Ooh La La

The Zoo Crew is spinning the classic track "Ooh La La" by Faces, from their 1973 album of the same name, and the Zoo Freaks are surely vibing to its nostalgic charm. This song, a standout in the Faces' catalog, has a fascinating backstory. Written by Ronnie Lane and Ronnie Wood, "Ooh La La" features a rare lead vocal by Wood, a departure from the usual frontman Rod Stewart or occasional vocalist Lane. According to lore, both Stewart and Lane tried recording the lead vocals but were dissatisfied with their takes—Stewart reportedly claimed the song was in the wrong key for him. Producer Glyn Johns suggested Wood step up, and his warm, slightly rough delivery became the definitive version, capturing the song’s reflective tale of a grandfather warning his grandson about the pitfalls of love. Wood later recalled the band playfully teasing him during the session, saying he couldn’t hit the notes, but the result was a track that landed at No. 246 on Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Songs of All Time in 2021. The song’s enduring appeal is evident in its use in films like Rushmore (1998) and Without a Paddle (2004), cementing its place in pop culture.

Adding to the song’s trivia, Rod Stewart’s relationship with "Ooh La La" is a tale of redemption. Initially, he was critical of the entire album, calling it a “stinking rotten album” in interviews with New Musical Express and Melody Maker shortly after its release, a move that deepened tensions within the band. His comments contributed to Ronnie Lane’s departure from Faces soon after the album dropped. However, Stewart softened his stance over time, covering "Ooh La La" on his 1998 album When We Were the New Boys as a tribute to Lane, who had passed away in 1997. The cover reached No. 2 in the UK charts, proving the song’s lasting resonance. Ronnie Lane also revisited the track with his post-Faces band Slim Chance, recording a version with slightly altered lyrics, though it wasn’t released in his lifetime. The song’s creation during a turbulent time for Faces, marked by Stewart’s solo career pulling him away from the band, made it what keyboardist Ian McLagan called “Ronnie [Lane]’s album,” with Lane’s songwriting shaping its introspective vibe.

The Faces, born from the ashes of the Small Faces, came together in 1969 with a lineup that blended grit and charisma. After Steve Marriott left the Small Faces to form Humble Pie, the remaining members—Ronnie Lane (bass), Ian McLagan (keyboards), and Kenney Jones (drums)—recruited Rod Stewart (vocals) and Ronnie Wood (guitar), both fresh from the Jeff Beck Group. The new quintet, initially called Quiet Melon for a brief stint, adopted the name Faces and signed with Warner Bros. Their debut album, First Step (1970), showcased their loose, soulful rock sound, blending boozy swagger with heartfelt songwriting. The band’s early days were defined by their raucous live performances and camaraderie, though tensions arose as Stewart’s solo career, propelled by hits like “Maggie May,” began to overshadow the group. Despite internal strife, Faces released four studio albums, with "Ooh La La" as their final chapter in 1973, before disbanding in 1975 when Wood joined The Rolling Stones and Stewart focused on his solo work.

Faces’ legacy lives on through their official channels and fan communities. You can explore their music and history on Ronnie Wood’s official website at ronniewood.com, which includes Faces’ discography and updates. The band’s official Facebook page shares throwbacks and anniversary posts, like a March 2023 post celebrating "Ooh La La"’s release. On Instagram, Ronnie Wood (@ronniewood) occasionally posts Faces-related content, while his X account (@ronniewood) engages fans with album anniversary shoutouts, such as one in March 2025 asking for favorite tracks from the album. While the Faces don’t have an official Instagram, fan-driven accounts like @faces_fans_unofficial keep the spirit alive with vintage photos and trivia. Fan communities thrive on platforms like The Faces Fan Group on Facebook, where enthusiasts share memories, rare recordings, and album art. For deeper dives, fan sites like the-faces.com offer detailed histories, discographies, and concert archives, making it a go-to for Zoo Freaks wanting to geek out over Faces lore.