Rod Stewart’s Favorite Albums: Reflecting on His Inspirations Over the Years

Rod Stewart—an icon whose raspy voice and timeless hits have soundtracked generations—is not just a legendary performer but also a devoted music lover. Over a music career spanning six decades, Stewart has consistently credited other artists and their albums as major influences shaping his sound and style. From soul classics to rock anthems, his all-time favorite albums tell a fascinating story of inspiration and evolution.

Today, we're taking you on a journey through Rod Stewart’s personal record collection—albums he has cherished and openly admired, that fueled his creativity and helped craft the unmistakable Stewart sound. Whether you’re a diehard Rod fan or a music buff hungry for cool artist insights, this deep dive into Stewart’s musical inspirations will hit all the right notes.

A Walk Down Memory Lane: Early Inspirations

Rod Stewart’s love affair with music started young, but he often points to the late 1960s as a pivotal moment when he truly immersed himself in groundbreaking records. In interviews, Stewart has repeatedly praised The Rolling Stones’ classic album Let It Bleed (1969), describing it as “a corner of the rock and blues universe that blew my mind.” He went on to say, “The grit, the soul—the energy of that album made me want to pick up the guitar and sing with raw honesty.”

Another monumental influence? The legendary Otis Redding’s Otis Blue: Otis Redding Sings Soul (1965). Stewart’s soulful vocal delivery often mirrors the emotional intensity of Redding’s work, and Stewart once acknowledged, “Listening to Otis taught me how to put my heart into every note.”

The Rock and Roll DNA

Stewart’s career blossomed alongside the explosion of British rock, and his list of beloved albums reads like a who’s who of rock royalty. Apart from The Rolling Stones, Stewart was inspired by The Faces (the band he fronted), and he remains proud of their self-titled album Faces (1970), which he has called, “the magic that fused rock, blues, and a little bit of cheekiness.”

But Stewart’s admiration didn’t stop there. He often highlights The Beatles’ Rubber Soul (1965) as a transformative listen. “That album changed everything for me,” Stewart shared. “It was the first record that sounded like poetry, where pop music felt deep and real.”

Soul and Blues: The Heartbeat Behind the Hits

Stewart’s distinctive blend of rock and soul wouldn’t be complete without mentioning his love for blues and Motown legends. He’s cited Marvin Gaye’s What’s Going On (1971) as “a masterpiece that captures the turmoil and beauty of life with music.”

And in classic Rod Stewart fashion, he’s not shy about revealing his admiration for James Brown. “The Godfather of Soul’s raw power and stage presence inspired me beyond words,” Stewart said. Albums like Live at the Apollo (1963) remain close to his heart, emblematic of showmanship and feeling pushed to the limit.

How These Albums Shaped Rod Stewart’s Own Music

So how exactly did these beloved albums influence Stewart’s signature style? From the gritty rock of The Rolling Stones to the soulful emotion of Otis Redding, Stewart blended these elements into something uniquely his own. His 1971 breakthrough album Every Picture Tells a Story perfectly encapsulates this mashup—rock, folk, blues, and soul all mixed with Stewart’s distinctive rasp.

In a 2015 interview, he explained: “I wanted to create music that wasn’t just about singing but telling a story… and it’s no surprise to me that my heroes all did the same on their albums.”

Stewart’s ability to channel heartfelt emotion, gritty rock, and a rebellious spirit can be directly traced back to these formative records. It’s a testament to how artists inspire one another across genres and decades.

Connecting With Fans: What Are Your Rod Stewart-Inspired Albums?

Rod Stewart’s musical journey is a shared experience with millions of fans worldwide. His favorite albums have not only influenced his music but also helped define the taste of entire generations. So, we want to hear from YOU!

• Which Rod Stewart song reminds you of your favorite album?
• Have you discovered an album through Rod’s recommendations?
• Which classic album do you think influenced Stewart’s vocals or songwriting the most?

Share your memories and thoughts because the best part of music is the connection it creates—and with Rod Stewart’s legacy, that connection spans a lifetime.

Looking Forward: Rod Stewart’s Timeless Love of Music

Even as Stewart continues to release new music and tour the world, his passion for albums that inspire him remains undiminished. He recently mentioned, “I’m still digging through vinyl, searching for sounds that ignite something inside me. That’s the power of music—never old, always evolving.”

For fans eager to explore Rod Stewart’s influences, diving into these favorite albums offers a rich listening experience—one that reveals the roots of some of rock’s most iconic songs.

So whether you’re spinning Let It Bleed, crooning with Otis Blue, or rocking out to Rubber Soul, remember you’re tuning into the soundtrack that helped shape a legend.

Are you ready to take the trip through Rod Stewart’s musical inspirations? Press play and let the journey begin.

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