The Faces, formed in 1969, were a British rock band known for their raw, energetic sound and charismatic performances. Comprised of Rod Stewart (vocals), Ronnie Wood (guitar), Ian McLagan (keyboards), Ronnie Lane (bass), and Kenney Jones (drums), they emerged from the ashes of the Small Faces. Their music blended rock, blues, and soul, creating a rollicking, carefree style that captured the spirit of the 1970s. With hits like “Stay with Me” and “Ooh La La,” they cemented their status as one of rock’s most beloved acts. Their live shows were legendary for their spontaneity and camaraderie, leaving an indelible mark on rock history.
Despite their relatively short career, Faces left a lasting impact on rock music. Their live performances were legendary for their energy and spontaneity. After the band’s breakup in 1975, members went on to achieve further success: Rod Stewart as a solo artist, Ronnie Wood joining The Rolling Stones, and Kenney Jones eventually becoming the drummer for The Who. Faces were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012, celebrating their contributions to the rock genre.
1. Stay With Me
“Stay with Me” is a classic rock song by The Faces, released in 1971 on their album “A Nod Is As Good As a Wink… to a Blind Horse.” Written by lead vocalist Rod Stewart and guitarist Ronnie Wood, the song became one of the band’s most popular and enduring hits.
“Stay with Me” is known for its catchy, riff-driven rock sound, featuring Ronnie Wood’s distinctive guitar work and Ian McLagan’s energetic keyboard playing. The song’s upbeat tempo and rollicking feel are complemented by Rod Stewart’s raspy, powerful vocals.
The lyrics tell the story of a brief, no-strings-attached encounter, with the protagonist asking a woman to stay the night but leave in the morning. The playful, somewhat cheeky narrative reflects the band’s irreverent and fun-loving attitude.
“Stay with Me” was a commercial success, reaching the top 20 on the UK Singles Chart and the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States. It remains a staple of classic rock radio and a highlight of The Faces’ discography, showcasing the band’s energetic performance style and musical chemistry.
2. Ooh La La
“Ooh La La” is a song by the British rock band Faces, released in 1973 on their album of the same name. The track is notable for its introspective lyrics and stripped-down acoustic arrangement, a departure from the band’s usual bluesy rock sound. Written and sung by Ronnie Wood and featuring Ronnie Lane on backing vocals, the song reflects on the passage of time and the wisdom that comes with age. Despite its initial commercial reception, “Ooh La La” has since become a cult classic and is considered one of Faces’ standout tracks, showcasing their musical versatility and heartfelt songwriting.
3. Cindy Incidentally
“Cindy Incidentally” is a song by the British rock band Faces, released in 1973 as a single and later included on their album “Ooh La La.” The track is characterized by its upbeat tempo, catchy melody, and infectious rhythm. Written by Rod Stewart, Ronnie Wood, and Ian McLagan, the song features Stewart’s distinctive vocals and the band’s signature blues-rock sound. “Cindy Incidentally” is a playful and lighthearted tune, with lyrics that tell the story of a carefree and adventurous girl named Cindy. The song’s energetic vibe and memorable chorus make it a fan favorite and a classic example of Faces’ musical style.
4. Maybe I’m Amazed
“Maybe I’m Amazed” is a song by Paul McCartney, first released on his debut solo album “McCartney” in 1970. The song is widely regarded as one of McCartney’s finest love songs, showcasing his songwriting prowess and emotional depth.
Written in the wake of The Beatles’ breakup, “Maybe I’m Amazed” expresses McCartney’s gratitude and love for his wife, Linda McCartney, who supported him during this tumultuous period. The lyrics convey a deep sense of appreciation and wonder at the strength and support she provided.
Musically, “Maybe I’m Amazed” features a powerful piano-driven melody, complemented by McCartney’s heartfelt vocals and emotive guitar solos. The song builds to a dramatic and passionate climax, highlighting McCartney’s ability to blend rock and ballad elements seamlessly.
While the original studio version was not released as a single, a live version recorded with his band Wings in 1976 for the album “Wings over America” was released and became a hit, reaching the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States.
“Maybe I’m Amazed” remains a beloved classic, often cited as one of McCartney’s greatest solo works. Its enduring popularity and emotional resonance continue to captivate audiences, solidifying its place in the canon of rock music.
5. Pool Hall Richard
“Pool Hall Richard” is a song by Faces, released as a single in 1973. The song features a boisterous and rollicking rock sound typical of the band’s style, with catchy guitar riffs, energetic piano fills, and Rod Stewart’s distinctive vocals.
Lyrically, “Pool Hall Richard” tells the story of a colorful character named Richard who frequents pool halls and engages in various misadventures. The lyrics are playful and humorous, capturing the carefree and rebellious spirit of the band.
Musically, the song is characterized by its upbeat tempo, driving rhythm, and infectious energy. Ronnie Wood’s guitar work and Ian McLagan’s piano playing add layers of texture and excitement to the track, while Rod Stewart’s dynamic vocal delivery brings the story to life.
“Pool Hall Richard” was a moderate success for Faces, receiving airplay on rock radio stations and earning a spot on the UK Singles Chart. While not as well-known as some of their other hits, the song remains a favorite among fans for its fun-loving vibe and memorable melody.
6. Had Me a Real Good Time
“Had Me a Real Good Time” is a song by the British rock band Faces, released in 1971 on their album “A Nod Is as Good as a Wink… to a Blind Horse.” The track is a lively, up-tempo rock song with a bluesy edge, characteristic of the band’s sound. It features the gritty vocals of Rod Stewart, along with the band’s tight instrumentation and playful lyrics. “Had Me a Real Good Time” reflects the band’s reputation for energetic live performances and their ability to create music that is both fun and musically satisfying. The song remains a fan favorite and a staple of classic rock radio playlists.
7. Too Bad
“Too Bad” is a song by The Faces, released on their 1971 album “Long Player.” The track showcases the band’s signature blend of rock and roll, blues, and soul influences, with Rod Stewart’s distinctive vocals leading the charge.
Lyrically, “Too Bad” reflects on the ups and downs of life, with Stewart lamenting various troubles and misfortunes that he’s encountered. Despite the hardships described in the lyrics, there’s a sense of resilience and determination to persevere.
Musically, “Too Bad” features a catchy guitar riff, a driving rhythm section, and soulful piano fills, creating an infectious groove that’s characteristic of The Faces’ sound. The band’s tight instrumentation and Stewart’s charismatic delivery make the song a standout track on the album.
“Too Bad” captures the band’s knack for crafting memorable rock anthems with a touch of bluesy soul, earning it a place as a fan favorite in The Faces’ repertoire.
8. Miss Judy’s Farm
“Miss Judy’s Farm” is a song by the British rock band Faces, released in 1971 on their album “A Nod Is as Good as a Wink… to a Blind Horse.” The track is characterized by its bluesy rock sound, featuring the soulful vocals of Rod Stewart and the band’s tight, energetic instrumentation. The lyrics tell the story of a young man’s infatuation with a girl named Judy and his experiences on her farm, with a playful and humorous tone. “Miss Judy’s Farm” showcases the band’s ability to blend rock, blues, and soul influences into a cohesive and infectious sound, making it a standout track on the album.
9. Around the Plynth
“Around the Plynth” is a song by the British rock band Faces, originally released in 1970 on their debut album, “First Step.” The track features a bluesy rock sound typical of the band’s early style, with Rod Stewart’s distinctive vocals and the band’s tight musicianship. The lyrics of “Around the Plynth” are somewhat cryptic, with references to various characters and situations, reflecting the band’s playful and somewhat irreverent approach to songwriting. The song’s title is a play on words, with “plynth” likely referring to a plinth, a stone base often used to support statues or other structures. Overall, “Around the Plynth” is a lively and dynamic track that showcases Faces’ early sound and style.
10. You’re So Rude
“You’re So Rude” is a song by The Faces, released on their 1971 album “A Nod Is As Good As a Wink… to a Blind Horse.” The track is a rollicking rock number with a catchy melody and upbeat tempo, typical of the band’s style.
Lyrically, “You’re So Rude” is a tongue-in-cheek ode to a woman who is confident, bold, and unapologetically herself. Rod Stewart’s charismatic vocals bring the cheeky lyrics to life, with the band’s energetic performance adding to the song’s playful vibe.
Musically, “You’re So Rude” features a driving rhythm section, bluesy guitar riffs, and soulful piano flourishes, creating a lively and dynamic sound that’s impossible to resist. The song’s infectious groove and catchy chorus make it a standout track on the album.
“You’re So Rude” exemplifies The Faces’ ability to blend rock, blues, and soul influences into a unique and captivating sound. With its irresistible energy and witty lyrics, the song remains a fan favorite and a highlight of the band’s catalog.