Every Picture Tells A Story

3 1/2

A lot more American Songbook than I’d have guessed. Hadn’t noticed how similar the end of Maggie May is to “Losing My Religion”. “Mandolin Wind” is a song that transforms at the halfway mark, from dull to wonderful. In a way that serves as metonym - an album that’s half pretty dull, and half absolutely wonderful.

ЧТО: Третий студийный альбом легенды фолка Рода Стюарта, представляющий собой классическую для исполнителя смесь рока, фолка и кантри. Прорывной альбом для Стюарта, закрепивший его в статусе звезды. КАКОЙ: Музыка на протяжении всего альбома пронизана ощущением трогательного и забавного рассказа. Несколько меланхоличную атмосферу дарит фолк-звук, которого здесь немало. Слышно, сколько работы в этой пластинке. Каждый звук отполирован, доведён до абсолюта, что, честно говоря, несколько мешает мне восхищаться Every Picture Tells a Story, потому что звучит альбом местами откровенно скучно. Хотя рок-н-ролльная энергия сохраняется. Местами очень интересные музыкальные решения. Мандолина на самой хитовой на альбоме Maggie May, орган на (Find A) Reason to Belive в сочетании со скрипкой, хоровой вокал на (I Know) I’m losing you и много ещё чего. Вообще (FA) RtB - образцовая фолк песня. Поражает талант сторителлинга. Это чувствуется даже без слов. Как будто ты сидишь в лондонском баре и слушаешь красивую историю человека, который испытал многое за свою жизнь и готов поделиться этим с тобой своим искренним хрипловатым голосом. Песни звучат тепло. Скорее всего это достигается за счёт элементов кантри. Но здесь, повторюсь, мне не хватает экшена, рок-н-ролла, но видимо только мне, потому что Род Стюарт - один из вдохновителей великого британского панка 1970-х. О ЧЕМ: Я уже говорил про истории на этом альбоме, и это действительно впечатляет. Такой талант сторителлинга - огромная редкость. Пожалуй, Род Стюарт, Боб Дилан и Кендрик Ламар. Вот моя команда по спасению мира. Рассматривая первую же, и по совместительству титульную, песню на альбоме, мы получаем историю человека, отправившегося в путешествие по миру, чтобы начать чувствовать себя полноценным. Он уходит из дома, конфликтует с французской полицией, посещает Ватикан, занимается парусным спортом, находит любовь в Шанхае и обретает себя. Одной этой песни достаточно, чтобы понять уровень текстов. Просто скажу, что на Maggie May (на минуточку самой популярной песне с альбома, да и в принципе в дискографии Стюарта) Род рассказывает историю о школьнике, которому подруга мамы «помогает» с утратой невинности. Я думаю, о лирике можно заканчивать. ИТОГ: Я полностью солидарен с Джоном Мендельсоном, который написал для Rolling Stone: «Какой бы скучной не была половина этой пластинки, на другой половине достаточно безоговорочно великолепного». Стоит только чуть-чуть повнимательнее прислушаться, чтобы почувствовать эту музыку. Да, местами интереснее писать про Every Picture Tells a Story, чем слушать его. Но заряженность пластинки винтажной рок-энергетикой, которую сейчас невозможно воспроизвести, и невероятное искусство рассказать историю спасают ситуацию. Этот альбом стоит послушать хотя бы раз в жизни, и, поверьте, магическим (без шуток) образом каждый сможет вынести оттуда что-нибудь нужное для себя именно в данный момент жизни. ЛУЧШИЕ ПЕСНИ: Maggie May, Every Picture Tells a Story, (I Know) I’m losing you

Better than expected. Enjoyed (I Know) I'm losing you - temptations cover.

I feel i'm about 20 years too early for my Rod Stewart fandom.

Rod Stewart was in his mid-20s during the recording of this album and that blows my fucking mind, because his perennially-weathered voice has made him sound like he's 60 for as long as he's lived. And good for him, because his voice really makes a lot of the music here (not to downplay the quality of the compositions or the interplay between the acoustics), turning what feels like the 80th folk-influenced record our group's had into a much easier listen than any of that Fred Neil bullshit. The fantastic title track was my favorite song of his going into this, and that hasn't changed, but the Temptations cover was a nice surprise, containing a bigger sound and glimpses of swagger that make you understand how Stewart would go on to think that "Do Ya Think I'm Sexy?" was somehow a good idea. Pretty enjoyable stuff overall, though most of the songs go on for a minute or two too long; Rod needlessly doubles the length of Elvis' "That's All Right," and that's not even counting the rendition Amazing Grace they sneak in at the end. Key Tracks: Every Picture Tells a Story, Maggie May, (I Know) I'm Losing You

The more country influenced songs stand out more on this record. Rod Stewart can write and sing a perfectly find rock song, but the tone of his voice is well suited to more folk/county sounds where he can showcase his finesse as well as his power

This is an easy entry for non classic rock listeners to break into the category. It's soft rock, easy listening album that actually goes by really quickly. There isn't a bad track on this album but besides the radio singles nothing else really shines. Favorite Tracks: "Maggie May" "Mandolin Wind" "(Find a) Reason to Believe"

Es la misma mierd, solo que le mete algo ranchero yeeeeeeeeeeehaaaaaaaa

Blah

Some fun, nothing groundbreaking.

Not bad

It's fine - kinda luke warm about it. Enjoyed it but not floored. Solid classic rock sound.

Sympa! Je pense que cet album n'était pas mon genre fav mais j'ai continué à écouter l'artiste après avoir terminé l'album et vraiment bonne découverte.

bonzinho

Thursday 13th May 2021 Morning after Hog's birthday, listened in bed in the morning. Strange one, I kind of liked it kind of didn't. Maggie May etc all great and some wonderful song writing, I don't think I like his voice

Rod Stewart's signature growl was always fit well in the Faces. The guitars and keys play an important role in his success, and there's a slight turn on this solo record. His attempts to match the other singer/songwriters of the era finds a mixed result. The first half of the album is a difficult listen, especially the culturally-voyeuristic gaze on the title track. But the second half of the record comes alive with beautiful production and lyrics. 2.5/5 Fav track: Maggie Mae

This era of Rod Stewart dovetails so closely with the Faces' records that it didn't surprise me to learn many of his bandmates also played on his solo albums. I *was* surprised to hear the "Your love is fading/I can feel it fade" like pop up on "(I Know) I'm Losing You" and then found out this is the song Kanye samples on "Fade", albeit a different version. This album has its moments of brilliance, but is bogged down by covers and a few wildly problematic lyrics (*cough* "Every Picture Tells a Story" *cough*). Still, this is my favourite mode of Rod Stewart: gritty vocals, slide guitar, and working class aesthetics. Favourite songs: "Maggie May" and "Reason to Believe"

No es para mí

Isn't as poppy as I thought it would be. I appreciated the acoustic-ness of it.

Maggie is a fabulous song. The rest of the album chas its moments but leave Maggie off and I can't imagine it making many Top ___ lists.

I don't get the Rod hatred. It's not a better for sure but my foot was tapping throughout so that's a good thing

Not too shabby. 3RS

Rod Stewart’s a bit meh but this was a decent listen. Hated the Amazing Grace bit

Die stem van Rod is toch eigenlijk wel tof, maar de muziek blijft daar wat bij achter. Niet slecht, maar mist toch net wat ergens om het echt interessant te maken.

Best goed te pruimen eigenlijk!

Pretty easy listening. Rod at his peak, before he got well annoying.

Liked this more than I thought I would. It's a bit edgier/rockier than I'd assumed all of Rod Stewart's music was. 7/10

6.5

Hat mir beim einmaligen Durchhören gut gefallen. Nichts, was groß hängen geblieben ist, aber Stimmung, Instrumente, Gesang: runde Sache, würde ich mir wieder anhören!

Maggie May is wonderful for sure. Yup there with his best

meh

habs ned ganz gehört aber isch okay.

Мб ближе к 4

Classic classic rock

Niet het beste album van Rod maar nog steeds wel lekker luisterbaar

I love Rod's singing voice, but the songs don't do much for me. The acousticy sound just doesn't really work with his rock and roll style IMO. Gets better when he lets the guitar do a folky-thing and leans into the direction.

Some interesting inspiration and movements on each track. Maggie May is a standout.

Very nice album. I realy like the voice of Rod Steward. This already makes the album.

5/10

The first few songs were not good but I liked the folk/country styled songs. Maggie may is perfect obviously. I’m just can’t listen to Rod’s voice for a long period of time.

Not a huge Rod Stewart fan, but I actually enjoyed some of this album!

Alright, but nothing too standout. Favorite is probably "I know I'm losing you"

I'm not the biggest fan of Rod Stewart. This album features Maggie May, classic. At times this album almost has a folk sound (for lack of more descriptive terms).

Quite a lot of standards on her that Rod makes his own.

I just didn't need more dad rock. 3/10

Oh the torture of repetitive lyrics (I skipped That's All Right halfway through) but other songs were okay. I'm only familiar with Maggie May.

Full disclosure: I have NEVER liked rod stewart, so this album was going to have to fight one hell of a battle to change that opinion. It didn’t achieve that. The musicianship is fine, but outside of a few songs, they don’t seem particularly well constructed, rod’s lyrics and vocals have never been my cup of tea. “Maggie Mae” is well constructed, as is “Reason to Believe” but it’s not the version I was most familiar with, not better or worse, per se, but it didn’t sound quite right. Anyhoo, long story short it isn’t god awful, but it doesn’t seem good to me either. If you like it, cool, but it’s not for me.

Fine but boring and repetitive. I kept thinking a song was ending only to find there was half of it left.

Instruments are decent, his voice is okay on the couple tracks he’s not rasping and shrieking

Another one I wanted to like more than I did. Rod has a classic rock voice, but the songs just aren't that good. Some decent musicianship, but qlso some lyrics that have NOT aged well. Didn't lead me to hate it but I really can't see why it's here. Scrapes a 2.

I could've passed on this one. I was underwhelmed. Hopefully if another Rod Stewart album appears it will be a better one.

Two Rod Stewart albums in a fortnight. My word. It's barely passable soft rock with just a little more guitar. Maggie May okay, first song really agonisingly racist by today's standards.

Maggie May is a good song. The rest: Boring as hell. But I didn't Pooped Muh Pants! So: 2/5

Liked a good one song

Some ok tracks, Maggies a classic but his voice grates on me and I can't get past it.

alright

Left absolutely no impression apart from "oh it's the Maggie one"

The fascination with scratchy-voiced singers is something I've never understood. Macy Gray once said "I could clear my throat and end my career" intimating that was the listening public at large's interest in her. I wonder if it's the same with Stewart. If he didn't have the rasp, would he be just another nameless British bloke copping American music? I'm not saying he's a bad singer, but I don't think his voice is amazing. Certainly nobody was demanding him take on "Amazing Grace" as a bewildering double feature with Arthur Crudup's "That's All Right". Only three of the eight songs (leaving out the instrumental "Henry") are originals. How do the covers compare? I'll take the original of Brewer & Shipley's "Seems Like A Long Time" with their haunting harmonies over Rod's version, and of course his singing can't hold a candle to David Ruffin's on the Temptations "(I Know) I'm Losing You" although the instrumental section is probably as good as this album gets. "That's All Right" is missing the verve of Arthur Crudup's original, archaic as it is (something that could be said about every cover of this song, granted), but I'll give Rod the edge over Tim Hardin's version of "Reason to Believe" and Dylan's "Tomorrow Is a Long Time" (mostly, because he's not singing like Bob Dylan). The band here is fine, especially guitarist Ronnie Wood and mandolin player Ray Jackson. It's the material that falters. Aside from the the Crudup and Temptations covers, everything else just feels kind of dreary. "Maggie May" is the only original worth noting here, unless you want to bring up Rod's mention of "slit-eyed lady" on the self-titled track. Critics lost their mind over this, but I don't see it. Feels very similar to a hundred other albums from less famous folk singers. Maybe they need to start rasping more.

Never really warmed to Rod Stewart.

Surprisingly uninspired. I found this album to be perfectly tolerable, but nothing stood out as particularly excellent or captivating. Generic roots rock with not much else going on. Stonger B side does not help the lost interest from the A side. Top tracks: Mandolin Wind, (I Know) I'm Losing You

rod rod rod

A couple of above average songs but mostly it's the music equivalent of luke-warm oatmeal.

Another Rod Stewart album and another disappointment. I am really struggling to understand what Rod was giving out to the people back in the day. This is not Rock and Roll enough to scratch the rock itch. It's not pop enough to be some pop fun. It's not funky, soulful, or experimental enough to be interesting in some other way. It's not even catchy enough to give me some enjoyable easy listening. He's got the distinctive raspy voice but it quickly starts sounding monotone and flat to me, so I ain't even getting through by just enjoying some vocal talents. Truly bamboozling what the appeal was.

Buena voz, buen disco, me aburrió terriblemente

Never broke out the background for me

Nope

Didn't enjoy

Meh

It's fine. There are some nice musical moments and great singing. It's a good background dinner album, but it's not my thing.

Ja dit is echt oersaai. Niet slecht ofzo, gewoon het meest blande rockalbum mogelijk.

Correct

Other than "Maggie May", the material here is run-of-the-mill folk-inflected rock with little spark or originality.

не зашло, ничем не зацепило.

Completely boring

Do not really see the appeal of Rod Stewart. His gravelly vocals leave me cold (I think perhaps over heard / over parodied). Song choice is either fairly plodding blues rock or overly sentimental. Although I did like the violin on Find a Reason.

yeah it's ok

i didn’t even realise maggie may had come on, the whole album sounds the same

I actually expected to like this more and rate it higher, based on people I know that are really into young Rod Stewart. But it just didn't do it for me

I feel so neutral on Rod Stewart I almost don't have anything to say. I'm sure he's talented - there's shades of it all over the good half of this album - but I don't know if it comes through in the sound. Fav tracks: That's All Right

🌕🌕🌗🌑🌑 (rounded down :/ because it got old :/ sorry) Rod, you're killin' me baby bro. Much like Gasoline Alley, I feel like there was a lot to like here—I'm just biased from his Faces work, but this feels like it could be (and often is, in fairness) killer southern rock (from, you know, not the south). However, I think there's a worrisome imbalance in the twang to edge ratio. Plenty of twang on this one, and Rod's voice delivers it well, but by god, there is no edge, and in its dread vacuum an asphyxiating earnestness blooms. Maybe the fact that that's bad makes me an asshole and, worse, a hypocrite, because I think there's nothing wrong with earnestness, but something about it just feels borderline eye-roll-y. Ultimately, it doesn't kill the album for me, which is why it feels evil to give this two stars—it's a high two, mind you, but not high enough to round up into three territory, not today. I was too annoyed for that, sometimes. Oh well. 1: Bad | 2: Okay, No Desire to Revisit | 3: Good, Conditionally (OR Inconsistent Mix of Qualities) | 4: Great (OR Technically amazing but missing the sauce emotionally) | 5: Amazing

Yawn. I don't think I got anything out of this, and I reeeeeally dislike his voice. Also, what's with all of these nearly six-minute songs?? Too much, Rod.

It’s fine, kind of boring honestly.

it wasn’t awful but i didn’t like it

i was bored. and kind of annoyed

I've never been a fan, but Maggie May will always be a great song.

I’d almost rather watch paint dry

not a big rod Stewart gal

Isn't for me

Not a rod stewart fan. This album has a lot of rod stewart.

Just kinda okay.

eh, kinda just background music for me except for maggie may

Better than I thought but still not listening again

i really dont like rod stewart. so repetitive and grading i hate his voice so much

Rod is so overrated. Maggie May is all right, otherwise a pretty bad album.

just not doing it for me

Aw man I hated this. Just so boring, I can't put the proper or fair words to it but so much of this album had me rolling my eyes. Some good harmonies I guess. That's alright was pretty good but I think it was mainly ah yes blues riff I can vibe to this and then all of a sudden it's amazing grace very strange. Maggie May is the stand out of course and I do like it in general but eh. Mr Stewart is one of my grandmother's favorite artists so I gave him the fair shake but I can't imagine listening to any of this ever again. I can fully see how this is someone else's bag though.

I've never listened to a full Rod Stewart album before, and unless there are more on this list I don't think I will in the future either. Not for me.

..

Can't be arsed with Rod at all.

I wanted to give Rod a chance but not feeling it.

There was a part of me thinking that actually listening to a Rod Stewart album would end up changing my opinion of him as a weird sex symbol for middle aged women in the 70s-90s. That part of me was wrong.

Not really a fan of Rod Stewart. I just don't get his schtick :/

Half are okay

Not a bad album, I just don't like rod Stewart.

There’s something about Rod Stewart’s voice that I don’t particularly care for. I’m not even sure how to quantify it with language, it’s not that it’s particularly grating, annoying, or unpleasant, it’s just.. not for me? I don’t hate it, I don’t like it. Musically this feels mostly like mediocre 70’s folk-rock, and not particularly heavy on the rock either. I like the song Maggie May, but that may just be because I’ve heard it so many times on the radio, the pattern recognition part of my brain is just happy to be included. There’s also some debatable if not outright distasteful lyrics throughout, at the very least very dated. Not a record for me, but I suppose I could have seen its appeal in the early 70’s. 2*

If I wanted to be entertained by Rod Stewart I’d search up the cup draw antics. This was bland.

The cover versions were better than the originals, and those originals are better than the cover versions.

fine

One of my more popular reviews (thanks for the love guys & gals) was....... "Anyone else think this list is a little heavy on the "white dudes do R&B / rock". Sadly, other bands (a) did it better and (b) didn't have Rod's voice ruining everything." So yeah. That.

ziemlich mittelmäßig und die songs werden schnell langweilig.

Fun fact: when playing Trivial Pursuit with my grandmother, she would always answer any question about rock music with "Rod Stewart." Fun fact #2, I was listening to a rock playlist in the car, and Rod Stewart came on. After a few seconds, I forwarded it and said, "I can only take so much Rod Stewart." My wife agreed. His voice is unique, I'll give you that, but that must have been some serious Dunning-Kreuger to think he could be a singer. Obviously enough people thought so that he had career doing it...some guys have all the luck. But that voice. I just can't. It's like AI said make a blues song, and then sucked all the soul out of it. I've never gotten the appeal of Rod Stewart. The music is good, I like the bluesy arrangements and alternate guitar tunings. I'm left to wonder, did Maggie think he was sexy?

Esta bien...

Seems fine - nothing catching my ear though - simply soft rock background music

This would be a 5/10 if I could make it that way, I'm just very iffy about Rod Stewart.

I've had a lifelong dislike of Rod Stewart, so was dreading this. It was actually…fine…and there has certainly been a lot worse included on the list, but from me Rod doesn’t get more than: 2⭐️

esperaba mas de el 2/5

Didn't really care for it. Not my style.

I like Rod Stewart's raspy voice and the jangly piano, but at the end of the day it's just a 70s rock album and there are artists from the era that I like a lot more

Every Picture Tells A Story - 3/5 Seems Like a Long Time - 2/5 That's All Right - 2.5/5 Tomorrow is Such a Long Time - 2.5/5 Maggie May - 3.5/5 Mandolin Wind - 2/5 (I Know) I'm Losing You - 2.5/5 Reason to Believe - 2/5 I had only known Rod Stewart as the guy who had a unique voice and sang "Do Ya Think I'm Sexy". The first part is surely true, but he writes his music in the way that I've perceived him: extremely dated with a hint of misogyny. Overall: 2/5 Favorites: Maggie May

Mid

This would have been better if Rod Stewart wasn’t singing

It's listenable. There's just so very little that would make me willingly put a Rod Stewart song on! Standout : (I Know) I'm Losing You

In general, the band sounds really good, Ronnie Wood sounds great. But it's crazy how Rod Stewart is the worst part of every Rod Stewart song.

meh

Meh

The voice grows on you after a while, conpositions mostly meh. Could've died without hearing this, will not listen again.

I found this a little annoying

not for me

I'm starting to think this list was made by Americans for Americans. It's not a bad album, it's an interesting combination of folk and rock. But there's nothing special about it to me.

Pretty unexciting for me. Don't think i'll put this back on for my own enjoyment.

⭐⭐ Tycker inte detta albumet är särskilt intressant. Gillar Maggi May. Every picture tells a story är också ok. En hel del av övriga spår är acceptabla men det är det som är grejen. Det är inte dåligt, det är ok men varken spännande eller intressant. Därför blir det en 2a.

Every Picture Tells A Story - 3.5/5 Seems Like A Long Time - 3/5 That's All Right - 2.5/5 Tomorrow Is A Long Time - 3/5 Maggie May - 3/5 Mandolin Wind - 3/5 (I Know) I'm Losing You - 3/5 (Find A) Reason To Believe - 2.5/5

OK

Honestly didn’t do a lot outside of Maggie May and amazing grace

nothing special just radio friendly/catchy tune pop rock from fabulous singer.

more 2

I really tried to find some way to appreciate this. It's just a bit shit. Pub rock.

This was an okay album. Rod Stewart is hit or miss for me.

Bro I don’t think you are a good singer

very plain album nothing outstanding

Yes we can all play these 3 power chords.

The instrumentation choices on several tracks were kind of neat—fiddle, organ, like a US western frontier county-rock kind of feel. But overall I wasn't particularly “wowed” by this album. Nothing about it is bad, it just doesn't do much for me.

so boring

I really don't like Rod Stewart's voice. It's frustrating because I know there are good songs and he's well known, but I can't get over the voice.

While Rod Stewart’s raspy delivery remains a 'love it or hate it' staple, the album as a whole feels strangely uninspired, failing to carve out a unique space in the crowded 1970s folk-rock canon. This is due in part to it's slightly dated lyrics, generally lethargic sounding guitars and vocal singers, and it's knack for repetition (case in point: the 4:02 length of "Seems Like A Long Time" does indeed seem like a long time). That doesn't necessarily mean it's bad, but you'd expect more for something considered one of the best albums ever. Perhaps it was innovative or great when it first released but it is well past it's best before date.

Not a fan

Wow there's some sloppy bass playing on this album, and some great guitar playing as well. Let's just say there's some interesting production choices. (Amazing Grace? 🤦‍♂️) Then there's Rod Stewart's singing. Sometimes he sounds like his earlier cool bluesy self, and at other times the cheesy, loungey Rod that I know from his later years. It's quite the dichotomy.

I'm just tired of this type of music. 2/5

I put off listening to this album for so long, and I'm not really surpised that I didn't love this. All of the songs seem slightly too long and bore me towards the end. Nothing really stood out to me. I know this isnt unpleasant music, but if someone asked me what this album sounded like in a months time I wouldnt be able to tell them a single thing hence the harsh rating.

Unremarkable, I had to listen to it twice as I somehow wasn’t paying enough attention and missed it the first time.

Mid

One star awarded for maggie may

Saai album, voor de rockers die naar kensington luisteren vanwege het rauwe randje maar niet voor mij

tiozão vibes

Meh. I don't have much to say. I thought I really liked Rod Stewart and maybe this just wasn't his best album. Maybe I wasn't in the right mood. I found myself spacing out instead of listening and I didn't want to try a second time. Oh well. They can't all be winners. Standout (not trying to pick something "cool" because I didn't really listen): Maggie May 01-20-2026

Great background music and when you tune in, great (maybe dated) lyrics, but overall, boring and not really my taste. Favorite: maggie may

Maggie may drags this up to a 2. But he is such a pratt I can't go higher.

Rod Stewart has a distinct voice, sure, but why does he have a career? I don't find this album very interesting. The interpretation of these other songs are just, well, ok. But overall, I found it quite boring.

not for me

I was excited, on paper this is held on such high regards. It started off incredibly too Americana for my tastes, and halfway through, I'm bitch slapped with Amazing Grace. Musically it picks up afterwards, but not enough to make me appreciate the effort as a whole. I didn't know I was gonna be such a Rod Stewart hater. 2.1/5

I understand why this album matters historically, and Rod Stewart is clearly capable of making strong, characterful music. But 𝘌𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘗𝘪𝘤𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘛𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘴 𝘢 𝘚𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘺 doesn’t strike me as particularly special anymore. The rough production and the mix of folk, rock, blues and soul feel more like a loose scrapbook than a focused album, and the charm that once defined it doesn’t fully carry over for me. There are moments where everything clicks, but as a whole it feels dated rather than timeless, interesting rather than compelling.

Nää det var riktigt tråkigt. Inte jobbigt att lyssna på, men riktigt jävla tråkigt. Blir lämnad med en känsla av fredagsfinal i Idol på TV4. Bara den ganska bra proddade intrumentationen som råddar det från en etta.

Sjunga kan han, men fan vad det för det mesta är trist. Minns ni Rud Stewart i Robinson?

B to the j to the äring

shout out till min farmors favoritartist. men ja…. mediokert ändå

Har PTSD efter alla rosa Rod Stewart-plattor man bläddrat förbi på myrornas. Men vore jag en tant, eller för den delen en Dino! Rod känns, precis som Willie Nelson, som en artist som kan släppa hur många plattor som helst, med vilka låtar som helst – folk vill bara höra dem sjuuuuuunga. Kompetent musik, hes röst men inte det mästerverk som bakgrundstexten på Qobuz beskriver det som.

do ya think i’m sexy? no i don’t. my unresolved hatred of rod stewart may be negatively affecting this review but it negatively affected my experience of this album. it’s fine. two stars.

I’ve never been much of a Rod Stewart fan. I probably recognise a number of his hits, but he’s not someone I’ve ever listened to beyond radio play. I find him ok, but it’s not really my thing.

Great voice, songs don't really do it for me. More mandolin than I was expecting.

This is not how I thought Rod Stewart sounded. Not that catchy though.

Helt okej, vissa najs låtar men inte så fångande i längden. Bra röst doe

Rod Stewart is alright as a singles guy. As an albums guy, I’m not so sure. Now, I’m not one to criticize his voice. I think his raspy vocals adds a lot of character to the time. My main “meh” with this is how mild it feels. It really is just an album of Rod Stewart’s owning. That’s all it feels like but he does take ample time to showcase great acoustic works (Mandolin Wind) and Maggie May. Maggie May is spectacular, bar none. But besides that, the rest doesn’t do much for me on one listen. And I’ll say it again: Rod Stewart’s alright (6/10, 2/5 on this scale) (Update: 5/10)

Tories not welcome Fuck off Rod

The very definition of bog average.

This is an album a day thing and tbh I don’t like rod stewarts voice. I said this before with truth by beck which was much worse because that’s like a bluesy album. I do think his voice is alright with this softer roots rock album and some songs like the title track and Maggie may are good. Can anyone explain the random ass amazing grace though, I didn’t like that. The backing music is really good, love the organ on last song, drums, guitar are all good and album length is good but still not a rod fan.

Rod's voice is in fine fettle on this album, but I find his brand of acoustic-orientated rock a bit hit and miss - it works well on stomping hit single Maggie May, for example, but elsewhere the production ends up sounding a bit sparse and unbalanced. It is a sound which, for me, is only ever as good as the material, and on this album the material comes across as a series of simplistic and underdeveloped vehicles for Stewart's vocals.

Rod is a fine singer, but this one is not clear to me so far. 3 song in. Nothing remarkable. This rendition of that's all right mama is not something in need in my life. Tomorrow is a long time is a good song because Bob Dylan is quit a good songwriter. But this rendition is nice, not more. Maggie May, finally a very good song here. Rod's voice is perfect for this one. Mandolin wind is also such a jump in quality Great instrumentation. Was less impressed with 7. And 8 is a nice rendition of another classic song. Not essential, what can I say. A few bangers but mostly an underwhelming experience. Not more than a 2 , 2.5... Sorry rod, I like your character. But this record not so much..

This album might tell a story, but I didn't register it at all. Dull, I had forgotten it entirely as soon as it finished.

Sorry Rod

I’ve never enjoyed Rod’s voice or his lyrics, so this is just kinda like my marmite or kryptonite or whatever. Also I have a sister named Maggie and I really don’t like the song Maggie May because I’d really rather not think about Rod Stewart boning some old lady named Maggie. It manages to feel both skeevy and schmaltzy. It reminds me at times of Van Morrison, but I just prefer Van's style and delivery. The band does sound quite good here. There's some nice bits of traditional folk music, and some good guitar and mandolin playing.

His third album. Rock. I do like his vocals. His raspy voice is cool. However this is a collection of fairly unremarkable songs, with the exception of Maggie May. The That's All Right cover was a bit hokey. One fantastic song with seven others I can take or leave.

Störig röst, tråkig musik

Kind of an annoying voice - at least for the duration of a whole album.

This was fine. It's funny when the big single comes so late into an album where it all *kind of sounds* like the single. When the single inevitably starts, I go "ohhhhhhhh. that's what I've been trying to think of." 2.5

i have little patience for british guys doing cosplay music, and this album's only here for maggie may. 75% of it is completely forgettable. appreciably short, though.

I enjoy Maggie May until I get to the part that's like "oh brother what a lover, you wore me out" because I get distracted wondering...if a past sexual partner described me like that in a song, would I be happy with that or no? Because it's pretty weird. It's not like "oh wow and it was great" it's more like "oh wow, a lot" and I just don't know the rest of this....eh? fine? 2.5 rounding down

Pretty ordinary rock record with a cover in the middle of it. I enjoy some of Rod Stewart's work, but most of his discography is uncharted territory for me. He has a really good rock voice, but was not very impressed with this. Felt like dad rock galore and quite dull. There's just too much of this on the list by now, which knocks it down from a weak 3 to a strong 2.

Not for me, but I didn't mind the Dylan cover

A couple of tracks not too bad but i felt like I zoned out for the 40mins, very forgettable

I like his voice but cba

On the artist bio page it said "Rod Stewart has one of the finest voices of his generation" which is hilarious because my first impression of this album is that the guitar playing sounds high skilled but these vocals aren't all that great. He does have a unique rasp in a high register, but it's not like he's wielding extreme control or range. (I Know) I'm Losing You is actually fucking great, and I don't feel like I've heard this before, no idea how.

It’s as if the clangers dropped acid and recorded an LP. Worst album on here so far

Every Picture Tells A Story - Pretty mid opener and title track. Although, repetitive lyricism. Even if Rod's voice suits the instrumentation, like... how many times do you need to say "every picture tells a story", Rod?? 3/10 Seems Like A Long Time - HOW MANY TIMES DO YOU NEED TO SAY THE TITLE??? Meh all over, honestly. Repetitive, even if there's a solid backing track there. 3/10 That's All Right - Again, repetitive lyrics. Can we get a shorter version too? 6 minutes for a song like this doesn't exactly fit either. Amazing Grace ending. 3/10 Tomorrow Is A Long Time - The three word phrase "A Long Time" returns for more usage. Not much else to note. 3/10 Maggie May - I'm gonna hurt a lot of people with this rating. 2/10 Mandolin Wind - Boring for a while. That ending's okay though. 4/10 (I Know) I'm Losing You - Now THIS. This is good. Very solid piano playing, good drums and decent lyrics! What was the point in that middle humming bit though? 5/10 (Find A) Reason To Believe - It's okay? I guess? 4/10

musically this was a good listen. but I really, really don't like his voice. at all. 2.5 stars

I always chalked Rod Stewart off as a piano crooner, I don't know why. He's definitely more rock than jazz though. Old school rock vibes from "that's all right," sounded a little like Paul McCartney. Not really my kind of album, but better than expected. 2*.

God, something about this album just pisses me off. The crashing of drums on the first song along with his voice... It's like soft launching a headache. Ok, post-listen. It's fine. Ok no I biked to it and it pissed me off again idk.

I'm surprised I like anything about this album, but Rod Stewart knew what he was doing with "Every Picture Tells a Story" as lead track. Over the course of the album Steward explores folk, blues, funk and rock tunes, but it all kind of sounds bland, and I could've done without "Amazing Grace". Not essential.

Rod Stewart isn't for me. He has good energy. Just not my cup of tea.

meh

Pretty good album All songs kinda blended together though

Good listen, quality musicianship. Interesting lyrics for 1st song🤔😆 Maggie may is the standout

I don't get the hype. The only vocal talent I see here is being able to smoke 4 packs per day from age 5. I enjoyed the blue grass roots that I heard here, almost like a CCR album with less rock. Songs were very repetitive, even boring. The religious references were interesting. Amazing grace with minimal instrumental was a choice, but I feel it wasn't the right one.

Gear: ZiiGaat x Hangout.Audio: Odyssey 2 Artwork: 🧑‍🎤✴️🔶 Production: 👂🔎👍 Music: 😒😲🆗 Rating: 🍯🍯/5

I am not a Rod Stewart fan and this didn’t change anything.

Not bad but I wouldn’t listen again.

Root Rock which is partialy engaging and partialy mellowy boring. While sometimes there's a raw, ragged energy that pulls you in with jangling acoustic guitars, rough-hewn electric riffs, and Stewart’s gravelly voice, at other times I fehlt drowned by a warm sentimental touch.

Absolutely nothing about this stood out to me. This must be one of those guys that's more known for image or stage presence.

-ughhg there’s something i really don’t like about this one his voice pisses me the FUCK off -it’s definitely not all bad – especially toward the end – but i just do not have the ear to enjoy or appreciate most of it. i did like the instrumentation on a couple of the later tracks so i will give it that -Favorites are Mandolin Wind and (I Know) I’m Losing You

Some of the instrumental intros sounded interesting, but then the verses would start and did not follow through.

4/10

Ikkje for meg

some songs ok, but Overall too.... Rod Stewart

Un blues rock molto blando. Sembra cantautorato, ma di seconda fascia. Una delusione

Not the best of his stuff... and I don't really like him...

Ikkje for meg

this project is making me realize that this man is my version of the Eagles. if i get one more gd rod stewart album i'm rage quitting. (i'm 760-something albums in.) what the fresh hell is the amazing grace rendition? that, preceding Maggie May, featuring the weird little medieval guitar intro....straight to jail. do not pass go. pay me $200. otoh if you're into Melissa Etheridge, this one might also do it for you.

One of the most unlikeable characters in popular music.

Not sure how I feel about his voice. Some of the music isn't bad, but his voice makes me think of a heavy smoker's voice and he sounds like he'd be a creep. Kept distracting me from the actual music. 2/5

White man with unpleasantly raspy voice complains in a variety of styles about various women except a single “slant-eyed lady” who was nice to him.

It wasn’t awful, but not noteworthy to me.

Experimenté con un intento de karaoke y casi quedo mudo una semana...ufff, me recuperé preocupado.

Rod Stewart, OK, but not this album. The only song I know is 'Maggie May,' and I don't even like that one particularly much. The rest, I have no idea; I've never heard it, and it's modestly good. Hence 1 or 2 stars, and perhaps another, better Rod Stewart album will appear in this list of Reviews at some point.

How does a record that starts with such a (yes, cringey) banger go off the rails so hard?

Early rock.

It was over before I knew it. Which, I'm not sure it's a good thing. It's not really my thing, and I don't think I care for Rod's Stewart voice. The whole album was packaged really weird. The songs are really up and down, the bridges didn't really do it for me. Still, I added a song or two.

the first song is actively racist and it doesn't get much better

If every picture told a story then Rod Stewart must be having sleepless nights worrying that Len Houmous’ hard drive ever gets hacked! 2.4 4/8 Tomorrow Is A Long Time

Comfortable and middle of the road music. But that's not what I'm here for, so it gets two stars for showing up.

I don't really like Rod Stewart. I think the music is interesting - a blues rock I hadn't really noticed before. But his voice sounds like what chewing on plastic wrap must feel like. The music is good and then bam uncomfortable. This album has my favorite of his songs - Maggie May. Oh to be shacking up with a beautiful woman so intriguing that you want to cancel all other commitments and stay in bed. I really hated the cloyingly slow rendition of Amazing Grace in the middle of the album. Music jump scare and a huge misstep.

I recognized one track. But it was an okay album

Didn’t enjoy this one. Not a fan of Stewart’s rough voice. Favourite Tracks: Mandolin Wind

his voice is so grating, why is he yelling at me on every song! except maggie may, that song fucks

It’s like listening to every genre at the same time. If I was rating this for Maggie May then it would be different, but the rest of the album really isn’t very good.

Country style blues over some fairly dull songs

Eh. Maggie May is a good song, I guess.

Alright for who I thought Rod Stewart was. Some good harmonies, generally interesting voice and arrangements.

Solid early 70s rock. Maggie and the Bob Dylan cover are the stand outs

Bluesy rock albums are often lost on me and this is not an exception. Even for me though, Maggie May is an absolutely cracking lead single. Other than that, despite the clear musical ability on display this leaves me cold. During the Amazing Grace rendition it even leaves me in despair.

I don’t have many issues with Rod Stewart. I just don’t like his music, his personality or his politics… An album where the mission brief seemed to be “can you take inspiration from 60s pop, rock and roll, folk, blues and some jazz, mash it together and make it all sound truly mediocre.” No thank you.

Rod Stewart - Every Picture Tells a Story I like a couple of tracks here but i’m not a fan of his voice or his personality on this record. ⭐️⭐️

Listened to this while blowing down the leaves in my yard on my headphones. It wasn't unpleasant, but it was... boring. Never been a folk or blues fan. It also shows its age well (much like Maggie in the morning sun?), just listen to the opening track; I may be wrong, but I'm hearing that he was dissatisfied with his lack of sex and love in Europe, and feeling so very persecuted, so went "east" and found a lovely Asian "slit-eyed" woman, complete with a casually racist and distasteful description of her appearance. Wow, what a classic!!! I also found his voice largely annoying and his lyrics rambling and wandering, sometimes too specific. I knew Maggie May before (except the opening - has it always opened that way? I thought the first line hit immediately), everyone does, but had never actually properly listened to it. It's kind of... nasty. "You look old in the sunlight, but it's ok I love you lol" like, what in the nineteen sixties is that!? It's *almost* romantic, but then he continues to mount an armed assault on her character, but repeatedly comes back to "it's ok still love you lol jk". Ok Rod. I find it hard to listen to music when it's so clearly about something so specific, at least if I can't relate to that situation. Still a decent track, but it's like listening to a lover's fight, makes me uncomfortable almost, like I shouldn't be there. I really hope Maggie was as bad as Rod makes her out to be, or he just sounds like a misogynistic dickhead. Also, very personally, there's a little dinging sound that makes a couple appearances from about halfway that sounds *exactly* like the Doordash offer sound, so as a Doordash driver in my spare time I was deeply triggered by this every damn time; "oh shit a new offer!" - oh wait no, just Rod continuing to sing about how much he hates Maggie still. I find that funny, but once I tune into something like that in a song I can never listen without hearing it, and it gives me such a visceral muscle-memory reaction that I can't enjoy it. I found the sudden change 2/3 through That's All Right to a guitar strum of Amazing Grace to be quite annoying each time, suddenly I'm at a funeral? Then his horrid voice comes in. Rod Stewart sounded then how Dolly Parton sounds now - like each note they sing might actually blow their larynx clean out of their mouth (and I say that lovingly, I adore Dolly, but she's earned that struggle through a lifetime of exquisite singing and getting *old* old). Tomorrow Is A Long Time + Mandolin Wind are both nice lovesongs, with the latter being quite devastatingly sad, but also... are the Buffalos dying in the fields during the coldest winter in 14 years a metaphor for dying love? A rough patch? Or the aging/dying referred to at the end of the song (not sure which it actually is)? Or like... just dying buffalo? Cool either way just curious, Rod. Specific detail to mention. The random "hey" in (I Know) I'm Losing You also makes me jump - got me in my yard while blowing leaves and also in the office - but I do like that track. The last two tracks really save the album for me, both are quite good. The album is actually quite literally split for me; I like the final four tracks, not the first four. Something about parentheses makes good music, apparently. Largely boring and forgettable. I was expecting more. I'd say I quite liked the instrumentals, but his equally painful lyrics and voice ruined that for me. It's listenable, especially the second half, and not unpleasant, but not something I'd come back to. Probably wouldn't skip the ones I've liked, but probably won't seek them out either. I'd give it 2.5 if I could, but not good enough for three. What's bad really drags it down for me. Most / Least Favourite Track(s): (I Know) I'm Losing You and, despite everything I've said, Maggie May is still pretty good / Every Picture Tells A Story (sorry not sorry)

bros got 2 hits that im sick of hearing

Okay. Many songs quieted and picked up so they felt like two songs. Maggie May was the main redeeming song for me

I suppose Maggie May is worth 2 stars.

I love Maggie May. It became quickly apparent that I would have enjoyed this album more, had it just been 40 minutes of Maggie May on repeat. 2/5 (I really do love Maggie May)

Not as bad as I feared, but still absolutely not what I was missing in my life. Although Stewart's later works fall into that category to a much higher degree than this, which I wouldn't mind playing in the background. As long as it's not on repeat.

I don't think I had ever listened to a full album of his. It was okay. Kinda just faded into the background for me today.

Esto es un no rotundo. Lo siento, ni vale la explicación. Osea es buena calidad de todo... menos que me genere algo. Nota: 2.5

Just say no to Rod

There is no denying he has a good voice and there are a couple of classic pop tracks here. But as an album, i dont think it offers much. Too much god, and too unconsistent

Somebody said this was grandma pleasing music now all I can picture is a grandma getting pleased

Probably Rod Stewart's best album and it's still not very good

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Incredibly underwhelming. For the most part the lyrics were contrived and shallow (dare I mention Shanghai Lil?) but then there were a couple of tracks that I thought were surprisingly well written, only to find out they were covers along with half the album. Maggie May is an enjoyable classic but can't carry the whole album. The only bit that turned my head was the instrumental intro to Amazing Grace at the end of "That's all right", then Stewarts quavering vocals kicked in and I nearly spat out my coffee through cringe.

Nah

I like some of Rod Stewart’s albums but I did not care for this one.

I r bored. Bored bored bored. That's all right going into Amazing Grace is super cringe. Maggie May is actually a pretty good song, though.

Boring

Every Picture Tells a Story 2.7 Seems Like a Long Time 2.7 That's All Right / Amazing Grace 2.3 Tomorrow Is a Long Time 2.4 Henry 2.3 Maggie May 2.8 Mandolin Wind 2.3 (I Know) I'm Losing You 2.4 (Find a) Reason to Belive 2.3 Score: 2.4875

So boring

Dated sounds.

Really nothing stands out as special to this album. The most interesting this was probably the repetitive portion towards the end of the last song with the stand up bass. Generally underwhelming. 2.4/5 -> 2/5

Rod is certainly fun and folksy, he was always just too easy-listening for me.

Boring but at least it didn't actively anger me idk

Dull

Das Album hat mich überhaupt nicht gepackt. Ich habe zwar gemerkt, dass der Typ eine gewisse Leidenschaft für das hat, was er macht, aber es war mir einfach völlig egal und ich musste mich durch das Album quälen. Die Stimme von Stewart kann ich auch überhaupt nicht leiden. I‘m losing you war mein Favorit und eigentlich ein ganz cooler Rocksong, der gegen Ende des Albums kam.

This is #day184 of my #1001albumsyoumusthearbeforeyoudie challenge, and... here’s another first-time listen. I’ve seen this guy around before—his hairstyle is unmistakable, right? Like in vinyl communities on Facebook (that Blondes Have More Fun cover with the iconic woman’s butt), but I’d never heard a single song, let alone the entire album. That pretty much sums it up—the music feels dated. And those raspy vocals… just so uninviting. It’s too far from my wheelhouse. I’m giving it a 2 out of 5. I was close to a 1, but I’m being kind today. Looking forward to #day185.

Rock and elements of folk - Raspy vocals are nice, instrumentals solid - Maggie May is standout track - Some tracks are not that noteworthy

Another day, another record of 'brit does american music'. I know some Rod Stewart songs, but I never got the sense he had a lasting impact beside his silly looking hair do. Here the vocals are great though, but other than that, there is practically nothing for me to hold on to. Key tracks: Maggie May

Find a better singer!

2 Stars (5/15)

Less bad than expected, but definitely not a mandatory listen.

A "fine" album, nothing more nothing less

I laughed when I saw this guy come up on this list. I mean, really? Inspiring? No. Mandolin Wind is probably the best track, a nice nostalgic pop song. So 2.

Wynudziłem się. Głos Stewarta dosyć mocno mi przeszkadza, mam wrażenie, jakby się męczył. Nie dość, że jego wokal nie jest zbyt silny, to jeszcze chyba produkcyjnie jest trochę przyciszony. Plus bełkocze, więc ciężko zrozumieć, o czym w ogóle śpiewa. Muzycznie też mnie nie wciągnęło, jednak folk/roots nie trafia do mnie za bardzo. Meh/5.

Eh, scruffy voice & kinda lack luster tunes.

Rod Stewart is one of those artists where I like the hits and not much else. 2.5/5

Meh. Sorry, Rod

An okay blues rock and folk rock performance, but nothing sounds truly inspired or groundbreaking, even for 1971. While I understand that this was a number one album in 1971 both in the U.S. and the U.K., this record has aged and doesn't feel as vital or fresh anymore. Half of this album is covers, and these covers aren't performed in a new or interesting way from the original. "That's All Right" was meh, though it did become a beautifully rendered guitar version of "Amazing Grace". Should have just recorded "Amazing Grace" and left "That's All Right" off the album. The other half of the record is fairly straightforward (and therefore boring) originals with the exception of the standout hit "Maggie May". "Tomorrow is a Long Time" sounds better because it was not sung by Bob Dylan, but the rest of the song arrangement is fairly boring, although I do thank them profusely for leaving off the harmonica. The guitar playing is well done, no doubt about it. Martin Quittenton's tender intro to "Maggie May" is evidence of that. I dig Rod Stewart, but I preferred his performances and work in the 80s and early 90 where he took more creative chances than he was taking in the 1970s.

Maggie May is so good I forgave the racism in the first track.

Never been a Rod Stewart fan. I’m sure it’s held any higher acclaim overall vs my opinion but nothing special to me. I did enjoy his rendition of That’s All Right Favorite Song: That’s All Right Least Favorite Song: Seems Like a Long Time

His voice annoys me. I know he is a household name to some and renowned but a lot but I can’t get over his scratchy, strained voice. 3/10

Damn, in another world, Rod Stewart coulda been Joe Cocker or John Fogerty. This is standard 70s rock where each song is too long, but with the added bonus of having what I'd call bad production. A long 40 minutes for me, not my cup of tea, but not so hateful to earn a 1. He's got a great voice, though!

Overall: 4/10 The opening title track is actually pretty good, and Rod's voice is uniquely raspy. I just found the rest of the album to be pretty bland. Fav Song: Every Picture Tells a Story Least Fav Song: Tomorrow is a Long Time

This album started off promising but I soured on it as it went on. It's not a good sign when I am already tired of an artist with 2-3 songs left. The almost honky tonk twang of a few tracks just didn't work for me.

Sort of feels like once you've heard a Rod Stewart song, you've heard them all? And once you've heard eight or nine of them in one go, you've heard every Rod Stewart album ever. I quite liked Maggie May though.

Not at all my thing, and I wasn’t in a good mood, so I wasn’t very charitable in rating it. It reminded me a bit of Bruce Springsteen, who I also feel ambivalent toward, but a little worse. The part I liked most was the little instrumental bit at the start of “Maggie May” which seemed totally disconnected from the rest of the song

Ok, I admit I've never listened to Rod Stewart but this is not what I expected. Why is he singing blues and country? Rod Stewart was making music in 1971? Also unexpected. It is boring and uninspired though which is what I expected. Put in context with all the other blues rock acts at the time this is pretty lame.

It's great to see that so many young people (me included) still listen to and admire the artistic value of so much older music from the 60s and 70s, and sometimes even further back than that. Rod Stewart is one of those artists that I've hear of, I'm very familiar with his name, but only from being talked about by older people who grew up listening to his music when it was new. And having listened to this, I understand why that is. This guy is nowhere near in the same league as The Beatles, Bowie, Pink Floyd, The Velvet Underground, etc. There is a good reason that he is slowly fading into obscurity.

Not great.

Some of this is good. I'll never play it again mind.

Howww has Rod appeared again in this list. I just don't get it, possibly one of the most grating voices in music. He sounds like he needs to suck on a strepsil and book a doctor's appointment if it doesn't clear up in 3 weeks (nevermind 70 years). Every song ruined yet again. Giving it 2 stars as some of the music is actually pretty good.

Never been a big fan, but a few nice songs.

bland, but inoffensive

Pretty mediocre, but a good voice.

Bold as fuck to have a solo career when you can’t even sing in the first place. Even bolder to make a bland folk-rock album that puts your voice front and center. (Yes, I know Rod Stewart *can* technically sing. I just hate the tone of his voice, it sounds like nails on a chalkboard to me. So yeah, I didn’t really enjoy this album.)

Recognized "Maggie May". The others weren't great.

Every Picture Tells A Story disappointed me because Rod Stewart is great fun at his best, but this is Maggie May plus a bunch of average stuff where he strays too close to country and that doesn't work for him. I know his stuff well as my parents adore him and this is a poor effort saved by an all timer of a song. A high 2.

This is, again, okay, but nothing more. It's all a bit too long, too drawn out (even though the album only runs to 40 minutes), but every track outstays its welcome a little. Maggie May is good (though even that takes too long to get going), and Reason To Believe is also decent, but much of the rest is filler really. Doesn't quite merit a 3 I think, but marginal.