In the rich landscape of 1970s rock music, few songs resonate with the same nostalgic warmth and enduring charm as “Ooh La La” by The Faces. This track, nestled at the end of their final studio album, is a poignant mix of folk-infused melodies, heartfelt lyrics, and subtly intricate instrumentation. Though The Faces are often remembered for their rowdy, blues-rock energy, “Ooh La La” reveals a more reflective, acoustic side of the band—one that blends classic rock storytelling with folk instrumentation in a way that’s both timeless and emotionally resonant.
This piece of music is not just a footnote in the discography of the Faces—it’s a cultural artifact that continues to find new fans decades after its release. In this review, we’ll explore the album it came from, break down the sounds and instruments that make it so unique, and recommend similar songs for those looking to explore this style further.
Introducing the Album: Ooh La La (1973)
Released in 1973, Ooh La La marked the fourth and final studio album from The Faces. By this time, internal tensions within the band—most notably involving Rod Stewart’s increasing solo fame—were beginning to pull the group apart. Yet despite the friction, Ooh La La emerged as a cohesive and artistically rich album, one that balanced their signature swagger with a matured sense of introspection.
Unlike previous albums that leaned heavily on Stewart’s vocals, Ooh La La featured more democratic contributions. In fact, the song “Ooh La La” itself was sung not by Rod Stewart or Ronnie Lane, but by guitarist Ronnie Wood—marking the only Faces track with Wood on lead vocals. This creative shift gave the song a unique character, subtly detached from the rest of the band’s catalog while still feeling deeply rooted in their sound.
The album as a whole moves between barroom rockers and soft acoustic numbers, creating a compelling contrast that reflects the band’s musical evolution. Standout tracks like “Cindy Incidentally,” “Glad and Sorry,” and “If I’m on the Late Side” showcase a band both celebrating and eulogizing their own journey.
Instrumentation and Sonic Texture
At its heart, “Ooh La La” is a folk-rock ballad laced with acoustic charm. The song opens with a rhythmic acoustic guitar strum that sets a gentle, swaying tempo. This foundational strumming—courtesy of Ronnie Wood—is both simplistic and deliberate, inviting the listener into the song’s world with an unpretentious charm.
As the track unfolds, you’ll hear light percussion in the background: a snare brush, some gentle cymbal work, and tambourine. These percussive elements are subtle but vital, adding a rhythmic spine that supports the melodic flow without overwhelming it.
The electric guitar comes in during the chorus sections, adding a bright shimmer that contrasts beautifully with the more rustic acoustic lines. There’s a slight twang in the tone—almost country-like—which reinforces the song’s storytelling nature. Though not dominant, this guitar work adds an emotional edge to the otherwise subdued composition.
One of the most distinctive sonic features is the accordion, which floats gently above the mix and gives the track a wistful, old-world atmosphere. This touch sets “Ooh La La” apart from many other songs of its era—it bridges the folk roots of the past with the introspective songwriting that would come to define the 1970s.
Though piano doesn’t play a central role in this track, keyboardist Ian McLagan’s subtle organ flourishes add depth to the arrangement, blending smoothly into the background while filling out the mid-frequency space. In the context of the whole album, piano and organ are more prominent in other songs, but their restraint in “Ooh La La” speaks to the band’s deliberate choices in songcraft.
In summary, the song is a masterclass in restraint—each instrument serves the narrative, allowing the lyrics and melody to carry emotional weight without theatricality.
Lyrical Reflection: Wisdom Through Simplicity
The song’s famous refrain, “I wish that I knew what I know now, when I was younger,” is a universal sentiment wrapped in a deceptively simple lyric. It’s the kind of line that hits harder the older you get—a rare feat in rock songwriting, where bravado often overshadows introspection.
Written by Ronnie Lane and Ronnie Wood, the lyrics tell a story of hindsight and disillusionment, particularly in the context of love and relationships. The narrative voice shifts between generational advice and personal reflection, echoing folk traditions of passing wisdom through song.
What makes “Ooh La La” so moving is that it doesn’t come across as bitter or preachy. Instead, it captures the melancholy beauty of experience—a theme that resonates across age groups, cultures, and musical tastes.
Cultural Legacy and Modern Appeal
Despite not being released as a single at the time, “Ooh La La” has grown into one of The Faces’ most iconic songs. Its use in films, commercials, and television has helped keep it in the public consciousness. Most notably, it played a poignant role in Wes Anderson’s 1998 film Rushmore, exposing the song to an entirely new generation of listeners.
In recent years, it’s become a staple in coming-of-age playlists, Sunday morning mixes, and nostalgic retrospectives. The track’s accessibility—both lyrically and sonically—makes it appealing across genres, from folk to indie, country to classic rock.
This song is not only a highlight on the Ooh La La album but a perfect gateway for anyone looking to explore thoughtful songwriting within a rock framework. If you’re someone who appreciates a well-crafted piece of music that combines strong narrative with rich instrumentation, “Ooh La La” deserves a top spot in your library.
Recommended Listening: Songs with a Similar Feel
For those who find themselves drawn to the gentle reflection and folky textures of “Ooh La La,” here are a few more songs that echo its spirit:
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“Wild Horses” – The Rolling Stones
A country-tinged ballad that explores themes of vulnerability and emotional distance, with acoustic instrumentation and soulful vocals. -
“Wish You Were Here” – Pink Floyd
Another reflective acoustic piece, this one grapples with absence and longing through elegant guitar lines and minimalist production. -
“Thirteen” – Big Star
A quiet, tender ballad about young love, full of delicate guitar work and emotionally raw vocals. -
“Harvest Moon” – Neil Young
With a soft acoustic rhythm, understated piano, and Young’s unmistakable voice, this song shares “Ooh La La”’s reflective DNA. -
“Tuesday’s Gone” – Lynyrd Skynyrd
A slower southern rock anthem, rich with piano and guitar harmonies that evoke a similar mood of letting go and moving forward.
These tracks not only match the sonic palette but also share the lyrical sincerity that makes “Ooh La La” such a powerful listening experience.
Final Thoughts
“Ooh La La” by The Faces is more than just a closing track on a fading band’s final album—it’s a timeless anthem that captures the bittersweet nature of life experience. It manages to be both catchy and contemplative, easy to sing along to yet profound in its message.
In terms of musical structure, this album—and this song in particular—demonstrates how restraint, taste, and thoughtful arrangement can yield something deeply resonant. With acoustic guitar, soft percussion, accordion flourishes, and understated piano touches, it builds a textured landscape that supports one of the most memorable refrains in classic rock.
For those discovering The Faces for the first time, “Ooh La La” is an ideal starting point. For longtime fans, it remains a nostalgic gem that never loses its sparkle. Either way, this piece of music will continue to earn its place in the hearts of listeners for generations to come.
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Lyrics: Ooh La La
Poor old Grandad
Laughed at all his words
Thought he was a bitter man
He spoke of women’s ways
“They trap you, use you
Before you even know
Love is blind, you’re far too kind
Don’t ever let it show”I wish that I knew what I know now
When I was younger
I wish that I knew what I know now
When I was strongerCan-can such a pretty show
Steal your heart away
But backstage back on Earth again
The dressing rooms are gray
They come on strong but it ain’t too long
They make you feel a man
Use you and soon you’ll find
You’re just a boy againWish that I knew what I know now
When I was younger
Wish that I knew what I know now
When I was strongerWhen you want a kiss, you get her cheek
Makes you wonder where you are
If you want some more but she’s fast asleep
And she’s twinkling with the stars
Poor old grandson, there’s nothing I can say
You’ll have to learn, just like me
And that’s the hardest wayWish that I knew what I know now
When I was younger
Wish that I knew what I know now
When I was stronger
That I knew what I know now
When I was younger
I wish that I knew what I know now
When I was strongerOoh-la-la-la-la