The Faces: Masters of Reinvention and Classic Song Covers

After Steve Marriott left to establish Humble Pie in 1969, the remnants of Small Faces picked up two members from The Jeff Beck Group, Rod Stewart and Ron Wood, to assemble a new band, Faces. Kenney Jones, Ronnie Lane, and Ian McLagan from the original lineup joined forces with these newcomers to create something fresh and spirited.

Over their rather brief but impactful tenure, Faces rolled out a prolific four albums between 1970 and 1973, which included First Step, Long Player, their highest charting album A Nod Is As Good As a Wink… to a Blind Horse, alongside the popular single "Stay With Me", and finally Ooh La La before dissolving in 1975.

Decades later in 2010 and 2011, Faces would reunite for a series of performances, setting the stage for sporadic shows in the following years including a special appearance at the 2020 Brit Awards. The surviving members, Stewart, Wood, and Jones, eventually reconnected in 2021, contemplating new music.

Iconic Covers by Faces

While Faces was known for their own creations, they didn't shy away from reimagining other artists' work. Five particular song covers highlight their ability to adapt and respect the foundations laid by other musical greats.

1. Bob Dylan's "Wicked Messenger"

Their debut album, First Step, unveiled just months after forming, included a distinctive rendition of Bob Dylan's "The Wicked Messenger" from his album John Wesley Harding. This was a noteworthy choice, as Dylan had framed the song around biblical narratives.

2. Paul McCartney's "Maybe I'm Amazed"

Faces took on the emotionally charged "Maybe I'm Amazed" by Paul McCartney, initially a feature on his 1970 solo debut. The band included their version in the U.S., as well as a live cut on their 1971 album, Long Player.

3. Marvin Rainwater's "Whole Lotta Woman"

Faces also delved into rockabilly roots with their cover of Marvin Rainwater's "Whole Lotta Woman", which made its way into the public ear via the 2015 box set compilation encompassing their prime years.

4. Chuck Berry's "Memphis"

In their third album, A Nod Is As Good As a Wink… to a Blind Horse, Faces paid homage to Chuck Berry with their cover of "Memphis", also known as "Memphis Tennessee". Their take complemented a list of originals that drove the album to success.

5. John Lennon's "Jealous Guy"

Last but not least, Faces delivered their live interpretation of John Lennon's reflective tune "Jealous Guy". This number, which Lennon himself revised from his Beatles days, was later included in Faces' 2015 box set.

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