Rod Stewart’s top ten biggest selling albums

Rod Stewart’s illustrious career has produced numerous albums that have become timeless hits among audiences worldwide.

From his early rock and folk influences to his later explorations of pop, Stewart’s versatility is evident in his impressive discography.

Here, we rank his top ten best-selling albums globally, based on official worldwide certifications, such as the BPI in the UK, RIAA in the US, and more.

10. Vagabond Heart (1991) – Over 2,700,000 copies sold

Released in 1991, ‘Vagabond Heart’ showcases Stewart’s seamless blend of rock and pop sensibilities. The album features hits like ‘Rhythm of My Heart’ and ‘The Motown Song,’ both of which received significant airplay and contributed to the album’s commercial success. ‘Vagabond Heart’ achieved multi-platinum status in the United States and performed well in international markets, solidifying Stewart’s global appeal during the early ’90s.

9. Out of Order (1988) – Over 2,800,000 copies sold

‘Out of Order,’ released in 1988, marked a resurgence in Stewart’s career, featuring a polished pop-rock sound that appealed to a broad audience. The album includes standout tracks such as ‘Forever Young’ and ‘My Heart Can’t Tell You No,’ both of which charted prominently. The success of ‘Out of Order’ was bolstered by extensive touring and media appearances, leading to substantial sales worldwide.

8. A Night on the Town (1976) – Over 2,900,000 copies sold

In 1976, Stewart released ‘A Night on the Town,’ an album that blends rock, folk, and soul influences. The record features the timeless hit ‘Tonight’s the Night (Gonna Be Alright),’ which became one of Stewart’s signature songs. The album’s eclectic mix of genres and heartfelt lyrics resonated with fans, resulting in impressive global sales and critical acclaim.

7. As Time Goes By: The Great American Songbook, Volume II (2003) – Over 3,750,000 copies sold

Continuing his exploration of classic standards, Stewart released ‘As Time Goes By: The Great American Songbook, Volume II’ in 2003. The album features renditions of timeless tracks like ‘I’m in the Mood for Love’ and ‘As Time Goes By.’ Stewart’s heartfelt interpretations of these classics appealed to both longtime fans and new listeners, leading to substantial worldwide sales and further establishing his versatility as an artist.

6. Unplugged…and Seated (1993) – Over 4,107,500 copies sold

‘Unplugged…and Seated,’ released in 1993, captures Stewart’s intimate performance for MTV’s Unplugged series. The album features acoustic renditions of his classic hits, including ‘Have I Told You Lately’ and ‘Reason to Believe.’ The stripped-down arrangements and raw vocal performances led to impressive sales figures. Notably, the album sold 3,000,000 copies in the United States alone, with additional sales in countries like Canada and the United Kingdom.

5. Foot Loose & Fancy Free (1977) – Over 4,130,000 copies sold

Released in 1977, ‘Foot Loose & Fancy Free’ showcases Stewart’s rock roots with tracks like ‘Hot Legs’ and the enduring ballad ‘You’re in My Heart (The Final Acclaim).’ The album’s blend of energetic rock anthems and heartfelt ballads appealed to a wide audience, resulting in significant global sales. Its success further cemented Stewart’s status as a leading figure in the rock genre during the late ’70s.

4. The Story So Far: The Very Best of Rod Stewart (2001) – Over 4,227,840 copies sold

In 2001, Stewart released ‘The Story So Far: The Very Best of Rod Stewart,’ a comprehensive compilation that spans his illustrious career. The album includes fan favorites such as ‘Maggie May,’ ‘Da Ya Think I’m Sexy?,’ and ‘Sailing.’ Its broad appeal is evident in its impressive sales figures, with 1,884,000 copies sold in the United States and 1,200,000 in the United Kingdom. The compilation’s success underscores Stewart’s enduring popularity across different musical eras.

3. It Had to Be You: The Great American Songbook (2002) – Over 4,530,000 copies sold

‘It Had to Be You: The Great American Songbook,’ released in 2002, marked Stewart’s first foray into interpreting classic American standards. The album features his renditions of songs like ‘They Can’t Take That Away from Me’ and ‘The Way You Look Tonight.’ Stewart’s smooth vocals and sincere delivery resonated with both critics and fans, leading to substantial worldwide sales. The album’s success also earned Stewart a Guinness World Record for the most successful album series by a single artist, as all five volumes of the Great American Songbook series reached the US Top 5 and the UK Top 10.

2. The Best of Rod Stewart (1989) – Over 4,560,000 copies sold

‘The Best of Rod Stewart,’ released in 1989, is a compilation that highlights the standout tracks from Stewart’s career up to that point. Featuring hits like ‘Maggie May,’ ‘You Wear It Well,’ and ‘Tonight’s the Night (Gonna Be Alright),’ the album offers a curated experience of Stewart’s most impactful songs. Its enduring popularity is reflected in its impressive sales figures, making it one of Stewart’s best-selling compilations globally.

1. Blondes Have More Fun (1978) – Over 10,000,000 copies sold

Topping the list is ‘Blondes Have More Fun,’ released in 1978. This album marked a stylistic shift for Stewart, embracing a disco-influenced sound that resonated with the pop culture of the late ’70s. The standout track, ‘Da Ya Think I’m Sexy?, became one of Stewart’s most recognizable songs, dominating charts worldwide and cementing his place in the disco era.

Despite some criticism from rock purists who felt Stewart had strayed too far from his roots, the album was a massive commercial success. Blondes Have More Fun topped the Billboard 200 chart in the United States and was certified multi-platinum in several countries. Selling over 10 million copies worldwide, this remains Stewart’s best-selling album to date. It also played a crucial role in broadening his fanbase, introducing him to audiences who may not have previously followed his career.