A Whimsical Jaunt into Fleeting Romance: Faces’ Enduring Charm with “Ooh La La”
Ah, “Ooh La La”, a song that still drifts through the corridors of memory like a sweet, slightly tipsy whisper from a bygone era. Released in the early spring of 1973, this gem from the raucous and wonderfully disheveled British rock band Faces quickly climbed the charts, nestling comfortably in the Top 20 in both the United Kingdom and the United States. It peaked at number 15 on the Billboard Hot 100, a testament to its infectious melody and relatable, if somewhat cheeky, narrative.
The story behind “Ooh La La” is as charmingly unpretentious as the song itself. Penned primarily by the band’s guitarist Ronnie Wood and keyboardist Ian McLagan, with significant contributions from the rest of the group – the legendary Rod Stewart on vocals, Ronnie Lane on bass, and Kenney Jones on drums – it wasn’t initially intended to be a single. In fact, Rod Stewart, the band’s charismatic frontman, initially found the tune a bit too low-key for his powerful voice. As fate would have it, the more understated vocal delivery by Ronnie Wood on the recorded version lent the song a unique, almost conversational intimacy that resonated deeply with listeners. This happy accident became one of Faces’ most beloved and enduring hits, a staple on classic rock radio and a nostalgic touchstone for those of us who remember those freewheeling days.
Lyrically, “Ooh La La” captures the bittersweet essence of a young man’s initial foray into the bewildering world of romance. It speaks of the naive excitement and inevitable pitfalls of early relationships, the well-meaning but often clumsy advice passed down from older generations, and the somewhat cynical yet ultimately endearing realization that love can be both exhilarating and fleeting. The repeated phrase “Ooh la la” itself acts as a gentle sigh, a knowing acknowledgment of the unpredictable nature of affairs of the heart. It’s the sound of a shared secret, a conspiratorial wink across a crowded room, a recognition of the universal experience of navigating those first tentative steps into love.
The song’s enduring appeal lies not just in its catchy melody and relatable lyrics, but also in its wonderfully loose and slightly shambolic musicality, which was the hallmark of Faces. Unlike some of their more hard-rocking contemporaries, “Ooh La La” possesses a gentle, almost pub-rock swagger. The interplay between the acoustic guitars, the subtle organ swells, and the understated rhythm section creates a warm and inviting atmosphere, like a cozy evening spent with old friends, sharing stories and a pint or two. It’s a sound that feels lived-in, authentic, and utterly devoid of pretense.
“Ooh La La” appeared on Faces’ fourth and final studio album, aptly titled Ooh La La, released in the same year. While the album itself enjoyed moderate success, the title track became its undeniable standout, a song that transcended the album and became a defining moment in the band’s relatively short but incredibly influential career. Faces, known for their boisterous live performances and their blend of bluesy rock and roll with a distinctly British sensibility, left an indelible mark on the musical landscape of the early 1970s, and “Ooh La La” remains one of their most cherished contributions.
Thinking back to those times, “Ooh La La” was more than just a song; it was a feeling. It was the soundtrack to first dances, tentative hand-holding, and the hopeful optimism of youth. It reminds us of a time when things felt a little less complicated, when a simple melody and heartfelt lyrics could capture the messy, beautiful experience of growing up and falling in (and sometimes out of) love. It’s a song that continues to evoke a sense of warmth and nostalgia, a gentle reminder of the enduring power of a well-crafted tune to transport us back to moments that still resonate within our hearts. So, let the familiar chords wash over you, and allow yourself to be swept away once more by the whimsical charm of Faces and their timeless classic, “Ooh La La”.