Rod Stewart is a British singer-songwriter known for his distinctive voice, charismatic stage presence, and eclectic musical style blending rock, pop, blues, and soul. Born on January 10, 1945, in London, England, Stewart began his music career in the late 1960s as a member of several bands, including The Jeff Beck Group and Faces, before launching a successful solo career.
Stewart rose to prominence in the early 1970s with albums like “Every Picture Tells a Story” (1971) and “Never a Dull Moment” (1972), which featured hit singles such as “Maggie May” and “You Wear It Well.” His raspy vocals, coupled with his knack for storytelling, made him a favorite among fans and critics alike.
Throughout his career, Stewart has released numerous hit albums and singles, including “Tonight’s the Night (Gonna Be Alright),” “Do Ya Think I’m Sexy?,” “Young Turks,” and “Forever Young.” He’s known for his dynamic live performances and continues to tour and record new music.
Beyond his musical achievements, Stewart has also dabbled in acting and writing, further showcasing his versatility and creative talent. With his distinctive voice and enduring appeal, Rod Stewart remains one of the most iconic and influential figures in rock music.
1. Maggie May
“Maggie May” is one of Rod Stewart’s most famous songs, released in 1971. It was included on his album “Every Picture Tells a Story,” which was also a massive hit. The song is a blend of folk rock and blues-rock and tells the story of a young man’s romantic entanglement with an older woman named Maggie May.
The lyrics recount the protagonist’s infatuation with Maggie May, despite warnings from his family and friends. The song’s catchy melody, raw vocals, and energetic instrumentation, including a memorable mandolin riff, contributed to its widespread popularity.
“Maggie May” became Rod Stewart’s first major solo hit, topping the charts in the United States and several other countries. It remains one of his signature songs and a classic of the rock genre, often cited as one of the greatest rock songs of all time.
2. The First Cut Is the Deepest
“The First Cut Is the Deepest” is a song written by Cat Stevens and later famously covered by Rod Stewart. Stewart’s version was released in 1977 on his album “A Night on the Town.”
The song explores the pain of heartbreak and the enduring impact of a first love. It reflects on the depth of emotion felt when experiencing heartache for the first time, with lyrics that convey vulnerability and introspection.
Rod Stewart’s rendition of “The First Cut Is the Deepest” became a major hit, reaching high positions on charts around the world. Stewart’s gravelly voice and emotive delivery added a rawness and authenticity to the song, resonating with listeners and solidifying its place as one of his signature tracks.
Over the years, “The First Cut Is the Deepest” has been covered by numerous artists in various genres, but Rod Stewart’s version remains the most well-known and beloved, continuing to touch hearts with its timeless message of love and loss.
3. You’re In My Heart
“You’re in My Heart (The Final Acclaim)” is a song by Rod Stewart, released in 1977 on his album “Foot Loose & Fancy Free.” It’s a heartfelt rock ballad that expresses Stewart’s deep affection and devotion to his romantic partner.
The lyrics of “You’re in My Heart” convey a sense of love and admiration, celebrating the special bond between two people. Stewart’s raspy vocals, combined with the song’s melodic hooks and powerful instrumentation, create an emotional and anthemic anthem.
“You’re in My Heart” became one of Rod Stewart’s biggest hits, reaching the top 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Its timeless appeal and universal message of love have made it a favorite among fans of Stewart’s music, and it remains a staple of his live performances to this day.
4. Tonight’s the Night
“Tonight’s the Night (Gonna Be Alright)” is a classic song by Rod Stewart, released in 1976 as a single from his album “A Night on the Town.” It’s a romantic ballad that became one of Stewart’s biggest hits.
The lyrics of “Tonight’s the Night” express the anticipation and excitement of a romantic encounter, with Stewart singing about his desire to make the evening special for his partner. The song’s smooth melody, soulful vocals, and catchy chorus contributed to its widespread popularity.
“Tonight’s the Night” topped the charts in both the United States and the United Kingdom, solidifying Rod Stewart’s status as one of the premier rock stars of the 1970s. Its enduring appeal has made it a favorite among fans of Stewart’s music and a classic of the era.
5. You Wear It Well
“You Wear It Well” is a song by Rod Stewart, released in 1972 as a single from his album “Never a Dull Moment.” It was written by Stewart and Martin Quittenton.
The song is a reflective and nostalgic ballad that tells the story of a man who encounters an old flame and reminisces about their past relationship. The lyrics express admiration for the woman’s resilience and style, despite the passage of time.
Musically, “You Wear It Well” features a catchy melody and a lively rock arrangement, with Stewart’s distinctive raspy vocals adding a sense of charm and authenticity to the song. The track’s upbeat tempo and infectious groove make it a favorite among fans of Stewart’s early solo work.
“You Wear It Well” was a commercial success, reaching high positions on the charts in both the UK and the US. It remains one of Rod Stewart’s most beloved songs and a classic of the rock genre, cherished for its timeless appeal and heartfelt lyrics.
6. Forever Young
“Forever Young” is a song by Rod Stewart, released in 1988 as a single from his album “Out of Order.” It’s a heartfelt ballad that reflects on the passage of time and the desire to hold onto youth and innocence.
The lyrics of “Forever Young” offer words of wisdom and encouragement to a loved one, expressing the hope that they will stay youthful in spirit and maintain their sense of wonder and adventure throughout their lives. The song’s melody is melodic and uplifting, complemented by Stewart’s emotive vocals.
“Forever Young” became a major hit for Rod Stewart, reaching the top 10 on charts around the world. Its timeless message and universal appeal have made it a popular choice for graduations, weddings, and other significant life events. The song has also been covered by various artists, further cementing its status as a beloved classic.
7. I Don’t Want to Talk About It
“I Don’t Want to Talk About It” is a song written by Danny Whitten, a member of Neil Young’s band Crazy Horse. It was first recorded by Crazy Horse in 1971.
However, the most famous version of “I Don’t Want to Talk About It” is by Rod Stewart. Stewart’s rendition was released in 1975 as a single from his album “Atlantic Crossing.” The song is a heartfelt ballad about heartbreak and the pain of losing a loved one. The narrator expresses a desire to avoid discussing the breakup and the emotions associated with it.
Rod Stewart’s version of “I Don’t Want to Talk About It” became a major hit, reaching high positions on charts around the world. Stewart’s emotive vocals, combined with the song’s poignant lyrics and beautiful melody, struck a chord with listeners and solidified its place as one of his signature songs.
Over the years, “I Don’t Want to Talk About It” has been covered by various artists, but Rod Stewart’s rendition remains the most well-known and beloved, continuing to resonate with audiences with its timeless message of heartache and loss.
8. Downtown Train
“Downtown Train” is a song written by Tom Waits, originally released on his 1985 album “Rain Dogs.” However, it was Rod Stewart’s cover version of the song that gained significant commercial success.
Rod Stewart’s rendition of “Downtown Train” was released in 1989 as a single from his album “Storyteller – The Complete Anthology: 1964–1990.” The song features a polished, pop-rock sound with Stewart’s distinctive raspy vocals.
“Downtown Train” became one of Rod Stewart’s biggest hits, reaching the top 10 on charts in several countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom. The song’s catchy melody, heartfelt lyrics, and Stewart’s emotive delivery contributed to its widespread popularity.
Despite being a cover, Rod Stewart’s version of “Downtown Train” became the definitive rendition for many listeners and remains one of his most beloved songs.
9. Reason to Believe
“Reason to Believe” is a song written and composed by Tim Hardin, an American folk musician. It was first released by Hardin on his 1965 album “Tim Hardin 1.” The song has been covered by numerous artists over the years, including Rod Stewart.
Rod Stewart’s version of “Reason to Believe” was included on his 1971 album “Every Picture Tells a Story.” Stewart’s rendition of the song features his signature raspy vocals and a stripped-down acoustic arrangement.
The lyrics of “Reason to Believe” explore themes of love, heartbreak, and resilience. The narrator reflects on the pain of a failed relationship but finds solace in the belief that things will get better. Despite the sorrowful subject matter, the song’s melody is melodic and catchy.
Rod Stewart’s cover of “Reason to Believe” became a hit, reaching the top 20 on charts in both the United States and the United Kingdom. It remains one of his most well-known and beloved songs, praised for its emotional depth and heartfelt delivery.
10. Have I Told You Lately
“Have I Told You Lately” is a song written and originally performed by Northern Irish singer-songwriter Van Morrison. It was released on his 1989 album “Avalon Sunset.” The song has since become a classic and has been covered by numerous artists.
Van Morrison’s version of “Have I Told You Lately” is a romantic ballad with heartfelt lyrics expressing gratitude and affection towards a loved one. The song’s melody is gentle and uplifting, with Morrison’s soulful vocals adding emotional depth to the lyrics.
“Have I Told You Lately” has been covered by artists from various genres, including Rod Stewart, who released his rendition in 1993. Stewart’s cover was a commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in several countries and earning critical acclaim for its heartfelt interpretation.
Stewart’s version of “Have I Told You Lately” features his trademark raspy vocals and a lush orchestral arrangement, adding to the song’s romantic atmosphere. It remains one of Stewart’s most beloved songs and a popular choice for weddings and romantic occasions.