Released 57 years ago this November
An Old Raincoat Won't Ever Let You Down
Rod Stewart · 1969
32 min · 8 tracks · new wave
A blend of folk-infused rock and blues that captures the raw emotion of urban life through soulful storytelling.
Top tracks — play these first
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Handbags & Gladrags — This track stands out for its poignant lyrics and orchestral arrangement, encapsulating the themes of longing and disillusionment prevalent throughout the album. Its later covers by various artists further cemented its status as a timeless classic.
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Street Fighting Man Start here — Stewart's rendition of this Rolling Stones classic transforms it into a soulful anthem, showcasing his ability to reinterpret rock standards while infusing them with his own emotive style.
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Dirty Old Town — This traditional folk song is given new life by Stewart's gritty vocals, making it an essential representation of his roots in both folk and rock music.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends folk and blues with strong storytelling, establishing Stewart's distinct voice early in his career.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a cover of 'Street Fighting Man', setting a gritty tone that persists throughout.
- The final track, 'Dirty Old Town', closes the album with a slower tempo, creating a reflective atmosphere.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- intimate storytelling moments
- reflective and nostalgic vibes
- emotional vocal performances
- short, engaging listening sessions
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — This debut solo album established Stewart's reputation in the music scene.
- Themes
- gritty street life· nostalgic longing
- Career context
- Released in November 1969, An Old Raincoat Won't Ever Let You Down was Rod Stewart's debut solo album following his tenure with The Jeff Beck Group. At this point in his career, Stewart was transitioning from a supporting role in rock bands to establishing himself as a solo artist, showcasing his distinctive raspy vocal style and eclectic influences.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Joe Cocker· David Bowie· Elton John
Tracklist
- 1 Street Fighting Man Start here 5:08
- 2 Man of Constant Sorrow 2:33
- 3 Blind Prayer 4:39
- 4 Handbags & Gladrags 4:25
- 5 An Old Raincoat Won't Ever Let You Down 3:06
- 6 I Wouldn't Ever Change a Thing 4:46
- 7 Cindy's Lament 4:28
- 8 Dirty Old Town 3:38
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Astral Weeks
Van Morrison
Both feature soulful storytelling and a blend of folk, blues, and jazz influences in urban settings.
Space Oddity
David Bowie
Shares a similar raw emotionality with vivid storytelling and an eclectic mix of styles.
Songs of Leonard Cohen
Leonard Cohen
Evokes gritty urban life through poignant lyrics and a blend of folk and blues textures.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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