The First 10 Songs Rod Stewart Ever Released: A Journey Through the Early Days of a Legend

Rod Stewart, with his raspy voice and magnetic stage presence, is one of the most celebrated figures in rock and pop music. His journey to global stardom began humbly, with early singles that showcased his burgeoning talent and love for blues, soul, and rock. While his later hits like Maggie May and Da Ya Think I’m Sexy? solidified him as a superstar, it’s fascinating to look back at the very first songs he released. Can you name them? Don’t worry—we’ve got the list ready for you!

1. Good Morning Little Schoolgirl (1964)

Rod Stewart’s debut single, released when he was just 19 years old, was a cover of Sonny Boy Williamson’s Good Morning Little Schoolgirl. His youthful energy shines through as he delivers a gritty version of this blues classic. Though it wasn’t a hit, it marked his first foray into the recording world.

2. I Just Got Some (1965)

This early single showed off Stewart’s love for R&B. I Just Got Some is a stomping, energetic track that gave a hint of the soulful voice that would later make him famous. His collaboration with renowned producer Giorgio Gomelsky started to put Stewart on the map.

3. Shake (1966)

A cover of Sam Cooke’s iconic hit, Shake allowed Stewart to lean into his raspy vocals and energetic stage persona. Though not widely known today, this song is a hidden gem in Stewart’s early catalog, demonstrating his ability to adapt soul music to his rock edge.

4. The Day Will Come (1966)

Stewart’s next release, The Day Will Come, was a dramatic departure from his earlier sound, incorporating a more pop-oriented style. This song didn’t receive much attention but gave Stewart valuable studio experience.

5. Come Home Baby (1966)

A duet with P.P. Arnold, Come Home Baby highlighted Stewart’s knack for collaborations. His voice blended beautifully with Arnold’s, and this song added a new layer of versatility to his growing discography.

6. Little Miss Understood (1968)

This track became one of Stewart’s most significant early releases. Little Miss Understood was a melancholic ballad that gave fans a preview of the emotional depth he would later showcase on tracks like I Don’t Want to Talk About It. While it wasn’t a chart-topper, it’s fondly remembered by fans of his early work.

7. So Much to Say (So Little Time) (1968)

Following the momentum of Little Miss Understood, Stewart released So Much to Say (So Little Time). This song captured his ability to merge folk and rock sensibilities with a sense of urgency in the lyrics.

8. In a Broken Dream (1969)

Technically a single from the band Python Lee Jackson, In a Broken Dream featured Stewart on vocals and became one of his earliest major hits. The haunting ballad gave him broader exposure and remains one of his most haunting vocal performances to date.

9. An Old Raincoat Won’t Ever Let You Down (1969)

The title track from Stewart’s debut solo album, An Old Raincoat Won’t Ever Let You Down, was a folk-rock song with a deeply personal touch. Released in late 1969, it signaled Stewart’s transition to a solo career and a more introspective style of songwriting.

10. Handbags and Gladrags (1969)

This song was one of Stewart’s first true masterpieces. Written by Mike d’Abo of Manfred Mann, Handbags and Gladrags is a poignant ballad that showcased Stewart’s ability to convey deep emotion through his voice. While it wasn’t a major hit upon its initial release, it has since become one of his most beloved songs.

Conclusion

Rod Stewart’s early releases may not have catapulted him to stardom immediately, but they set the foundation for his legendary career. These first 10 songs paint a picture of a young artist eager to find his voice, experimenting with various genres, and honing the talent that would eventually make him a global icon. From blues and soul to rock and folk, Stewart’s journey was one of constant evolution—one that would soon explode with the release of his breakthrough album Every Picture Tells a Story in 1971.

Whether you’re a lifelong fan or new to his music, diving into these early tracks is a fascinating glimpse into the making of a music legend.