Rod Stewart: "Farewell" Single (1974)

Rod Stewart
Sep 26, 1974
4 min read

Updated: Sep 23

Rod Stewart’s "Farewell" backed with "Bring It On Home To Me / You Send Me", was released as a 7-inch vinyl single in the UK by Mercury Records (catalog number 6167 033) on September 27, 1974, as part of his Smiler album, his fifth solo album and final original release for Mercury before transitioning to Warner Bros.

It was part of Stewart’s Smiler album, his fifth solo album and final original release for Mercury before he transitioned to Warner Bros.

Released as a 7" vinyl, 45 RPM single on Mercury Records (6167 033) on September 27, 1974, in the UK.

The single coincided with the release of Stewart’s Smiler album, which hit the UK charts at #1 and the US Billboard 200 at #13.

It reached #7 on the UK Singles Chart but was less successful in the US, with the B-side track "Mine for Me" charting at #91 on the Billboard Hot 100 instead of "Farewell."

A-Side:

"Farewell" (4:34):Written by Rod Stewart and Martin Quittenton, "Farewell" is a heartfelt, folk-rock ballad from the Smiler album.

The song features Stewart’s signature raspy vocals and a reflective tone, with lyrics addressing departure and brotherhood ("Fare thee well my brother, please don’t cry for me"). It’s a nostalgic nod to his early folk-rock roots, blending acoustic guitars and mandolin, likely influenced by his collaborations with Faces and Quittenton.

Backed by members of Faces and frequent collaborators like Martin Quittenton (guitars), Pete Sears (bass/keyboards), and Mickey Waller (drums), the track has a warm, organic sound typical of Stewart’s Mercury era.

Though critically well-received, some reviewers noted that Smiler and its singles, including "Farewell," faced a turning critical tide as Stewart’s fame grew, with some feeling it didn’t match the innovation of Every Picture Tells a Story (1971).

B-Side:

"Bring It On Home To Me / You Send Me" (4:00):This is a medley of two Sam Cooke soul classics, showcasing Stewart’s love for R&B and soul, a recurring theme in his early solo work.

"Bring It On Home To Me" (written by Sam Cooke) and "You Send Me" (also by Cooke) are seamlessly blended, with Stewart’s emotive, gravelly voice adding a rock edge to the soulful originals. The medley features lush backing vocals and a smooth arrangement, likely with contributions from Faces members and session musicians like Pete Sears.

The B-side reflects Stewart’s tendency to include covers on Smiler, which also featured renditions of Chuck Berry’s "Sweet Little Rock ‘n’ Roller" and Carole King’s "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman" (reworked as "Natural Man").

The medley is listed as one track on the single and Smiler, clocking in at 4:00, and is included in compilations like The Mercury Anthology (1992).

Context and Background

Rod Stewart in 1974:By 1974, Rod Stewart was a major star, balancing his solo career with his role as frontman for Faces. His earlier albums, like Every Picture Tells a Story (1971) and Never a Dull Moment (1972), had established him as a leading rock and folk artist, with hits like "Maggie May" and "You Wear It Well."

Smiler was released amidst legal disputes between Mercury Records and Warner Bros., delaying its release by five months. This was Stewart’s last original album for Mercury, as he switched to Warner Bros. afterward, while Faces were already signed to Warner Bros.

The album and its singles reflected Stewart’s blend of rock, folk, soul, and R&B, but critics were starting to view his work as less groundbreaking, overshadowed by his growing celebrity status.

Musical and Cultural Significance:

"Farewell" captures Stewart’s ability to merge introspective folk-rock with his charismatic delivery, a hallmark of his Mercury years (1969–1974). It’s less anthemic than "Maggie May" but shares the same storytelling quality.

The B-side medley of Sam Cooke covers underscores Stewart’s deep respect for soul music, a thread throughout his career (e.g., his cover of "Twistin’ the Night Away" on Never a Dull Moment). It also reflects the era’s trend of rock artists paying homage to R&B roots.

The single came at a transitional moment: Stewart was moving toward a more polished, pop-oriented sound with Warner Bros., and Faces were nearing their breakup in 1975, partly due to Ronnie Wood joining the Rolling Stones and Stewart’s solo success.

Chart Performance and Reception:

"Farewell" peaked at #7 in the UK, a solid hit but not as dominant as earlier singles like "Maggie May" (#1 UK/US). Its US performance was weaker, with "Mine for Me" (another Smiler track) charting instead at #91.

The Smiler album was a commercial success, reaching #1 in the UK and selling over a million copies worldwide, though it only hit #13 in the US. Critics were mixed, noting the album’s reliance on covers and lack of fresh material compared to Stewart’s earlier work.

Additional Notes

Musicians and Production:

The single features contributions from Faces members (e.g., Ronnie Wood, Ian McLagan) and Stewart’s regular collaborators, including Martin Quittenton (guitars), Pete Sears (bass/keyboards), and Mickey Waller (drums). This lineup gave the tracks a cohesive, band-driven feel.

Produced by Rod Stewart, the single reflects his hands-on approach to blending rock, folk, and soul elements, a style honed during his Mercury years.

Cultural Context:

Released in 1974, the single captures a moment when Stewart was at a crossroads, balancing his gritty Faces work with his solo stardom. The choice of a Sam Cooke medley as the B-side aligns with the era’s revival of soul influences in rock, seen in artists like The Rolling Stones and Eric Clapton.

The Smiler album also included a duet with Elton John on "Let Me Be Your Car," highlighting Stewart’s connections within the UK rock scene.

Legacy:

"Farewell" is a fan favorite for its emotional resonance, often cited in retrospectives of Stewart’s Mercury years as a strong example of his folk-rock storytelling.

The B-side medley remains a testament to Stewart’s soul influences, paving the way for later soul-infused hits like "This Old Heart of Mine" (1975) with Warner Bros.

Australia - Mercury - 1974

The single was also released in the following countries.