Release review: A Night on the Town (1976)

A nocturnal journey through the golden era of classic rock – with style, soul and a touch of scandal
It's been almost five decades since Rod Stewart released A Night on the Town – and yet the album still sounds fresh, relevant and surprisingly modern today. In an age where streaming algorithms and playlists set the tone, this work feels like a handwritten love letter to the great era of songwriting.
Even the opener, ‘Tonight's the Night (Gonna Be Alright)’ – once scandalous for its lascivious lyrics – has lost none of its appeal. On the contrary: Rod's whispering seduction sounds almost nostalgically innocent today, wrapped in buttery soft rock with seductive piano touches. A true time capsule moment.
But the album is more than just whimsical radio pop. A Night on the Town shows Rod Stewart performing a musical balancing act between heartbreak bard and street-dog rocker. ‘The First Cut Is the Deepest’ gives you goose bumps with every line, while ‘The Killing of Georgie’ still gets under your skin – a courageous, narrative song about homophobia and violence that sounds almost more urgent today than it did in 1976.
Musically, the album moves effortlessly between folk, soul, rock and orchestral pop romanticism. No track feels overloaded or out of date. Instead, subtle arrangements, warm production (thanks to Tom Dowd) and, above all, Rod's unmistakable voice – rough as whisky, tender as a kiss at dawn – shine through.
Why listen to it today?
Because this album offers more than nostalgic kitsch. It is proof that good songs, genuine emotions and a little stylish excess are timeless. Anyone who only knows Rod Stewart as a stadium crooner should definitely give this a listen – A Night on the Town shows the man before he became a global entertainer. Authentic, charming and with a British wink.
Time travel highlight: ‘The Killing of Georgie’ – a pioneering piece in terms of content, a mini-drama in terms of music that is guaranteed to give you goose bumps.
The best argument against ‘everything was better in the old days’: Not everything was better – but this album was.
Author's tip: ‘Fool For You’ and ‘Trade Winds’ are not among Sir Rod's biggest hits, but they can certainly be considered insider tips on ‘A Night On The Town’.