Rod Stewart: Smiler Album (1974)

On October 4, 1974, Rod Stewart's fifth solo album, "Smiler," was released on Mercury Records with the UK catalog number 9104 001.

This LP, his final release with Mercury, captured Stewart at a creative crossroads, blending rock, blues, and soulful covers with original tracks. Recorded amid his commitments with the Faces, Smiler soared to No. 1 in the UK but drew mixed reviews for leaning on the familiar spark of albums like Every Picture Tells a Story.

With contributions from Elton John and a song penned by Paul and Linda

McCartney, it showcased Stewart’s raspy charisma in a vibrant, star-studded session.

Album Overview

Release Details:

Label: Mercury Records (UK pressing, gatefold sleeve with printed inner).

Format: Vinyl LP, stereo.

Date: October 4, 1974 (UK release, delayed by legal disputes between Mercury and Warner Bros.).

Tracks: 12 songs, ~42 minutes, mixing covers and originals, from Chuck Berry rockers to a Sam Cooke medley.

Tracklist:

Sweet Little Rock 'n' Roller (Chuck Berry cover)

Lochinvar

Farewell

Sailor

Bring It On Home to Me / You Send Me (Sam Cooke medley)

Let Me Be Your Car (Elton John on backing vocals and piano)

(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Man (Carole King cover, gender-switched)

Dixie Toot

Hard Road

I've Grown Accustomed to Her Face (instrumental)

Girl from the North Country (Bob Dylan cover)

Mine for Me (written by Paul and Linda McCartney)

Produced by Rod Stewart, Smiler was recorded from November 1973 to May 1974 at Morgan Studios, London, and The Wick, Richmond.

The lineup featured Faces members Ronnie Wood (guitars), Ian McLagan (organ), and Kenney Jones (drums), alongside Martin Quittenton (acoustic guitar), Pete Sears (keyboards, bass), and Mickey Waller (drums). Notable guests included Elton John, who provided backing vocals and piano on "Let Me Be Your Car," adding a lively,

soulful edge, and the Memphis Horns for brassy flourishes. Chris Barber’s jazz band contributed to "Dixie Toot," while Paul and Linda McCartney wrote "Mine for Me" but did not perform on the album. The eclectic mix—rockers, ballads, and jazz touches—reflected Stewart’s loose, pub-like recording atmosphere.

Smiler hit No. 1 in the UK and No. 13 in the US, selling steadily despite critiques for retreading earlier formulas. It marked the end of Stewart’s Mercury era, paving the way for his Warner Bros. phase and smoother pop sound.

Is Smiler a staple in your Rod Stewart collection? Which track keeps your turntable spinning? Share in the comments!