Rod Stewart has released numerous albums throughout his illustrious career, starting in the 1960s and continuing into the present day. By breaking the best albums down into various eras, fans can better understand the evolution of his music and discography.
Rod Stewart’s global music sales have exceeded 250 million units, establishing his fame in the 70s and 80s through albums such as “Every Picture Tells a Story” and “Atlantic Crossing.” These albums highlighted his distinctive raspy voice and unique musical style.
He later released “The Great American Songbook” series, paying tribute to classic American standards. Stewart’s music evolved with albums like “Another Country” and “Blood Red Roses,” reflecting his growth and relevance in the changing music scene.
Contents
Rod Stewart Studio Albums
Rod Stewart’s extensive discography is the fruit of his unwavering dedication and exceptional talent. Here are his studio albums listed in chronological order, with their release dates:
- An Old Raincoat Won’t Ever Let You Down (1969)
- Gasoline Alley (1970)
- Every Picture Tells a Story (1971)
- Never a Dull Moment (1972)
- Smiler (1974)
- Atlantic Crossing (1975)
- A Night on the Town (1976)
- Foot Loose & Fancy Free (1977)
- Blondes Have More Fun (1978)
- Foolish Behaviour (1980)
- Tonight I’m Yours (1981)
- Body Wishes (1983)
- Camouflage (1984)
- Every Beat of My Heart (1986)
- Out of Order (1988)
- Vagabond Heart (1991)
- A Spanner in the Works (1995)
- When We Were the New Boys (1998)
- Human (2001)
- It Had to Be You: The Great American Songbook (2002)
- As Time Goes By: The Great American Songbook, Volume II (2003)
- Stardust: The Great American Songbook, Volume III (2004)
- Thanks for the Memory: The Great American Songbook, Volume IV (2005)
- Still the Same… Great Rock Classics of Our Time (2006)
- Soulbook (2009)
- Once in a Blue Moon: The Lost Album (2010)
- Fly Me to the Moon… The Great American Songbook Volume V (2010)
- Merry Christmas, Baby (2012)
- Time (2013)
- Another Country (2015)
- Blood Red Roses (2018)
- The Tears of Hercules (2021)
Rod Stewart’s Iconic Albums: The 70s and 80s
Rod Stewart’s music in the 70s and 80s secured his legendary status, with a number of iconic albums cementing his place in rock and pop history. Some of the stand-out albums from this era include:
- “Every Picture Tells a Story” (1971) – This album features the hit single “Maggie May” and showcases Stewart’s unique mix of rock, folk, and blues elements.
- “Atlantic Crossing” (1975) – ‘Atlantic Crossing’ marks Rod Stewart’s shift to a more commercial sound, with hit tracks like “Sailing” and “I Don’t Want to Talk About It.”
- “A Night on the Town” (1976) – Another notable album from this time period is the release, ‘A Night on the Town.’ With the song “Tonight’s the Night (Gonna Be Alright)” reaching No. 1 on the charts, this album further solidified Stewart’s reputation as a chart-topping artist.
The Great American Songbook Series
The Great American Songbook stands as a testament to Rod Stewart’s remarkable talent and versatility as an artist. This popular series of albums, released between 2002 and 2010, allowed Stewart to reinterpret timeless jazz standards and classic American songs, demonstrating his ability to successfully navigate various musical genres.
Some important aspects of The Great American Songbook series include:
- Consisting of five albums: “It Had to Be You: The Great American Songbook,” “As Time Goes By: The Great American Songbook Volume II,” “Stardust: The Great American Songbook Volume III ,” “Thanks for the Memory: The Great American Songbook Volume IV,” and “Fly Me to the Moon: The Great American Songbook Volume V.”
- A diverse collection: The series covers a wide range of classic songs from composers like George Gershwin, Cole Porter, and Irving Berlin, demonstrating Rod Stewart’s appreciation for the musical heritage of the United States.
- Chart-topping success: With millions of copies sold and several Grammy Award nominations, The Great American Songbook series further solidified Stewart’s status as a music icon.
The 2000s and Beyond
Rod Stewart’s musical journey did not end with the early part of his career, as his later albums from the 2000s onwards show his ability to remain innovative.
As his style continued to evolve, Stewart released a variety of albums, showcasing his passion for various genres. Some noteworthy releases from this era include:
- “Merry Christmas, Baby” (2012) – Stewart ventured into holiday music with this album, featuring a mix of traditional Christmas songs and newer, festive tunes, further demonstrating his diverse musical palette.
- “Time” (2013) – ‘Time’ marked Stewart’s return to songwriting after a lengthy hiatus and included hits like “She Makes Me Happy” and “It’s Over.”
- “Another Country (2015)” – This album showcased Stewart’s introspective side, exploring themes of love, world events, and his personal experiences.
- “The Tears of Hercules (2021)” – As Stewart’s most recent album, it reflects his growth as a songwriter and musician, featuring a blend of rock, pop, and soul influences.
Conclusion
Rod Stewart’s remarkable career has spanned generations, with his music capturing hearts across diverse genres. From the iconic albums of the 70s and 80s that placed his name in music history, to his exploration of classic American standards in The Great American Songbook series, and finally to his recent releases, Stewart has proven his adaptability in a dynamic industry.
As a true icon, Rod Stewart is known to constantly connect with his fans around the world, leaving his legacy in music history.
Rod Stewart Featured Image by: Joe Bielawa from MInneapolis, USA, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
