Few musicians have managed to maintain a successful music career over several decades, but Rod Stewart stands out as one who has managed to do just that. Born in London in 1945, Stewart began his career in the 1960s as a member of various bands, including The Jeff Beck Group and The Faces, before launching his solo career in the early 1970s.
With his distinctive voice, energetic performances, and genre-blending style, Stewart quickly became one of the most popular and influential singer-songwriters of his time. In this article, we will take a closer look at Stewart’s career and musical legacy, as well as his most memorable tracks.
Stewart’s Style and Themes in his Music
One of the things that makes Rod Stewart’s music so distinctive is his voice. He is known for his raspy, soulful style, which he often combines with a rock or pop sound.
Apart from his distinctive voice, Stewart is known for his energetic performances on stage, which are often accompanied by unique costumes and accessories. Stewart is considered a master of blending genres.
For example, he often infused folk and country elements into his rock and pop songs, creating a distinctive sound that stood out from his contemporaries. Additionally, Stewart’s music is known for its focus on heartbreak, love, politics, and social commentary.
Some of his most memorable songs contain political themes, such as “Young Turks,” a song about young rebels embracing individuality.
Top 10 Rod Stewart Songs
Over the course of his career, Rod Stewart has released many memorable tracks. Here are the top 10 songs that have cemented his place in the music industry:
1.
Maggie May
“Maggie May,” released in 1971, is one of Rod Stewart’s most well-known songs. It tells the story of a young boy falling in love with an older woman.
The song’s melody is upbeat and the lyrics catchy, making it a fan favorite for decades. 2.
You Wear It Well
Released in 1972, “You Wear It Well” is a tribute to a former lover. The song’s melody is catchy, and Stewart’s vocals are incredible throughout.
It’s a song that has stood the test of time and is still popular today. 3.
The First Cut Is the Deepest
“The First Cut Is the Deepest,” released in 1976, is a powerful ballad about the pain of heartbreak. Stewart’s voice pairs perfectly with the song’s lyrics, making it one of his most popular ballads.
4. Handbags and Gladrags
“Handbags and Gladrags” was released in 1969, but it gained popularity in the late 90s when it was used as the theme tune for the popular British TV series “The Office.” This song is a great example of Stewart’s knack for blending genres.
It’s a soulful track with a rock edge, and the lyrics are poignant and memorable. 5.
Tonight’s the Night (Gonna Be Alright)
Released in 1976, “Tonight’s the Night (Gonna Be Alright)” is a song about two people falling in love. The music is upbeat, and the lyrics are fun and romantic.
6. Sailing
“Sailing” is one of Rod Stewart’s biggest hits, released in 1975.
The song is a beautiful ballad about the joys of sailing and of life in general. The melody is uplifting, and Stewart’s vocals are stunning.
7. Da Ya Think I’m Sexy?
“Da Ya Think I’m Sexy?” was released in 1978 and is a disco-infused track that became one of Stewart’s most popular songs. The up-tempo beat and catchy hook made this song an instant hit.
8. Gasoline Alley
“Gasoline Alley” is the title track from Stewart’s 1970 album.
The song has a folk-rock feel to it, and the lyrics are personal and relatable. The song’s melody is laid-back, and Stewart’s vocals perfectly capture the mood.
9. Every Picture Tells a Story
“Every Picture Tells a Story” is the title track from Stewart’s 1971 album.
The song tells the story of a young man reflecting on his past experiences. The melody is catchy, and the lyrics are incredibly relatable.
10. Stay With Me
“Stay with Me” is a classic rock song released in 1971.
The song is highly energetic, and Stewart’s vocals are exceptional. The lyrics talk about a man asking his lover to stay with him for the night.
Conclusion
Rod Stewart’s longevity as a musician is a testament to his talent and output over the years. He has managed to create a unique sound that has stood the test of time, and his music continues to be beloved by fans worldwide.
With his distinctive voice, energetic performances, and genre-blending style, Stewart’s music is a testament to his legacy as one of the most influential singer-songwriters of his generation. The top 10 songs listed above showcase his musical prowess, and they continue to inspire new generations of musicians.
3) Maggie May
When Rod Stewart released his hit song “Maggie May” in 1971, it quickly became an instant classic that solidified his place in music history. The song was a perfect blend of folk and rock, featuring a guitar riff that would become iconic and Stewart’s unique voice.
The song tells the story of a young man’s romantic relationship with an older woman and how it came to an end. The lyrics were relatable, and the chorus was catchy, making it memorable for years to come.
One of the reasons why “Maggie May” has become a beloved classic is the opening guitar riff. The song begins with a unique and familiar riff that is instantly recognizable and beloved by fans all over the world.
The opening riff sets the tone for the rest of the song, and the melody is soulful, energetic, and captivating. The guitar riff is so memorable that it is often played in movies and TV shows.
Beyond the opening riff, the song’s impact stems from its relatable themes and catchy melody. The song is about a young man falling in love with an older woman who he meets in a club.
The story of love between two people who are generations apart is something that many can relate to, and the lyrics were written in a way that was nostalgic and romantic. The song’s memorable chorus, where Stewart sings, “Oh, Maggie, I couldn’t have tried any more / You lured me away from home just to save you from being alone,” has become an iconic refrain that anyone can recognize.
“Maggie May” has stood the test of time, and it’s considered a classic song in the music industry. It’s a popular choice among radio stations and is frequently played on classic rock playlists.
The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its impact on fans and music lovers worldwide. It’s a song that will be remembered for years to come.
4) You Wear It Well
Another classic song that cements Rod Stewart’s place in music history is “You Wear It Well.” Released in 1972, the song was another hit that showcased Stewart’s unique sound and style. The song is a classic rock track that has a catchy guitar riff and Stewart’s signature raspy vocals.
The lyrics of the song narrate an encounter with a former lover who has moved on with her life but still wears the clothes he had once bought for her. The song’s melody and sound are both nostalgic and catchy, making it a beloved track among fans.
The song’s distinctive sound and lyrics are what set it apart from other classic rock songs. The guitar riff is memorable, and it’s easy to sing along with the chorus.
The lyrics of the song are poignant and relatable, as most people have experienced that bittersweet moment when they finally see their former lover moving on with their life. The song’s nostalgic sound and lyrics add to its charm and make it a favorite among fans who grew up listening to classic rock.
“You Wear It Well” has had an enduring popularity that’s a testament to its impact on fans. Decades after its release, it’s still a popular choice for radio airplay and is frequently played on classic rock playlists for its catchy melody and relatable lyrics.
It’s a song that has stood the test of time and will continue to be beloved by fans for generations to come.
Conclusion
Rod Stewart’s music has become synonymous with classic rock over the years, and his songs “Maggie May” and “You Wear It Well” are two of his most memorable tracks. The opening guitar riff of “Maggie May” and the catchy melody of “You Wear It Well” are both iconic and beloved by fans all over the world.
The relatable themes of both songs and the distinctive sound make them stand out in the music industry, and their enduring popularity is a testament to their impact on fans. These songs showcase Rod Stewart’s musical prowess and cement his place as an influential artist in music history.
5) The First Cut Is the Deepest
Rod Stewart’s cover of “The First Cut Is the Deepest” is one of his most poignant ballads. Originally written and performed by Cat Stevens in 1967, Stewart’s version was released in 1976 and went on to become an instant classic.
Compared to the original, Stewart’s cover is more soulful, emotional, and powerful. The song’s lyrics capture the pain and vulnerability of love, and Stewart’s raspy vocals add to the emotive quality of the song.
Stewart’s cover of “The First Cut Is the Deepest” features a beautiful acoustic guitar riff that enhances the song’s emotional impact. The guitar riff is simple yet powerful, perfectly capturing the melancholic mood of the song.
Additionally, Stewart’s signature raspy vocals infuse the track with a soulful quality that was absent in the original version. The combination of Stewart’s emotive delivery and the beautiful guitar playing makes this rendition a standout track.
Overall, Stewart’s cover of “The First Cut Is the Deepest” is a powerful ballad that showcases his musical prowess and exceptional vocal ability. The song has become an enduring classic and a favorite among fans who appreciate poignant and emotional ballads.
6) Handbags and Gladrags
“Handbags and Gladrags” was written by Mike D’Abo, a former member of the British band Manfred Mann. The song was first released in 1967 by Manfred Mann and later covered by several artists, including Rod Stewart in 1969.
Stewart’s version of the song is one of the most recognizable, and it’s recognized for its emotive and raspy vocals, lush orchestration, and melancholic lyrics. Stewart’s rendition of “Handbags and Gladrags” is emotive and soulful, perfectly capturing the song’s melancholic lyrics about the emptiness of materialism and the emptiness of striving for success.
Stewart’s vocals infuse the track with emotion, and his raspy voice gives the song a raw quality that makes it relatable. The orchestration of the song is also noteworthy, featuring piano, strings, and horns.
The lush instrumentation adds to the cinematic quality of the song, emphasizing its emotional impact. Overall, Stewart’s rendition of “Handbags and Gladrags” is a standout track that showcases his musical versatility and exceptional vocal ability.
The song’s melancholic lyrics, emotive vocals, and lush orchestration make it a favorite among fans who appreciate Stewart’s unique sound and style. In conclusion, both “The First Cut Is the Deepest” and “Handbags and Gladrags” are iconic tracks that highlight Rod Stewart’s exceptional musical talent.
While “The First Cut Is the Deepest” is known for its soulful and emotive quality, “Handbags and Gladrags” is recognized for its lush orchestration and melancholic lyrics. Both songs showcase Stewart’s ability to infuse emotion into his music and solidify his legacy as one of the most influential and enduring artists of his time.
7) Tonight’s the Night (Gonna Be Alright)
Rod Stewart’s “Tonight’s the Night (Gonna Be Alright)” is a classic soft rock track that has become one of his most beloved ballads. The song’s romantic theme is perfectly captured in its gentle guitar intro, which sets the tone for the rest of the song.
Stewart’s vocals once again infuse the track with soulful balladry, and his raspy voice adds to the emotional impact of the song. The song’s sing-along quality and memorable chorus make it one of the most beloved ballads from Stewart’s repertoire.
The lyrics speak about a romantic evening where two lovers are spending time together, setting the stage for what is to come. The song’s memorable chorus is simple yet powerful, adding a dose of nostalgia and tenderness to the track.
The song’s soft rock sound and Stewart’s emotive vocals make it a favorite among fans looking for a romantic and soulful tune. Overall, “Tonight’s the Night (Gonna Be Alright)” is a classic ballad that showcases Stewart’s ability to infuse emotion into his music.
The song has become a staple in love ballads and emotional tracks, highlighting Stewart’s place in music history as a master of soulful balladry.
8) Sailing
One of Rod Stewart’s biggest commercial successes is “Sailing.” The song, originally released in 1975, is a classic soft rock track that captures the longing and nostalgia of being at sea. The song’s emotive quality is perfect for Stewart’s vocals, which infuse the track with a sense of yearning and melancholy.
The song’s soft rock sound, emotive vocals, and longing lyrics combine to create a perfect ballad full of emotion and soul. The track’s lyrics talk about the desire to be at sea, away from the world and all its problems.
Stewart’s vocals perfectly capture the sentiment, adding a depth of feeling that makes the song even more poignant. “Sailing” was a massive commercial success and a chart-topping hit in both the UK and the US.
Its success is a testament to the song’s soulful quality, emotive vocals, and relatable lyrics. Decades after its release, the song still resonates with fans worldwide, highlighting Stewart’s enduring popularity and influence in the music industry.
In conclusion, “Tonight’s the Night (Gonna Be Alright)” and “Sailing” are two of Rod Stewart’s most iconic soft rock tracks. While the former is famous for its romantic theme, gentle guitar intro, and raspy vocals, the latter is known for its emotive sound, yearning lyrics, and massive commercial success.
Both songs showcase Stewart’s vocal talent and soulful balladry and have become timeless classics that continue to inspire new generations of music lovers.
