About Smiler by Rod Stewart Album
Smiler is Rod Stewart's fifth album, and final album for Mercury Records, released in 1974 (see 1974 in music). It became the first album by Rod Stewart as a solo artist to become critically panned. Although it reached number 1 in the UK album chart, it stalled at number 13 in the US. The album was largely considered to be an unadventurous retread of what he had done before, including covers of Chuck Berry, Sam Cooke and Bob Dylan songs, as well as a duet with Elton John of John's song "Let Me Be Your Car". Stewart's one attempt at adventurousness was a cover of Carole King's "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman" where 'Woman' is switched to 'Man'. This track was selected for special derision by critics. The release of the album itself was held up for five months due to legal problems between Mercury Records and Warner Bros. Records. This album sold 1 million worldwide Track listing: All songs written by Rod Stewart and Ronnie Wood except where indicated. "Sweet Little Rock 'N' Roller" (Chuck Berry) – 3:43 "Lochinvar" (Pete Sears) – 0:25 "Farewell" (Martin Quittenton, Rod Stewart) – 4:34 "Sailor" – 3:35 "Bring It On Home To Me/You Send Me" (Sam Cooke) – 3:57 "Let Me Be Your Car" (Elton John, Bernie Taupin) – 4:56 "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Man" (Gerry Goffin, Carole King, Jerry Wexler) – 3:54 "Dixie Toot" – 3:27 "Hard Road" (Harry Vanda, George Young) – 4:27 "I've Grown Accustomed To Her Face" Instrumental (Alan Jay Lerner, Frederick Loewe) – 1:32 "Girl from the North Country" (Bob Dylan) – 3:52 "Mine For Me" (Paul McCartney, Linda McCartney) – 4:02 A 1991 cd compilation called 'back 2 back - 2 for 1' combined Smiler with Gasoline Alley. However tracks 2,9 and 10, were left out on this release. Personnel: Rod Stewart - vocals Elton John - piano, vocals Ronnie Wood - acoustic & electric guitar, bass Pete Sears - piano Rick Grech - violin Ray Jackson - mandolin Ian McLagan - organ, piano The Memphis Horns Irene Chanter - background vocals Ray Cooper - percussion Spike Heatley - bass Andy Newmark - drums Dick Powell - violin Martin Quittenton - acoustic guitar Tropic Isles Steel Band Micky Waller - drums, trombone Willie Weeks - bass Kenney Jones - drums Chris Barber's Jazz Band
