Amidst the much "ballyhooed" success of Rod Stewart's parallel solo career catching fire while still remaining a singer in the Faces, Ronnie Wood decided to make a go of doing a record of his own, hence the debut album's title, which was seen as a jab at Stewart. There's a bevy of guest stars and musicians here, notably Willie Weeks, Andy Newmark, Pete Sears, Micky Waller, Keith Richards and Mick Taylor. Mick Jagger shares lead vocals with Ronnie on I Can Feel the Fire, the record's opener and sets the tone for a Faces-like good time, replete with steel drums fading out into the end melody. Far East Man features George Harrison, not only as co-writer of the number, but also hears him on guest guitar and backing vocals; his presence gives the tune some of his influence, obviously, but "Man" is an excellent collaboration between George and Ronnie, nonetheless.  Mystifies Me is a stunning Wood original and is a beautiful track that has a cozy/R&B-like quality within its charm. There's plenty of good rockin songs on offer here such as Am I Groovin' You with an interlaid funk vibe, a typical Chuck Berry rocker in Take a Look At the Guy, Keith Richards takes center command on Sure the One You Need(credited to Jagger/Richards) and another Wood original, Shirley, provides the band room to spread out a bit and jam on this uptempo, but funky Faces-like number.

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There are elements of soul on display here as well, with another Jagger/Richards tune in Act Together, featuring some great female harmonies by Ireen and Doreen Chanter and Ruby Turner(could these be pseudonyms for greats like Clydie King, Sherlie Matthews and Vanetta Fields??) and Cancel Everything is another tune worth of mention on the soul side of things also offering another great Wood original. If You Gotta Make a Fool of Somebody features Rod Stewart sharing vocals with Woody and is a stunning track in its performance and arrangement. Ending on a high note, the record closes with bassist Willie Weeks' Crotch Music, a great funky R&B flavored jam that finishes out a record that simply cooks and succeeds in its intents for a seminal figure in British Music whom would go onto success as a Rolling Stone. I have 4 or 5 of Ronnie's albums and I think this debut remains his best in terms of song quality, musicianship and versatility. Great Stuff!

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Rating Grade- A