By the time of Ooh La La's recording and release (1973), Rod Stewart was enjoying immense solo success, and it's been publicized that his interests in continuing with Faces was dwindling fast (although there are conflicting stories). Supposedly absent for the initial phase of the recording process, Stewart eventually would finish the album alongside Ian McLagan, Ronnie Lane, Kenney Jones, and Ronnie Wood (who would later join The Rolling Stones), only to publicly call the effort a "bloody mess." This did not sit well with Ronnie Lane—who had decided much of the creative direction in Stewart's absence—and the rest of his bandmates, and the incident certainly contributed to the British band's eventual breakup. Regardless of what Rod thought, Ooh La La was a hit with fans and would go down as Face's most successful project, spawning big tunes like "Cindy Incidentally," "Glad And Sorry," and of course, the title track. It's a fun rock and roll album that has aged well, making this a very welcome reissue.

• red vinyl reissue
• faithfully replicated album jacket
• poster insert
• music label: Warner Bros. 1973 / 2017

reviewed by nakaveli 10/2017