Rod Stewart Explains Why He’s Struggling Writing With Ronnie Wood
via Rod Stewart / Youtube
Rod Stewart recently engaged in a conversation with American Songwriter, where he candidly expressed the difficulties in producing a new album with Ronnie Wood for their band, Faces.
Faces’ Quest for a New Album
The anticipation surrounding the band’s first new material in over half a century has been immense, but Stewart revealed that the creative process has been challenging. He stated,
“I’ve sent a lot of them [songs] to Ronnie Wood. I told him, ‘This is stuff we’ve recorded with my band; maybe The Faces would like to do it instead?’ We’re still struggling to make this album. We’ll see. Some of them might see the light of day.”
In 2021, surviving members of Faces, including Wood, Stewart, and drummer Kenney Jones, shared exciting news. They had already recorded 14 new songs and were contemplating an arena tour in the U.S. and UK. Reflecting on the upcoming album, Jones remarked,
“We’ve done about 14 songs. It’s a mixture of stuff we never released, which is worthy of releasing, and there’s some new stuff, which is really wonderful. Rod is writing the lyrics, and he’s really keen on it.”
Stewart’s revelation about the numerous unreleased songs he has written provides insight into the deeply personal nature of his songwriting process. He stated,
“There are a lot of songs I’ve written that I haven’t put out, and nobody knows about them. My songs are like my children. I gave birth to them, and then I put them out there in the world and see how they do.”
Faces released their final album, ‘Ooh La La,’ in 1973, and their paths diverged in 1975. Despite this, the band has occasionally reunited for performances, showcasing their enduring bond. Wood’s career became closely intertwined with The Rolling Stones, as he joined them on tour in 1975 and officially became a member in 1976.
View this post on Instagram
Challenges and Triumphs on the Path to Faces’ New Album
However, the road to completing the new album has not been without its challenges and delays. The collaborative nature of the creative process has presented obstacles. Stewart’s decision to share some of his songs with Wood as possible material for Faces is a testament to their continued musical relationship. Yet, finding the right creative direction and achieving cohesion has proven difficult, leaving the release of the album in uncertainty.
The anticipation surrounding Faces’ new music is palpable, given the long hiatus since their last release. Fans eagerly await the chance to experience fresh material from a band that played a crucial role in shaping the music landscape of the 1970s. Faces’ impact on rock music is undeniable, and their reunion promises to be a significant event for both long-time fans and newer generations of music enthusiasts.
Recording 14 new songs showcases the band’s commitment to delivering an album that not only embraces their iconic sound but also introduces a blend of previously unreleased tracks worthy of sharing with the world. This decision emphasizes their dedication to staying true to their musical roots while exploring new and unique material that pushes creative boundaries.
Stewart’s revelation about the vast number of unreleased songs reflects the meticulous and introspective process of song curation undertaken by artists. Each song holds personal significance, and as Stewart continues to refine his creative output, fans can expect lyrics and melodies that delve into emotional depth and vulnerability on the upcoming album.
Despite the challenges encountered during the album’s production, the camaraderie between the Faces’ members remains strong. The occasional performances they have delivered over the years testify to their enduring connection. Stewart and Wood, both successful in their individual music careers, share a commitment to their musical partnership, striving to recapture the magic through their collaboration.
