Lately” is a romantic ballad written and originally recorded by Northern Irish singer-songwriter Van Morrison. Morrison’s version was released on his 1989 album “Avalon Sunset.” The song has since become a classic and has been covered by various artists, including Rod Stewart.
Rod Stewart’s rendition of “Have I Told You Lately” was released in 1993 on his album “Vagabond Heart.” Stewart’s heartfelt interpretation of the song, coupled with his distinctive voice, brought a new level of popularity to the track.
The lyrics express deep feelings of love and gratitude, with the singer asking the titular question: “Have I told you lately that I love you?” The song’s emotional resonance and timeless message have made it a popular choice for weddings and special occasions.
Both Van Morrison’s original and Rod Stewart’s cover showcase the enduring beauty of “Have I Told You Lately,” demonstrating how a well-crafted love song can transcend time and resonate with listeners across generations.
5. Da Ya Think I’m Sexy?
“Da Ya Think I’m Sexy?” is a dance-rock song by Rod Stewart, released in 1978 on his album “Blondes Have More Fun.” The song marked a departure from Stewart’s more traditional rock sound and embraced a disco-influenced style.
The track features a catchy and infectious melody, driven by a prominent disco beat and a guitar riff. The lyrics playfully explore themes of vanity and seduction, with Stewart’s charismatic delivery adding to the overall sense of fun and flirtation.
“Da Ya Think I’m Sexy?” became one of Rod Stewart’s biggest commercial hits, reaching the top of the charts in multiple countries. The song’s danceable and energetic qualities, along with its memorable chorus, contributed to its widespread popularity. While it may have been a departure from Stewart’s earlier sound, the song remains a significant and well-known part of his discography.
6. The First Cut Is the Deepest
“The First Cut Is the Deepest” is a song written by Cat Stevens (now Yusuf Islam) and later covered by numerous artists, including Rod Stewart. Rod Stewart’s version of the song, released in 1977 on his album “A Night on the Town,” is one of the most well-known renditions.
Stewart’s interpretation of “The First Cut Is the Deepest” is a soulful and emotive ballad. The lyrics delve into the theme of heartbreak and the lasting impact of the first romantic disappointment. Stewart’s gravelly vocals bring a raw and sincere quality to the song, enhancing its emotional resonance.
The track became a significant hit for Rod Stewart, reaching high positions on various charts. Over the years, “The First Cut Is the Deepest” has become one of his signature songs, appreciated for its heartfelt lyrics and Stewart’s powerful delivery. The song’s enduring popularity has led to its continued recognition as a classic in the realm of soulful ballads.
7. Forever Young
“Forever Young” is a classic song by Rod Stewart, released in 1988 on his album “Out of Order.” The song is known for its uplifting and sentimental lyrics, offering heartfelt wishes for a young and vibrant life.
Rod Stewart’s “Forever Young” encourages listeners to embrace the spirit of youthfulness and hold onto the positive aspects of life. The lyrics express hopes for love, joy, and adventure, and they convey a sense of timeless optimism.
The chorus, with its repeating refrain of “May the good Lord be with you down every road you roam,” adds a touch of spirituality to the song’s well-wishing theme. Stewart’s soulful and emotive delivery enhances the emotional impact of the lyrics.
“Forever Young” has become one of Rod Stewart’s most enduring and beloved songs. Its timeless message and melody have contributed to its popularity across generations, making it a classic anthem that continues to resonate with audiences around the world.
8. Some Guys Have All the Luck
“Some Guys Have All the Luck” is a song performed by Rod Stewart, released in 1984 on his album of the same name. The song was written by Jeff Fortgang and had previously been recorded by The Persuaders in 1973.
Rod Stewart’s version of “Some Guys Have All the Luck” is an upbeat and catchy pop-rock track. The lyrics reflect on the singer’s feelings of envy toward those who seem to have more luck in love and life. The infectious chorus and Stewart’s characteristic raspy vocals contribute to the song’s overall appeal.
The track became a hit for Rod Stewart, reaching high positions on charts in various countries. It has since become one of his well-known songs, appreciated for its catchy melody and relatable theme. “Some Guys Have All the Luck” is often included in compilations of Stewart’s greatest hits.
9. Downtown Train
“Downtown Train” is a song by Tom Waits, initially released on his 1985 album “Rain Dogs.” The song gained broader commercial success when it was covered by Rod Stewart and released as a single in 1989 on his album “Storyteller – The Complete Anthology: 1964–1990.”
Rod Stewart’s version of “Downtown Train” features a polished, radio-friendly sound and became a major hit, reaching the top of the charts in the United States and other countries. The cover is characterized by its soulful vocals, sweeping orchestration, and a rock-infused arrangement.
The lyrics of “Downtown Train” tell a tale of romantic yearning and the desire to be with a loved one. The metaphor of a downtown train serves as a symbol of longing and the journey to reconnect with someone special.
Both Tom Waits’ original and Rod Stewart’s cover have their unique qualities, showcasing the versatility of the song across different musical styles. Stewart’s version, in particular, became one of his notable hits and is often associated with his successful solo career in the late 1980s.
10. You Wear It Well
“You Wear It Well” is a song by Rod Stewart, released in 1972 on his album “Never a Dull Moment.” The song was written by Stewart and Martin Quittenton.
“You Wear It Well” is a folk-rock song with a catchy melody and distinctive lyrics. The lyrics tell a story of reminiscence and reflection as Stewart looks back on a past relationship. The song’s title suggests a sense of admiration for the way the former partner carries themselves.
The track became a hit for Rod Stewart, reaching high positions on the charts in both the United States and the United Kingdom. It’s recognized for its engaging storytelling, Stewart’s distinctive vocals, and the overall laid-back and melodic quality that characterized much of his early solo work. “You Wear It Well” remains a popular and enduring part of Rod Stewart’s catalog.
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.
