Rod Stewart is a British rock singer and songwriter who rose to prominence in the late 1960s and early 1970s as the frontman of the Jeff Beck Group and later the Faces. Born on January 10, 1945, in London, England, Stewart’s distinctive raspy voice, charismatic stage presence, and flamboyant style have made him one of the most recognizable and enduring figures in rock music.
Stewart launched his solo career in 1969 with the release of his debut album, “An Old Raincoat Won’t Ever Let You Down” (titled “The Rod Stewart Album” in the United States). He achieved international success with his solo albums “Every Picture Tells a Story” (1971) and “Never a Dull Moment” (1972), which produced hit singles like “Maggie May” and “You Wear It Well.”
Throughout his career, Stewart has explored various musical genres, including rock, pop, folk, and blues. He is known for his versatility as a singer and his ability to interpret a wide range of material. Some of his other well-known songs include “Tonight’s the Night (Gonna Be Alright),” “Da Ya Think I’m Sexy?,” “Sailing,” and “Young Turks.”
Stewart’s career has spanned over five decades, during which he has released numerous albums, received numerous awards and accolades, and sold over 250 million records worldwide. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice, first as a solo artist in 1994 and then as a member of the Faces in 2012.
In addition to his music career, Stewart is also known for his colorful personal life, including his relationships and marriages, as well as his involvement in soccer and philanthropic endeavors. He continues to tour and record music, remaining a beloved and influential figure in the world of rock music.
1. Maggie May
“Maggie May” is a song by Rod Stewart, released in 1971 as the lead single from his album “Every Picture Tells a Story.” It became one of Stewart’s signature songs and a classic rock anthem.
The song is characterized by its catchy melody, energetic guitar riff, and Stewart’s distinctive raspy vocals. “Maggie May” tells the story of a young man who falls for an older woman named Maggie May. Despite the warnings of his mother and the disapproval of society, he finds himself drawn to her and becomes infatuated with her. The song’s lyrics convey a mix of longing, desire, and rebellion, capturing the complex emotions of youthful love.
“Maggie May” was a massive commercial success, topping the charts in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. It became one of the best-selling singles of 1971 and remains one of Stewart’s most enduring and beloved songs.
The song’s infectious melody and relatable lyrics struck a chord with audiences, making it a timeless classic in the rock music genre. “Maggie May” solidified Rod Stewart’s status as a major rock star and remains a staple of his live performances to this day.
2. Forever Young
“Forever Young” is a song by Rod Stewart, released in 1988 on his album “Out of Order.” It’s one of Stewart’s most well-known and beloved songs, known for its uplifting lyrics and catchy melody.
The lyrics of “Forever Young” express a wish for everlasting youth and vitality. Stewart sings about cherishing the moments of life and maintaining a youthful spirit despite the passage of time. The song’s message is one of hope and optimism, encouraging listeners to embrace life to the fullest.
“Forever Young” features Stewart’s distinctive raspy vocals, backed by a lively arrangement of guitars, keyboards, and backing vocals. The song’s upbeat tempo and infectious melody make it a favorite among fans of Stewart’s music.
“Forever Young” was a commercial success for Rod Stewart, reaching the charts in several countries. It remains one of his most enduring and beloved songs, and its timeless message of youthfulness and vitality continues to resonate with listeners around the world.
3. Da Ya Think I’m Sexy?
“Da Ya Think I’m Sexy?” is a song by Rod Stewart, released in 1978 on his album “Blondes Have More Fun.” It’s one of Stewart’s most well-known and commercially successful songs, known for its disco-influenced sound and catchy chorus.
The lyrics of “Da Ya Think I’m Sexy?” playfully flirt with themes of attraction and self-confidence. Stewart sings about a night out on the town, where he catches the eye of someone who he hopes finds him attractive. The song’s chorus features the repeated refrain “Da ya think I’m sexy?” as Stewart expresses his desire for validation.
“Da Ya Think I’m Sexy?” features Stewart’s distinctive raspy vocals, backed by a funky disco beat, electric guitar riffs, and horns. The song’s infectious groove and catchy melody made it a hit on the dance floors and radio airwaves of the late 1970s.
“Da Ya Think I’m Sexy?” was a commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in several countries. It remains one of Rod Stewart’s most enduring and iconic songs, and its disco-infused sound continues to be celebrated by fans of his music.
4. You’re in My Heart (The Final Acclaim)
“You’re in My Heart (The Final Acclaim)” is a song by Rod Stewart, released in 1977 as part of his album “Foot Loose & Fancy Free.” It’s a heartfelt rock ballad that showcases Stewart’s distinctive raspy voice and emotional delivery.
The song expresses deep feelings of love and devotion to a romantic partner. Stewart sings about how his lover is always on his mind and in his heart, regardless of the distance between them. He reminisces about the moments they’ve shared and expresses gratitude for their presence in his life.
“You’re in My Heart (The Final Acclaim)” features a memorable chorus with Stewart passionately declaring, “You’re in my heart, you’re in my soul.” The song’s arrangement includes a blend of rock instrumentation, including electric guitars and drums, along with melodic elements like piano and backing vocals.
The song was well-received by audiences and became a commercial success, reaching the top 10 on the charts in several countries. Its emotional lyrics and Stewart’s powerful performance have made it one of his most enduring hits and a favorite among fans of classic rock.
5. Have I Told You Lately
“Have I Told You Lately” is a song written by Northern Irish singer-songwriter Van Morrison and originally released on his 1989 album “Avalon Sunset.” The song is a romantic ballad expressing feelings of gratitude, love, and devotion.
Morrison’s version of “Have I Told You Lately” gained widespread popularity and critical acclaim, becoming one of his most beloved songs. It features Morrison’s soulful vocals accompanied by a gentle arrangement of acoustic guitar, piano, and strings.
The song has since been covered by various artists from different genres, including Rod Stewart, who released his rendition in 1993. Stewart’s version also achieved significant commercial success and remains a popular choice for weddings and romantic occasions.
“Have I Told You Lately” has become a timeless classic, cherished for its heartfelt lyrics and beautiful melody, and continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.
6. Tonight’s the Night (Gonna Be Alright)
“Tonight’s the Night (Gonna Be Alright)” is a song by Rod Stewart, released in 1976 as the lead single from his album “A Night on the Town.” It’s a soulful and romantic ballad that became one of Stewart’s biggest hits.
The song is characterized by its smooth groove, melodic guitar riff, and Stewart’s distinctive raspy vocals. Lyrically, “Tonight’s the Night” is an expression of desire and anticipation for a romantic encounter. Stewart sings about the excitement of being with his lover and the anticipation of the night ahead, conveying a sense of passion and longing.
“Tonight’s the Night (Gonna Be Alright)” was a commercial success, topping the charts in both the United States and the United Kingdom. Its sensual lyrics and catchy melody resonated with audiences, making it one of Stewart’s most enduring and beloved songs.
The song’s romantic atmosphere and Stewart’s soulful delivery have made it a favorite for weddings, parties, and romantic occasions. “Tonight’s the Night (Gonna Be Alright)” remains a timeless classic in Stewart’s catalog and continues to be celebrated for its heartfelt expression of love and desire.
7. You Wear It Well
“You Wear It Well” is a song by Rod Stewart, released in 1972 as a single from his album “Never a Dull Moment.” It’s one of Stewart’s most well-known songs, known for its catchy melody and clever lyrics.
The lyrics of “You Wear It Well” tell the story of a man reflecting on a past relationship and reminiscing about the good times they shared. Stewart sings about encountering his former lover and noticing how well she’s doing, despite their breakup. He compliments her on her appearance and her success, while also expressing a mix of nostalgia and regret.
“You Wear It Well” features Stewart’s distinctive raspy vocals, backed by a lively arrangement of guitars, piano, and backing vocals. The song’s upbeat tempo and infectious groove make it a favorite among fans of Stewart’s music.
“You Wear It Well” was a commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in several countries. It remains one of Rod Stewart’s most enduring and beloved songs, and its timeless lyrics and catchy melody continue to resonate with listeners around the world.
8. Sailing
“Sailing” is a song by Rod Stewart, released in 1975 as a single from his album “Atlantic Crossing.” It’s a soft rock ballad that has become one of Stewart’s most iconic and enduring songs.
The song is characterized by its mellow melody, gentle guitar riff, and Stewart’s soulful vocals. Lyrically, “Sailing” is an anthem of escapism and freedom, with the narrator expressing a desire to leave their troubles behind and set sail on the open sea. The song’s chorus, with its repeated refrain “Sailing takes me away to where I’ve always heard it could be,” captures the sense of adventure and possibility that comes with exploring the world.
“Sailing” was a commercial success, reaching the top 10 on the charts in multiple countries. Its evocative lyrics and Stewart’s emotive delivery struck a chord with audiences, making it one of his most beloved songs.
Over the years, “Sailing” has been covered by numerous artists and featured in various films, television shows, and commercials. Its timeless message of freedom and exploration continues to resonate with listeners around the world, cementing its status as a classic in the soft rock genre.
9. Hot Legs
“Hot Legs” is a song by Rod Stewart, released in 1977 on his album “Foot Loose & Fancy Free.” It’s one of Stewart’s most famous and commercially successful songs, known for its catchy melody and suggestive lyrics.
The lyrics of “Hot Legs” playfully celebrate the physical attributes of a woman’s legs and the effect they have on the song’s protagonist. Stewart sings about his admiration for the woman’s legs and the desire they inspire in him, with a mix of humor and flirtation.
“Hot Legs” features Stewart’s distinctive raspy vocals, backed by a rock-infused arrangement of guitars, drums, and backing vocals. The song’s upbeat tempo and infectious groove make it a favorite among fans of Stewart’s music, and it became a staple of his live performances.
“Hot Legs” was a commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in several countries. It remains one of Rod Stewart’s most enduring and iconic songs, and its catchy chorus and playful lyrics continue to resonate with audiences around the world.
10. The First Cut Is the Deepest
“The First Cut Is the Deepest” is a song written by Cat Stevens (now known as Yusuf Islam), but it gained widespread popularity through covers by various artists, including Rod Stewart. Stewart’s version was released in 1977 as a single from his album “A Night on the Town.”
The song is a heartfelt ballad that explores the pain of heartbreak and the lasting impact of a failed relationship. Its lyrics convey the idea that the first experience of love and loss leaves the deepest emotional scar. Despite subsequent relationships, the pain of that initial heartbreak remains significant.
Stewart’s rendition of “The First Cut Is the Deepest” is characterized by its soulful vocals, acoustic guitar, and emotive delivery. His gravelly voice lends a rawness and authenticity to the song, capturing the depth of emotion conveyed in the lyrics.
The song was a commercial success for Stewart, reaching high chart positions in several countries. It has since become one of his signature songs and remains a favorite among fans. Stewart’s interpretation of “The First Cut Is the Deepest” has helped solidify its status as a classic in the realm of heartbreak ballads.
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.
