“Ooh La La,” released by Faces in 1973, stands out as a track that has gained a remarkable resonance over the decades. While not a chart-topping single during its initial release, it has grown in significance, becoming a beloved gem in the band’s catalog. Written by Ronnie Lane and Ronnie Wood, and sung by Wood, “Ooh La La” embodies a unique blend of wistful reflection and vibrant energy. Its evolution from an album closer to a cultural touchstone is a story of how music can capture a sentiment that transcends time.
A Band at a Crossroads
By the time Faces released their fourth and final studio album, Ooh La La, the band was at a crucial juncture. The group, formed from the remnants of Small Faces after Steve Marriott’s departure, had achieved considerable success with earlier releases like A Nod Is as Good as a Wink… to a Blind Horse and had established themselves as one of the premier rock bands of the early 1970s. However, tensions within the group, particularly due to Rod Stewart’s simultaneous solo career, were beginning to take their toll.
Stewart’s increasing focus on his solo work created a sense of uncertainty within the band. The recording of Ooh La La was marked by internal strife, with Stewart himself expressing dissatisfaction with the album, which he called a “stinking rotten album.” This tension, coupled with Stewart’s limited involvement, led to Ronnie Lane taking a more prominent role in the creative process. The result was an album that leaned more heavily on Lane’s introspective songwriting and Wood’s gritty, soulful guitar work.
“Ooh La La,” the title track, encapsulates this period of transition for Faces. It’s a song that captures the band’s raw, unpolished charm while hinting at the melancholy that comes with change. With Stewart taking a backseat, Wood stepped into the vocal spotlight, lending the song an earthiness that set it apart from much of the band’s earlier work. This shift not only highlighted the band’s versatility but also underscored the dynamics at play within the group as they navigated their evolving identities.
Production and Musical Innovation
The production of “Ooh La La” reflects Faces’ approach to music—unfussy, organic, and grounded in the interplay of its members. The track was recorded with a loose, almost live feel, which was typical of the band’s style. Unlike the more polished productions that were becoming popular in the early 1970s, Faces favored a more straightforward approach, capturing the spontaneity and energy of their performances.
This production style is particularly evident in “Ooh La La.” The instrumentation is rooted in a folk-rock sensibility, with acoustic guitars driving the melody while electric flourishes add texture. The rhythm section, provided by Kenney Jones on drums and Lane on bass, is understated yet effective, providing a steady backbone that allows the song’s other elements to shine. The interplay between Wood’s guitar and Ian McLagan’s keyboards is subtle but crucial, creating a sound that is rich in nuance despite its apparent simplicity.
The decision to have Wood sing lead vocals on the track was a notable departure from the band’s norm, where Stewart usually handled the vocals. This choice was reportedly due to Stewart’s reluctance to sing the song, but it ended up being a defining feature of the track. Wood’s vocal delivery, while not as technically polished as Stewart’s, carries an authenticity that perfectly matches the song’s mood. His voice, slightly ragged and full of character, adds a layer of sincerity that resonates with listeners.
Cultural Resonance and Rediscovery
“Ooh La La” experienced a relatively quiet initial reception. The song wasn’t released as a single in the UK, and the album itself received mixed reviews at the time. However, as the years passed, the track began to gain a new life, resonating with a broader audience. Its simple, yet poignant message struck a chord with listeners, and it became a song that was passed down through generations.
The song’s resurgence can be attributed in part to its inclusion in various films, television shows, and commercials, which helped introduce it to younger audiences. Its use in the 1998 film Rushmore by director Wes Anderson, for example, played a significant role in bringing the song to a new audience. Anderson’s films often feature carefully curated soundtracks that evoke a sense of nostalgia, and “Ooh La La” fit perfectly into this aesthetic, leading many to seek out the original recording.
As “Ooh La La” found its place in popular culture, it became a song that people turned to for comfort and reflection. Its themes of wisdom, experience, and the passage of time resonated with listeners of all ages, making it a song that was both timeless and timely. It’s a track that has aged gracefully, its appeal only growing as its layers of meaning are discovered by new generations.
The Legacy of Faces and “Ooh La La”
The enduring popularity of “Ooh La La” is a testament to the legacy of Faces. While the band may not have achieved the same level of fame as some of their contemporaries, their influence on rock music is undeniable. They were a band that prioritized feel over precision, soul over technicality, and their music reflects this ethos. “Ooh La La” is a prime example of this, a song that captures the spirit of Faces in its most distilled form.
The track’s legacy is also tied to the individual members of Faces, particularly Ronnie Lane and Ronnie Wood. Lane’s songwriting, often introspective and deeply personal, shines on “Ooh La La.” It’s a song that reflects his sensibilities, blending folk influences with rock to create something uniquely his own. Wood, too, is integral to the track’s success. His guitar work and vocal performance bring the song to life, showcasing his versatility as a musician.
After Faces disbanded in 1975, the members went on to achieve further success in their careers, but “Ooh La La” remains a touchstone for fans of the band. The song’s popularity has endured in part because it feels genuine—it’s a product of a band that was true to itself, even in the face of internal challenges. It’s a song that has outlasted the band that created it, a testament to the strength of the music and the connections it forged with listeners.
Conclusion: The Enduring Appeal of “Ooh La La”
“Ooh La La” by Faces is a song that has transcended its origins to become a beloved classic. Its journey from an album track to a cultural milestone is a reflection of its timeless quality and the way it continues to resonate with listeners across generations. The song captures a moment in time for Faces, a band at a crossroads, and in doing so, it has captured the hearts of those who find meaning in its melodies and sentiments.
The song’s appeal lies in its authenticity, its simplicity, and its emotional depth. It’s a track that invites reflection and connection, offering a musical experience that is both comforting and profound. As it continues to be discovered and rediscovered by new audiences, “Ooh La La” stands as a reminder of the enduring power of music to speak to the human experience in ways that are both universal and deeply personal.
