What makes First Step by Faces notable?

First Step received positive reviews upon release, establishing Faces as a vital act in the early 1970s rock scene. Its energetic sound and charismatic songwriting laid the groundwork for the band's influence on subsequent rock artists, making it a cornerstone in the genre's evolution. Released in January 1970, First Step was Faces' debut album following the disbandment of The Small Faces. At this point, the group's lineup included Rod Stewart and Ronnie Wood, marking a significant shift towards a more hard rock-oriented sound while retaining their roots in rhythm and blues.

Who is First Step for?

First Step works well if you're into steady, consistent energy levels, gradual builds and payoffs and dynamic emotional journeys.

How many songs are on First Step?

First Step has 10 tracks, running approximately 47 minutes.

First Step

Faces · 1970

47 min · 10 tracks · hard rock

A gritty blend of rock and roll swagger infused with soulful grooves and playful lyricism.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Wicked Messenger — This track opens the album with a driving beat and sharp lyrics that set the tone for Faces' irreverent style, showcasing their ability to blend rock with storytelling.
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Around the Plynth — The song features dynamic instrumentation and an infectious chorus, exemplifying the band’s knack for crafting catchy hooks while maintaining a raw edge.
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Three Button Hand Me Down — This track highlights Rod Stewart's distinctive vocal delivery paired with poignant lyrics about identity and social class, resonating deeply within the band's working-class ethos.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

50 /100

Foothills

Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album showcases solid songwriting and energetic performances but lacks strong cohesion across all tracks.

What we noticed

The album opens with a mid-tempo track that features a prominent piano riff, setting a gritty tone for the record.
Several tracks incorporate call-and-response vocal patterns, enhancing the playful and energetic feel of the music.
The final track features an extended instrumental section that gradually fades out, creating a sense of closure.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 4/10

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

steady, consistent energy levels
gradual builds and payoffs
dynamic emotional journeys
long, immersive listening sessions

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in January 1970, First Step was Faces' debut album following the disbandment of The Small Faces. At this point, the group's lineup included Rod Stewart and Ronnie Wood, marking a significant shift towards a more hard rock-oriented sound while retaining their roots in rhythm and blues.
Stylistic neighbors: The Rolling Stones· Humble Pie· Bad Company

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Wicked Messenger 4:09
2 Devotion 4:58
3 Shake, Shudder 3:18
4 Stone 5:43
5 Around the Plynth 5:59
6 Flying 4:19
7 Pineapple and the Monkey 4:28
8 Nobody Knows 4:10
9 Looking Out the Window 5:03
10 Three Button Hand Me Down 5:44

What to play next

Listen next

Long Player

1971

Go back to

Last Step

Full Faces discography Artists like Faces

hard rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata