Rod Stewart stands as one of music’s most enduring legends, with a career spanning over five decades and sales exceeding 100 million records worldwide. From his early blues-rock roots to his ventures into disco, new wave, and swing, the raspy-voiced British icon has consistently delivered timeless songs that resonate across generations. Whether you’re listening through premium headphones or discovering his music on quality earbuds, these tracks showcase why Rod Stewart remains a musical treasure.
Maggie May
“Maggie May” represents Rod Stewart’s career-defining breakthrough moment from 1971’s “Every Picture Tells a Story” album. The song’s compelling narrative about a young man’s affair with an older woman struck a universal chord, propelling it to number one in both the UK and US charts. The track’s distinctive mandolin arrangement, combined with Stewart’s emotionally charged vocals, created an instant classic that established him as a major solo artist. Its autobiographical elements and raw honesty continue to captivate listeners more than five decades later, making it perhaps his most recognizable and beloved composition.
Sailing
This anthemic masterpiece became Rod Stewart’s biggest UK hit, reaching number one on two separate occasions in 1975 and 1976. “Sailing” showcases Stewart’s ability to deliver deeply emotional performances, with its soaring melody and spiritual undertones creating an almost hymn-like quality. The song’s themes of journey, freedom, and spiritual fulfillment resonated with audiences worldwide, establishing it as one of the most enduring ballads in rock history. Ray Jackson of Lindisfarne contributed the distinctive mandolin that gives the track its unique folk-rock flavor.
You’re in My Heart (The Final Acclaim)
Released in 1977 from the “Foot Loose and Fancy Free” album, this heartfelt love song demonstrates Stewart’s softer, more romantic side. The track reached the top five in multiple countries and later became the title of his 2019 collaborative album with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Its sincere lyrics about devotion and commitment, combined with Stewart’s tender vocal delivery, make it one of his most emotionally resonant ballads. The song’s enduring popularity led to its orchestral reimagining, proving its timeless appeal across different musical arrangements.
Da Ya Think I’m Sexy?
This 1978 disco-influenced hit marked Rod Stewart’s bold embrace of the era’s dominant dance music trends. Despite being intended as a playful spoof of disco culture, the song became a massive international success, topping charts in both the UK and US. The track’s infectious groove, combined with Stewart’s cheeky lyrics and confident delivery, created an irresistible party anthem that defined late-70s popular music. Though it faced some plagiarism controversy, the song remains a testament to Stewart’s willingness to experiment and his ability to succeed across different musical styles.
The First Cut Is the Deepest
Rod Stewart’s 1977 cover of Cat Stevens’ composition became his most successful interpretation of another artist’s work. Recorded at the legendary Muscle Shoals studio in Alabama, the track reached number one in the UK and showcased Stewart’s ability to bring new emotional depth to existing material. His raspy, world-weary vocal delivery added layers of experience and pain to Stevens’ already poignant lyrics about heartbreak and vulnerability. The song’s success demonstrated Stewart’s skill in selecting and reimagining songs that suited his distinctive vocal style and emotional range.
Young Turks
This 1981 new wave-influenced anthem captured the energy and optimism of young love against all odds. The song’s upbeat rhythm and synthesizer-driven arrangement showed Stewart’s ability to adapt to contemporary musical trends while maintaining his distinctive identity. Its lyrics about a young couple facing societal pressure resonated with audiences during the early 1980s, while the track’s energetic production kept it relevant on radio and dance floors. “Young Turks” proved that Stewart could successfully navigate the changing musical landscape of the 1980s while delivering another memorable hit.
Have I Told You Lately
Originally written and recorded by Van Morrison in 1989, Rod Stewart’s version became the more commercially successful interpretation. His 1993 live performance from the “Unplugged and Seated” album reached number five in both the UK and US, showcasing his ability to deliver intimate, acoustic performances. The song’s romantic sentiment and Stewart’s heartfelt delivery made it a wedding favorite and adult contemporary staple. This track demonstrated Stewart’s continued relevance in the 1990s and his skill in finding songs that suited his mature vocal style.
Stay With Me
From his time with the Faces, “Stay With Me” represents Rod Stewart at his most raucous and rock-oriented. This swaggering anthem about one-night stands and casual relationships showcased the band’s raw energy and Stewart’s cheeky persona. The song’s driving rhythm and memorable hooks made it a concert favorite and demonstrated Stewart’s roots in straightforward rock and roll. Its enduring popularity among rock fans highlights the importance of his work with the Faces in establishing his credibility as a rock performer.
Hot Legs
Released in 1977, “Hot Legs” epitomizes Rod Stewart’s playful, sexually charged rock persona of the late 1970s. The song’s driving guitar riffs and Stewart’s lustful lyrics created an infectious hard rock anthem that became a staple of his live performances. Its unapologetic celebration of physical attraction and Stewart’s confident delivery made it a perfect representation of his “Rod the Mod” image. The track’s enduring popularity at concerts demonstrates its effectiveness as a crowd-pleasing rock anthem that showcases Stewart’s more aggressive musical side.
I Don’t Want to Talk About It
Originally recorded by Crazy Horse, Rod Stewart’s version became far more successful and emotionally resonant. Released as part of a double A-side with “The First Cut Is the Deepest,” the song showcased Stewart’s ability to convey deep emotional pain and vulnerability. His restrained vocal approach and the song’s gentle arrangement created a powerful contrast to his more energetic hits. The track’s success in the UK charts, despite alleged BBC manipulation to prevent the Sex Pistols from reaching number one, demonstrated its genuine appeal to audiences seeking emotional depth.
Mandolin Wind
This gentle folk-rock ballad from “Every Picture Tells a Story” showcases Rod Stewart’s storytelling abilities and softer musical side. The song’s narrative about devotion and endurance through hardship displays his capacity for emotional depth beyond his party anthems. Ray Jackson’s mandolin work adds rustic charm and authenticity to the track’s intimate atmosphere. “Mandolin Wind” remains one of Stewart’s most moving compositions, demonstrating his ability to create tender, introspective moments that reveal his sensitivity as both a vocalist and interpreter of human emotion.
Tonight’s the Night (Gonna Be Alright)
This 1976 hit marked another successful entry in Rod Stewart’s catalog of romantic ballads with an edge. The song’s seductive lyrics and smooth arrangement created the perfect soundtrack for intimate moments, while Stewart’s experienced vocal delivery added credibility to its romantic themes. Its success on both sides of the Atlantic demonstrated Stewart’s continued ability to craft radio-friendly hits that appealed to adult audiences. The track’s blend of romance and slight suggestiveness exemplified Stewart’s skill in walking the line between commercial appeal and artistic authenticity.
Infatuation
Released in 1984, “Infatuation” represents Rod Stewart’s successful adaptation to 1980s production styles and musical trends. The song features Jeff Beck’s scorching guitar work, adding rock credibility to its polished pop-rock arrangement. Stewart’s vocals perfectly capture the obsessive nature of romantic fixation described in the lyrics, while the track’s energetic rhythm kept it relevant on both rock and pop radio. This collaboration with Beck demonstrated Stewart’s ability to work with respected musicians while creating contemporary hits that maintained his artistic integrity.
Baby Jane
This 1983 hit showcased Rod Stewart’s continued relevance during the MTV era with its memorable music video and catchy pop-rock arrangement. The song’s themes of lost love and regret resonated with audiences, while its polished production fit perfectly with early 1980s radio formats. Stewart’s emotional vocal delivery brought authenticity to the track’s nostalgic lyrics about a relationship that couldn’t survive. “Baby Jane” proved that Stewart could successfully compete with younger artists in the rapidly changing musical landscape of the 1980s while maintaining his distinctive vocal style.
Reason to Believe
Featured on the classic “Every Picture Tells a Story” album, “Reason to Believe” demonstrates Rod Stewart’s ability to find hope and meaning in difficult circumstances. The song’s stripped-back arrangement allows Stewart’s vocals to take center stage, showcasing his emotional range and interpretive skills. Its themes of faith and perseverance resonated with audiences seeking deeper meaning in popular music. The track’s inclusion on one of rock’s most celebrated albums highlights its quality and Stewart’s consistency in selecting and delivering meaningful material during his creative peak.
Handbags and Gladrags
Originally written by Manfred Mann’s Mike D’Abo, Rod Stewart’s 1969 version became the definitive interpretation of this critique of superficiality and materialism. Though not initially a hit, the song gained renewed attention decades later when used as the theme for “The Office,” introducing Stewart’s work to new audiences. The track’s social commentary and Stewart’s passionate delivery demonstrated his ability to tackle serious subjects while maintaining musical appeal. Its enduring relevance speaks to both the quality of D’Abo’s songwriting and Stewart’s interpretive skills in bringing songs to life.
This Old Heart of Mine
Rod Stewart’s cover of the Isley Brothers’ 1966 hit became a chart success in 1975, reaching number four in the UK. His later 1989 collaboration with Ronald Isley created an even more successful version that reached the US top ten. The song showcased Stewart’s deep appreciation for Motown and soul music, while his interpretations brought his rock sensibilities to classic R&B material. These versions demonstrated Stewart’s ability to honor original material while making it distinctly his own through his vocal style and arrangement choices.
Every Picture Tells a Story
The title track from Rod Stewart’s breakthrough 1971 album showcases his storytelling abilities and musical adventurousness. This epic narrative song takes listeners on a journey through different musical styles and lyrical themes, demonstrating Stewart’s versatility as both vocalist and storyteller. The track’s ambitious scope and successful execution helped establish the album as one of rock’s classics. Its blend of folk, rock, and blues elements, combined with Stewart’s confident vocal performance, created a template for his future success as a solo artist.
You Wear It Well
This 1972 follow-up to “Maggie May” proved that Rod Stewart could sustain his success with consistently high-quality songwriting and performance. The song’s narrative style and emotional depth recalled his earlier breakthrough while establishing new musical territory. Stewart’s vocal maturity and the track’s sophisticated arrangement demonstrated his growth as an artist beyond his initial success. “You Wear It Well” confirmed that Stewart was not a one-hit wonder but a substantial artist capable of creating multiple classics that would stand the test of time.
Almost Like Being in Love
From Rod Stewart’s recent 2024 collaboration with Jools Holland on the “Swing Fever” album, this track demonstrates his continued vitality and musical exploration. The big band arrangement showcases Stewart’s voice in a new context, proving his adaptability across different musical eras and styles. His interpretation of this classic standard brings both respect for the original and his distinctive vocal character. The song’s success as the lead single from “Swing Fever” shows that Stewart can still create compelling music and find new audiences even in his 80th decade.
Ain’t Misbehavin’
Another highlight from the 2024 “Swing Fever” album with Jools Holland, “Ain’t Misbehavin'” showcases Rod Stewart’s natural affinity for swing and big band music. His raspy vocals add a contemporary edge to this timeless standard, while Holland’s arrangement provides the perfect musical foundation. The track demonstrates Stewart’s ability to breathe new life into classic material while respecting its original spirit. This recent recording proves that Stewart’s voice, though aged, retains its character and emotional impact, making classic songs relevant for modern audiences seeking quality musical entertainment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Rod Stewart’s most successful song?
Rod Stewart’s most commercially successful song is “Da Ya Think I’m Sexy?” which reached number one in multiple countries including the UK and US in 1978. However, “Maggie May” is often considered his signature song and career-defining moment, also reaching number one and establishing him as a major solo artist. “Sailing” became his biggest UK hit, reaching number one twice and selling over a million copies in Britain alone.
How many albums has Rod Stewart sold worldwide?
Rod Stewart has sold over 100 million records worldwide throughout his career, making him one of the best-selling music artists of all time. His success spans multiple decades and includes both his solo work and his time with the Faces. This impressive sales figure reflects his ability to appeal to audiences across different generations and musical eras, from his 1970s rock classics to his recent swing collaborations.
What was Rod Stewart’s latest album release?
Rod Stewart’s most recent album is “Swing Fever,” a collaboration with Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra, released on February 23, 2024. The album features 13 covers of classic big band numbers and reached number one on the UK Albums Chart. This marked Holland’s first number-one album and Stewart’s 11th chart-topper, demonstrating his continued relevance and ability to create successful music well into his career.
Which Rod Stewart songs feature collaborations with other famous artists?
Rod Stewart has collaborated with numerous renowned artists throughout his career. Notable collaborations include “All For Love” with Bryan Adams and Sting from 1993, “This Old Heart of Mine” with Ronald Isley in 1989, and “The Motown Song” with The Temptations. His recent “Swing Fever” album represents his most extensive collaboration with Jools Holland, featuring 13 tracks of big band standards that showcase both artists’ musical chemistry.
What makes Rod Stewart’s voice so distinctive?
Rod Stewart’s voice is characterized by its raspy, gravelly texture that developed from his early love of blues and soul music. His vocal style combines emotional vulnerability with confident swagger, allowing him to excel in both tender ballads and energetic rock anthems. Years of performing and his natural vocal timbre have created a sound that’s instantly recognizable, whether he’s delivering intimate acoustic performances or commanding large stadium crowds with his powerful stage presence.