Is Smiler a good place to start with Rod Stewart?

Yes, Smiler is recommended as a starting point for new Rod Stewart listeners. A vibrant blend of rock, blues, and soul, showcasing Stewart's distinctive raspy vocals and infectious melodies. Released in September 1974, 'Smiler' was Rod Stewart's fourth studio album and followed the success of his hit 'Never a Dull Moment'. At this point in his career, Stewart was solidifying his status as a major solo artist after leaving The Faces, exploring more diverse musical styles while maintaining his signature sound.

Smiler works well if you're into steady pacing for relaxed listening, vibrant energy for social gatherings and gradual emotional resolution throughout.

How many songs are on Smiler?

Smiler has 12 tracks, running approximately 42 minutes.

Smiler

Rod Stewart · 1974

42 min · 12 tracks · new wave

A vibrant blend of rock, blues, and soul, showcasing Stewart's distinctive raspy vocals and infectious melodies.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Sweet Little Rock ’n Roller Start here — This opening track encapsulates the album's energetic spirit with its catchy chorus and driving rhythm, setting the tone for Stewart's playful approach to rock.
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(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Man — Stewart's rendition of this classic showcases his emotive vocal style, blending soul elements that highlight his ability to reinterpret iconic songs authentically.
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Let Me Be Your Car — This track stands out with its clever metaphor and engaging melody, demonstrating Stewart's lyrical charm and knack for storytelling within a rock framework.
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Bring It On Home to Me / You Send Me — The seamless fusion of these two classics reveals Stewart's roots in R&B while allowing him to showcase his vocal prowess through heartfelt delivery.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

48 /100

Foothills

Higher than 19% of albums we've rated

The album showcases Stewart's vocal versatility across a mix of originals and covers but lacks a strong cohesive narrative.

What we noticed

Stewart's vocal delivery varies from raspy and energetic to smooth and soulful, particularly evident in the contrast between 'Sweet Little Rock ’n Roller' and '(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Man'.

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

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 pacing for relaxed listening
vibrant energy for social gatherings
gradual emotional resolution throughout
catchy sing-along moments with friends
short interludes that maintain flow

Maybe skip if you

seekers of instant gratification
prefer standalone tracks only

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Established Stewart's reputation with commercial success and showcased his signature sound.
Themes: rock 'n' roll playfulness· soulful reinterpretation· nostalgic storytelling
Career context: Released in September 1974, 'Smiler' was Rod Stewart's fourth studio album and followed the success of his hit 'Never a Dull Moment'. At this point in his career, Stewart was solidifying his status as a major solo artist after leaving The Faces, exploring more diverse musical styles while maintaining his signature sound.
Stylistic neighbors: Joe Cocker· David Bowie· Elton John