Five of the best from Rod Stewart

• Every Picture Tells a Story (1971) – This album contains his breakthrough hit “Maggie May” and is often considered one of his best works. It topped the charts in several countries.
• Atlantic Crossing (1975) – This album marked a shift in Stewart’s sound and included hits like “Sailing” and “I Don’t Want to Talk About It.”
• Blondes Have More Fun (1978) – Featuring the disco-influenced hit “Da Ya Think I’m Sexy?”, this album was a massive commercial success.
• Foot Loose & Fancy Free (1977) – This album included hits like “You’re In My Heart (The Final Acclaim)” and “Hot Legs.”
• A Night on the Town (1976) – Containing the hit “Tonight’s the Night (Gonna Be Alright),” this album was both a critical and commercial success.

1. Every Picture Tells a Story (1971)

“Every Picture Tells a Story” marked a pivotal moment in his career, catapulting him to international stardom. This folk-rock masterpiece blends Stewart’s raspy vocals with acoustic guitars, mandolins, and dynamic percussion. The album’s breakthrough hit, “Maggie May,” became a cultural touchstone and remains one of Stewart’s most beloved songs. Produced by Stewart, the record showcases his talent for interpreting others’ material alongside his songwriting prowess.

The album’s raw energy and emotional depth resonated with audiences, topping charts in the UK and US. “Every Picture Tells a Story” Exemplifies the early 1970s rock sound, influencing countless artists. Its mix of rock, folk, and country elements created a timeless appeal that continues to captivate listeners decades later. This album solidified Stewart’s reputation as a versatile and compelling artist, setting the stage for his long and successful career in the music industry.

2. Atlantic Crossing (1975)

Atlantic Crossing (1975) marked a significant shift in the artist’s musical direction and recording process. This album saw Stewart relocate to the United States, embracing a more polished, American sound. Produced by Tom Dowd, known for his work with Aretha Franklin and Eric Clapton, “Atlantic Crossing” features a blend of rock, soul, and R&B influences. The record is divided into a “fast side” and a “slow side,” showcasing Stewart’s versatility as a vocalist. It includes some of his most enduring hits, such as “Sailing” and “I Don’t Want to Talk About It,” which helped solidify his status as a global superstar.

The album’s success in the UK and US markets demonstrated Stewart’s ability to appeal to a wide audience. “Atlantic Crossing” represents a crucial turning point in Stewart’s career, transitioning from his earlier folk-rock style to a more mainstream pop-rock sound that would define much of his later work.

3. Blondes Have More Fun (1978)

Blondes Have More Fun (1978) marked a significant shift in his musical style, embracing the disco trend of the late 1970s. This album became one of Stewart’s most commercially successful releases, due to the chart-topping single “Da Ya Think I’m Sexy?” The disco-influenced track sparked controversy among rock purists but expanded Stewart’s audience and cemented his status as a pop icon. Produced by Tom Dowd, the album blends disco rhythms with Stewart’s signature raspy vocals and rock sensibilities.

“Blondes Have More Fun” topped the US Billboard 200 and achieved platinum status in several countries. Despite mixed critical reception, the album’s commercial success demonstrated Stewart’s ability to adapt to changing musical trends. It represents a pivotal moment in his career, showcasing his versatility as an artist and his knack for creating catchy, dance-oriented pop hits. The album’s impact on Stewart’s image and sound would influence his work for years.

4. Foot Loose & Fancy Free (1977)

Foot Loose & Fancy Free (1977) continued his string of successful albums in the late 1970s. This record blends rock, pop, and disco influences, showcasing Stewart’s versatility as a vocalist and songwriter. The album features some of his most enduring hits, including the romantic ballad “You’re In My Heart (The Final Acclaim)” and the upbeat rock track “Hot Legs.” Produced by Tom Dowd, the album’s polished sound and catchy melodies appealed to a wide audience, helping it achieve multi-platinum status in several countries.

“Foot Loose & Fancy Free” reached the top 10 in charts worldwide, solidifying Stewart’s position as a global pop-rock star. The album’s mix of tender love songs and energetic rock numbers demonstrates Stewart’s ability to balance commercial appeal with his rock roots. It represents a high point in his 1970s output, capturing the artist at the peak of his commercial powers while maintaining his distinctive vocal style and songwriting prowess.

5. A Night on the Town (1976)

“A Night on the Town” (1976) is a pivotal album in his discography, blending rock, folk, and soul influences. Produced by Tom Dowd, this record showcases Stewart’s evolving sound and his ability to craft both chart-topping hits and critically acclaimed tracks. The album’s standout single, “Tonight’s the Night (Gonna Be Alright),” became one of Stewart’s signature songs and topped the Billboard Hot 100. “A Night on the Town” features a mix of original compositions and carefully chosen covers, demonstrating Stewart’s skill as both a songwriter and interpreter.

The album’s commercial success, reaching number two on the US Billboard 200 and topping charts in other countries, solidified Stewart’s status as a global superstar. Its polished production and diverse musical styles appealed to a wide audience, bridging the gap between his earlier folk-rock sound and his later pop-oriented work. “A Night on the Town” remains a highlight of Stewart’s 1970s output, showcasing his distinctive vocals and charismatic performances.