Rod Stewart has over 11 million monthly listeners on Spotify (Image: Getty)
Rod Stewart’s catalog spans decades, blending rock, folk, pop, and soul in a way few artists have matched.
With such a long and varied career, his most famous songs have continued to draw in listeners across generations, and while he’s had countless hits, some have stood the test of time more than others – especially on streaming platforms.
Based on Rod Stewart’s most popular tracks on Spotify, here are the ten songs that remain fan favorites, ranked from 10 to 1.
10. Have You Ever Seen the Rain
Originally written by John Fogerty and released by Creedence Clearwater Revival in 1971, ‘Have You Ever Seen the Rain’ was later covered by Rod Stewart. His rendition, released on his 2006 album Still the Same… Great Rock Classics of Our Time, showcases his signature raspy vocals and heartfelt delivery. Stewart’s cover brought renewed attention to the classic and introduced it to a new generation of listeners.
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9. ‘Young Turks’
This 1981 hit marked a significant departure from Stewart’s usual rock and folk influences, embracing a more synth-driven new wave sound. The song tells the story of a rebellious young couple, Billy and Patti, who leave home to pursue their dreams. While ‘Young Turks’ is widely associated with youthful rebellion, it is often mistakenly thought to reference the historical Young Turk movement in the early 20th century. The song’s music video was also groundbreaking, featuring some of the earliest breakdancing sequences in popular music.
8. ‘I Don’t Want to Talk About It’ (1989 Version)
Originally written by Danny Whitten of Crazy Horse, ‘I Don’t Want to Talk About It’ became one of Stewart’s most beloved ballads. He first recorded it in 1975 for Atlantic Crossing, but it was the 1989 version, released as a double A-side with ‘The First Cut Is the Deepest,’ that gained widespread popularity. The song became a UK No. 1 hit, proving the timelessness of its melancholic lyrics and Stewart’s emotive delivery.
7. ‘Have I Told You Lately’
Written and originally recorded by Van Morrison in 1989, ‘Have I Told You Lately’ became one of Stewart’s most recognizable love songs when he released a live version in 1993. His rendition, recorded during an MTV Unplugged session, turned the song into a wedding staple. The track earned Stewart a Grammy nomination and remains one of his most enduring romantic ballads.
Rod Stewart’s No. 1 is an all-time classic (Image: Getty)
6. ‘I Don’t Want to Talk About It’ (2008 Remaster)
‘I Don’t Want to Talk About It’ occupies two positions on this ranking, and this remastered version further cemented the song’s legacy, making it one of Stewart’s most streamed tracks. Though not a radical departure from the earlier versions, it introduced improved audio quality, making it the definitive version for many modern listeners.
5. ‘Sailing’
‘Sailing’ was originally recorded by the Sutherland Brothers in 1972, but it was Stewart’s 1975 version that became the definitive rendition. While many assume the song is about maritime life or a love story, its writers intended it as a metaphor for spiritual salvation. Stewart’s version was a massive success in the UK, where it became his biggest-selling single. It later took on an unexpected patriotic association when it was used to soundtrack Sailor, a BBC documentary on the return of the HMS Ark Royal, a Royal Navy aircraft carrier.
4. ‘All for Love’
A collaboration with Bryan Adams and Sting, ‘All for Love’ was recorded for the 1993 film The Three Musketeers. The power ballad became an international hit, reaching No. 1 in several countries. Though critics were divided on the song, its sweeping orchestration and anthemic chorus made it a favorite among fans. The title was inspired by the famous Three Musketeers motto, “All for one, and one for all.”
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3. ‘Baby Jane’
One of Stewart’s most successful 1980s hits, ‘Baby Jane’ topped the UK charts in 1983. The song, with its glossy production and upbeat melody, contrasts sharply with its lyrics, which tell the story of a failed romance. While it was a massive hit in the UK, it didn’t achieve the same success in the US.
2. ‘Maggie May’
A defining song of Stewart’s career, ‘Maggie May’ was based on a real-life teenage romance. The semi-autobiographical lyrics tell the story of a young man’s affair with an older woman. Initially released as the B-side to ‘Reason to Believe’ in 1971, radio DJs preferred ‘Maggie May,’ and it soon became a massive hit, reaching No. 1 in both the US and UK. The song’s origins have long intrigued fans, and Stewart himself has admitted that it was loosely inspired by his own youthful experiences at a jazz festival.
1. ‘Da Ya Think I’m Sexy?’
A song that epitomized the disco era, ‘Da Ya Think I’m Sexy?’ was released in 1978 and became one of Stewart’s most controversial hits. While some longtime fans were taken aback by his foray into disco, the song was a commercial juggernaut, topping charts worldwide. The track’s infectious groove was later embroiled in a legal dispute: Stewart was accused of lifting the melody from the song ‘Taj Mahal’ by Brazilian musician Jorge Ben Jor. Stewart later admitted to the similarity and to subconsciously using the chords from the original, and agreed to donate royalties to UNICEF.