Smiler | ||||
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Studio album by | ||||
Released | 27 September 1974 | |||
Recorded | Morgan Studios, London and The Wick, Richmond November 1973-May 1974 | |||
Genre | Rock, british folk rock | |||
Length | 42:24 | |||
Label | Mercury | |||
Producer | Rod Stewart | |||
Rod Stewart chronology | ||||
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Singles from Smiler | ||||
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Smiler is the fifth solo album by English rock singer-songwriter Rod Stewart. It was released September 27, 1974 [2] by Mercury Records. It reached number 1 in the UK album chart, and number 13 in the US. The album included 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 also covered Carole King's "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman" where 'Woman' is switched to 'Man'. The release of the album was held up for five months due to legal problems between Mercury Records and Warner Bros. Records.
Musicians appearing on the album included members of Stewart's band Faces, as well as frequent collaborators Martin Quittenton (guitars), Pete Sears (bass & keyboards), and Mickey Waller (drums).
Review scores | |
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Source | Rating |
AllMusic | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Christgau's Record Guide | B− [4] |
Rolling Stone | (mixed) [5] |
Džuboks | (mixed) [6] |
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.
Chart (1974-75) | Peak position |
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Australian Albums (Kent Music Report) [8] | 8 |
Canada Top Albums/CDs ( RPM ) [9] | 11 |
Finnish Albums (The Official Finnish Charts) [10] | 28 |
Japanese Albums (Oricon) [11] | 65 |
New Zealand Albums (RMNZ) [12] | 29 |
Norwegian Albums (VG-lista) [13] | 19 |
UK Albums (OCC) [14] | 1 |
US Billboard 200 [15] | 13 |
Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
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United Kingdom (BPI) [16] | Gold | 100,000^ |
^ Shipments figures based on certification alone. |
Phonogram has lined up a major promotion campaign for the release of Rod Stewart's long-delayed album, Smiler, and new single on September 27
Phonogram has lined up a major promotion campaign for the release of Rod Stewart's long-delayed album, Smiler, and new single on September 27