The Faces were a British rock band formed in 1969, known for their blend of rock, blues, and boogie-woogie influences. The band’s lineup included Rod Stewart on vocals, Ronnie Wood on guitar, Ronnie Lane on bass guitar, Ian McLagan on keyboards, and Kenney Jones on drums.
During their active years in the early 1970s, The Faces gained a reputation for their energetic live performances and their ability to blend rock and roll with a laid-back, often humorous approach. They produced several hit songs, including “Stay with Me,” “Ooh La La,” and “Had Me a Real Good Time.” Rod Stewart’s distinctive raspy voice and the band’s loose, improvisational style contributed to their unique sound and appeal.
The Faces were also known for their camaraderie and the chemistry between its members, which translated into their music and live shows. Despite their relatively short lifespan as a band (they disbanded in 1975), The Faces left a lasting impact on rock music, influencing subsequent generations of musicians and maintaining a dedicated fan base. Their music continues to be celebrated for its infectious energy and raw authenticity in capturing the spirit of rock and roll.
1. Stay With Me
“Stay with Me” is a classic rock song by The Faces, released in 1971 as a single and later included on their album “A Nod Is as Good as a Wink… to a Blind Horse.” The song is known for its energetic rhythm, bluesy guitar riffs by Ronnie Wood, and Rod Stewart’s powerful vocals.
“Stay with Me” became one of The Faces’ most popular and enduring songs, showcasing their ability to blend rock, blues, and boogie-woogie influences into a dynamic and infectious track. The song’s lyrics tell a story of late-night longing and desire, delivered with Stewart’s trademark raspy voice and charismatic stage presence.
As a single, “Stay with Me” achieved commercial success, reaching the top 10 on the charts in both the UK and the US. Its memorable chorus and catchy guitar hooks have made it a classic rock radio staple and a fan favorite at The Faces’ live performances. The song’s enduring popularity continues to cement its status as one of the band’s signature songs and a highlight of their influential career in rock music.
2. Ooh La La
“Ooh La La” is a song by The Faces, released in 1973 as the title track of their final studio album. It’s notable for its folk-rock sound, featuring Ronnie Wood on lead vocals instead of Rod Stewart. The song was written by Ronnie Lane and Ronnie Wood and is characterized by its whimsical lyrics and nostalgic charm.
“Ooh La La” has a laid-back and acoustic-driven arrangement, with heartfelt vocals that convey a sense of reflection and wisdom. The lyrics speak to the passing of time and the lessons learned along the way, capturing a sentiment of innocence and experience. Despite its initial reception, the song has gained popularity over the years and has been covered by various artists.
The Faces’ rendition of “Ooh La La” remains a fan favorite and a poignant reminder of their musical versatility and enduring appeal. It serves as a fitting farewell to the band’s legacy, showcasing their ability to blend rock with folk influences and delivering a timeless message about life’s journey.
3. Cindy Incidentally
“Cindy Incidentally” is a song by the British rock band Faces, released in 1973. It features a blend of rock, pop, and folk influences typical of the band’s sound, characterized by its catchy melody and Rod Stewart’s distinctive vocals. The song’s lyrics tell a story about a girl named Cindy and her adventures, with a playful and upbeat vibe. “Cindy Incidentally” became a popular track for Faces, showcasing their ability to create infectious, feel-good rock music that resonated with audiences during the early 1970s. It remains a favorite among fans of classic rock and is remembered for its cheerful and whimsical charm.
4. Maybe I’m Amazed
“Maybe I’m Amazed” is a song by Paul McCartney, released in 1970 on his debut solo album “McCartney.” It’s known for its heartfelt lyrics and soulful melody, written as a tribute to McCartney’s wife, Linda McCartney. The song’s raw emotion and powerful vocals reflect McCartney’s personal feelings of love and gratitude during a challenging period.
“Maybe I’m Amazed” features McCartney on vocals, piano, and all instruments, showcasing his multi-instrumental talents and songwriting prowess. The song’s production is stripped-down yet emotionally resonant, capturing a sense of vulnerability and honesty that endeared it to listeners.
Over the years, “Maybe I’m Amazed” has become one of McCartney’s most beloved solo songs and a classic in his catalog. Its enduring popularity is due in part to its universal themes of love and devotion, as well as McCartney’s ability to convey deep emotion through his music. The song has been covered by various artists and continues to be celebrated for its timeless appeal and intimate storytelling.
5. Pool Hall Richard
“Pool Hall Richard” is a lively and humorous song by Faces, released as a single in 1973. It features Rod Stewart’s charismatic vocals and the band’s signature blend of rock and roll with a touch of R&B. The song’s lyrics tell the story of a colorful character named Richard who spends his time in pool halls, living a carefree and adventurous life. “Pool Hall Richard” is known for its catchy chorus and upbeat rhythm, making it a favorite among fans of Faces and classic rock enthusiasts. It captures the band’s playful spirit and their knack for creating catchy, feel-good rock songs.
6. Had Me a Real Good Time
“Had Me a Real Good Time” is a song by The Faces, released in 1971 on their album “Long Player.” It’s a lively and upbeat rock song that captures the band’s signature blend of rock, blues, and boogie-woogie influences. The song features Rod Stewart’s charismatic vocals, Ronnie Wood’s bluesy guitar riffs, and the band’s energetic rhythm section.
“Had Me a Real Good Time” is known for its infectious groove and playful lyrics, celebrating the joy and excitement of a memorable night out. The song’s lively tempo and catchy chorus make it a fan favorite and a staple in The Faces’ live performances.
As one of the standout tracks on “Long Player,” “Had Me a Real Good Time” exemplifies The Faces’ ability to create music that is both musically dynamic and effortlessly entertaining. Its enduring popularity among fans of rock and roll reflects the band’s impact and influence during their time together in the early 1970s.
7. Too Bad
“Too Bad” is a rock song by Faces, released in 1971 on their album “Long Player.” It features Rod Stewart’s soulful vocals and the band’s energetic instrumentation, blending rock, blues, and R&B influences. The song’s lyrics reflect on themes of regret and resilience, with Stewart singing about facing life’s challenges and moving forward despite setbacks. “Too Bad” showcases Faces’ raw musical talent and their ability to deliver heartfelt, emotionally charged performances. The song remains a classic example of the band’s dynamic sound and their contribution to the rock music landscape of the early 1970s.
8. Miss Judy’s Farm
“Miss Judy’s Farm” is a rock song by The Faces, released in 1971 on their album “A Nod Is as Good as a Wink… to a Blind Horse.” The song is known for its energetic and infectious vibe, featuring Rod Stewart’s distinctive vocals and Ronnie Wood’s gritty guitar work.
“Miss Judy’s Farm” showcases The Faces’ signature blend of rock, blues, and boogie-woogie influences, characterized by its driving rhythm and catchy guitar riffs. The song’s lyrics tell a story of youthful exuberance and mischief, capturing the carefree spirit of the band’s early years.
As one of the standout tracks on “A Nod Is as Good as a Wink… to a Blind Horse,” “Miss Judy’s Farm” remains a fan favorite and a testament to The Faces’ ability to create music that is both lively and authentic. The song’s dynamic energy and infectious groove continue to resonate with listeners, making it a classic example of the band’s influential contributions to rock music.
9. Around the Plynth
“Around the Plynth” is a song by Faces, released in 1970 on their debut album “First Step.” It’s a bluesy rock track that showcases Rod Stewart’s gritty vocals and the band’s dynamic instrumentation. The song features a catchy guitar riff and a driving rhythm, characteristic of Faces’ early sound. Lyrically, “Around the Plynth” explores themes of introspection and self-discovery, with Stewart singing about personal experiences and reflections. The song highlights Faces’ ability to blend blues, rock, and folk influences into a cohesive and energetic musical style, establishing their reputation as one of the leading rock bands of the 1970s.
10. You’re So Rude
“You’re So Rude” is a song by The Faces, featured on their 1971 album “A Nod Is as Good as a Wink… to a Blind Horse.” The track is characterized by its lively rock and roll sound, typical of the band’s energetic and playful style.
The song’s lyrics, sung by Rod Stewart, humorously depict a romantic encounter where the narrator playfully chastises someone for their rudeness while still being infatuated with them. It features upbeat guitar work by Ronnie Wood and a lively rhythm section that contributes to its energetic feel.
“You’re So Rude” exemplifies The Faces’ ability to blend rock, blues, and a touch of humor into their music, showcasing their unique approach to storytelling and musicality. The song remains a favorite among fans of the band and is often celebrated for its catchy hooks and lively performance.