Rod Stewart: "Little Miss Understood" Single (1980)

Rod Stewart’s "Little Miss Understood" backed with "So Much To Say", was released as a 7-inch vinyl single in the UK by Virgin Records (catalog number VS 366) on September 19, 1980.

Single Details

Label: Virgin Records (VS 366), under license from Nems Records Ltd.

Format: 7" Vinyl, 45 RPM, Single, Reissue, Stereo.

Country: UK.

Release Date: September 19, 1980.

Tracks:

A: Little Miss Understood (3:41) – Written and produced by Mike d’Abo.

B: So Much To Say (3:13) – Written by Rod Stewart, produced by Mike d’Abo.

Background and Context

Original Release:

"Little Miss Understood" was first released in March 1968 on Immediate Records (IM 060), marking one of Rod Stewart’s earliest solo efforts. At the time, Stewart was a relatively unknown singer, having performed with bands like The Dimensions (1963), Long John Baldry’s All Stars (1964), and The Jeff Beck Group (1967–1969). The 1968 single was not a commercial success and was initially released in select markets (e.g., US, Netherlands) but not the UK.

1980 Reissue:

By 1980, Stewart was a global superstar, thanks to hits like Maggie May (1971), Tonight’s the Night (1976), and Da Ya Think I’m Sexy? (1978). The Virgin Records reissue of Little Miss Understood b/w So Much To Say was a nostalgic release, capitalizing on Stewart’s fame to revisit his pre-fame solo work. It was released shortly before his album Foolish Behaviour (November 1980), which featured a new wave/soft rock sound.

Musical Content

A-Side: Little Miss Understood

Writer/Producer: Written and produced by Mike d’Abo, former frontman of Manfred Mann (Mighty Quinn).

B-Side: So Much To Say

Writer/Producer: Written by Rod Stewart, produced by Mike d’Abo.

Style: A raw, upbeat rock track with a straightforward, energetic vibe. It’s less

Production and Personnel

Producer: Mike d’Abo, a seasoned songwriter and performer, brought a polished yet soulful touch to both tracks. His experience with Manfred Mann ensured a radio-friendly sound, though the 1968 release didn’t gain traction.

Musicians: Specific session musicians for the 1968 recording are not well-documented, but the orchestral elements suggest contributions from studio players common in Immediate Records’ productions, possibly including strings and woodwind sections arranged by d’Abo.

France - Immediate - 1968

Reception and Impact

Chart Performance:

1968 Original: The single flopped commercially, failing to chart in most markets. It was not released in the UK initially, and its US release saw minimal impact.

1971 Release: A later release in the Netherlands (1971, Immediate Records) reached #17 on the Tip 30, showing some retrospective interest as Stewart’s fame grew.

1980 Reissue: The Virgin reissue (VS 366) did not chart significantly in the UK or elsewhere, as it was a niche release for fans and collectors rather than a mainstream push. Its timing alongside Foolish Behaviour suggests it was a promotional afterthought.

France - Immediate - 1971

Context in Stewart’s Career

1968: At the time of the original release, Stewart was a journeyman singer, gaining notice with The Jeff Beck Group but not yet a solo star. Little Miss Understood was a bold early attempt to establish his solo identity, though it was overshadowed by his band work.

1980: By the reissue, Stewart was at the peak of his fame, riding the success of albums like Blondes Have More Fun (1978) and transitioning to a new wave-influenced sound with Foolish Behaviour. The reissue served as a nostalgic nod to his roots, contrasting with his contemporary hits like Passion (1980).

Career Trajectory: The single’s re-release underscores Stewart’s transformation from a 1960s mod rocker to a versatile, chart-topping artist who could tackle rock, soul, disco, and later, standards (Great American Songbook series, 2002–2010).

Additional Notes

Historical Note: Little Miss Understood predates Stewart’s breakthrough with Maggie May (1971), showing his early reliance on covers and collaborations with established songwriters like Mike d’Abo. It’s a precursor to his knack for emotive ballads and soulful rock.