Smiler by Rod Stewart

Smiler

by Rod Stewart

Released: September 27, 1974

Rock, British folk rock

musicOnOff editorial

Why This Album Matters

This album matters because its strongest editorial story is: Chart Success.

01

The Album

Musically, Smiler features contributions from members of Stewart's band Faces, along with collaborations from Martin Quittenton, Pete Sears, and Mickey Waller, creating a rich and diverse sound. "Smiler" is Rod Stewart's fifth solo album, released on September 27, 1974. The album features a mix of covers from iconic artists, including Chuck Berry, Sam Cooke, and Bob Dylan, showcasing Stewart's knack for infusing rock with soulful interpretations.

Stories and details

Interesting Facts

Notable tracks include a duet with Elton Johnโ€ฆ

Notable tracks include a duet with Elton John on "Let Me Be Your Car" and a reimagined version of Carole King's "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman," cleverly altered to feature "Man" instead of "Woman." The album's release was notably delayed for five months due to legal disputes between Mercury Records and Warner Bros.

This album solidified Stewart's reputation as a versatileโ€ฆ

This album solidified Stewart's reputation as a versatile artist capable of blending rock, soul, and pop influences.

Start listening here

Essential Tracks

01

Let Me Be Your Car

Notable tracks include a duet with Elton John on "Let Me Be Your Car" and a reimagined version of Carole King's "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman," cleverly altered to feature "Man" instead of "Woman." The album's release was notably delayed for five months due to legal disputes between Mercury Records and Warner Bros.

Then

Reception

It marked a significant moment in his career, reaching number one on the UK album chart and peaking at number 13 in the US.

Full background

The Complete Album Story

"Smiler" is Rod Stewart's fifth solo album, released on September 27, 1974. It marked a significant moment in his career, reaching number one on the UK album chart and peaking at number 13 in the US. The album features a mix of covers from iconic artists, including Chuck Berry, Sam Cooke, and Bob Dylan, showcasing Stewart's knack for infusing rock with soulful interpretations.

Notable tracks include a duet with Elton John on "Let Me Be Your Car" and a reimagined version of Carole King's "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman," cleverly altered to feature "Man" instead of "Woman." The album's release was notably delayed for five months due to legal disputes between Mercury Records and Warner Bros.

Musically, Smiler features contributions from members of Stewart's band Faces, along with collaborations from Martin Quittenton, Pete Sears, and Mickey Waller, creating a rich and diverse sound. This album solidified Stewart's reputation as a versatile artist capable of blending rock, soul, and pop influences.

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