Rod Stewart: You're In My Heart Single (1977)

Stewart's Soulful Serenade

Rod Stewart’s “You're In My Heart (The Final Acclaim)” 7-inch vinyl single, was released in the UK on October 7, 1977, on Riva Records (catalogue: RIVA 11). Backed with “You Really Got A Nerve,” this tender ballad, written by Stewart, served as the lead single from his eighth album, Foot Loose & Fancy Free. Produced by Tom Dowd, the A-side’s lush orchestration and Stewart’s raspy vocals crafted a heartfelt love song, peaking at No. 3 on the UK Singles Chart. Housed in a picture sleeve featuring Stewart’s iconic shaggy-haired look, the single captured his transition from rock to romantic pop stardom.

Cover of Rod Stewart's 1977 German single "You're In My Heart" from Warner Bros.

Single Overview

A-Side: “You're In My Heart (The Final Acclaim)” (4:30)Written by Rod Stewart. A soulful ballad with acoustic guitar, strings, and Stewart’s emotive delivery, blending rock and Celtic influences inspired by his love for football and Lynsey de Paul. Produced by Tom Dowd, it became one of Stewart’s signature hits.

B-Side: “You Really Got A Nerve” (4:48)Written by Rod Stewart and Gary Grainger. A gritty, upbeat rocker with driving guitars and Stewart’s raw vocals, offering a contrast to the A-side’s tenderness. Also produced by Dowd, it showcased his rock roots.

Release Details:

Label: Riva Records (UK pressing, 45 RPM).

Formats:

7-Inch Vinyl (RIVA 11): “You're In My Heart (The Final Acclaim)” / “You Really Got A Nerve.” In a picture sleeve with Stewart’s image.

No cassette or CD formats for this single.

Notes: ℗ & © 1977 Riva Records. Matrix numbers (e.g., RIVA 11 A-1U) confirm authenticity. The single promoted Foot Loose & Fancy Free (November 1977).

Country Variations

The single was released in several countries with variations:

Cover art for the Japanese release of Rod Stewart's single "You're In My Heart" under Warner Bros. label, November 1977.

UK (Riva RIVA 11): Released October 7, 1977. Tracklist: “You're In My Heart” / “You Really Got A Nerve.” Picture sleeve with Stewart’s photo.

US (Warner Bros. WBS 8475): Released October 1977. Same tracklist, catalogue WBS 8475, US sleeve with Warner branding.

Germany (Riva 17 103 AT): Released October 1977. Same tracklist, catalogue 17 103 AT, German sleeve with localized text.

Netherlands (Riva 17 103): Released October 1977. Same tracklist, catalogue 17 103, Dutch sleeve.

Australia (Riva K-6970): Released October 1977. Same tracklist, catalogue K-6970, company sleeve.

France (Riva 17 103): Released October 1977. Same tracklist, catalogue 17 103, French sleeve.

Canada (Warner Bros. WBS 8475): Released October 1977. Same as US, catalogue WBS 8475.

Production and Context

Recorded in 1977 at Cherokee Studios, Los Angeles, the single was produced by Tom Dowd, known for his work with Aretha Franklin. The lineup included Stewart (vocals), Jim Cregan (guitar), Gary Grainger (guitar), Phil Chen (bass), Carmine Appice (drums), and session strings. The A-side’s romantic tone reflected Stewart’s shift toward pop ballads, while the B-side retained his Faces-era rock grit. Released amid the punk explosion, it followed A Night on the Town (1976) and competed with acts like The Sex Pistols, yet its emotional appeal resonated widely.

Singles Released and Chart Performance

“You're In My Heart” was the lead single from Foot Loose & Fancy Free:

Cover of Rod Stewart's 1977 single "You're in My Heart," released by Warner Bros. in the Netherlands, catalog number WB 17.026.

Chart Performance:

UK: No. 3 (Official Singles Chart), charting for 12 weeks.

US: No. 4 (Billboard Hot 100), charting for 17 weeks.

Australia: No. 1 (Kent Music Report, 3 weeks).

Canada: No. 2 (RPM Singles Chart).

Germany: No. 22 (GfK).

Netherlands: No. 11 (Single Top 100).

Ireland: No. 2.

New Zealand: No. 2 (RMNZ).

Belgium: No. 15 (Ultratop Flanders).

France: No. 25.

Sweden: No. 13 (Sverigetopplistan).

Austria: No. 20 (Ö3 Austria Top 40).

Switzerland: No. 18 (Swiss Hitparade).

Other Countries: No chart entries in Norway, Finland, Italy, Spain, or Japan due to limited promotion.

UK Chart Data:

Entry Date: October 15, 1977.

Peak: No. 3 (October 29, 1977).

Weeks on Chart: 12 (Oct 15, 1977–Jan 7, 1978).

Chart Run: No. 18 (Oct 15), No. 6 (Oct 22), No. 3 (Oct 29), No. 4 (Nov 5), No. 5 (Nov 12), No. 7 (Nov 19), No. 9 (Nov 26), No. 12 (Dec 3), No. 15 (Dec 10), No. 20 (Dec 17), No. 25 (Dec 31), No. 30 (Jan 7).

Single Chart Performance

“You're In My Heart” peaked at No. 3 in the UK, charting for 12 weeks, and achieved strong global success, driven by its radio-friendly balladry and Stewart’s star power.

Legacy and Collectibility

“You're In My Heart” is a Rod Stewart classic, covered by artists like Celtic Thunder and featured in media like The Simpsons.This single is a timeless gem of Stewart’s romantic era.

Have you snagged this Rod Stewart classic in your vinyl collection? Does “You're In My Heart” tug at your heartstrings? Share in the comments!