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A Nod Is As Good As A Wink To A Blind Horse

Faces

1971

A Nod Is As Good As A Wink To A Blind Horse
Album Summary

A Nod's As Good As a Wink... to a Blind Horse is the third album by British rock group Faces, and their second album of 1971. Bolstered somewhat by lead singer Rod Stewart's recent solo success with "Maggie May", it was their most successful album worldwide, peaking at No. 6 in the US, and reaching No. 2 in the UK. It also contains their biggest US hit, the swaggering "Stay with Me" (No. 6 in the UK, No. 17 in the US), and the album itself would be certified gold by the RIAA in 1972. The album is generally regarded by critics and fans as the Faces' definitive statement; the most consistent, balanced album of the group's career in terms of songwriting and of mood, thanks in no small part to the decision to share production duties with Glyn Johns (Johns's association with the group stretched back as far as their original iteration as the Small Faces). As a result of Johns's involvement the album is a more focused and concise offering than the two previous Faces LPs, clocking in at 35.56, where both of its predecessors exceeded the 45 minute mark. The album features two original ballads and a cover of Chuck Berry's "Memphis Tennessee" alongside the usual Faces' trademark raucous bluesy rockers and rollicking bar-room swing-alongs. Bassist Ronnie Lane, usually confined to backing vocals and the occasional sole lead vocal on previous Faces records, sings lead on three of his own compositions here (one co-written with keyboardist Ian McLagan). Of these, "Debris", an elliptical examination of father-son relationships, was chosen as the B-side to their hit "Stay With Me". The title of the album is derived from a Cockney turn of phrase that acknowledges that a hint or suggestion can be or has been understood without the need of further elaboration or explanation. The original issue of the album came with a large poster consisting of a picture collage, including images of pills and pharmaceutical capsules, as well as polaroid photos apparently taken on tour of band and crew members reveling with naked groupies in hotel rooms. Within weeks of release, the record company had second thoughts about the poster and re-issued the album without it, turning original copies with the poster into collectors' items overnight.On 28 August 2015, the album was reissued in a remastered and expanded form, with the bonus tracks being two songs from a previously unreleased BBC session. The new vinyl reissue even replicated the poster included with the first-pressing vinyl release.

Wikipedia

Rating

3.26

Votes

10741
Genres
Rock
Country
Blues
Hard Rock
Psychedelic Rock

Reviews

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Tue Mar 30 2021
3

Not bad, but not exciting my penis

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Fri Sep 03 2021
1

I really don't understand this list. I feel like the authors haven't done a very good job of living up to the title they chose. Why must I hear these boring-ass Rod Stewart albums that keep getting generated before I die? For every one of these bland, forgettable snoozefests, they could have populated the list with more cutting edge jazz, fascinating avant garde, challenging heavy music, or statement-laden singer-songwriter pieces. This is music for your aunt. It sounds the an ashtray full of Parliament light cigarette butts smells. This album has no legacy, it has influenced nothing noteworthy. It's stale white bread in a cabinet that smells faintly of mildew and is lined with a tacky layer of faded orange and green plastic sheeting. This is an album that was meant to take up space at a Goodwill or a Salvation Army in between Barry Manilow and a six volume Christian music box set that's missing two records and the vinyl is warped. Once you have heard Neu! you never have to hear this album. It offers nothing. Throw in that punch bowl, tupperware, and Garfield mug you found a few aisles over and maybe you'll break $5.

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View Author
Tue Feb 08 2022
4

I once nodded at a blind horse and ended up being married to her for 15 years. What a 'mare. Had I winked, I'd have been much better off, so I dont agree with the sentiment one bit. The Faces performed at my son's bar mitzvah. He had recently been diagnosed with leukaemia and wasn't in the best of moods. Ronnie Wood tried to cheer him up by flirting with him and boasting about how much mashed watermelon he could eat in an hour. We all sat around watching Ronnie jamming melon in his gob like it was going out of fashion, which of course it was at the time. After the hour was up and nothing short of 38 watermelons had been consumed, Ronnie and the rest of the band got on stage and performed their hits. You could see Ronnie was struggling and his bowels eventually gave way. He shit all over the stage and decorated the front row of 13 year old boys in fizzy brown pebbles. We all fell about laughing and renamed them The Faeces. My son died of leukaemia later that evening, but what a send off it was.

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View Author
Sat Feb 05 2022
3

Listen: Things turned out pretty well for Rod Stewart. I'd argue that he ultimately ended up with the career he wanted (unless I'm way off here, and he was a frustrated soccer player, but I think Rod's association with soccer and his love for "football" was just part of his carefully crafted image). But I wonder about some sliding door moments where either the Jeff Beck Group or Faces broke through in ways that the Stones or Led Zeppelin did, and then maybe Rod would have been a lesser Mick Jagger or Robert Plant. But that's basically who Rod Stewart is. He doesn't have quite the front man charisma of Jagger. He definitely never had the soaring vocal skills that Plant had back in the day. And I think Rod Stewart knew this about himself. He still has (or had) one of the more unique voices in rock and/or roll. And some of the songs he sings lead on for the Faces (especially Bad 'N' Ruin) and the Jeff Beck Group are balls out classics. As are a ton of his early solo songs. But Rod Stewart's persona and ego were too big to be hidden as "just" the lead vocalist for a band. Not to mention having to give up lead vocals to a Ronnie Lane on certain songs. And Rod has a point there. His voice is so much better than Lane's, and you end up wishing Rod was the lone lead vocalist here. The material itself is decent. It's just not Zeppelin or the Stones. And maybe Rod Stewart knew that better than anyone.

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Tue May 24 2022
4

I feel like I just got tricked into listening to Rod Stewart. And, you know, I was mad about it at first. But then I just resigned myself to fact that I was in for an album full of growly, overly-dramatic vocals. And you know what? I really enjoyed the album. It's just solid, middle-of-the-road, rock and roll. Nothing super unique or surprising but everything was just... good. Even though there was a ton of Rod Stewart singing. Go figure.

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Thu Sep 17 2020
3

It was good, I especially liked “Stay With Me” and “All You Need.” I don’t think I’ll be coming back to it often, though. However as someone who grew up in Rod’s standards era, this was nice.

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Mon Aug 22 2022
5

Shows how important Ronnie Lane was to this band

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Mon Mar 08 2021
4

Rod's early stuff just doesn’t hold a candle to Do Ya Think I’m Sexy. lol What a great band. While Rod eventually descended to great heights, every one of the other musicians and the producer ended up playing, and in Ronnie Lane’s case co-writing, with either the Stones or the Who. That says all that's needed about the quality of these musicians.

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View Author
Thu Aug 11 2022
4

Phenomenal. Loose, ragged, and imbued with the chaotic spirit and big heart of prestige rock and roll but shorn of any purist posturing. Stewart's voice has lived at least three lifetimes. Wood's guitar at least two. Doesn't unify into a kind of colelctive national anthem of the white working class like 'Every Picture Tells A Story' but doesn't try to either. Possibly improves Memphis from Chuck Berry's original, which should tell you all you need to know about how good this is.

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Tue Feb 08 2022
3

The thing about faces is every one is unique. The fact that Rod Stewart decorated his with an expensive mullet is his perogative and should be celebrated for the majestic beast it is. He has a great voice too and should get drunk and do cup draws more often. Better than Kurt Zouma kicking a cat.

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Fri Dec 17 2021
1

Why is Rod pretending to be american 'Tenn er see' I ask you? This album reminded me of the time I was waiting all night for a taxi whilst locked in a half full wheely bin with only a deranged incontinent blind cat for company. Sure the piss kept me warm as it ran down my back and the noxious smell of the half composted rubbish was a comfort as it sent me into a hallucinogenic state. But what really pissed me of was the 10er that I had for the taxi got soaked from the seeping mass of decomposing detritus. The taxi driver refused to take it and I had to walk home anyway.

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Sat Oct 16 2021
4

A very enjoyable bluesy romp.

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Wed Mar 16 2022
4

If you like The Black Crowes then Faces is for you.

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Thu Jan 14 2021
3

Pretty generic classical rock album. Kinda meh...

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Mon Feb 22 2021
3

Not too bad, but also nothing too outstanding.

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Tue Feb 08 2022
3

Is Nigel going to freestyle on A Nod Is As Good As A Wank To A Blind Horse? Almost certainly. This was fine. Nice, safe, comforting vaguely bluesy rock n' roll. Although I do wonder if it already sounded retro / dated (delete as appropriate) when it was released as it does absolutely whiff on the '60s.

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View Author
Fri May 12 2023
3

Find yourself a spouse who loves you as much as middle class white British dudes in the 60’s and 70’s loved the blues.

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Tue May 11 2021
2

У Тодда в Тенях был как-то выпуск One-Hit Wonderland про группу Darkness, и там он сказал, что группа, которая представляет крутейшее гитарное соло криком «GUITAR!!!» заслуживает его уважения. Ну так вот, в песне Stay With Me после первого куплета вокалист неразборчиво буркнул «guitar...» и после этого началось унылое дженерик дрочево. И, что самое главное, это единственное, что я запомнил из этого альбома. Поэтому шли бы нахуй фейсес-хуейсес и амнезия заодно, 4/10

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Tue Jan 26 2021
5

This my jaaaaaaaaaam. Bluesy, rock with awesome vocals.

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Mon Apr 05 2021
5

Fav Song: That's All You Need

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Fri Jan 15 2021
5

This is more my style! I enjoyed this one!

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Thu Jan 14 2021
5

will never understand how hard these guys could rock when on the verge of passing out . . . but damn, they had something.

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Tue Jan 26 2021
5

Best recommendation from this site so far

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Wed Feb 10 2021
5

Wow, not familiar with Faces. Didn't realize this was Rockin' Rod. The initial impression is great bluesy rock. Definitely some similarity to the Doors. I like it. It will be interesting to see if all the tracks are like this.

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Wed Feb 10 2021
5

Didn’t think I’d recognise any of it but knew Stay. Reminded me a bit of Martin.

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Mon Feb 15 2021
5

Why didn't Rod stay here? As good as the Stones. This rocks. Great keyboards.

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Thu Mar 11 2021
5

Мамуля это рок-н-ролл и никаких сусликов. Ееееее

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Wed Jun 16 2021
5

I expected to quite like it, but it exceeded my expectations. I thought i already had an opinion on Stay With Me, but that was better than I expected too. Maybe it all caught me in just the right mood.

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Tue Aug 24 2021
5

Man I really dig this album. I’ve always loved Rod Stewart, and have heard some of Faces more popular work, but to dig into their deeper cannon feels pretty cool. I really enjoyed this album.

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Fri Sep 10 2021
5

The funny thing about The Faces is that I do not like Rod Stewart...as a solo artist. Most if not all of his solo stuff just rubs me the wrong way. However, I like everything I've ever heard from the Faces. That, to me, shows the power of a band. A band is not its front man. He's the voice of the band, but all the components elevate the music to something great. This is also the vibe and fun I needed after Alice in Chains. "Memphis" is an example of a worthwhile cover. They give homage to one of their influences and role models, but they also make the song their own. Ronnie Wood's Rolling Stones sound is on full display on "Too Bad." I'm so close to a 5/5 on this one. All comes down to the last track. "That's All You Need" is like Rolling Stones meets Van Halen, and that's a good thing. This is a solid album worth regular listening, and I will definitely seek out live filmed performances of these songs. They'd be fun to watch.

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Fri Sep 17 2021
5

This album rocked my absolute shit and made me into a fan of Rod Stewart, a feat heretofore deemed impossible.

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Fri Sep 17 2021
5

‘Stay with me’ was already a classic in this house, love the cover of ‘Memphis’ and the supporting tracks on this album. Rock on

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Tue Sep 21 2021
5

I was not at all familiar with this band. It's good stuff. Reminds me of classic Aerosmith, but a lot groovier. I'm going to dig into this band a little bit more. I like what I've heard.

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View Author
Tue Oct 19 2021
5

I had an epiphany last year, listening to Every Picture Tells a Story for the first time: Rob Stewart was actually great, and EPTAS is a masterclass. So, I'm delighted that A Nod... is The Faces in exactly the same groove as EPTAS. What I wanted was more of the same, and it seems The Faces were in accord. Of course, saying one album sounds like another doesn't really say anything much. So, this album is a laid-back, rocking, laddish, boozy, bluesy, rogueish yet softhearted paean to both the raucous Saturday night and the dog-rough Sunday morning. Just don't think of The Stereophonics and you'll love it all.

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Tue Nov 23 2021
5

Prancing wigs with gravel in their throats, coke up their noses and a pocketful of fucking great rock songs. Best Tracks: Miss Judy's Farm; Stay With Me; Too Bad

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Sat Nov 27 2021
5

Very good album! Exciting and lively playing + great singing + (mostly) great songwriting = A great album. This is what classic rock is!

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Tue Dec 07 2021
5

Probably one of the most underrated bands from this era

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Fri Dec 17 2021
5

Say what you want about Rod Stewart's career, but he in fact was a great blues and rock vocalist with the Jeff Beck Group and when he and Ron Wood left to join some ex-Small Faces to form the Faces. This was Stewart and Wood at their best (I prefer Wood's guitar work with the Faces than with the Stones) and A Nod Is As Good...was a high point for the band. The band was drunken and sloppy live, but their studio albums were classic records. Wood's guitar work is exceptional on Nod and Stewart never sounded better. The same band would also record on Stewart's early albums, so in reality the Faces produced a lot of great, memorable albums.

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Sat Jan 01 2022
5

We were blown away by this album. Rod Stewart used to be _cool_?

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Thu Jan 27 2022
5

sloppy genius - great rock and (EVEN MORE IMPORTANTLY) roll. those boys could SWING!! Debris is especially magnificent, as is Stay With Me.

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Thu Mar 10 2022
5

Sara likes much, Eddie thinks inoffensive

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Mon May 16 2022
5

This album is a revelation. I<ve listened to it three times and each spin has been more enjoyable as the one before. The band cooks and Rod Stewart is in fine voice throughout. THe band rocks so hard that at times I<m thinking this is as good as or better than any Stones album. 5 stars

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Tue Jul 26 2022
5

I knew about Rod Stewart, but never knew about this band for some reason. Odd. Either way, this is pretty good 70s rock and roll, nothing felt repetitive or out of place, each song went from strength to strength, really enjoyed it.

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Sun Aug 14 2022
5

This a solid album. Great energy.

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Mon Sep 05 2022
5

Learned a lot about Rod Stewart last week. #1 thing I learned is that I just really love his voice. Faces was a new band to my consciousness, but I knew a couple of these tunes already.

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Sun Sep 18 2022
5

Just some good old classic rock

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Fri Nov 04 2022
5

Loved this album. Rod in his prime.

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Mon Dec 12 2022
5

LOVED it! what a gem of a rock record!

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Tue Jan 17 2023
5

Before today, I had no idea that Rod Stewart had a band! In 1969, the band "the Small Faces" disbanded when Steve Marriott left. The three remaining members picked up Ron Wood on guitar, and Rod Stewart on vocals, and became the band "Faces". Rod already had a career of his own with his solo work, so he used his time with "Faces" to go wild. A few songs on this record were sung by bassist Ronnie Lane. His voice isn't as strong or recognizable as Rod's, but is still good in its own right. There are heavy blues influences on this record, and I love the sludgy guitars throughout! Apparently "Faces" lived the rock 'n' roll lifestyle: partying, drinking, and womanizing! It's too bad the band broke up after only 5 short years! I can't believe I just discovered Faces today!! After breaking up, Rod continued with his solo career, Ron Wood joined the Rolling Stones, and drummer Kenny Jones eventually joined the Who, so quite a perigree of talent came from this band!! I've heard the song Stay With Me before, but always assumed it was just a Rod Stewart song. Overall, I loved today's album! So much so, that I listened to it twice! I will definately listen again! Favourite songs: Stay With Me, Memphis, Miss Judy's Farm, Too Bad, That's All You Need, You're So Rude, Least favourite song: If forced to pick, Last Orders Please 5/5

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Tue Jan 31 2023
5

It’s the faces! Of course it was awesome

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Tue Feb 21 2023
5

Standout Stones sound with Rod Stewart and Ronnie Wood in the 70s

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Tue Mar 28 2023
5

Faces & this era of Rod Stewart is pretty spectacular. They're rockin, bluesy, and witty. The lyrics to Stay With Me are hilarious...it's a one night stand, but ya better be gone by the time I wake up. The brutal honesty is on another level. Most bands use innuendo, but not this one. It's a perfect song. The rest of the album is just as good. Definitely one to revisit. 4.5 stars.

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Mon Apr 03 2023
5

Fantastic. A true rock and roll classic.

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Tue Apr 11 2023
5

Outstanding, I had forgotten how good they were.

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Mon May 15 2023
5

Album 44 of 1001 Faces - A Nod is as Good as a Wink to a Blind Horse Favorite Track : Stay With Me Rating : 4 / 5 Awesome album. Bordered on a 5. Could change after more listens. Just good old bluesy rock done well.

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Wed May 17 2023
5

Really great album! Really enjoyed all parts of it, great instrumentation, fun jams and great vocals.

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Fri Jun 16 2023
5

It's actually pretty groovetastic all the way through. Spotless.

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Sun Sep 03 2023
5

just discovered faces — easily one of my new favorite bands sucks that they only have like four albums, because each of these are amazing - 10/10

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Wed Sep 27 2023
5

I really enjoyed how jam-y these songs were, like Stay With Me and Memphis, Tennessee. And Rod’s voice just fits so perfectly. I almost couldn’t believe these guys were British.

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Thu Nov 23 2023
5

Fuzzed out British blues rock. Good stuff!

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Wed Dec 06 2023
5

Completely new album/band for me and I gotta say I was very pleased with it! I’m a big fan of that bluesy rock sound. Every track hit the mark for me and I think I’ve found a few new tracks to put into my regular rotation!!

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Fri Jan 05 2024
5

Deeply love this album. Faces are in the pocket for the whole thing, on par with Creedence Clearwater Revival at their best. Debris is a 10/10 Man Feelings song. Ronnie Lane writing about small realisations and intimate shared knowing between a son and a father. Seeing his dad as a whole complete human, feeling as if one day that will be him, admitting he should have listened to his father's advice, whilst still sadly and dismissively laughing at his senile grumblings. It's possible I love it so much because my Dad's love language does seem to be gifting people strange things he finds amongst the debris at charity shops. The rest of the album is fierce charasmatic shoe shuffling belters. It's funny. It's free. It's all playing for the song. Love The Small Faces, love what Stevie Marriott went off and did with Humble Pie, but this might be the best album from that whole crew, even though Rod went on to pump out some farts later on in his career.

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Thu Jan 18 2024
5

I was so surprised to hear Rod Stewart's voice when I listened to this album. I had never heard of Faces. I really enjoyed this one, Memphis is a fantastic song!

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Fri Jan 26 2024
5

I really liked this album. Had only heard the big hit before. I enjoyed hearing Ronnie Wood. Atlantic Crossing is my favorite Stewart album but I love hearing this ‘early’ work.

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Wed Jan 31 2024
5

It's a great album that I didn't know existed. It's like Rod Stewart and The Rolling Stones had a love child.

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Wed Feb 14 2024
5

8 / 10 Rock Setentero, con la inconfundible voz de Rod Stewart.

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Fri Sep 25 2020
4

Very solid early 70s rock’n’roll

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Tue Jul 13 2021
4

Rod's voice is iconic and "Stay With Me" is an all-out banger of a song. If it had a couple more hits, it would be a perfect classic rock album.

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Fri Jan 15 2021
4

Good rockyness Short and sweet Propa rock and roll

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Thu Jan 14 2021
4

Is that Rod Stewart? Yes, this was the band he was with. Very easy to listen to "soft rock" with a very groovy vibe. If I lived in 1971 this would have been an album I would own.

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Fri Feb 05 2021
4

Pleasantly surprised. Before listening to this I'd have said under 40 minutes is plenty of Rod Stewart at once. I always wondered what the fuss was with him but actually his voice sounded great on this album.

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Sun Jul 18 2021
4

Works for me. Sounds like a good drinking album. Kinda wish Rod Stewart sang lead on every track though.

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Fri Jan 29 2021
4

Rod should have sung every song!

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Thu Jun 03 2021
4

Solid front to back. Amazing that Rod Stewart was doing both this and his solo career so stellar at the same time.

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Sun Jul 18 2021
4

These are fun songs. This is a nice way to listen to Rod Stewart, because although I like him, I tire of his voice but with Ronnie Wood alternating on lead vocals throughout the album, it creates a nice balance.

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Tue Feb 23 2021
4

I hadn't heard of this band before (at least I don't think so) but I was pleasantly surprised to hear Rod Stewart's voice in the opening song. I don't know that this album rocked my world but it was definitely easy enough to listen to.

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Tue Jan 26 2021
4

This is some world class rock & roll! Great album just starting from the title

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Mon Jan 25 2021
4

Solid rock album, fun vibes and lots of energy. Didn't know them before, so fun to discover!

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Thu Mar 25 2021
4

I've always liked Rod Stewart and The Faces; they're a true old school rock band

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Mon Jan 25 2021
4

Decent. Will listen again deffo.

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