Rod Stewart: "It's All Over Now" Single (1970)

Rod Stewart’s "It's All Over Now" backed with "Jo's Lament", was released as a 7-inch vinyl single in the UK by Vertigo (catalog number 6086 002) on September 11, 1970. Taken from Stewart’s second solo album, Gasoline Alley (released June 12, 1970), it marked an early milestone in his solo career while he was simultaneously a member of Faces. Produced by Stewart and Lou Reizner, the single failed to chart in the UK but reached No. 126 in the US, reflecting Stewart’s gradual rise to fame.

A-Side:

"It's All Over Now" (3:35, single version; 6:27 on Gasoline Alley)

Origin: Written by Bobby Womack and Shirley Womack, originally recorded by The Valentinos in 1964 (peaking at No. 94 on the Billboard Hot 100). The Rolling Stones’ 1964 cover hit No. 1 in the UK, setting a high bar. Stewart’s version, recorded at Morgan Studios, London, from February to April 1970, was co-produced by Stewart and Lou Reizner. It features a shorter single edit (3:35) compared to the album’s extended version (6:27). The track includes contributions from Faces members Ronnie Wood (guitar), Ian McLagan (keyboards), and Kenney Jones (drums), with additional backing from Martin Quittenton (guitar), Stanley Matthews (mandolin), and Pete Sears (piano).

Style:

A rollicking rock’n’roll track with bar-room blues and soul influences, Stewart’s version showcases his raspy, emotive vocals and a loose, energetic arrangement. The single edit emphasizes the song’s upbeat tempo and harmonized backing vocals, blending folk-rock grit with R&B swagger. Critics note its “kraftvoller Rock’n’Roll mit Bar-Blues-Einschlag” (powerful rock’n’roll with a bar-blues edge), though some prefer The Valentinos’ original or the Stones’ cover for authenticity. Stewart’s take is praised for its “mit Freude vorgetragenes” (joyfully performed) energy, per hitparade.ch.

Publisher: Kag’s Music Corp.

Chart Performance:

Did not chart in the UK but reached No. 126 on the US Billboard Bubbling Under Hot 100 in 1970. Its lack of chart success reflects Stewart’s early career struggles, before his 1971 breakthrough with “Maggie May.”

Cultural Impact: The song’s inclusion on Gasoline Alley and its single release introduced Stewart’s distinctive fusion of rock, folk, and soul to a wider audience. While overshadowed by later hits, it’s a fan favorite for its raw energy and Faces’ backing.

B-Side:

"Jo's Lament" (3:25)Origin: Written by Rod Stewart, recorded at Morgan Studios in 1970, and co-produced by Stewart and Lou Reizner. Featured on Gasoline Alley, it’s one of three original tracks on the album, alongside “Gasoline Alley” and “Lady Day.” Stewart plays acoustic guitar, with backing from Ronnie Wood (guitar), Ronnie Lane (bass), and other Faces members.

Style:

A tender, introspective folk-ballad with a country-blues vibe, “Jo's Lament” showcases Stewart’s songwriting and emotional depth. The lyrics reflect a personal, melancholic narrative, possibly inspired by Stewart’s relationships, delivered with his raspy, heartfelt vocals. The track’s acoustic arrangement contrasts the A-side’s high-energy rock, highlighting Stewart’s versatility.

Publisher: MRC Music Ltd.

Reception:

Less prominent than the A-side, “Jo's Lament” is appreciated by fans for its sincerity and folk roots. YouTube uploads and fan comments describe it as a “hidden gem” from Gasoline Alley, showcasing Stewart’s early songwriting talent.

Release Details

Label: Vertigo Records

Catalogue Number: 6086 002

Barcode: Not applicable (1970 release, pre-barcode era).

Release Date: September 11, 1970

Format: 7" vinyl, 45 RPM, stereo, manufactured in the UK. Features a wide-centered Vertigo ‘swirl’ label, iconic for early 1970s releases.

Matrix/Runout (Per Discogs):

Side A: 10 AA 6086 002 1W 320 1 H70 Z C (C sideways)

Side B: 10 AA 6086 002 2W 320 1 H70 Z C (C sideways)

Other Variants:

Australia - Vertigo - 1970

Germany - Vertigo - 1970

New Zealand - Vertigo - 1970

USA - Mercury - 1970

Production:

Co-produced by Rod Stewart and Lou Reizner for Mercury Productions. Recorded at Morgan Studios, London, February–April 1970.

Packaging:

Issued in a Vertigo company die-cut paper sleeve in the UK, with the swirl logo on the orange and black label.

International pressings (e.g., Germany: Philips 6086 002, US: Mercury 73095) may include picture sleeves, increasing collectible value.

Collector Notes:

The Vertigo swirl label and wide center make it a collector’s item, especially in NM condition. The US Mercury pressing (73095) is less valuable but still sought after. Its rarity stems from its commercial failure and limited pressing run.

Related Releases:

Taken from Gasoline Alley (Vertigo, June 12, 1970, UK; Mercury, US).

Precedes Stewart’s breakthrough single “Maggie May” / “Reason to Believe” (Mercury, July 1971, No. 1 UK/US).

Follows “Street Fighting Man” / “Handbags and Gladrags” (Mercury, 1969, US-only single from An Old Raincoat Won’t Ever Let You Down).

Historical and Cultural Context

Rod Stewart in 1970:Background: Born Roderick David Stewart on January 10, 1945, in Highgate, North London, Stewart began his career busking with a harmonica in 1962, joining The Dimensions (1963) and Long John Baldry’s All Stars (1964). He gained prominence with the Jeff Beck Group (1967–1969) before joining Faces (formerly Small Faces) in 1969 alongside Ronnie Wood. His solo career launched with An Old Raincoat Won’t Ever Let You Down (1969, Vertigo UK; The Rod Stewart Album, Mercury US), blending rock, folk, soul, and R&B with a working-class sensibility.

Faces and Solo Career:

In 1970, Stewart balanced his role as Faces’ frontman with his solo work. Faces released First Step (March 1970), a raw rock’n’roll album, while Gasoline Alley refined Stewart’s folk-rock style. The single “It's All Over Now” reflects this dual career, featuring Faces members and Stewart’s solo vision. His raspy voice and emotive delivery were earning critical praise, though commercial success was elusive until Every Picture Tells a Story (1971).

Context of the Single: Released three months after Gasoline Alley (No. 27 US, No. 62 UK), “It's All Over Now” was Stewart’s first UK solo single, aiming to capitalize on the album’s critical acclaim. Its failure to chart reflects the competitive 1970 music scene, dominated by acts like The Beatles and Led Zeppelin. However, Gasoline Alley’s critical success, with Rolling Stone’s Langdon Winner praising Stewart’s “rare sensitivity,” laid the groundwork for his 1971 breakthrough.

Rod Stewart’s Broader Legacy:

Breakthrough and Peak: Stewart’s third album, Every Picture Tells a Story (1971), and its single “Maggie May” topped charts in the UK, US, Canada, and Australia, establishing him as a global star. He continued with hits like “You Wear It Well” (1972), “Sailing” (1975), and “Da Ya Think I’m Sexy?” (1978). His career spans rock, folk, soul, disco, and the Great American Songbook, selling over 120 million records.

Influence:

Stewart’s raspy voice and genre-blending style influenced artists across rock, pop, and soul. His work with Faces and solo albums shaped 1970s rock, while his later Songbook albums (2002–2010) revived pop standards. He won a Grammy and Brit Award and was ranked No. 17 on Billboard’s Hot 100 All-Time Top Artists in 2008.

Later Years:

Stewart maintained success through the 1980s and 1990s with albums like Vagabond Heart (1991) and collaborations like “All for Love” (1993, No. 1 with Bryan Adams and Sting). After surviving thyroid cancer in 1999, he continued performing and recording, with recent support for political figures like Nigel Farage (2025) and Celtic FC.

Vertigo Records:

Launched in 1969 by Philips/Phonogram, Vertigo was a progressive rock label, signing acts like Black Sabbath and Uriah Heep. Stewart’s early solo albums on Vertigo’s swirl label reflect its prestige, making this single a collector’s item for label enthusiasts.

Comparison to Other Rod Stewart Releases

Contemporary Singles:

“Street Fighting Man” / “Handbags and Gladrags” (Mercury, 1969, US-only): From An Old Raincoat Won’t Ever Let You Down, a promotional single that didn’t chart.

“Maggie May” / “Reason to Believe” (Mercury, July 1971): Stewart’s breakthrough, No. 1 UK/US, from Every Picture Tells a Story.

“(I Know) I’m Losing You” (Mercury, October 1971): A Faces cover from Every Picture Tells a Story, reaching No. 24 US.

Albums:

An Old Raincoat Won’t Ever Let You Down (1969)*: Stewart’s debut, setting his folk-rock template.

Gasoline Alley (1970)*: Source of both tracks, praised for its raw, eclectic sound.

Every Picture Tells a Story (1971)*: His breakthrough, topping charts worldwide.

Critical Reception and Legacy

Critical Acclaim: Hitparade.ch rates “It's All Over Now” 4.33/5 from 24 reviews, praising its “kraftvoller” energy but noting The Valentinos and Rolling Stones’ versions as stronger. Fans call it “aardige Womack klassieker” (nice Womack classic) and “geschaffen für den jungen Rod Stewart” (made for young Rod). Rolling Stone (via Gasoline Alley review) lauded Stewart’s “delicate moments,” and AllMusic notes the single’s role in his early sound. “Jo's Lament” is less reviewed but valued for its folk intimacy.

Sources

Discogs: Rod Stewart – It's All Over Now / Jo's Lament (1970, Vinyl)

45cat: Rod Stewart – It's All Over Now / Jo's Lament – Vertigo – UK – 6086 002

Hitparade.ch: Rod Stewart – It's All Over Now

Wikipedia: Gasoline Alley, Rod Stewart

RareVinyl.com: Rod Stewart – It's All Over Now

PicClick: Rod Stewart – It's All Over Now / Jo's Lament (Mercury 73095)

JazzRockSoul.com: Rod Stewart

Recordsale.de: It's All Over Now

Conclusion

Rod Stewart’s "It's All Over Now" / "Jo's Lament" (Vertigo, 6086 002, 11 Sep 1970) is a pivotal early single, blending rock’n’roll energy with folk introspection from Gasoline Alley. Though it failed to chart, its Vertigo swirl label and Faces backing make it a collector’s gem, priced at £10–£40. It captures Stewart’s pre-stardom sound, laying the foundation for his 1971 breakthrough. If you need help sourcing a copy or want details on other Stewart releases, let me know!