Feature Photo: Warner Bros. Records, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
When Faces formed in 1969, they brought a gritty, unpolished charm to rock music that perfectly captured the spirit of camaraderie and rebellion. The band emerged after the dissolution of Small Faces, with Ian McLagan (keyboards), Ronnie Lane (bass/vocals), and Kenney Jones (drums) teaming up with guitarist Ronnie Wood and vocalist Rod Stewart, both formerly of the Jeff Beck Group. This merging of talents created a group whose sound combined bluesy rock with a loose, boisterous energy, setting them apart from their contemporaries.
Faces released four studio albums between 1970 and 1973, each showcasing their signature blend of soulful ballads and raucous rock anthems. Their debut, First Step, introduced the band’s raw edge, while A Nod Is As Good As a Wink… to a Blind Horse (1971) featured the breakout hit “Stay with Me,” which became an enduring rock staple. Their final album, Ooh La La (1973), included the reflective title track, later celebrated as a classic. Despite their brief tenure, these albums cemented their reputation as one of the most authentic rock bands of the era.
Throughout their career, Faces were celebrated for their electrifying live performances. With Rod Stewart’s raspy vocals, Ronnie Wood’s expressive guitar playing, and the rhythmic backbone provided by Lane, Jones, and McLagan, their shows were energetic, unpredictable, and packed with charisma. However, Stewart’s burgeoning solo career often created tension within the band, leading to their eventual disbandment in 1975. Despite this, the chemistry between members was undeniable and contributed to their enduring legacy.
Faces were influential in shaping the sound of 1970s rock, inspiring a generation of musicians with their blend of blues, soul, and rock ‘n’ roll. Their contributions were officially recognized in 2012 when they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. While the band never achieved the commercial success of some of their peers, their authenticity and influence have stood the test of time.
Beyond music, members of Faces pursued varied paths. Rod Stewart became one of the most successful solo artists in rock history, while Ronnie Wood joined The Rolling Stones, contributing to their legacy as a cornerstone of rock music. Kenney Jones went on to drum for The Who, and Ian McLagan maintained a respected career as a session musician and solo artist. Ronnie Lane, known for his heartfelt songwriting, devoted his later years to charity efforts before passing away in 1997.
Faces may not have had the longest run, but their impact on rock music was profound. They embodied a raw, joyous approach to music that resonated deeply with fans and fellow artists alike. With songs that celebrated life’s highs and lows, they remain a touchstone for authenticity and passion in rock ‘n’ roll.
Complete List Of Faces Songs From A to Z
(A-I)
“(I Know) I’m Losing You” – Single (1970); Every Picture Tells a Story (1971)
“Angel” – Five Guys Walk into a Bar… (1973)
“Around the Plynth” – First Step (1969)
“Bad ‘n’ Ruin” – Long Player (1970)
“Borstal Boys” – Ooh La La (1973)
“Cindy Incidentally” – Ooh La La (1973)
“Cut Across Shorty” – Five Guys Walk into a Bar… (1971)
“Debris” – A Nod Is As Good As a Wink… to a Blind Horse (1971)
“Devotion” – First Step (1969)
“Every Picture Tells a Story” – Coast to Coast: Overture and Beginners (1973)
“Flags and Banners” – Ooh La La (1972)
“Fly in the Ointment” – Ooh La La (1972)
“Flying” – First Step (1969)
“Gasoline Alley” – Five Guys Walk into a Bar… (1970)
“Glad and Sorry” – Ooh La La (1972)
“Had Me a Real Good Time” – Long Player (1971)
“I Feel So Good” – Long Player (1970)
“I Wish It Would Rain” – Five Guys Walk into a Bar… (1973)
“I’d Rather Go Blind” – Five Guys Walk into a Bar… (1975)
“If I’m on the Late Side” – Ooh La La (1973)
“It’s All Over Now” – Coast to Coast: Overture and Beginners (1973)
(J-N)
“Jealous Guy” – Coast to Coast: Overture and Beginners (1973)
“Jerusalem” – Long Player (1971)
“Jodie” – Single (B-side) (1973)
“Just Another Honky” – Ooh La La (1973)
“Last Orders Please” – A Nod Is As Good As a Wink… to a Blind Horse (1971)
“Looking Out the Window” – First Step (1969)
“Love in Vain” – Five Guys Walk into a Bar… (1971)
“Love Lives Here” – A Nod Is As Good As a Wink… to a Blind Horse (1971)
“Maggie May” – Five Guys Walk into a Bar… (1971)
“Maybe I’m Amazed” – Single (studio) (1971); Long Player (live) (1971)
“Memphis, Tennessee” – A Nod Is As Good As a Wink… to a Blind Horse (1971)
“Miss Judy’s Farm” – A Nod Is As Good As a Wink… to a Blind Horse (1971)
“My Fault” – Ooh La La (1973)
“My Way of Giving” – Gasoline Alley (1970)
“Nobody Knows” – First Step (1970)
(O-S)
“Oh Lord, I’m Browned Off” – Single (B-side) (1971); Five Guys Walk into a Bar…
“Oh No (Not My Baby)” – Single (A-side) (1973)
“On the Beach” – Long Player (1970)
“Ooh La La” – Ooh La La (1973)
“Open to Ideas” – Good Boys… When They’re Asleep (1975)
“Pineapple and the Monkey” – First Step (1969)
“Pool Hall Richard” – Single (1973); Five Guys Walk into a Bar…
“Rear Wheel Skid” – Single (B-side) (1970); Five Guys Walk into a Bar…
“Richmond” – Long Player (1970)
“Shake, Shudder, Shiver” – First Step (1969)
“Silicone Grown” – Ooh La La (1973)
“Stay with Me” – A Nod Is As Good As a Wink… to a Blind Horse (1971)
“Stone” – First Step (1969)
“Sweet Lady Mary” – Long Player (1970)
(T-Z)
“Tell Everyone” – Long Player (1970)
“That’s All You Need” – A Nod Is As Good As a Wink… to a Blind Horse (1971)
“Three Button Hand Me Down” – First Step (1969)
“Too Bad” – A Nod Is As Good As a Wink… to a Blind Horse (1971)
“Too Much Woman (I Wanna Be Loved)” – BBC recording (1971)
“True Blue” – Never a Dull Moment (1971)
“Twistin’ the Night Away” – Never a Dull Moment (1971)
“Wicked Messenger” – First Step (1969)
“You Can Make Me Dance, Sing or Anything” – Single (1974); Five Guys Walk into a Bar…
“You’re My Girl (I Don’t Want to Discuss It)” – Gasoline Alley (1970)
“You’re So Rude” – A Nod Is As Good As a Wink… to a Blind Horse (1971)
Check out our fantastic and entertaining Faces articles, detailing in-depth the band’s albums, songs, band members, and more…all on ClassicRockHistory.com
Top 10 Small Faces Songs
Read More: Artists’ Interviews Directory At ClassicRockHistory.com
Read More: Classic Rock Bands List And Directory