"Every Picture Tells a Story" is the third studio album by Rod Stewart. It was released on May 28, 1971, by Mercury Records. The album, often considered Stewart's best work, reached the number one spot in both the UK and the US, catapulting Stewart into worldwide fame.
Recorded and released at the peak of his popularity and artistic powers, Every Picture Tells a Story is a masterful blend of rock and roll, folk, and blues-inspired tunes. The album’s lyrical brilliance and stylistic diversity are seen in songs like "Maggie May," which became Stewart's breakout hit and one of his most iconic songs, and the album's title track, "Every Picture Tells a Story."
Stewart was supported by his Faces bandmates, as well as various session musicians, creating an album that was both intimate and powerful. It combined hard-edged rock with a folk music sensibility, playful dance tunes, and poignant ballads. This fusion of styles, coupled with Stewart’s distinctive raspy vocals and storytelling abilities, propelled the album and its songs into the annals of rock history.
"Every Picture Tells a Story" was not only a commercial success but also a critical success, widely lauded for its brash, rollicking energy, emotional intensity, and musical diversity. The album's influence has endured with critics and fans alike, and it continues to be recognized as one of the greatest rock albums of all time.
Furthermore, Every Picture Tells A Story has withstood the test of time with its inclusion in various rankings and lists of the best albums. For instance, in 2003, the album was ranked 172 on Rolling Stone magazine's list of the 500 greatest albums of all time, reinforcing its status as a classic in rock ‘n’ roll discography.
Also noteworthy is the album cover, which features a collage of photographs illustrating the individual songs on the album. This visual element further enhances the storytelling aspect of the album, underscoring its title and theme: each image, like each song, tells a uniquely compelling story.
