"The First Step" was the first album by the British group Faces, released in early 1970, a few months after they had formed from the ashes of the Small Faces (from which Ronnie Lane, Kenney Jones and Ian McLagan hailed) and the Jeff Beck Group (from which Rod Stewart and Ronnie Wood hailed.)
In the vibrant and transformative era of the 1970s, a remarkable musical venture emerged from the remnants of two influential British bands. "The First Step" marked the debut album of Faces, a group comprising members from the Small Faces (Ronnie Lane, Kenney Jones, and Ian McLagan) and the Jeff Beck Group (Rod Stewart and Ronnie Wood). Released in early 1970, this gatefold 12" LP vinyl album served as a testament to the band's artistic prowess, showcasing their unique blend of rock, soul, and blues.
The track-listing of "The First Step" demonstrated the diverse range of musical influences and songwriting contributions within the band. Opening with "Wicked Messenger", a cover of Bob Dylan's composition, Faces immediately established their rebellious spirit and their intent to embark on a musical odyssey. The album continued with "Devotion", a captivating track penned by Ronnie Lane, characterized by its infectious melody and heartfelt lyrics. The collaborative efforts of Lane and Ronnie Wood produced "Shake Shudder Shiver", a lively composition that showcased their ability to merge rock and roll with a touch of folk sensibility.
As the album progressed, Faces delved into deeper introspection with songs like "Stone" and "Nobody Knows". Ronnie Lane's evocative songwriting resonated with introspective themes, while Rod Stewart and Ronnie Wood contributed their own compositions, such as the captivating "Around The Plynth" and the infectious "Pineapple and the Monkey". The album's versatility was further demonstrated by the energetic and uplifting track "Flying", a collaborative effort that exemplified the band's dynamic chemistry.
Noteworthy among the album's offerings was "Looking Out The Window", a composition by Kenney Jones and Ian McLagan. This track showcased Faces' ability to combine compelling storytelling with impeccable musicianship, highlighted by McLagan's soulful piano melodies and Jones' masterful drumming. The album concluded with "Three Button Hand Me Down", a song co-written by McLagan and Stewart, which encapsulated the band's raw energy and their inclination for captivating storytelling.
The gatefold 12" LP vinyl format of "The First Step" added an extra dimension to the album's experience. The gatefold cover, adorned with a captivating portrait of the band members, drew listeners into the world of Faces, inviting them to explore the music within. Inside, the gatefold unfolded to reveal additional photographs and liner notes, providing a glimpse into the band's artistic process and the collaborative nature of their work. This tactile and visual element enhanced the album's appeal, creating an immersive experience for fans and collectors.
Although "The First Step" did not achieve overwhelming commercial success at the time of its release, it laid the foundation for the band's subsequent achievements. Faces would go on to release critically acclaimed albums such as "Long Player" and "A Nod Is As Good As a Wink... to a Blind Horse", solidifying their place in rock history. The album marked the beginning of a fruitful journey for the band, setting the stage for their energetic live performances and their legacy as one of the era's most influential rock acts.
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Music Genre: Rock |
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Album Production Information: The album: "FACES - The First Step Ron Wood Rod Stewart" was produced by: The Faces Sound/Recording Engineer(s): Martin Birch Treat Martin Birch like the invisible band member: you don’t see him on the sleeve, but you sure hear him in the punch, the bite, and that “turn it up” clarity. His run is legendary—starting as an engineer in the late 1960s, sharpening the sound with Deep Purple in the early 1970s, helping Rainbow hit that dramatic hard-rock stride in the mid-to-late 1970s, powering the Dio-era Black Sabbath in 1980–1981, then basically going exclusive with Iron Maiden from 1981 to 1992 before he bowed out. Read more... Martin Birch, to my ears, is the guy who made heavy records feel both massive and surgical—tight low end, bright attack, and a midrange that cuts like fresh steel without turning into ear-pain. He built long relationships instead of quick drive-bys: Deep Purple, Rainbow, Whitesnake, Black Sabbath, and then that famous Iron Maiden stretch from "Killers" (1981) through "Fear of the Dark" (1992), after which he retired. That’s not just a resume, that’s a whole era with his fingerprints on it. |
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Record Label & Catalognr: Solid Green Colour Warner Bros Records 46053 |
| Packaging: Gatefold/FOC (Fold Open Cover) Album Cover Design with photos on the inside cover pages |
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Media Format: 12" LP Vinyl Stereo Gramophone RecordTotal Album (Cover+Record) weight: 280 gram |
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Year & Country: 1970 Made in France |
Personnel/Band Members and Musicians on: FACES - The First Step Ron Wood Rod Stewart |
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Complete Track-listing of the album "FACES - The First Step Ron Wood Rod Stewart" |
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The detailed tracklist of this record "FACES - The First Step Ron Wood Rod Stewart" is:
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Photo of the FACES band-members on the front cover
Note: The photos on this page are taken from albums in my personal collection. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. Images can be zoomed in/out ( eg pinch with your fingers on a tablet or smartphone ).
"The First Step" Green Colour Warner Bros Record Label Details: Warner Bros Records 46053, French Release
