Few artists have navigated the changing tides of music with the swagger, soul, and staying power of Rod Stewart. From gritty folk-rock storyteller to suave disco crooner, Stewart’s voice—raspy, emotional, and unmistakably his—has been the soundtrack to generations of heartbreaks, dance floors, and unforgettable nights. With a career spanning over five decades, he’s sold more than 250 million records worldwide, earned a knighthood, and secured his place as one of rock’s most iconic frontmen. But what truly sets him apart is his uncanny ability to evolve without ever losing his identity.
Whether he’s crooning a tender ballad, belting out a stadium anthem, or turning up the charm in a flirtatious hit, Rod Stewart brings a unique blend of vulnerability and bravado to every song. His music has crossed genres, borders, and eras—resonating just as powerfully with baby boomers as it does with younger generations discovering him for the first time.
So, what are the absolute best of the best? We’ve compiled the Top 10 Most Popular Rod Stewart Songs of All Time—the tracks that defined his legacy, topped the charts, and captured hearts across the globe. Get ready to revisit the magic, the melodies, and the man behind the microphone. Let’s dive in!
1. “Maggie May” (1971)
“Maggie May” wasn’t supposed to be the hit—it was originally the B-side to “Reason to Believe.” But once listeners heard Rod Stewart’s raspy, heartfelt voice telling a tale of youthful indiscretion and regret, they couldn’t get enough. Released in 1971, the song skyrocketed to No. 1 in both the US and UK, launching Stewart into rock superstardom. It’s a loosely autobiographical story about a young man caught in a relationship with an older woman, and the emotional tug-of-war that comes with it. Blending folk, rock, and a touch of soul, the track feels like a confessional set to music, full of candid emotion and raw vulnerability. Stewart’s voice—gravelly and full of longing—delivers every lyric with conviction. The now-iconic mandolin outro, played by Ray Jackson, gives the song its distinctive finish and helped cement its place in rock history. “Maggie May” didn’t follow traditional song structure, but that only added to its charm and originality. More than just a radio staple, it became a generational anthem that resonated with anyone who’d ever looked back on a relationship with equal parts fondness and regret. It remains one of Stewart’s most beloved and defining songs.
2. “Da Ya Think I’m Sexy?” (1978)
When Rod Stewart dropped “Da Ya Think I’m Sexy?” in 1978, he both thrilled and puzzled fans. Coming off a string of gritty rock and folk-infused hits, Stewart dove headfirst into the world of disco with this cheeky, glittering anthem. Featured on the album Blondes Have More Fun, the song was a commercial juggernaut, hitting No. 1 on charts around the globe. Its pulsing synths, tight groove, and irresistibly catchy chorus made it an instant hit in clubs and on the radio. Critics were divided—some accused Stewart of selling out—but Stewart later revealed the song was meant as satire, a playful jab at the over-the-top glamour of the disco era. Either way, the joke worked. “Da Ya Think I’m Sexy?” became a defining hit of the late ’70s and proved Stewart wasn’t afraid to take bold, unexpected turns in his career. Its flamboyant style, strutting bassline, and tongue-in-cheek lyrics showed a different side of Stewart—one that didn’t take itself too seriously. Today, it stands as both a fun snapshot of a disco-drenched era and a testament to Stewart’s range as a performer willing to break from tradition and follow his instincts.
3. “Forever Young” (1988)
Rod Stewart’s “Forever Young,” released in 1988 on the Out of Order album, is a heartfelt, sincere anthem that still resonates decades later. Written with Jim Cregan and Kevin Savigar, the song was inspired by Stewart’s children and expresses a father’s hopes and blessings for their future. Its sentiments are timeless: “May the good Lord be with you down every road you roam…” speaks not just to a family member, but to anyone navigating life’s unpredictable journey. While musically distinct, its lyrical theme bore similarities to Bob Dylan’s track of the same name—enough so that Stewart respectfully offered Dylan co-writing credit. Musically, “Forever Young” blends rock balladry with a light synth-driven arrangement, letting Stewart’s voice take center stage. His gravelly vocals carry a warmth and gravitas that elevate the lyrics from simple sentiment to spiritual benediction. The song became a popular choice for graduations, weddings, memorials, and milestone celebrations, capturing a universal wish for love, safety, and joy. More than just a hit single, “Forever Young” is one of Stewart’s most enduring works—a touching reflection of his growth as a father, artist, and human being.
4. “Sailing” (1975)
“Sailing,” released in 1975 as the lead single from Atlantic Crossing, remains one of Rod Stewart’s most emotive and universally beloved ballads. Written by Gavin Sutherland of The Sutherland Brothers, the song wasn’t penned by Stewart, but you’d never know it by the way he makes it his own. His passionate, aching vocal delivery transforms the lyrics into something deeply personal. The track soared to No. 1 in the UK, staying there for several weeks and cementing its place in the nation’s musical memory. Musically, “Sailing” builds gradually, beginning with soft piano and blossoming into a sweeping, almost hymn-like crescendo. Its themes of longing, homecoming, and spiritual searching struck a chord with listeners across generations. During the Falklands War in the early 1980s, the song experienced a resurgence after being featured in a British documentary about the conflict, further embedding it in the public consciousness. “Sailing” is more than just a love song—it’s a reflection on distance, identity, and the desire to return to something or someone meaningful. Stewart’s vulnerable vocal performance brings those emotions vividly to life, proving the power of simplicity paired with sincerity.
5. “Tonight’s the Night (Gonna Be Alright)” (1976)
In 1976, Rod Stewart turned up the heat with “Tonight’s the Night (Gonna Be Alright),” a seductive slow jam that became one of his biggest hits. Featured on the album A Night on the Town, the song spent an impressive eight consecutive weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100—one of the longest reigns of the decade. With its laid-back rhythm, hushed vocals, and sultry lyrics, the track oozes romantic tension. Stewart plays the part of a confident lover, inviting his partner to a night of intimacy, and the subtle French whispers from then-girlfriend Britt Ekland add an extra layer of sensuality. While some radio stations banned the song due to its provocative content, fans embraced its boldness. The arrangement is elegant in its simplicity—minimal instrumentation leaves space for Stewart’s voice to carry the mood. “Tonight’s the Night” captures a moment of quiet anticipation and desire without veering into cliché, and it firmly established Stewart as a master of the romantic ballad. It’s a song that blends charm, confidence, and vulnerability, and even today, it stands as a defining track of the soft rock era.
6. “Young Turks” (1981)
“Young Turks” signaled a bold new direction for Rod Stewart when it hit the airwaves in 1981. Trading in his classic rock and folk-tinged sound for a punchy, synth-driven beat, the song found Stewart diving into the new wave movement—and pulling it off with style. Featured on the album Tonight I’m Yours, “Young Turks” reached No. 5 on the US charts and quickly became a fan favorite. The song tells the story of Billy and Patti, two teenagers determined to break free from the constraints of their small-town life and chase something bigger. The title, though historically referencing political rebellion, is used here to embody youthful defiance and romantic ambition. Musically, the track is energetic and modern, with a pulsing rhythm section and shimmering keyboards driving the momentum. Stewart’s voice, always emotive, matches the song’s urgency and hopefulness. “Young Turks” proved that Stewart could evolve with the times without losing his identity. It was a vibrant, stylish reminder that he wasn’t stuck in the past—and that he could tell a compelling story with just as much flair in the ‘80s as he had in the ‘70s.
7. “Have I Told You Lately” (1991)
Rod Stewart brought new life to Van Morrison’s “Have I Told You Lately” with his tender, stripped-back 1991 version—recorded for his Unplugged…and Seated live album, released in 1993. While Morrison’s original leaned into folk-gospel, Stewart’s take transformed it into a heartfelt adult contemporary ballad, full of warmth and intimacy. His gravelly voice carries every line with emotional depth, making the message of love, gratitude, and spiritual closeness feel profoundly personal. Supported by soft acoustic guitars, delicate piano, and light percussion, the arrangement gives space for Stewart’s vocals to shine. His performance turned the song into a wedding favorite and a staple on romantic playlists, earning him a Grammy nomination in the process. What makes Stewart’s rendition special isn’t just the voice—it’s the sincerity. He doesn’t just sing the lyrics; he inhabits them, delivering each phrase like a quiet prayer. This version of “Have I Told You Lately” stands as one of the finest reinterpretations of a modern love song, proving once again that Rod Stewart’s strength lies not just in his distinctive sound, but in his ability to connect deeply with emotion and meaning.
8. “You Wear It Well” (1972)
Following the massive success of “Maggie May,” Rod Stewart continued his winning streak with “You Wear It Well” in 1972—a song that effortlessly blended charm, storytelling, and melodic craftsmanship. Featured on the album Never a Dull Moment, the track hit No. 1 in the UK and reached the Top 20 in the US, solidifying Stewart’s position as a master of the folk-rock genre. The lyrics read like a letter to an old flame, filled with humor, fondness, and a touch of melancholy. Stewart’s delivery is casual yet heartfelt, perfectly capturing the emotional complexity of reminiscing about a lost love. Backed by rich acoustic textures, piano, mandolin, and a steady rhythm section, the song feels both intimate and expansive. It’s a fine example of how Stewart uses vivid lyrical detail to breathe life into his characters, much like a novelist would. “You Wear It Well” proves that his strength lies not just in vocal power but in his ability to weave narrative into music. The track remains a favorite among fans and critics alike, showcasing Stewart’s unique ability to blend vulnerability with swagger in a way that feels completely authentic.
9. “The First Cut Is the Deepest” (1977)
In 1977, Rod Stewart took on Cat Stevens’ aching ballad “The First Cut Is the Deepest” and gave it a fresh, emotionally charged interpretation that became one of his most enduring covers. Featured on A Night on the Town, Stewart’s version takes the raw vulnerability of the original and amplifies it with rich orchestration, passionate vocal phrasing, and a sense of dramatic tension. His gravelly voice, full of longing and pain, makes the heartbreak in the lyrics feel intensely real. The arrangement builds with lush strings and swelling instrumentation, offering a cinematic backdrop to the story of love lost. The song was a Top 40 hit in the US and became a staple of soft rock radio, praised for its sincerity and emotional heft. What sets Stewart’s version apart is how fully he inhabits the song—he doesn’t just sing about heartbreak; he seems to relive it in every verse. While many artists have covered “The First Cut Is the Deepest,” few have matched the emotional resonance Stewart achieved. His rendition transformed a beautiful folk tune into a soaring, unforgettable anthem of love and loss.
10. “Reason to Believe” (1971)
Originally written by folk artist Tim Hardin, “Reason to Believe” became one of Rod Stewart’s most poignant early solo performances when he recorded it in 1971 for Every Picture Tells a Story. Although it was released as the A-side of a single (with “Maggie May” on the B-side), it was eventually overshadowed by the latter’s explosive success. Still, “Reason to Believe” stands as a hauntingly beautiful ballad in its own right. Stewart’s rendition strips the song down to its emotional core—his voice, rough and weary, carries the sorrow of someone who wants to keep believing in love, even in the face of betrayal. Accompanied by soft piano, violin, and acoustic guitar, the track is intimate and heartbreaking. The story it tells—of loving someone who continually lets you down—feels timeless. Stewart captures that blend of hope and resignation perfectly. The live versions he performed later in his career brought renewed attention to the song, but the original studio cut remains a testament to his early ability to turn simple folk songs into emotional epics. “Reason to Believe” is a quiet but powerful gem that highlights Stewart’s interpretive depth and emotional sincerity.
Samuel Moore 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.
