Rod Stewart (September 27, 1974) – "Farewell" b/w "Bring It On Home To Me / You Send Me" Single: UK
Released on September 27, 1974, "Farewell" was the second single taken from Rod Stewart's sixth studio album Smiler. Written by Rod Stewart and Martin Quittenton, the song represented one of the standout compositions from the album and continued Stewart's successful run of UK singles during the mid-1970s.
In the United Kingdom, the release was promoted as a double A-side pairing "Farewell" with Stewart's medley of the Sam Cooke classics "Bring It On Home To Me" and "You Send Me". The record became a substantial chart success, reaching number 7 on the UK Singles Chart and remaining on the chart for seven weeks.
While UK audiences embraced "Farewell" as the principal track, the American market responded differently. In the United States, the flip side "Mine For Me" became the charting side of the release.
RECORDING
"Farewell" was recorded for the Smiler album and featured several notable guest musicians.
Among the musicians appearing on the recording were Ray Jackson of Lindisfarne on mandolin and former Family, Blind Faith and Traffic member Ric Grech on violin.
The recording was produced by Rod Stewart.
STYLE & THEMES
Built around a folk-rock framework, "Farewell" tells the story of a young man leaving home in pursuit of success in the entertainment industry.
Contemporary reviews highlighted the song's narrative qualities, with Billboard praising the storyline and its emotional content.
The accompanying medley of "Bring It On Home To Me" and "You Send Me" reflected Stewart's long-standing admiration for Sam Cooke and classic soul music.
TRACK‑BY‑TRACK NOTES
• Farewell — Written by Rod Stewart and Martin Quittenton. A reflective folk-rock composition centred on ambition, departure and the pursuit of success.
• Bring It On Home To Me / You Send Me — A medley of two Sam Cooke compositions, showcasing Stewart's affection for American soul music and rhythm & blues.
RELEASE HISTORY
Issued by Mercury Records on September 27, 1974, the single was released throughout Europe, Australia, Japan, New Zealand and several additional territories.
In the United Kingdom the record charted as a double A-side and became a Top 10 hit. The single formed part of the promotional campaign supporting Smiler, released the same year.
CHARTS & CERTIFICATIONS
EUROPE
UK Singles Chart
• Entry: September 29, 1974• Peak: 7• Weeks on Chart: 7
Chart Run:
• 27 — September 29, 1974
• 15 — October 6, 1974
• 7 — October 13, 1974
• 11 — October 20, 1974
• 18 — October 27, 1974
• 26 — November 3, 1974
• 47 — November 10, 1974
PERSONNEL
Rod Stewart — vocals, songwriter, producer
Martin Quittenton — songwriter
Ray Jackson — mandolin
Ric Grech — violin
PRODUCTION
Produced by Rod Stewart
Label: Mercury Records
NOTES
• Released from the album Smiler.
• Written by Rod Stewart and Martin Quittenton.
• Produced by Rod Stewart.
• Reached number 7 in the UK Singles Chart.
• Charted for seven weeks in the UK.
• Featured Ray Jackson (mandolin) and Ric Grech (violin).
• In the United States, "Mine For Me" became the charting side of the release.
RELEASE VARIANTS TABLE (some teritories may have featured different tracks)
Artist | Title | Label | Country | Catalogue | Date | Format |
Rod Stewart | Farewell | Mercury | UK | 6167 033 | Sep 27, 1974 | 7" Single |
Rod Stewart | Farewell | Mercury | Australia | 6167 033 | 1974 | 7" Single |
Rod Stewart | Farewell | Mercury | Austria | 6167 033 | 1974 | 7" Single |
Rod Stewart | Farewell | Mercury | France | 6837 217 | 1974 | 7" Promo Single |
Rod Stewart | Farewell | Mercury | Germany | 6167 033 | 1974 | 7" Single |
Rod Stewart | Farewell | Philips | Ireland | 6167 033 | 1974 | 7" Single |
Rod Stewart | Farewell | Mercury | Japan | SFL-1876 | 1974 | 7" Single |
Rod Stewart | Farewell | Mercury | Japan | SFL-1876 | 1974 | 7" Promo Single |
Rod Stewart | Farewell | Mercury | Netherlands | 6167 033 | 1974 | 7" Single |
Rod Stewart | Farewell | Mercury | New Zealand | 6167 033 | 1974 | 7" Single |
Rod Stewart | Farewell | Mercury | Portugal | 6167 033 | 1974 | 7" Single |
Rod Stewart | Farewell | Mercury | Scandinavia | 6167 033 | 1974 | 7" Single |
Rod Stewart | Farewell | Mercury | Spain | 61 67 033 | 1974 | 7" Single |
Rod Stewart | Farewell | Mercury | Yugoslavia | S 53803 | 1974 | 7" Single |
Rod Stewart | Farewell | Mercury | Spain | 61 67 033 | 1974 | 7" Single Mispress |
UK TRACKLIST TABLE
Format | Catalogue | Tracklisting |
7" Single | 6167 033 | A. Farewell B. Bring It On Home To Me / You Send Me |
7" Promo Single | 6837 217 / SFL-1876 | A. Farewell B. Bring It On Home To Me / You Send Me |
SOURCES Discogs, 45cat, Wikipedia, Chart Time Machine
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