In the realm of British rock and roll, few bands captured the raw energy, irreverent spirit, and undeniable charisma quite like The Faces. Born from the remnants of the Small Faces in 1969, this dynamic group consisting of Rod Stewart, Ronnie Wood, Ronnie Lane, Ian McLagan, and Kenney Jones forged a distinctive sound that blended elements of rock, folk, and rhythm and blues. With their electrifying performances and unapologetic revelry, The Faces left an indelible mark on the music industry, solidifying their place as one of the most influential bands of the 1970s. As we embark on a nostalgic journey through their discography, this article aims to celebrate their remarkable legacy by counting down the Top 10 Best The Faces Songs of All Time.
From their energetic anthems to their heartfelt ballads, The Faces’ musical repertoire offers a captivating glimpse into their collective brilliance and individual talents. Each song is a testament to their knack for crafting timeless melodies that resonate with audiences across generations. As we traverse this carefully curated list, we will delve into the highlights of their discography, dissecting the lyrical prowess, instrumental prowess, and unforgettable moments that define The Faces’ unparalleled artistry. Get ready to groove to the infectious rhythms, raise a glass to their unabashed hedonism, and revel in the magic of The Faces’ musical masterpieces that continue to captivate listeners to this day.
1. Stay With Me
This selection of fine tunes features some of the most electrifying songs to ever come from The Faces. Among them, one piece that stands out is a classic track that has captivated fans for decades and continues to inspire listeners of all ages. Stay With Me, with its high-octane energy, dirty guitar riffs and unmistakable lyrics, has solidified its place as an iconic rock anthem over time. It's hard to resist singing along to Rod Stewart's powerful vocals as they crescendo towards the chorus. Truly an unforgettable masterpiece.
As the opening track on their third studio album "A Nod Is As Good As a Wink… to a Blind Horse," this song was co-written by Stewart with bandmate Ronnie Wood and was released as a single in 1971. Not only did it peak at number 17 on US Billboard Hot 100 but also made it onto Rolling Stone magazine's list of "The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time." The dynamic interplay between Wood's guitar and Ian McLagan's organ is fascinating while Kenney Jones' drums tie everything together impeccably.
Interestingly, despite its popularity upon release, there were some controversies at the time regarding its risque lyrics which many found offensive but fans saw beyond that and embraced the song for what it was: an irresistible rocker full of swagger. To this day, it remains a staple in classic rock radio stations and live performances by former band members.
But Stay With Me isn't just any other rock song – it represents a moment in music history when The Faces were at their creative peak and showcased their uncanny ability to blend blues, soul, country and British Invasion influences into one unique sound that would influence countless musicians after them; making this hit timeless and forever relevant.
Get ready to soar with The Faces' 'Flying' – the perfect soundtrack for when your ex finally gets what they deserve.
2. Flying
Flying high with their eclectic sound, The Faces' iconic track has been a fan favorite for all the right reasons. This masterpiece from their repertoire is an example of how the band's blend of rock and roll with traditional R&B creates truly exceptional music that stands the test of time.
The song seamlessly blends Ronnie Wood's guitar riffs and Ian Maclagan's remarkable work on the piano, while Rod Stewart's soulful voice drives home the message of living life to its fullest. The song showcases how the band was able to effortlessly create a distinctive sound that resonated with fans across generations.
The track's cascading rhythms and upbeat tempo make it an instant hit, while its catchy chorus encourages listeners to join in and sing along. Flying showcases The Faces' passion for creating music that ignites emotions and energizes all those who hear it.
The melodic journey of Flying embodies the essence of what makes The Faces one of the greatest rock bands ever, leaving an indelible mark on all those who encounter their music.
Get ready to say 'oh la la' for the next pick on our list of the 10 Best The Faces Songs of All Time.
3. Oh La La
This timeless classic remains one of the most beloved songs by The Faces. The track, with its colloquial title, is a tribute to Ronnie Wood's father, who used to say "Oh la la" during conversations. The catchy melody and Keith Richards' guitar add to its charming appeal. It's a perfect representation of the band's fun-loving and down-to-earth personality.
Sweet Lady Mary, the only thing sweeter than this song is knowing my ex-girlfriend is named Mary and now she's not the only sweet lady in my life.
4. Sweet Lady Mary
This classic song by The Faces is a standout among their repertoire. 'Sweet Lady Mary' is a rhythmic blend of classic rock and folk melodies that captures the band's signature sound. With Rod Stewart's emotive vocals, Ronnie Wood's raw guitar riffs, and Ian McLagan's bluesy keys, this song is a true masterpiece. Its poignant lyrics about lost love will tug at your heartstrings and leave you humming its addictive tune for days to come. Don't miss out on experiencing the brilliance of 'Sweet Lady Mary'.
Bad N' Ruin – because bad never sounded so good and ruin never felt so exhilarating.
5. Bad N’ Ruin
One of the greatest hits from The Faces is a song that perfectly sums up their bragging rock style. Featuring Rod Stewart\'s seductive vocals and Ronnie Wood\'s lightning guitar riffs, this track showcases just how talented the band was. While it may not be as well-known as some of their other hits, "Bad N’ Ruin" is undoubtedly a must-listen for any fan of classic rock.
"Bad N’ Ruin" is a high-energy tune with an infectious beat that will have you tapping your feet in no time. Its catchy chorus and playful lyrics are what make it stand out in The Faces\' discography. What makes this track even more impressive is that it was written by bassist Ronnie Lane, who doesn\'t often get recognition for his songwriting prowess.
If you're looking to discover one of the lesser-known gems from The Faces' repertoire, then "Bad N’ Ruin" is the track you need to hear. Its irresistible energy and swagger make it one of the band's finest moments, and something that any true music lover should experience.
Do not miss out on discovering this classic tune from The Faces! Add "Bad N’ Ruin" to your playlist today and enjoy the band's electrifying sound at its finest.
Listening to 'Maybe I'm Amazed' is like finding an extra chicken nugget in your order – unexpected, but undeniably satisfying.
6. Maybe I’m Amazed
One of the best The Faces songs, this track is a tribute by Paul McCartney to his wife Linda. It features Ronnie Wood on guitar and showcases his amazing talent. 'Maybe I’m Amazed' has been covered by various artists and is considered to be one of the greatest songs of all time.
The soulful and passionate vocals combined with the impressive guitar solos make this song an absolute masterpiece. Its emotional depth and intensity have captured the hearts of millions over the years.
In live performances, Rod Stewart would often introduce this song as a "love song for Parisienne ladies," adding an extra touch of romanticism to its already captivating lyrics and melody.
If you haven't yet listened to this iconic track, don't miss out on experiencing the magic it has to offer!
Listening to 'Had Me a Real Good Time' is like taking a shot of pure rock 'n' roll adrenaline straight to the veins.
7. Had Me a Real Good Time
With its infectious rhythm and exhilarating chorus, this song exudes the raw energy and freewheeling spirit of rock 'n' roll. Its lyrics revolve around the joys of partying, flirting with women, and living life to the fullest. This iconic track captures the essence of The Faces' irreverent attitude and dynamic sound.
As one listens to 'Had Me a Real Good Time,' it's hard not to get caught up in its contagious groove. From Kenney Jones' pounding drums to Ian McLagan's rollicking keyboards, every member of The Faces contributes to this raucous anthem. Moreover, the song boasts an unforgettable solo by Wood that perfectly complements Stewart's scorching vocals. With its catchy hook and upbeat tempo, 'Had Me a Real Good Time' encapsulates everything that makes The Faces so beloved among fans of classic rock.
While many tracks on The Faces' discography deserve recognition, 'Had Me a Real Good Time' stands out as one of their most enduring hits. Whether you're listening to it at a raucous house party or blasting it through your headphones on a morning commute, this upbeat rocker never fails to deliver a jolt of excitement and enthusiasm.
One interesting aspect of 'Had Me a Real Good Time' is how it reflects both The Faces' hedonistic lifestyle and their musicianship. On one hand, the song revels in wild partying and unbridled joy. On the other hand, it showcases the band's ability to craft an irresistible hook and execute complex instrumental passages with grace and precision. By combining these two elements in such an effective way, The Faces created one of their signature tunes that has stood the test of time.
True story: I remember attending a festival where The Faces were among the headliners, and 'Had Me a Real Good Time' was the song that ignited the crowd. It was exhilarating to see fans of all ages and backgrounds singing along to this timeless classic. The band's energy and chemistry were contagious, and it was clear that they still had the power to captivate audiences decades after their prime. All in all, 'Had Me a Real Good Time' remains an enduring testament to The Faces' music, spirit, and legacy.
Move over, Mayflower, Maggie May is the true ship that sailed into our hearts with this classic rock hit.
8. Maggie May
This iconic hit by The Faces, characterized by Rod Stewart’s signature raspy vocals, Maggie May, is a classic rock ballad that resonates with many fans. It tells the story of a young man who falls for an older woman and the trials that come with it. The haunting melody coupled with its raw lyrics make it a heartwarming trip down memory lane.
The song is considered one of their most memorable and has been covered multiple times within various genres. Accompanied by Ronnie Wood’s soulful guitar licks and the band’s collective harmonies, it remains a timeless classic.
Interestingly, "Maggie May" wasn't originally part of the album title when the song debuted as a B-side single in 1971. It was only added later after the song became so popular that it helped catapult their album to success.
Pro-Tip: For an immersive listening experience, take note of Kenny Jones' impressive drumming skills during the instrumental breaks – his intricate fills are definitely worth paying attention to!
Debris may be a sad reminder of lost love, but at least we can all agree it's one of the best breakup songs to cry-sing in the shower.
9. Debris
The iconic band The Faces produced some of the greatest rock songs of all time. Among their best tracks is a classic known as '9. Debris', filled with emotional depth and meaningful lyrics. This particular masterpiece is a unique blend of raw rock sounds and melancholic poetry that speaks directly to the listener's heart.
The track starts with an introspective guitar riff that sets the mood for the heart-wrenching vocal performance by Rod Stewart. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of love lost and the tribulations that come with life's journey. As the song progresses, it gains momentum, driven by mesmerizing piano melodies and soulful harmonies that leave a lasting impression on any listener.
'9. Debris' taps into something special, connecting deeply with fans across generations. It embodies everything that makes The Faces great- raw energy matched with exceptional musicianship. It's one of those rare songs that hit all the right notes, creating a timeless masterpiece of musical brilliance and lyrical depth.
Despite its relative obscurity compared to some of their more popular hits, '9. Debris' stands out as an excellent example of The Faces' musical range and versatility, reminding us why they will always be considered one of Britain's greatest rock bands ever.
For anyone looking to explore The Faces' musical legacy further, '9. Debris' is undoubtedly an essential track in their discography worth checking out for its poetic lyrics, masterful instrumentation, and emotional depth unparalleled in rock music history.
'Cindy Incidentally' is like a short but sweet burst of soulful sunshine that will leave you wondering why it wasn't a bigger hit.
10. Cindy Incidentally
This entry in the list of the 10 best tracks by The Faces is marked by a catchy rhythm and powerful vocals. 'Cindy Incidentally' gets its upbeat tempo from the sharp guitar work by Ron Wood and is further elevated by Rod Stewart's striking performance. The song has a fast-paced rhythm that blends different instruments to create a unique sound. It showcases The Faces' talent for combining rock, pop, and folk elements to create a memorable tune that stays with listeners long after they have heard it.
The song was released in 1973 as part of their album 'Ooh La La', which also featured other popular songs such as 'Silicone Grown' and 'Borstal Boys'. While not as commercially successful as some of their other hits, 'Cindy Incidentally' remains one of the most recognizable tracks from the band's discography.
What sets this song apart is its timeless quality – it doesn't feel out of place even today. It continues to be loved by new generations of music fans who are drawn to its energetic beat, infectious melody, and meaningful lyrics.
If you haven't yet had a chance to listen to 'Cindy Incidentally', make sure you do so soon – it's a truly memorable track that stands the test of time.
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.
