Rod Stewart had settled into a formula by the time he released Smiler : an oldie (Chuck Berry's "Sweet Little Rock'n'Roller") few rockers ("Sailor", the first single, an Elton John duet called "Let Me Be Your Car"), an R and B classic or two ( Sam Cooke's "Bring It On Home to Me/ You Send Me") and a Dylan tune ( "Girl From the North Country"). American critics weren't as impressed as though in the UK. NME critics ranked Smiler #12 for 1974. NME readers voted Smiler the best album of 1974.
To me the most interesting cut is the Paul and Linda McCartney composition "Mine For Me" because 1974 was a year Paul especially revealed a generous spirit. He produced and wrote songs for his brother's album, McGear. He gave Peggy Lee "Let's Love" and now "Mine For Me", with uncredited backing vocals by the couple. The album's second single, "Mine For Me" peaked at #91 in the US. The album hit #1 in the UK twice on its way to selling a million copies worldwide.
A very good album, I think, but maybe the formula was wearing a bit thin. But that's no excuse for what was to follow...
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