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10 Iconic Rod Stewart Songs That Defined His Career (And His Huge 2025 Announcement)

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Sir Rod Stewart, the legendary two-time Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, is making headlines with a massive 2025 announcement that has fans buzzing about his enduring legacy and the incredible catalog of music he has created over six decades. As of December 25, 2025, the news of his "One Last Time" North American Tour and a prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award is cementing his status as one of the most influential voices in rock and pop history.

This article dives deep into the songs that built his monumental career, from the folk-rock anthems of his early solo work to the disco-infused hits and the sophisticated pop standards. We explore the tracks that showcase his distinctive, raspy vocal style and the genre-blending mastery that has kept him relevant across generations.

Sir Rod Stewart: Complete Biography and Career Profile

Sir Roderick David Stewart CBE is a British rock and pop singer and songwriter known for his unique, gravelly voice and flamboyant stage presence.

  • Full Name: Sir Roderick David Stewart CBE
  • Born: 10 January 1945
  • Birthplace: Highgate, North London, England
  • Early Life & Jobs: Born the youngest of five children to Robert and Elsie Stewart. Before his singing career took off, he worked a series of odd jobs, including as a grave digger and a newspaper delivery person.
  • Career Start: Stewart began his musical journey in 1962 by busking with a harmonica.
  • Notable Early Bands: He gained prominence as a vocalist and harmonica player in several influential British groups:
    • The Dimensions (1963)
    • The Jeff Beck Group (1967–1969): Collaborating with guitarist Jeff Beck, he appeared on the albums *Truth* and *Beck-Ola*.
    • Faces (1969–1975): Alongside Ronnie Wood, Ronnie Lane, Ian McLagan, and Kenney Jones, he was the lead singer for the Faces, creating hits like "Stay With Me."
  • Solo Career Breakthrough: His solo career exploded with his third album, *Every Picture Tells a Story*, in 1971.
  • Achievements: Two-time inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (as a solo artist and with Faces), received a knighthood in 2016, and holds 10 No. 1 albums and six No. 1 singles in the UK.

The 2025 Career Renaissance: Tour, Awards, and Legacy

The year 2025 is shaping up to be a monumental one for Rod Stewart, proving that his career is far from over. This recent activity is driving renewed interest in his extensive catalog of hits and deep cuts.

"One Last Time" North American Tour

In a major announcement, Sir Rod Stewart confirmed the "One Last Time" North American Tour for 2025. This highly anticipated tour is a chance for fans to see the legendary performer and hear his biggest hits live, potentially for the final time in a major touring capacity.

The tour's title itself, "One Last Time," has created a significant buzz, making every concert a must-see event. The demand for tickets has been immense, solidifying his status as a top-grossing global concert artist.

Lifetime Achievement at the AMAs

Adding to his 2025 accolades, Rod Stewart is set to receive the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award at the American Music Awards (AMAs) in Las Vegas. He is also scheduled to perform at the ceremony.

This award recognizes his profound influence on music across rock, folk, soul, and pop genres. His performance at the AMAs is expected to be a career-spanning medley, reminding audiences of the sheer volume of hits he has produced, including his iconic rendition of "Forever Young."

10 Essential Rod Stewart Songs That Define His Sound

Rod Stewart’s discography is a masterclass in musical versatility, effortlessly blending genres from hard rock to soft pop and classic standards. Here are 10 songs that are crucial to understanding his incredible journey and topical authority.

  1. "Maggie May" (1971)

    The definitive Rod Stewart song. Released on the album *Every Picture Tells a Story*, this folk-rock masterpiece features a stunning mandolin solo and was his first international No. 1 hit. It perfectly captures his signature blend of rock, folk music, and soul music.

  2. "Sailing" (1975)

    Originally a Sutherland Brothers song, Stewart's cover became a massive hit, particularly in the UK and Europe. It showcased his ability to deliver powerful, emotional ballads and was the lead single from his *Atlantic Crossing* album, marking a shift toward a more polished, mainstream pop sound.

  3. "You Wear It Well" (1972)

    A classic example of his early folk-rock style, this track features his distinctive, storytelling lyrics and a driving, acoustic rhythm. It was a major hit and is often cited as a cornerstone of his early solo success.

  4. "Every Picture Tells a Story" (1971)

    The title track from his breakthrough album, this song is a rollicking, genre-blending anthem. It highlights his energetic vocal delivery and his rock and roll roots, making it a fan favorite in his live shows.

  5. "Do Ya Think I'm Sexy?" (1978)

    This track was a massive, if controversial, departure into disco and pop. Featured on the *Blondes Have More Fun* album, it became a global No. 1 hit and demonstrated his willingness to embrace new musical trends, though it alienated some of his core rock audience. It remains one of his most recognizable songs.

  1. "Tonight's the Night (Gonna Be Alright)" (1976)

    A hugely successful single from the *A Night on the Town* album, this sensual ballad topped the charts and became a staple of '70s soft rock. Its intimate, whispered French outro added to its allure.

  2. "Handbags and Gladrags" (1969/1993)

    Although first recorded for his debut album, *An Old Raincoat Won't Ever Let You Down*, it gained renewed popularity decades later. It’s a beautifully melancholic song that showcases his ability to interpret deep, soulful material.

  3. "Mandolin Wind" (1971)

    A stunning, acoustic-driven deep cut from *Every Picture Tells a Story*. This track exemplifies his folk and Americana influences, featuring poetic lyrics and intricate instrumentation.

  4. "Forever Young" (1988)

    A tender, heartfelt track often played at graduations and family events. Its message of hope and guidance resonated deeply with audiences, making it one of his most enduring late-career anthems.

  5. "The Way You Look Tonight" (2002)

    Representing his highly successful *The Great American Songbook* series, this track proved his versatility by tackling classic jazz and pop standards. The series revitalized his career and introduced him to a new generation of listeners, selling millions of copies worldwide.

The Collaborative Spirit and Musical Entities

Rod Stewart's longevity is partly due to his knack for collaboration and his ability to move fluidly between musical styles. His early work with the Faces and the Jeff Beck Group provided the perfect launching pad for his solo career.

His solo albums are filled with contributions from key musicians like Ronnie Wood (who played guitar on many of his early solo hits) and an array of backing vocalists and session players who helped define the folk-rock and glam-rock sounds of the 1970s.

Later in his career, the standards albums saw him collaborate with contemporary artists like Diana Ross and Cher, bridging the gap between rock and traditional pop. He also joined forces with rock legends like Carlos Santana for blues-rock interpretations, demonstrating his commitment to exploring every corner of his musical passion.

The sheer number of influential albums—from the early raw power of *Gasoline Alley* to the polished pop of *Foot Loose & Fancy Free* and the surprising success of his *Songbook* concept—makes the Rod Stewart catalog an essential study in rock history. His ability to move from R&B and soul influences to chart-topping pop hits ensures his music will continue to be celebrated, especially as he embarks on his final major tour and accepts his well-deserved Lifetime Achievement Award in 2025.

10 Iconic Rod Stewart Songs That Defined His Career (And His Huge 2025 Announcement)
singer rod stewart songs
singer rod stewart songs

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