Throughout his illustrious career, Rod Stewart has produced a number of hit songs that have become classics, and are still popular today. Discover his top 5 greatest hits with our list of the music legend's best work.

Last updated: 17/02/23 at 9:00 AM

Sir Rod Stewart is a legendary singer-songwriter who has been entertaining audiences for over five decades.

With a career that spans over 60 years, Rod Stewart has been an influential figure in the music industry and has earned himself a reputation as one of the greatest rock singers of all time.

Stewart has sold over 120 million albums and remains one of the best-selling music artists of all time. Check out our guide to Rod Stewart's iconic early albums on our blog.  

He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994 and has received numerous awards and honours for his contributions to the music industry.

In this article, we will take a look at Rod Stewart’s top 5 songs of all time.

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The Early Years: Rod Stewart's Rise to Fame

Rod Stewart rose to fame in the late 1960s and early 1970s and has grown to become one of the biggest solo artists in the world.

He started his music journey as a vocalist for the blues-rock band ‘The Soul Agents’ in 1960. He later joined ‘The Jeff Beck Group’, where he gained recognition as a talented performer.

In 1969, he became a member of the rock band ‘Faces’ alongside Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood, which became one of the most popular bands of the time.

His soulful voice and charismatic stage presence made him one of the most prominent musicians of his generation.

In 1971, he began his solo career with the release of his self-titled album, which included hits such as ‘Every Picture Tells a Story’ and ‘Reason to Believe’.

Rod Stewart's Best Songs

5. Tonight's the Night (Gonna Be Alright)

Our pick for Rod Stewart's 5th greatest song of all time is 'Tonight's the Night (Gonna Be Alright)'.  

This timeless pop classic was written by Stewart in 1976 as part of his seventh studio album ‘A Night on the Town’. With its upbeat melody and infectious chorus, the song has a lively energy that is hard to resist.

The classic hit showcases Rod Stewart's distinctive raspy voice and his ability to create catchy tunes. The memorable lyrics and upbeat rhythm make this song a must-have on your playlist for any celebration or joyous occasion.

Whether you're dancing with friends or just looking to lift your mood, 'Tonight's the Night (Gonna Be Alright)' is sure to do the trick.

4. Do Ya Think I'm Sexy?

At number 4 on our list we have ‘Do Ya Think I'm Sexy?’, the classic disco hit from Rod Stewart's late 1970s heyday.

Upon its release the song was a huge commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in many countries around the world. The song's funky beat and catchy chorus are paired with Rod Stewart's distinctive voice, creating a unique and memorable sound.

The confident and charismatic tone of the lyrics, along with the energetic rhythm, make this song a perfect choice for dancing and parties. Despite being released over 40 years ago, 'Do Ya Think I'm Sexy?' remains a popular choice for radio play and continues to be a fan favourite.

Despite the controversial subject matter and the disco-era production, ‘Do Ya Think I'm Sexy?’ remains a popular and enduring hit for Rod Stewart.

3. Baby Jane

In the bronze medal place on our list, we have gone for ‘Baby Jane’, another classic hit from Rod Stewart's early career.

It was released in 1983 as the lead single from his album 'Body Wishes' and became a top 10 hit in both the UK and the US.

This classic ballad showcases Stewart’s powerful voice and emotional storytelling ability. The song's tender lyrics, paired with a soft and mellow melody, create a heartfelt atmosphere that is both touching and memorable.

The simplicity of the song's arrangement allows Rod Stewart's voice to take centre stage, and his emotive delivery of the lyrics is truly moving. 'Baby Jane' is a beautiful tribute to the power of love and the importance of holding onto it through the ups and downs of life.

This timeless classic is widely regarded as one of Rod Stewart's best songs and remains a fan favourite and a staple in Stewart's repertoire.

2. Sailing

Coming in at number 2 on our list and just being pipped to the top spot is ‘Sailing’, the classic ballad that was first released by Rod Stewart in 1975.

The song is a beautiful, uplifting tune that tells the story of a sailor who sets sail on a journey to find his way home.

The song showcases Stewart's talent for storytelling and emotive singing, and its simple and mellow melody serves as the perfect backdrop for Rod Stewart's powerful vocals, which bring the song's poignant lyrics to life.

The song's theme of freedom and adventure, combined with its heartfelt emotion, has made it a timeless classic. 'Sailing' is a true musical masterpiece, its lyrics are powerful and moving, and the melody is haunting and beautiful.

‘Sailing’ is widely regarded as one of Rod Stewart's greatest songs and is still popular today, nearly 50 years after its release. Whether you're a long-time fan or discovering the song for the first time, 'Sailing' is a must-listen for anyone who appreciates great music.

1. Maggie May

Taking the top spot on our list we have 'Maggie May', one of Rod Stewart's most popular and enduring songs.

It was released in 1971 and quickly became a hit, reaching the top of the charts in both the UK and the US. It is considered one of the defining tracks of his early career.

The song features Stewart's distinctive, raspy vocals and simple, yet memorable acoustic guitar riff. As well as simple and heartfelt lyrics and a catchy melody.

The lyrics tell a story of a young man's experiences with an older woman and his reflections on the ups and downs of their relationship.

‘Maggie May’ is a timeless classic that continues to be popular with audiences today, and its combination of great storytelling, catchy melody, and memorable guitar playing makes it an enduring staple of popular music.

The song's wild success cemented Rod Stewart's place as one of the greatest singer-songwriters of his generation. ‘Maggie May’ remains a standout among Rod Stewart's many hits.

How Can I See Rod Stewart Live?

Rod Stewart has long since cemented himself as an icon and boasts a truly impressive catalogue of hit songs to play at his live shows, including the ones we’ve just listed. For a look at Rod Stewart's best ever-live performances, check out our blog.

Sir Rod has officially announced UK concert dates for 2023 and demand for tickets is expected to be high. For more information about Rod Stewart's 2023 tour, check out our blog.

Why not celebrate what could be Rod's last-ever big tour in style with a VIP concert experience?

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*These inclusions Are based on the standard package inclusions at venues across the UK, specific package details will be added once they become available.

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