A Bold and Playful Turn: “Da Ya Think I’m Sexy?” by Rod Stewart
In the late 1970s, when disco fever was at its peak, many rock artists faced a crossroads: to embrace the danceable, glittering new sound or stick to their established rock roots. Rod Stewart, with his distinctive raspy voice and charm, chose the former and released “Da Ya Think I’m Sexy?”, a song that would not only become a defining moment in his career but also a massive hit worldwide.
Released as the lead single from his ninth studio album, Blondes Have More Fun (1978), “Da Ya Think I’m Sexy?” showcased a significant shift from Stewart’s earlier work. Co-written by Stewart, Carmine Appice, and Duane Hitchings, the song cleverly weaved elements from different sources: the melody from Jorge Ben Jor’s “Taj Mahal” and the string arrangement from Bobby Womack’s “(If You Want My Love) Put Something Down On It”. This unique blend of influences created a track that was both familiar and refreshingly new.
Upon its release in November 1978, the song quickly climbed the charts. It dominated the UK Singles Chart, claiming the top spot for a week in December 1978, and went on to conquer the US Billboard Hot 100, where it reigned for four weeks in February 1979. The song’s infectious groove and Stewart’s charismatic performance resonated with audiences, propelling it to the top of the charts in Canada and Australia as well. By the end of 1979, Billboard had ranked it as the fourth top single of the year.
What sets “Da Ya Think I’m Sexy?” apart is not just its catchy tune but also its narrative. According to Carmine Appice, the song paints a vivid picture of a night out at a club, capturing the excitement and nervousness of a chance encounter. The lyrics describe a man and a woman eyeing each other from across the dance floor, leading to a brief but memorable liaison. The song’s playful and somewhat cheeky tone was a nod to the era’s social and cultural atmosphere, marked by the rise of disco and the accompanying nightlife.
Interestingly, the song’s success was not without its critics. Many rock purists saw it as a departure from Stewart’s bluesy rock origins and criticized him for jumping on the disco bandwagon. However, Stewart and his collaborators defended the song, pointing out that other respected rock artists, like Paul McCartney and The Rolling Stones, had also ventured into disco territory. In hindsight, “Da Ya Think I’m Sexy?” has earned a more favorable reappraisal, even making it to Rolling Stone’s 2004 list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.
Beyond its commercial success, the song also had a philanthropic angle. Stewart donated all royalties from “Da Ya Think I’m Sexy?” to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and performed it at the Music for UNICEF Concert at the United Nations General Assembly in January 1979, further cementing its legacy as a song that transcended mere entertainment.
“Da Ya Think I’m Sexy?” remains a quintessential track from the late ’70s, a testament to Rod Stewart’s ability to adapt and thrive in the ever-changing landscape of popular music. Its bold blend of rock and disco, combined with its narrative flair, ensures that it continues to be enjoyed by listeners of all ages, decades after its initial release.