Few voices in rock history are as instantly recognizable—or as enduring—as Rod Stewart’s. With his signature raspy vocals, electrifying stage presence, and a catalog that spans genres from folk-rock to disco and heartfelt ballads, Stewart has carved out a legendary career that’s lasted over five decades. Whether he’s belting out an anthemic chorus or crooning a soulful love song, Rod Stewart has a rare gift: the ability to connect with listeners on a deeply personal level. His music is the soundtrack to countless first loves, wild nights, tearful goodbyes, and everything in between.
In this article, we’re diving into the Top 10 Most Popular Rod Stewart Songs of All Time—a handpicked collection of tracks that not only dominated the charts but also stood the test of time. These are the songs that made fans fall in love, kept stadiums singing for generations, and proved that Rod’s magic lies not just in his voice, but in his ability to tell unforgettable stories. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or discovering his music for the first time, this list is your ultimate guide to the very best of Rod the Mod. Let’s turn up the volume and take a journey through the hits that made him a legend.
1. “Maggie May” (1971)
When Rod Stewart dropped “Maggie May” in 1971, no one—least of all Stewart himself—could have predicted it would become a cultural milestone. Initially released as the B-side to “Reason to Believe,” the track quickly flipped the script, rocketing to No. 1 in both the U.S. and the U.K. What made it so irresistible? For starters, it was emotionally raw, built around Stewart’s own experience with an older lover. The lyrics captured the confusion and bittersweet nature of young love, while Stewart’s raspy voice poured heart and soul into every word. Musically, it danced between folk and rock, punctuated by an unforgettable mandolin outro that gave it a homespun yet iconic finish. “Maggie May” wasn’t just a hit—it was a statement. It marked Stewart’s emergence as a solo powerhouse, capable of blending introspective storytelling with mainstream appeal. More than 50 years later, it remains one of his signature tracks, a song that defined not only a career but an era.
2. “Da Ya Think I’m Sexy?” (1978)
With “Da Ya Think I’m Sexy?” Rod Stewart made one of the boldest pivots of his career. Released in 1978, the song saw the rocker embracing disco at a time when many of his peers resisted. The result? A glammed-up, groove-driven anthem that topped charts around the world. Critics were divided—some called it a sellout, while others praised its daring reinvention. But there’s more going on here than just sequins and synths. Underneath the catchy beat and tongue-in-cheek lyrics lies a subtle satire, poking fun at the shallow side of nightlife and pickup culture. Stewart wasn’t just playing along—he was in on the joke. Despite the backlash from some rock loyalists, the song’s success was undeniable. It hit No. 1 in the U.S., the U.K., and several other countries, cementing Stewart’s place not just in rock but in pop history as well. Its infectious chorus and funky rhythm made it a dance floor staple, while its wink-and-nod delivery showcased Stewart’s ability to adapt, evolve, and not take himself too seriously.
3. “Sailing” (1975)
Few songs in Rod Stewart’s catalog are as stirring and soulful as “Sailing.” Released in 1975 on Atlantic Crossing, the song was originally penned by Gavin Sutherland, but it was Stewart’s heartfelt interpretation that turned it into a timeless classic. With its slow build, sweeping strings, and evocative lyrics, “Sailing” isn’t just about traveling across the sea—it’s about yearning for connection, finding peace, and navigating life’s emotional waters. Stewart’s voice, full of ache and vulnerability, carries the song with both strength and sensitivity. It resonated powerfully with British audiences, becoming a No. 1 hit in the U.K. and later gaining renewed popularity during the Falklands War, further embedding it into the nation’s collective memory. “Sailing” stands as proof of Stewart’s gift for reimagining a song and making it uniquely his own. Whether performed with a full orchestra or as an intimate acoustic number, the emotional weight of “Sailing” remains undiminished. It’s a spiritual ballad that transcends genre and continues to move listeners decades after its release.
4. “Forever Young” (1988)
Released in 1988 as part of the Out of Order album, “Forever Young” is one of Rod Stewart’s most heartfelt tracks. Though it shares a title and some lyrical themes with a Bob Dylan song—earning Dylan co-writing credit—it stands on its own as a sincere blessing from a father to a child. With lines that speak to protection, guidance, and the passage of time, the song carries a powerful emotional resonance. Stewart, a father himself, imbued the song with a warmth and tenderness that struck a chord with fans of all ages. Musically, it balances soft rock instrumentation with a soaring chorus, giving it both emotional depth and radio appeal. “Forever Young” quickly became a favorite at milestone moments—graduations, weddings, and memorials—thanks to its universal message of love, hope, and endurance. It’s also remained a fixture in Stewart’s live shows, where its message continues to touch audiences. More than just a hit single, “Forever Young” is a song of legacy, reminding us of the people we love and the values we pass on.
5. “Tonight’s the Night (Gonna Be Alright)” (1976)
When Rod Stewart released “Tonight’s the Night (Gonna Be Alright)” in 1976, he stirred both excitement and controversy. The song is a sultry, slow-burning seduction wrapped in soft rock grooves and smooth vocals. With its overtly suggestive lyrics and whispered French lines courtesy of actress Britt Ekland, it pushed the boundaries of what was acceptable on mainstream radio. Some stations even banned it, but that didn’t stop it from becoming a smash hit. It spent eight weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became one of the biggest songs of the decade. At its core, “Tonight’s the Night” captures Stewart at his most confident and charismatic. The instrumentation is restrained yet effective, allowing his voice to glide over the melody with an intimate, almost conspiratorial tone. It’s flirtatious, playful, and dripping with charm. The track exemplifies the romantic swagger Stewart became known for, and it helped define the sexy side of ’70s pop-rock. Love it or loathe it, there’s no denying its impact or longevity.
6. “Have I Told You Lately” (1991)
Though originally written and recorded by Van Morrison in 1989, Rod Stewart made “Have I Told You Lately” his own in the early ‘90s. His studio version introduced the song to his fanbase in 1991, but it was the stripped-down live rendition from Unplugged…and Seated in 1993 that truly resonated. Stewart’s performance captured the song’s tender spirituality and romantic warmth with remarkable sincerity. Accompanied by minimal instrumentation—mostly piano and acoustic guitar—he let the lyrics breathe, allowing the song’s gentle message of love and gratitude to take center stage. The result was a version that many consider definitive, becoming a go-to ballad at weddings and other intimate celebrations. Stewart’s raspy voice added emotional depth and vulnerability, turning the song into a quiet powerhouse. It became a Top 5 hit on the Adult Contemporary charts and helped reintroduce Stewart to a new generation of fans. “Have I Told You Lately” is a beautiful example of Stewart’s ability to reinterpret songs with authenticity and soul, transforming them into enduring classics.
7. “Young Turks” (1981)
In 1981, Rod Stewart surprised fans with “Young Turks,” a high-energy anthem that marked his embrace of the synth-pop and new wave trends of the era. Departing from his traditional rock and ballad roots, Stewart delivered a track pulsating with electronic beats, swirling synths, and a fresh, modern sound. But beyond its catchy production lies a poignant narrative: the story of Billy and Patti, two young lovers defying societal expectations to pursue love and freedom. “Young Turks” perfectly captures the restless spirit of youth, mixing rebellion with hope. The title, which doesn’t appear in the lyrics, is slang for youthful nonconformists—fitting for a song about breaking free. Stewart’s voice, always full of grit and character, cuts through the slick instrumentation with urgency and conviction. The song was a commercial success, reaching the Top 5 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and earning long-lasting fan acclaim. “Young Turks” stands as a bold testament to Stewart’s ability to adapt his sound without losing his core identity. It’s both a product of its time and a timeless celebration of youthful idealism.
8. “You’re in My Heart (The Final Acclaim)” (1977)
Released in 1977 on the album Foot Loose & Fancy Free, “You’re in My Heart” is one of Rod Stewart’s most heartfelt romantic ballads. With its lush string arrangements and soft acoustic backing, the song creates an atmosphere of deep affection and vulnerability. Many fans believed it was a love song to a particular woman in Stewart’s life, but the singer later revealed it also paid tribute to his beloved Celtic Football Club—blending personal and public passions in a clever lyrical twist. The song’s melody is sweet and flowing, and Stewart’s gravelly voice gives it a sincerity that’s hard to fake. It became a huge hit, climbing into the Top 10 in the U.S. and remaining a fan favorite for decades. Whether taken as a love song to a partner or a tribute to a lifelong obsession, “You’re in My Heart” works beautifully on both levels. It’s a perfect example of how Stewart could blend sentimentality with sophistication, crafting songs that speak to a wide audience while staying true to himself.
9. “Reason to Believe” (1971)
Though overshadowed commercially by its B-side “Maggie May,” Rod Stewart’s take on “Reason to Believe” remains a standout track from his Every Picture Tells a Story album. Originally written by folk artist Tim Hardin, the song is a delicate ballad about holding onto hope in the face of betrayal. Stewart’s version strips it down to its emotional core, with piano, acoustic guitar, and subtle strings giving the track a sparse, melancholic beauty. His performance is understated but powerful, revealing a more tender, introspective side of his artistry. What makes Stewart’s rendition so compelling is how he allows the song’s vulnerability to shine through his weathered vocals. It’s not dramatic or showy—just deeply human. “Reason to Believe” didn’t achieve the commercial heights of its flip side, but it laid the foundation for the reflective ballads Stewart would master later in his career. It remains an underrated gem in his catalog and a poignant reminder of his interpretive skill.
10. “The First Cut Is the Deepest” (1977)
Rod Stewart’s rendition of “The First Cut Is the Deepest,” released in 1977, is a masterclass in emotional storytelling. Originally written and recorded by Cat Stevens in the late 1960s, the song had already been covered by several artists, but Stewart’s version brought a new level of raw vulnerability. Featured on A Night on the Town, his take slows the tempo and strips the song down to its barest, most aching elements. His gravelly voice, tinged with heartbreak, makes the pain feel immediate and real. Rather than embellish or overproduce, Stewart lets the lyrics speak for themselves: the lingering hurt of lost love, the hesitation to fall again. The song became a major hit in the UK and remains one of his most beloved ballads. With “The First Cut Is the Deepest,” Stewart didn’t just cover a classic—he redefined it. His version stands as a poignant reminder of how a great interpreter can breathe new life into a song, turning personal pain into a universal anthem of heartbreak.
Samuel Moore is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
