The Rod Stewart Revolution: A Ranking of the Singer's Best Albums
Spend any amount of time exploring the discography of Rod Stewart and it's likely you'll stumble into a rabbit hole of rock 'n' roll history, where classic songs, timeless melodies, and the charismatic singer's smooth voice await discovery. In the world of music, few artists have been able to maintain such an enduring career, racking up over 280 million records sold worldwide to date. As part of our ranked guide to Rod Stewart's best albums, we delve into the highs and lows of a remarkable career spanning multiple decades.
Rod Stewart's rise to fame in the 1960s, as the lead vocalist of The Jeff Beck Group, laid the groundwork for his solo success in the 1970s with chart-topping hits like "Maggie May" and "Do Ya Think I'm Sexy?" As he navigated the rapidly evolving landscape of rock music, Stewart continued to release critically acclaimed and commercially successful albums. This guide looks at some of the most essential records in Stewart's vast and varied catalog, ranking them from top to bottom.
The Essentials
These albums are the cornerstones of Rod Stewart's career, showcasing the artist's incredible range and versatility in the face of shifting musical fads and trends.
The Great Early Years (1969-1977)
The eponymous debut from 1970, Rod Stewart is more than a simple introduction to the singer's solo work; it showcases his growth as a songsmith and an artist. Featuring the classic single "It's Not the Highlight of My Night."
* An Old Raincoat Won't Ever Let You Down (1969)
* Rod Stewart (1970)
* Magna Carta (1972)
* Never a Dull Moment (1972)
* Gasoline Alley (1970)
* Every Picture Tells a Story (1971)
The Rockin' '70s
This era of Stewart's career saw the release of some of his most beloved albums, including The Faces' Long Player (1971) and Some Girls Can Dance (1971), and A Night on the Town (1976)
* Never a Dull Moment (1972)
* The Faces' A Fistful of Rock & Roll (1972)
* A Night on the Town (1976)
* Footloose & Fancy Free (1977)
* Songs (1976)
The '80s and Beyond
These latter-day albums are not as widely recognized as some of their predecessors but, nonetheless, possess their own unique charm and show Stewart adapting to new styles.
* Camouflaged to Sky (1981)
* Body Wishes (1983)
* Camouflage (1984)
* Rod Stewart Live (1978)
* Out of Order (1988)
The Standout Records
Though some albums may receive higher critical acclaim than others, a few stand out records truly shine in the eyes of Stewart's devoted fan base.
The Rock 'n' Roll Pioneer (1966-1974)
At the beginning of his solo career, Stewart released an impressive string of successful albums, with Never a Dull Moment standing out as a fan favorite that includes the hit singles "Maggie May" and "Reason to Believe."
* The Faces' A Fistful of Rock & Roll, 1972
* Never a Dull Moment, (1972)
* Footloose & Fancy Free (1977)
* Some Girls Can Dance (1971)
* Long Player (1971)
The Rockin' '70s
Stewart's later '70s albums are some of the best in his catalog. Standout tracks from these records include "You're in My Heart" and "Born Loose." The hit singles and album tracks from A Night on the Town demonstrate how Stewart effortlessly blended the lines between rock, pop, and even jazz.
* A Night on the Town (1976)
* Out of Order (1988)
* Body Wishes (1983)
* Camouflage (1984)
* Out of Order (1988)
The Legacy
As Stewart continues to entertain sold-out crowds and produce music that remains true to his artistic vision, it becomes clear that his impact on the rock landscape has been profound and lasting. By examining his best albums, it's clear that Stewart has managed to navigate the ever-changing rhythms of music history while still staying true to the heart of rock 'n' roll.
