Rod Stewart is heading to Glastonbury 2025—and frankly, it's about time. After decades of dodging the festival scene, the raspy-voiced rock legend is finally set to bring his glitter, grit, and glorious catalogue to Worthy Farm for the first time since 2002. For fans, it's a long-overdue celebration of one of Britain’s most enduring—and endearing—stars.
With a career spanning six decades, Rod has shape-shifted through genres like few others. From the raw blues rock of his early days with the Faces, to the folk-infused brilliance of Every Picture Tells a Story, the disco flirtations of the late ’70s, and the polished pop ballads of the ’80s, his output is nothing if not eclectic. But through it all, his unmistakable voice and storytelling flair have remained front and centre.
As he prepares to woo a new generation of Glasto-goers (and remind older ones why they fell for him in the first place), we’re celebrating the finest moments from his expansive songbook. These are the tracks that define Rod Stewart—tender, rowdy, romantic, rebellious, and always, unmistakably Rod.
Here are his 15 best songs, ranked—classics that deserve to echo across fields, stadiums, pubs, and headphones forever.
15. Hot Legs (1977)
'Hot Legs' is Rod Stewart at his cheeky, hard-rocking best—brash, energetic, and bursting with swagger. Released in 1977, it’s a tongue-in-cheek ode to lust and reckless youth, driven by gritty guitar riffs and Rod’s trademark rasp. Equal parts sleazy and infectious, it captures the unfiltered spirit of his late-’70s glam-rock persona.
14. Infatuation (1984)
A slick '80s anthem with big guitars, big hair, and irresistible hooks, 'Infatuation' finds Rod diving headfirst into ’80s production, complete with punchy synths, sharp guitars, and a pulsing beat. A high-energy tale of obsession and desire, it's elevated by Jeff Beck’s scorching guitar solo. Rod’s vocals balance charm and mania, making it one of his most compelling ventures into glossy pop-rock.
13. Reason to Believe (1971)
One of many gems on his hit-packed 1971 album Every Picture Tells a Story, 'Reason to Believe' showcases Rod Stewart’s tender, emotional side, pairing heartfelt lyrics with a stripped-back arrangement. Originally by Tim Hardin, Rod’s 1971 version features delicate piano and stirring violin, with his raspy voice delivering raw vulnerability. Often overshadowed by its album-mate 'Maggie May', it remains one of his most moving early recordings—sincere, soulful, and quietly powerful.
12. Do Ya Think I’m Sexy? (1978)
'Do Ya Think I’m Sexy?' is Rod Stewart’s flashy, tongue-in-cheek plunge into disco. Released in 1978, it pairs dancefloor beats with playful self-parody, all wrapped in shimmering production. Though divisive among rock purists, it became a massive hit, proving Rod could mix satire and sex appeal—and pull it off with chart-topping style.
11. You're in My Heart (The Final Acclaim) (1977)
Sentimental and stadium-ready, this is Rod at his most romantic. Released in 1977, it’s a heartfelt tribute wrapped in lush soft-rock melodies, blending football references with declarations of love. Its warmth, sincerity, and singalong chorus made it an enduring fan favourite—equal parts stadium anthem and tender love song.
10. Stay With Me (1971)
A highlight from his years with Faces, 'Stay With Me' is a swaggering, no-holds-barred rock ‘n’ roll romp. Driven by rollicking guitar riffs and Rod Stewart’s raspy bravado, it’s a cheeky tale of one-night-stand etiquette wrapped in irresistible hooks. Raw, raucous, and endlessly fun, it captures the wild, boozy spirit of the Faces at their peak.
9. The Killing of Georgie (Part I and II) (1976)
One of Rod Stewart’s most poignant and courageous songs, released in 1976. It tells the true story of a gay friend’s vibrant life and tragic, senseless murder. Unflinching yet compassionate, it stood out in an era when such themes were rarely addressed in mainstream rock. Musically tender and lyrically powerful, it remains a striking example of Stewart’s gift for heartfelt storytelling.
8. Handbags and Gladrags (1969)
Showcasing Rod's gift for emotional depth and vocal nuance, 'Handbags and Gladrags' is a bittersweet reflection on youth, materialism, and growing up. Rod’s 1969 rendition, arranged with piano, strings, and his aching rasp, brings raw sincerity to the lyrics. It’s a soulful, melancholic ballad that marked him as more than just a rock singer—even in his earliest solo days.
7. Young Turks (1981)
'Young Turks' is a synth-driven, high-energy anthem that marked Rod Stewart’s bold leap into 1980s pop. Released in 1981, it tells the story of young lovers breaking free and chasing independence, capturing youthful rebellion with urgency and heart. Its catchy beat, electronic flair, and Rod’s spirited vocals made it a chart hit and a defining moment of his genre-blending evolution.
6. Sailing (1975)
1975s 'Sailing' is one of Rod Stewart’s most iconic ballads. A sweeping, emotional anthem about escape and longing, it blends Stewart’s raspy voice with a lush, orchestral arrangement. The song’s soothing melody and heartfelt lyrics captured the hearts of listeners, becoming a massive hit. Its timeless themes of freedom and introspection continue to resonate, making “Sailing” a defining moment in Stewart’s career and a fan favourite.
5. I Was Only Joking (1977)
Among his most introspective and emotionally layered songs, 'I Was Only Joking' traces youthful recklessness and the regrets that follow, with lyrics that shift from charm to remorse. Backed by a rich, acoustic-led arrangement, Stewart’s vocals are raw and reflective. The song stands out for its storytelling depth, revealing a more vulnerable, self-aware side of Rod beneath the swagger and bravado.
4. Tonight’s the Night (Gonna Be Alright) (1976)
Featuring whispered French vocals by actress and Rod's then-girlfriend Britt Ekland (pictured), this slow-burning seduction anthem perfectly captures Rod’s flirtatious persona and knack for crafting unforgettable, intimate pop moments. Sensual and controversial, blending sultry lyrics with a smooth, laid-back groove, 'Tonight’s the Night' became a chart-topping success despite—or perhaps because of—its provocative tone.
Rod Stewart: his three greatest songs
3. Maggie May (1971)
'Maggie May' is the song that catapulted Rod Stewart to global fame. Released in 1971, it’s a semi-autobiographical tale of a young man’s bittersweet entanglement with an older woman. Blending folk, rock, and a touch of heartbreak, the track showcases Stewart’s raw, raspy vocals and keen storytelling. Its jangly mandolin outro, played by Ray Jackson, became instantly iconic.
Originally a B-side, 'Maggie May' unexpectedly topped charts worldwide and defined Stewart’s early solo sound. The song’s confessional lyrics and irresistible hooks struck a chord with listeners, turning it into a timeless classic and one of the most beloved tracks in rock history.
2. Every Picture Tells a Story (1971)
The title track of Rod Stewart’s 1971 breakthrough album, 'Every Picture Tells a Story' is a rollicking, genre-blending anthem that perfectly captures his early solo brilliance. With its rambling structure, folk-rock energy, and spoken-sung delivery, the song feels like a wild, globe-trotting confessional.
Stewart recounts tales of youthful misadventure, romance, and self-discovery, backed by the Faces’ gritty instrumentation and Ronnie Wood’s raw guitar work. Unapologetically loose and bursting with character, it reflects the rebellious spirit of the early ’70s and Rod’s distinctive blend of rock swagger and emotional honesty.
A freewheeling narrative with equal parts humour and grit, 'Every Picture Tells a Story' remains a fan favourite and a quintessential example of Stewart’s storytelling magic at its most charismatic and unfiltered.
1. Mandolin Wind (1971)
A deeper cut from Every Picture Tells a Story, 'Mandolin Wind' is a tender, underrated gem that showcases his deep emotional range. Blending folk and country influences, the song is built around a delicate mandolin line and a heartfelt vocal performance.
It tells the story of a devoted woman who stays by her lover’s side through hardship and a bitter winter, her quiet strength becoming the heart of the narrative. Stewart’s voice moves from hushed vulnerability to raw passion, capturing the fragility and resilience of love. The instrumentation—particularly the mandolin, possibly played by Ray Jackson—adds a rustic charm and timeless warmth.
Unlike his more swaggering hits, 'Mandolin Wind' offers a stripped-back, intimate moment, revealing Rod’s ability to inhabit quieter emotional spaces with sincerity and grace. It remains one of his most moving songs—subtle, sincere, and still powerful more than five decades later.
Pics: Getty Images
