Rod Stewart, born in 1945 in London, is a British rock singer and songwriter known for his distinctive raspy voice, charismatic stage presence, and enduring career spanning several decades. Stewart rose to fame in the late 1960s and early 1970s as a member of the Jeff Beck Group and Faces before launching a successful solo career.
His solo career began in earnest in the early 1970s with albums like “Every Picture Tells a Story” (1971) and “Never a Dull Moment” (1972), which solidified his reputation as a top-notch rock vocalist and songwriter. Stewart’s music encompasses a wide range of genres including rock, pop, blues, and folk, with hits like “Maggie May,” “Tonight’s the Night,” and “Do Ya Think I’m Sexy?” His distinctive voice, coupled with his ability to blend different musical styles, has made him a beloved figure in the rock and pop music world.
Throughout his career, Stewart has continued to release albums and perform live, maintaining his status as a legendary rock icon and captivating audiences with his timeless music and energetic stage presence.
1. Maggie May
“Maggie May” is a classic rock song by Rod Stewart, released in 1971 as the lead single from his album “Every Picture Tells a Story.” The song tells the tale of a young man reflecting on a passionate relationship with an older woman named Maggie May. Stewart’s raw and emotive vocals, coupled with the song’s folk-rock instrumentation featuring acoustic guitar and mandolin, create a compelling narrative of youthful romance and nostalgia. “Maggie May” became a massive hit, topping charts worldwide and solidifying Rod Stewart’s status as a solo artist. It remains one of his most iconic and enduring songs, celebrated for its storytelling and infectious melody.
2. You’re In My Heart
“You’re in My Heart (The Final Acclaim)” is a heartfelt ballad by Rod Stewart, released in 1977 on his album “Foot Loose & Fancy Free.” The song expresses Stewart’s deep emotions and devotion to a loved one, blending rock and pop elements with Stewart’s signature raspy vocals. It features a melodic chorus and reflective lyrics that convey a sense of love and longing. “You’re in My Heart” became a major hit for Stewart, resonating with audiences for its sincere expression of romantic sentiment. The song remains a classic in Stewart’s repertoire, cherished for its emotional depth and memorable melody.
3. Tonight’s the Night
“Tonight’s the Night (Gonna Be Alright)” is a song by Rod Stewart, released in 1976 on his album “A Night on the Town.” The song is a soft rock ballad with a romantic theme. It features Stewart’s raspy vocals and heartfelt delivery, accompanied by a simple yet effective arrangement of piano, guitar, and drums.
“Tonight’s the Night” became one of Rod Stewart’s biggest hits, topping the charts in both the United States and the United Kingdom. The song’s sensual lyrics and Stewart’s passionate performance contributed to its success and made it a popular choice for weddings and romantic occasions. “Tonight’s the Night” remains one of Rod Stewart’s signature songs and a classic of 1970s soft rock.
4. Have I Told You Lately
“Have I Told You Lately” is a tender and romantic song by Rod Stewart, released in 1991 on his album “Vagabond Heart.” Originally written and recorded by Van Morrison in 1989, Stewart’s version became a worldwide hit. The song expresses gratitude and affection towards a loved one, with heartfelt lyrics and Stewart’s soulful vocals creating a sense of intimacy and warmth. The song features gentle instrumentation, including acoustic guitar and strings, enhancing its emotional impact. “Have I Told You Lately” has become a popular choice for weddings and special occasions, cherished for its timeless message of love and devotion.
5. 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.” The song is a disco-influenced track with a catchy chorus and a danceable beat. “Da Ya Think I’m Sexy?” was a departure from Stewart’s earlier folk and rock sound, embracing the disco craze that was popular at the time.
The song’s lyrics playfully flirt with the idea of seduction and self-assurance, with Stewart asking the listener, “Da ya think I’m sexy?” The infectious groove and memorable melody of “Da Ya Think I’m Sexy?” made it a commercial success, topping the charts in multiple countries. Despite its disco origins, the song has remained popular over the years and is considered one of Rod Stewart’s signature songs.
6. The First Cut Is the Deepest
“The First Cut Is the Deepest” is a poignant song famously covered by Rod Stewart, released in 1977 on his album “A Night on the Town.” Originally written by Cat Stevens (Yusuf Islam), Stewart’s rendition became a major hit and one of his signature songs. The song explores the pain of heartbreak and vulnerability after experiencing love and loss. Stewart’s soulful and raspy vocals, coupled with the song’s heartfelt lyrics and acoustic guitar-driven melody, convey deep emotional resonance. “The First Cut Is the Deepest” has resonated with audiences for its universal theme of love’s enduring impact and remains a classic in Stewart’s catalog.
7. Forever Young
“Forever Young” is a song by Rod Stewart, released in 1988 on his album “Out of Order.” The song is a heartfelt ballad with a nostalgic and reflective tone. “Forever Young” features Stewart’s emotive vocals and lyrics that express a wish for eternal youth and happiness.
“Forever Young” became one of Rod Stewart’s most enduring songs, resonating with listeners of all ages. The song’s universal message and uplifting melody have made it a popular choice for graduations, weddings, and other special occasions. “Forever Young” has also been covered by numerous artists and has remained a fan favorite, showcasing Stewart’s ability to create timeless and heartfelt music.
8. Some Guys Have All the Luck
“Some Guys Have All the Luck” is a song originally recorded by The Persuaders in 1973, but it’s perhaps best known for Rod Stewart’s cover version released in 1984 on his album “Camouflage.” The song is an upbeat pop-rock track with a catchy chorus and lyrics that reflect on the singer’s romantic fortunes.
In the song, the singer laments that some guys seem to have all the luck when it comes to love, while he struggles to find the right partner. Despite its somewhat melancholic theme, the song has an energetic and optimistic feel, with Stewart’s distinctive raspy vocals giving it a gritty edge.
Stewart’s cover of “Some Guys Have All the Luck” was a commercial success, reaching the top 10 in several countries. The song’s catchy melody and relatable lyrics have made it a favorite among fans of Stewart’s music and a staple of his live performances.
9. Downtown Train
“Downtown Train” is a rock song by Rod Stewart, released in 1989 on his album “Storyteller – The Complete Anthology: 1964–1990.” Originally written by Tom Waits, Stewart’s version features a polished rock production with a driving beat and Stewart’s signature raspy vocals. The song tells the story of longing and desire, with lyrics depicting a journey on a downtown train to meet a loved one. Stewart’s emotive delivery and the song’s dynamic instrumentation, including electric guitars and synthesizers, create a compelling narrative and a sense of urgency. “Downtown Train” became a commercial success, reaching high positions on the charts and solidifying Stewart’s reputation as a versatile and enduring rock artist.
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 is an upbeat rock track with a catchy melody and a memorable chorus. “You Wear It Well” features Stewart’s distinctive raspy vocals and storytelling lyrics.
In the song, Stewart sings about a past relationship and reflects on the memories and feelings associated with it. The lyrics describe seeing an old flame again and acknowledging that she still looks good and carries herself well, despite the passage of time.
“You Wear It Well” was a commercial success, reaching the top 10 in several countries. The song’s catchy tune and relatable lyrics have made it a favorite among fans of Stewart’s music.