"These Foolish Things" is the debut solo album by Bryan Ferry, released in October 1973 while he was still the lead vocalist of Roxy Music. The album came out on Island Records in the UK and Atlantic Records in the US and marked a significant departure from Roxy Music's avant-garde sound. Instead of original compositions, it features straightforward covers of standards, showcasing Ferry's interpretations of classic songs.
The album was both a commercial and critical success, peaking at number five on the UK Albums Chart and earning a gold certification from the British Phonographic Industry in May 1974. The tracklist reflects Ferry's personal tastes, including a range of songs from the 1930s through the 1950s, with influences from artists like Elvis Presley, Bob Dylan, and the Rolling Stones.
The single "A Hard Rain's a-Gonna Fall" was released in September 1973 and reached number 10 on the UK Singles Chart.
In discussing the album, Ferry described it as a "very catholic selection," emphasizing his intention to appeal to a diverse audience while accepting that not everyone would appreciate it. He noted, "I've given up trying to please all of the people all of the time," highlighting the album's amusement value as a key aspect of its appeal.
