When it comes to rock ‘n’ roll swagger, few bands can match the unfiltered energy and raw charisma of The Faces. Emerging from the ashes of the Small Faces in the late 1960s, this legendary British rock band—featuring the gravelly voice of Rod Stewart, the soulful guitar of Ronnie Wood, and the steady rhythm of drummer Kenney Jones—crafted a legacy that has stood the test of time. Known for their infectious riffs, heartfelt lyrics, and raucous live performances, The Faces became a symbol of rock’s golden era, leaving an indelible mark on music history.
But what truly set The Faces apart was their ability to weave together blues, rock, and soul into songs that resonated with audiences around the world. Whether it’s the anthemic choruses that make you sing along, the heartfelt ballads that tug at your soul, or the rollicking jams that make you want to dance, their music captures every emotion with unparalleled authenticity.
In this article, we’re counting down the top 10 most popular songs from The Faces—a celebration of the tracks that defined their career and continue to inspire fans, old and new. Get ready to rediscover the timeless classics that made The Faces iconic!
1. Stay with Me (1971)
“Stay with Me” is one of The Faces’ most electrifying rock anthems, released in 1971 as part of their album A Nod Is as Good as a Wink… to a Blind Horse. From the opening guitar riff, the track exudes pure rock ‘n’ roll energy, propelled by Ron Wood’s gritty licks and Kenney Jones’ driving drumbeat. At the heart of the song is Rod Stewart’s unmistakable raspy vocal, oozing charisma and cheeky charm as he delivers a story of a one-night stand with unapologetic swagger.
The lyrics paint a humorous, no-strings-attached romance, where the protagonist makes it clear that love isn’t in the cards—just a good time. Despite the brashness of the words, the song’s infectious melody and upbeat groove make it impossible not to sing along. The chorus, with its bluesy call-and-response pattern, adds to the song’s playful, barroom-rock vibe.
“Stay with Me” became one of The Faces’ signature songs and remains a staple of classic rock radio. Its blend of reckless energy and tight musicianship captures the band at their peak. Over the years, the song has been covered and celebrated by multiple artists, solidifying its place as a timeless rock classic.
2. Ooh La La (1973)
The title track of The Faces’ 1973 album, “Ooh La La,” is a wistful, acoustic-driven song that explores themes of regret and hindsight. Unlike most of the band’s catalog, this track isn’t sung by Rod Stewart but instead by Ronnie Wood, giving it a distinct and heartfelt quality. The song’s memorable chorus—”I wish that I knew what I know now when I was younger”—has become an anthem for learning life’s lessons the hard way.
The folk-rock instrumentation, with its jangly acoustic guitar and easygoing rhythm, gives “Ooh La La” a timeless and nostalgic feel. Ronnie Lane’s songwriting shines here, offering a reflective tale of wisdom passed down from an older generation to the young and naive. There’s a bittersweetness to the lyrics, as they capture the universal experience of realizing too late what truly matters.
Though it wasn’t initially a major hit, “Ooh La La” has grown in popularity over the years, often used in films and TV shows to underscore sentimental moments. Today, it stands as one of The Faces’ most beloved songs, a poignant reminder that experience is life’s greatest teacher.
3. Three Button Hand Me Down (1970)
From their debut album First Step (1970), “Three Button Hand Me Down” is a funky, blues-infused track that perfectly captures The Faces’ raw, unpolished energy. With a lively bassline from Ronnie Lane and Ian McLagan’s groovy keyboard work, the song has an irresistible swing that makes it stand out from the more straightforward rockers in their catalog.
The lyrics tell the story of a man proudly wearing a secondhand suit, brushing off any judgment from those who might look down on him. There’s an underlying confidence and swagger in the words, embodying the free-spirited attitude that defined The Faces. Rod Stewart delivers the vocals with his trademark grit, turning what could be a simple story into a declaration of self-assurance.
Musically, “Three Button Hand Me Down” is driven by a tight rhythm section, layered with bluesy guitar licks that add depth to the song’s upbeat nature. While it wasn’t released as a single, the track remains a fan favorite and a testament to the band’s ability to fuse rock with elements of rhythm and blues. Its infectious groove and playful lyrics make it one of The Faces’ most enjoyable deep cuts.
4. Cindy Incidentally (1973)
“Cindy Incidentally,” from the 1973 album Ooh La La, is a soulful rock song that highlights The Faces’ ability to blend rock and R&B seamlessly. With its piano-driven groove and laid-back melody, the track carries a warmth and charm that make it one of their most accessible songs.
Rod Stewart’s vocal performance is both tender and commanding, capturing the song’s theme of escape and new beginnings. The lyrics suggest a lover or friend encouraging Cindy to leave behind a difficult situation and start fresh somewhere new. The optimistic message is reinforced by the uplifting instrumental arrangement, featuring smooth guitar lines and a steady backbeat.
Unlike some of The Faces’ rougher, more raucous tunes, “Cindy Incidentally” showcases a more polished sound, hinting at Stewart’s eventual solo direction. The song became one of the band’s biggest hits, reaching the UK Top 10. Its catchy hooks, singalong chorus, and rich instrumentation make it a standout in their discography, demonstrating their growth and musical versatility.
5. Flying (1970)
“Flying,” from First Step (1970), is a soaring rock ballad that showcases The Faces’ early ambition and creativity. With its blend of bluesy guitar work, soulful organ swells, and heartfelt lyrics, the track carries an uplifting, almost dreamlike quality.
The song opens with a gentle acoustic guitar before building into a powerful, sweeping chorus. Rod Stewart’s vocals convey a sense of yearning and wanderlust, as if searching for something just beyond reach. The lyrics evoke imagery of flight, both literally and metaphorically, as the protagonist longs for freedom and escape.
Ronnie Lane’s bassline adds depth to the song’s structure, while Kenney Jones’ drumming keeps a steady yet dynamic rhythm. The interplay between the band members is evident throughout, reflecting their chemistry and ability to create rich, textured compositions. Though not as widely recognized as some of their bigger hits, “Flying” remains a hidden gem in The Faces’ catalog, showcasing their ability to craft songs that are both musically intricate and emotionally resonant.
6. Had Me a Real Good Time (1971)
“Had Me a Real Good Time,” from Long Player (1971), is a raucous, celebratory track that perfectly embodies The Faces’ wild, carefree spirit. From the first notes, the song explodes with energy, featuring rollicking piano, bluesy guitar licks, and an irresistible rhythm that makes it impossible to sit still.
Rod Stewart’s vocals are at their most playful here, telling a story of a night filled with drinking, dancing, and general mischief. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of revelry, with a protagonist who doesn’t take life too seriously and simply wants to enjoy himself. The song’s infectious chorus, complete with singalong backing vocals, captures the rowdy, barroom charm that The Faces were known for.
What makes “Had Me a Real Good Time” stand out is its perfect balance of chaos and control. While the track sounds loose and spontaneous, the band’s tight musicianship keeps it from ever feeling messy. Ron Wood’s guitar work is particularly electrifying, adding an extra layer of grit to the song. As one of The Faces’ most boisterous anthems, it remains a fan favorite, embodying everything that made the band so exciting.
7. Debris (1971)
“Debris,” also from Long Player (1971), showcases a different side of The Faces—one that is introspective, heartfelt, and deeply emotional. Written and sung by Ronnie Lane, the song stands out from the band’s usual hard-rocking, high-energy numbers, instead opting for a delicate, folk-tinged approach.
The song’s lyrics are a nostalgic reflection on the past, particularly on Lane’s relationship with his father. There’s a wistful sadness in the words as he reminisces about simpler times, weaving a story of love, memory, and the passage of time. Unlike the band’s more raucous tracks, “Debris” is stripped down, allowing Lane’s gentle vocal delivery to take center stage.
Musically, the track is built around a melodic acoustic guitar progression, with subtle organ swells adding warmth to the arrangement. The result is one of The Faces’ most poignant songs, revealing a depth of songwriting that often went overlooked in favor of their more upbeat material. Over the years, “Debris” has become a cult favorite among fans, serving as a touching reminder of Ronnie Lane’s songwriting brilliance.
8. Too Bad (1971)
“Too Bad,” from A Nod Is as Good as a Wink… to a Blind Horse (1971), is a raw, high-energy rocker that perfectly captures The Faces’ rebellious and unfiltered spirit. From the opening guitar riff, the track barrels forward with an unrelenting pace, driven by Ron Wood’s dirty, blues-infused playing and Kenney Jones’ thunderous drumming.
Rod Stewart delivers the lyrics with his signature grit and attitude, spinning a tale of youthful misadventure. The song’s themes of recklessness and living in the moment reflect the band’s own lifestyle at the time, making it feel both autobiographical and universal. The chorus, simple yet powerful, is the kind that begs to be shouted along to in a crowded room.
Despite its rough-and-tumble nature, “Too Bad” is also a testament to The Faces’ musical precision. The interplay between the instruments is tight, with every member contributing to the track’s raw but polished sound. It’s one of their most thrilling songs, embodying the kind of no-nonsense rock ‘n’ roll that made them one of the era’s most exciting bands.
9. Cindy Incidentally (1973)
“Cindy Incidentally,” from Ooh La La (1973), is one of The Faces’ most accessible and radio-friendly songs, blending their signature rock sound with elements of soul and pop. The track features a smooth, piano-driven groove that makes it instantly catchy, while Rod Stewart’s warm and charismatic vocals add an emotional weight to the lyrics.
The song tells the story of Cindy, a woman being encouraged to leave behind her troubles and start anew. There’s an underlying optimism in both the words and the music, with the melody carrying an uplifting, carefree quality. The blend of electric and acoustic guitars, combined with Ian McLagan’s tasteful keyboard work, gives the track a refined yet relaxed feel.
Unlike some of The Faces’ more raucous material, “Cindy Incidentally” showcases their ability to craft a polished and melodic song without losing their identity. It became one of their biggest hits, reaching the UK Top 10, and remains a standout in their discography. Its infectious chorus and easygoing charm make it a song that continues to resonate with listeners.
10. Pool Hall Richard (1973)
“Pool Hall Richard” was released as a standalone single in 1973 and quickly became one of The Faces’ most energetic and engaging tracks. With its fiery guitar riffs, stomping rhythm, and Rod Stewart’s charismatic vocals, the song embodies the band’s raucous, bluesy rock style.
The lyrics tell the story of a hotshot pool player who’s as slick with a cue stick as he is with his words. There’s a playful, competitive edge to the song, and Stewart’s delivery adds just the right amount of swagger. Ron Wood’s guitar work is particularly impressive here, blending rock and blues influences into a sound that feels both raw and sophisticated.
Musically, “Pool Hall Richard” is built on an infectious groove that keeps the energy high from start to finish. The rhythm section, anchored by Kenney Jones on drums and Ronnie Lane on bass, gives the track a driving momentum that makes it a thrilling listen. Though it wasn’t included on any of their studio albums, the song has remained a favorite among fans, proving that even The Faces’ standalone singles were packed with the same charisma and craftsmanship as their biggest hits.
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.
