Rock and roll has always had a bit of fun and playfulness built into it. After all, this is the genre that gave us the classic line, “I am the eggman, they are the eggmen, I am the walrus, goo goo g’joob!”.
So it’s only natural that not every rock song is aiming for poetic greatness. Even Rod Stewart himself has admitted that some of his songs aren’t exactly lyrical masterpieces. One, in particular, stands out as a song he’s less than proud of: “Love Touch.”
When you think about Stewart’s career, it’s easy to focus on the hits that made him a legend. While he may not be on the same lyrical level as Bob Dylan, Stewart has delivered some unforgettable songs that strike a chord with fans. Tracks like “Forever Young” and “Maggie May” are proof of his ability to connect emotionally through his music.
But then, there’s the other side of his catalog. Songs like “Do Ya Think I’m Sexy?” stick out in his discography. This disco-infused anthem felt like a departure from his rock roots and has always seemed like an odd move in his otherwise rock-heavy career.
Just like other rock legends who briefly dipped their toes into disco, Stewart ventured into a style that felt somewhat out of place for him.
Now, artists switching genres isn’t all that shocking, but Stewart’s shift in the 1980s was a bit of a head-scratcher. His rough-edged voice, paired with the peppy pop synths of the time, made for an unusual combination. Still, some of his 80s tracks, like “Young Turks,” are still loved today. But then, there’s “Love Touch,” a song Stewart has openly criticized.
In fact, Stewart didn’t hold back in calling “Love Touch” one of the “silliest songs” he’s ever recorded. His critique wasn’t just aimed at the song’s overall feel—it also took a dig at its almost desperate lyrics. The song features lines where Stewart sings about being the perfect partner, pleading for forgiveness for his past mistakes, and it’s pretty clear that this level of sentimentality wasn’t something Stewart was thrilled about.
Holly Knight, one of the song’s co-writers, didn’t take Stewart’s comments lightly. She expressed her surprise and sadness when she heard him dismiss the track. “I was heartbroken and stricken. Like, This is news to me,” she said. Knight even went on to say that if any of Stewart’s songs were lyrically embarrassing, “Do Ya Think I’m Sexy?” would take that title instead.
In comparison, “Love Touch” might not be Stewart’s best work, but it arguably fares better than his foray into disco. His 1970s shift toward more commercial sounds felt forced, but his 80s experimentation, though awkward at times, showed he was at least trying to adapt to the times.
Rod Stewart has had his share of ups and downs throughout his career, so it’s no surprise he would admit when a song wasn’t his best. “Love Touch” might not be his crowning achievement, but his ability to recognize its shortcomings is a refreshing trait.
It’s always nice to see an artist who can acknowledge the missteps in their career, especially when so many others brush off their more cringeworthy moments.
