The Rod Stewart Classic he never thought he could beat

Rod Stewart's Biggest Hit Wasn't His Favourite.

Few songs are as instantly recognisable as Maggie May. More than five decades after it topped the charts, the song remains one of the defining tracks of the 1970s and a staple of classic rock radio.

What's surprising is that Rod Stewart has often spoken more passionately about another song from the same era.

While Maggie May became the record that introduced millions of listeners to Stewart's unmistakable raspy voice and storytelling style, the singer has previously suggested he considered Every Picture Tells a Story among the strongest songs he ever wrote.

It's an interesting twist, considering Maggie May would go on to become one of the most successful songs of his career.

The early '70s marked a remarkable creative peak for Rod Stewart. Drawing inspiration from the soul and blues records he loved growing up, he mixed heartfelt vocals with folk, rock and rhythm and blues influences to create a sound that was entirely his own.

The result was a string of enduring classics that still resonate with audiences today.

Yet, despite Maggie May becoming the song most associated with his name, Rod Stewart viewed the title track of Every Picture Tells a Story as a standout achievement ... proof that artists don't always see their catalogues the same way fans do.

For listeners, Maggie May may always be the ultimate Rod Stewart song. For the man himself, the answer appears to be a little more complicated.