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Foolish Behaviour
Studio album by
Rod Stewart
Released21 November 1980
RecordedNovember–December 1979; February–September 1980
StudioRecord Plant; Cherokee Studios, Los Angeles
Genre
Length41:01
LabelWarner Bros., Riva
ProducerHarry the Hook, The Rod Stewart Group, Jeremy Andrew Johns (except "She Won’t Dance With Me" – Tom Dowd)
Rod Stewart chronology
Rod Stewart Greatest Hits Vol.1
(1979) 		Foolish Behaviour
(1980) 		Tonight I'm Yours
(1981)
Singles from Foolish Behaviour
  1. "Passion"
    Released: October 1980[1]
  2. "My Girl"
    Released: December 1980
  3. "Somebody Special"
    Released: March 1981 (US)
  4. "Oh God, I Wish I Was Home Tonight"
    Released: March 1981 (UK)
  5. "Gi' Me Wings"
    Released: May 1981 (Japan)
Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusicStarStar[2]
Robert ChristgauC+[3]
Record MirrorStarStarStar[4]
Smash Hits6/10[5]

Foolish Behaviour is the tenth studio album by Rod Stewart, released on 21 November 1980, through Riva label in the United Kingdom and on Warner Bros. Records in the United States. The tracks were recorded at The Record Plant Studios and Cherokee Studios in Los Angeles from February to September 1980. "Passion", "My Girl", "Somebody Special", "Oh God, I Wish I Was Home Tonight" and "Gi' Me Wings" were released as singles.

The video to another song on the album, "She Won't Dance With Me", was the third video to be played on MTV when it launched 1 August 1981. The lyrics contain the use of the word "fuck" which was edited out by means of a foghorn sound playing over the offending word, and a crudely superimposed heron covering Stewart's mouth. In order to maintain a sense of continuity, the heron can briefly be seen again at around the 2.00 mark, attacking the backing singers before flying off.[6]

Track listing

[edit]

All tracks written by Rod Stewart, Phil Chen, Kevin Savigar, Jim Cregan and Gary Grainger; except where noted.

Side one

  1. "Better off Dead" (Stewart, Chen, Savigar, Carmine Appice) – 3:07
  2. "Passion" – 5:29
  3. "Foolish Behaviour" – 4:24
  4. "So Soon We Change" – 3:44
  5. "Oh God, I Wish I Was Home Tonight" – 5:02

Side two

  1. "Gi' Me Wings" – 3:47
  2. "My Girl" (Stewart, Chen, Savigar, Cregan, Grainger, Appice) – 4:27
  3. "She Won’t Dance with Me" (Stewart, Jorge Ben) – 2:30
  4. "Somebody Special" (Stewart, Steve Harley, Chen, Savigar, Cregan, Grainger) – 4:29
  5. "Say It Ain’t True" – 4:02

German cassette release bonus track

  1. "I Just Wanna Make Love to You" (Live) (Willie Dixon)
  • "Passion" was also released as a promo 12" single with a track length of 7:30. This extended version was also a bonus track on the US 8-track and US cassette releases.

Personnel

[edit]
Technical
  • Rick Charles Delena – second engineer
  • Mixed by Jeremy Andrew Johns and the Somerset Segovia
  • Karat Faye – engineer

Charts

[edit]
Chart (1981) Peak
position
Australian Albums (Kent Music Report)[7] 9

Certifications

[edit]
Region Certification Certified units/sales
Canada (Music Canada)[8] Platinum 100,000^
France (SNEP)[9] Gold 100,000*
New Zealand (RMNZ)[10] Platinum 15,000^
United Kingdom (BPI)[11] Platinum 300,000^
United States (RIAA)[12] Platinum 1,000,000^

* Sales figures based on certification alone.
^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Foolish Behaviour

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from Grokipedia
Foolish Behaviour is the tenth studio album by English rock singer Rod Stewart, released on 21 November 1980 through Riva Records in the United Kingdom and Warner Bros. Records in the United States. The album was primarily produced by Stewart alongside members of his backing band, the Rod Stewart Group, with co-production credits to engineer Andy Johns on select tracks. Featuring ten original songs written mostly by Stewart and his collaborators, Foolish Behaviour blends with elements of new wave and , reflecting Stewart's evolving style during a period of personal and professional excess in . Key tracks include the lead single "Passion", an original song inspired by Latin rhythms, as well as "My Girl" and "Gi' Me Wings", which were also released as singles. Commercially, the album achieved significant success, peaking at number 4 on the with 13 weeks in the Top 100 and reaching number 12 on the , where it spent 21 weeks and ranked 89th in the year-end chart for 1981. It also performed well internationally, attaining number 9 in and number 8 in , and has sold over 1.3 million copies in the alone, certified gold by the RIAA. Critically, Foolish Behaviour received mixed reception upon release, praised for its energetic production and Stewart's charismatic vocals but critiqued for its glossy, party-oriented vibe amid his rock roots; retrospective views often highlight it as an underrated entry in his .

Background

Career context

In the mid-1970s, Rod Stewart relocated from the United Kingdom to Los Angeles, primarily to escape the high personal income taxes imposed on top earners in Britain, marking a significant shift in his professional and personal life. This move coincided with his departure from Mercury Records and signing with Warner Bros. Records, where he released Atlantic Crossing in 1975, establishing a new American-focused phase in his career. Following the dissolution of the Faces in 1975, Stewart assembled the Rod Stewart Group as his primary backing band, transitioning from his earlier collaborative rock ensemble to a more streamlined solo operation centered on his vocal style and pop sensibilities. By the late 1970s, Stewart's career had achieved substantial commercial success under Warner Bros., with albums like (1977) and (1978) both reaching multi-platinum status in the United States, certified 3x Platinum by the RIAA for sales exceeding three million units each. These releases reflected a deliberate evolution from his raw, blues-rock roots toward more accessible, pop-oriented material, incorporating influences amid the genre's dominance in mainstream music at the time. The blockbuster performance of singles such as "Hot Legs" from and the disco-infused "Da Ya Think I'm Sexy?" from —which topped the and sold over two million copies—intensified commercial expectations from Warner Bros. for continued high-selling output. Central to this trajectory were long-term collaborators like guitarist , who joined Stewart's band in 1976 and served as musical director, co-producer, and co-writer on several tracks, and keyboardist Kevin Savigar, who integrated into the group by 1978, contributing to songwriting and production. Their involvement provided continuity amid Stewart's stylistic shifts, helping bridge his rock heritage with emerging pop trends while navigating the label's push for broader market appeal leading into the 1980 release of Foolish Behaviour.

Album development

The development of Foolish Behaviour marked Rod Stewart's effort to transition from the disco-heavy sound of his late 1970s albums, such as (1978), toward a blend of rock energy and pop accessibility, reflecting a desire for up-tempo, party-oriented tracks with greater studio polish. This shift was influenced by Stewart's immersion in Hollywood's social scene, where excessive partying, alcohol, and shaped the album's swaggering, indulgent tone, as he later reflected in his : "Too much partying, too much booze, and a few too many dabs of recreational might have had something to do with it." Songwriting for the album was largely a collaborative process within Stewart's core band, with most tracks co-authored by Stewart alongside bassist Phil Chen, keyboardist Kevin Savigar, guitarist Jim Cregan, and guitarist Gary Grainger, emphasizing themes drawn from Stewart's personal experiences in relationships, nightlife, and fleeting emotions. Notable exceptions included the cover of "My Girl," originally written by Smokey Robinson and Ronald White in 1964, which Stewart adapted without new co-writers, and "She Won't Dance with Me," handled as a distinct production led by Tom Dowd rather than the group's typical team. Tracks like "Passion" and the title song incorporated additional contributions from external figures, such as Chic's Bernard Edwards and Nile Rodgers on "Foolish Behaviour," adding a subtle disco-inflected groove while aligning with the album's overall intent to balance rock roots with danceable elements. Pre-production efforts focused on crafting initial demos and conducting band rehearsals in , laying the groundwork for the album's energetic arrangements and Stewart's raspy, narrative-driven vocals, which drew directly from his lived excesses to infuse the material with authenticity. This phase allowed the group to refine the set's structure, prioritizing radio-friendly hooks and a lively, unpretentious vibe dedicated to fans who "enjoy a laugh and a ," as noted in the album's .

Recording

Studio locations and timeline

The primary recording sessions for Foolish Behaviour took place at and , both located in , . These venues, known for hosting major rock productions during the era, provided the facilities for tracking the album's core instrumentation and subsequent overdubs. Recording commenced in February 1980 and extended through September 1980, encompassing initial tracking, overdubs, and mixing phases. According to the album's inner sleeve notes, the process unfolded over this eight-month span but totaled approximately four months of active studio time, reflecting an intermittent schedule. This prolonged timeline was shaped by Rod Stewart's demanding commitments, including recovery from prior touring and preparations for the Foolish Behaviour Tour, which began in October 1980 shortly after sessions concluded. The intermittent nature allowed flexibility amid his Los Angeles-based lifestyle but extended the overall production period beyond a typical continuous album cycle.

Production process

The production of Foolish Behaviour was led by Rod Stewart under his pseudonym Harry the Hook, in collaboration with the Rod Stewart Group and engineer Jeremy Andrew Johns. This team handled the majority of the album, emphasizing a collaborative approach where Stewart and his backing band co-wrote and shaped the material during sessions that ran from February to September 1980. The track "She Won’t Dance With Me" stood apart, with production overseen by renowned engineer and producer , known for his work with artists like . Recording techniques focused on capturing a louder, rock-driven sound compared to Stewart's prior disco-infused efforts, incorporating thumpy rhythms, keyboard hooks, and an added layer of studio polish through instrumentation and arrangements. Final mixing contributed to the album's sleek, mainstream-ready finish. A key challenge in the process was integrating Stewart's signature raspy vocals with the polished production to maintain his rock authenticity while broadening appeal to pop audiences amid the era's evolving trends.

Composition

Musical style

Foolish Behaviour represents a shift in Rod Stewart's sound, blending with emerging new wave and elements, while distancing itself from the disco-heavy approach of his previous album, (1978). The production emphasizes a cleaner, more polished aesthetic suited to early pop, incorporating dance-infused anthems and synth-heavy melodies that signal a transition toward contemporary pop production styles. This evolution results in a guitar-driven energy that revitalizes Stewart's rock roots, creating a sonic palette that balances upbeat, rhythmic tracks with smoother, radio-friendly ballads. Instrumentation plays a central role in defining the album's texture, with prominent electric and acoustic guitars courtesy of providing a robust, Faces-era rock foundation and driving the energetic tracks. Keyboards by Kevin Savigar add atmospheric layers and subtle new wave influences through synth elements and recurring hooks, while the rhythm section—featuring bassist and drummer —delivers a tight, propulsive groove that underscores the album's rock-oriented pulse. These elements enhance the overall danceable yet rock-infused vibe without overpowering the organic band dynamic. The album draws influences from Stewart's past with the Faces, evident in the swaggering rock arrangements and raw energy that permeate several cuts, evoking the group's loose, pub-rock spirit. It also incorporates soul through a cover of "My Girl," infusing the collection with rhythmic bounce and harmonic warmth reminiscent of R&B. These elements, combined with the era's pop production sheen, position Foolish Behaviour as a bridge between Stewart's heritage and the evolving 1980s landscape. Most tracks were co-written by Stewart with his collaborators , Kevin Savigar, , and .

Lyrics and themes

The lyrics of Foolish Behaviour center on themes of relationships, regret, and , reflecting Stewart's tumultuous amid the excesses of Hollywood. Drawing from his time in , where he immersed himself in marked by isolation and indulgence, Stewart infused the with autobiographical elements of partying and emotional disconnection. As he confessed, the record's vibe stemmed from “too much partying, too much booze, and a few too many dabs of recreational ,” capturing a sense of fleeting through and relational turmoil. The title track "Foolish Behaviour" exemplifies impulsive romance as a reckless escape from domestic frustration, with the narrator fantasizing about murdering his wife before meeting a woman and succumbing to a spontaneous , only to label it "foolish" in a mix of bravado and underlying regret. Similarly, "Oh God, I Wish I Was Home Tonight" delves into and isolation, portraying a weary traveler longing for familial comfort amid the alienation of constant touring and demands, underscoring regret for choices that prioritize fame over personal connections. These motifs contrast with the nostalgic cover of "My Girl," a classic that offers sentimental reflection on innocent love, providing emotional relief from the album's edgier explorations of relational . Stewart's songwriting on the album reveals raw personal expression, blending humor and vulnerability to navigate themes of love's pitfalls and the search for solace. His signature raspy vocal delivery heightens this emotional depth, delivering lines with a gritty authenticity that conveys both swagger and fragility, particularly in introspective tracks like "So Soon We Change," where he laments how relationships evolve from playful youth to routine.

Release and promotion

Album launch

Foolish Behaviour was released on 21 November 1980 by Riva Records in the and Records in the United States. The album was primarily issued as a vinyl LP, with some editions including a large fold-out and printed inner . Other formats available at launch encompassed cassettes and 8-track cartridges, though the vinyl configuration dominated initial distribution. The packaging highlighted a cover of dressed in a , posed against a backdrop that evoked urban sophistication and the album's themes of modern . This imagery aligned with Stewart's evolving image as a polished rock performer during the early . The reverse side and inner materials included track listings, credits, and promotional notes tying into his contemporary sound. Initial marketing efforts centered on synchronizing the album's rollout with Stewart's supporting world tour, which commenced in October 1980 and extended into 1981 across , , and beyond. The tour served as a key promotional vehicle, featuring live performances of album tracks alongside Stewart's hits to build momentum for the release. This strategy capitalized on his established fanbase, with tour programs incorporating album and highlights to drive physical sales.

Singles and videos

The lead single from Foolish Behaviour, "Passion", was released in October 1980 and became the album's biggest hit, peaking at number 5 on the and number 2 on the Canadian RPM Top Singles chart. In the UK, it reached number 17 on the Official Singles Chart. The track, backed by "Better Off Dead" on the single, featured an extended 12-inch promotional version that emphasized its rock-disco fusion for radio airplay. Follow-up single "My Girl" arrived in December 1980, charting at number 32 in the UK but failing to crack the Top 40, with limited commercial impact outside and where it peaked at number 42. Subsequent singles targeted regional markets with varying success; "Somebody Special" was issued in March 1981 primarily in the and , receiving modest radio play and peaking at number 71 on the Hot 100. "Oh God, I Wish I Was Home Tonight" followed as a 12-inch maxi-single in and other European territories in mid-1981, appealing to enthusiasts though it did not prominently. The album's fifth and final single, "Gi' Me Wings", was released in May 1981 mainly in , where it garnered local promotion, and peaked at number 45 on the Mainstream Rock Tracks . Promotion efforts highlighted upbeat tracks like "Better Off Dead" for radio, positioning it as a lively B-side to drive album sales through energetic on rock stations. A notable video milestone came with "She Won't Dance With Me", which aired as the third music video on MTV's launch on August 1, 1981, following The Buggles' "Video Killed the Radio Star" and Pat Benatar's "You Better Run". Directed in a setting, the clip featured Stewart pursuing an elusive woman amid dancers, but required of the word "" in the lyrics for broadcast suitability. This early exposure helped boost the album's visibility in the emerging video era, though the track itself was not released as a commercial single.

Critical reception

Contemporary reviews

Upon its release in November 1980, Foolish Behaviour elicited mixed reactions from critics, who appreciated the album's energetic performances and Stewart's vocal charisma but often faulted its polished production and lyrical shallowness for marking a further commercial shift away from his rock roots. Robert Christgau assigned the album a C+ grade in his Village Voice consumer guide, acknowledging that Stewart did not deserve undue punk scorn since "rock Hollywood has spawned worse corruption" and his band was "tougher and cooler than the Stranglers ever were." However, he criticized the crude repetitions in tracks like the title song—such as invoking "kill my wife" multiple times—and the overly simplistic use of "Passion" as a catch-all theme, while lamenting the buried placement of the vulnerable ballad "Oh God, I Wish I Was Home Tonight" on what he predicted would be a forgettable platinum-seller. Simon of Record Mirror rated the album four out of five stars ("Buy It"), viewing it as a formulaic but effective Christmas-season follow-up to Stewart's prior successes. He highlighted the rock 'n' roll drive of "Better Off Dead," the redeeming piano and in the repetitive "Passion," and the retrogressive, Faces-evoking swagger of the title track, while noting Side 2's mix of crooners and uptempo numbers like "She Won’t Dance With Me." Overall, Ludgate found it neither exceptional nor poor, but consistently energetic. Debra Rae Cohen's review in Rolling Stone echoed this ambivalence, praising specific moments like the "pounding" rhythm of "Gi' Me Wings" bolstered by Valerie Carter's soaring backups and the soulful duet quality of "Somebody Special" with , but critiquing the album's glossy overproduction that overshadowed Stewart's rasp on lesser material.

Retrospective views

In later critiques, has maintained a middling assessment of Foolish Behaviour, rating it 3 out of 5 stars and describing it as a bland yet professional pop/rock effort that smoothed out the excesses of its predecessor, , positioning the album as a transitional work in Stewart's discography. This view frames it as a "filler" album amid Stewart's shift toward more polished production, though the review praises the band's consistent professionalism even in weaker moments. Positive notes often highlight "Passion" as a standout track, with Stewart himself reflecting in his 2012 memoir Rod on its energetic appeal during a period of personal excess, calling it a highlight amid the album's indulgences. Culturally, the album has been reevaluated as emblematic of the early adult-oriented rock (AOR) radio sound, capturing Stewart's dominance in the pop landscape through its blend of rock swagger and accessible hooks at the peak of his commercial success. Biographies and overviews of Stewart's career frequently reference Foolish Behaviour as a marker of his transition into mainstream pop stardom, underscoring the era's Hollywood-fueled extravagance that influenced its "trashy" yet entertaining vibe. Scholarly analysis of the album remains limited, with most discussions appearing in broader music histories rather than dedicated studies, though it receives occasional mentions in examinations of MTV's formative years due to the "Passion" video's inclusion among the channel's first 100 airings on August 1, 1981. This placement ties it to the visual revolution in music promotion, contrasting with its otherwise sparse academic footprint compared to Stewart's earlier Faces-era work.

Commercial performance

Chart performance

Foolish Behaviour achieved moderate commercial success upon release, peaking within the top 20 on several major album charts in English-speaking countries. In the , the album reached number 4 on the Official Albums Chart in late 1980. In the United States, it peaked at number 12 on the in early 1981. The album performed strongly in , attaining number 9 on the albums chart in 1981. Additional peaks included number 8 in on the RPM Top 100 Albums chart and number 3 in on the RIANZ albums chart.
CountryPeak PositionChartYear
United Kingdom4Official Albums Chart1980
United States12Billboard 2001981
Australia9Kent Music Report1981
Canada8RPM Top 100 Albums1981
New Zealand3RIANZ Albums Chart1980
The album spent 13 weeks on the and a total of 12 weeks on the US Billboard 200. It ranked 60th on the UK year-end chart in 1980 and 89th on the US Billboard 200 year-end chart in 1981. Among its singles, "Passion" reached number 17 on the UK Singles Chart, contributing to the album's visibility. The album's chart performance was strongest in English-speaking markets, bolstered by Rod Stewart's extensive tour promotion across the , , , , and during 1980–1981.

Certifications and sales

Foolish Behaviour achieved several certifications across international markets shortly after its release. In the , the was certified by the (RIAA) on March 4, 1981, denoting shipments of 1,000,000 units. In the , it received a from the (BPI) on January 8, 1981, for sales exceeding 300,000 copies. Additional certifications include awards in for 100,000 units in 1982 and in for 15,000 units, as well as a in for 100,000 units in 1983.
CountryCertificationUnits SoldDate
United StatesPlatinum1,000,000March 4, 1981
United KingdomPlatinum300,000January 8, 1981
CanadaPlatinum100,0001982
FranceGold100,0001983
New ZealandPlatinum15,000N/A
These certifications reflect the album's strong initial commercial reception, bolstered by hit singles such as "Passion" and supporting tours. Worldwide, Foolish Behaviour has sold an estimated 2.9 million copies, contributing to Rod Stewart's series of multi-platinum albums throughout the 1980s.

Track listing

All original tracks written by Rod Stewart, Phil Chen, Kevin Savigar, Jim Cregan, and Gary Grainger unless otherwise noted.

Side one

Side one of the original LP pressing of Foolish Behaviour opens the album with a sequence of tracks blending rock energy and pop sensibilities, totaling approximately 21 minutes.
  • "Better off Dead" (Stewart, Chen, Savigar, Appice) – 3:07, serves as the upbeat rock opener, co-written by Rod Stewart, Phil Chen, Kevin Savigar, and Carmine Appice.
  • "Passion" – 5:29, the lead single, features prominent synth hooks and was co-written by Rod Stewart, Phil Chen, Kevin Savigar, Jim Cregan, and Gary Grainger.
  • "Foolish Behaviour" – 4:24, the title track, was co-written by Rod Stewart, Phil Chen, Kevin Savigar, Jim Cregan, and Gary Grainger.
  • "So Soon We Change" – 3:44 provides a mid-tempo shift and was co-written by Rod Stewart, Phil Chen, Kevin Savigar, Jim Cregan, and Gary Grainger.
  • "Oh God, I Wish I Was Home Tonight" – 5:01, the side-closing ballad, was co-written by Rod Stewart, Phil Chen, Kevin Savigar, Jim Cregan, and Gary Grainger.
All tracks adhere to the original vinyl sequencing for side one on the 1980 LP release.

Side two

Side two of the original LP release of Foolish Behaviour opens with energetic rock tracks and transitions into a cover, a punchy single, a heartfelt , and a poignant closer, providing a dynamic close to the album that blends Stewart's raspy vocals with brass and string arrangements. The sequencing emphasizes a looser, more experimental feel compared to side one, incorporating influences from rock and soul while showcasing Stewart's versatility.
No.TitleWriter(s)LengthDescription
1"Gi' Me Wings", , Kevin Savigar, , 3:47An upbeat rock anthem driven by a burbling and horns, evoking a sense of freedom with its studio-polished energy.
2"My Girl", Ronald White4:27A faithful cover of the 1964 Motown classic originally by , reinterpreted with Stewart's gravelly delivery and added string arrangements for a soulful, nostalgic vibe.
3"She Won't Dance with Me", Jorge Ben Jor2:30A brisk, new wave-inflected single featuring a sharp guitar riff and a raw, Faces-like barn-burner energy, highlighted by a standout solo; it was released as a single with an accompanying .
4"Somebody Special", Steve Harley, , Kevin Savigar, , 4:29A mid-tempo personal tribute enhanced by strings, offering an intimate reflection on connection and loss in a smooth, Quiet Storm-adjacent style.
5"Say It Ain't True", , Kevin Savigar, , 4:02The album's closing track, a sweeping delivered in Stewart's signature emotive style, providing a reflective and soaring finale reminiscent of his earlier hits like "."

Personnel

Musicians

The musicians on Foolish Behaviour were led by , who provided lead vocals throughout the album and played harmonica on select tracks. The core band consisted of on guitars for most tracks, on bass guitar, Kevin Savigar on keyboards, and on drums. Notable guest performers included , who contributed to the title track "Foolish Behaviour"; , who played bass on "Gi' Me Wings"; and , who provided guitar on select tracks including "Foolish Behaviour" and "Gi' Me Wings". Backing vocals were supplied by , , and Tony Brock on "Foolish Behaviour". Additional musical contributions came from on percussion for tracks such as "Better Off Dead" and "My Girl", Sid Page on for "Oh God, I Wish I Was Home Tonight", and Earl Price on for "Gi' Me Wings".

Production personnel

The production of Foolish Behaviour was overseen by producers Harry the Hook (Rod Stewart's pseudonym), the Rod Stewart Group, and , who handled the majority of the tracks. The exception was the track "She Won't Dance With Me", produced by . Karat Faye served as the primary recording engineer, while Rick Charles Delena acted as second engineer. Mixing duties were shared by and . Album design and concept were credited to Harry the Hook.

Legacy

Reissues and remasters

The album Foolish Behaviour by was first reissued on CD in 1989 by Warner Bros. Records in , marking an early transition to digital formats with the standard 10-track lineup from the original 1980 LP. This edition maintained the core audio from the vinyl but benefited from the cleaner production of technology, though it was not explicitly remastered at the time. A significant remastered and expanded edition was released in 2009 by Rhino Records (a imprint), featuring improved through digital remastering that enhanced clarity and dynamics in the original analog recordings produced in 1980 at and Studios in . This version added six bonus tracks, including live performances such as "I Just Want to Make Love to You" () and "() I Don't Want to Be Right" from a 1980 Wembley concert, alongside alternates like "Passion" and a studio rough of "Gi' Me Wings." The expanded release also included updated detailing the 1980s production process, crediting engineers and the collaborative songwriting with contributors like Kevin Savigar and . Digital releases of Foolish Behaviour became widely available on platforms like and starting in the early 2010s, with the standard and the 2009 expanded edition dominating streaming catalogs for accessibility. By the mid-2010s, streaming accounted for the majority of consumption, reflecting a shift from . In the 2020s, vinyl repressions targeted collectors, including a 2022 U.S. reissue by Rhino that replicated the original artwork and pressing quality for analog enthusiasts. These editions preserved the 's rock-oriented sound while catering to modern formats and renewed interest in physical collectibles.

Cultural impact

The music video for "She Won't Dance with Me", directed by and featuring Stewart performing in a setting, holds a notable place in the television as the third video aired on upon its launch on August 1, 1981, following The Buggles' "" and Pat Benatar's "". This early broadcast contributed to the burgeoning video culture of the era, helping to establish as a platform for visual storytelling in and showcasing Stewart's transition toward more performance-oriented visuals amid the network's initial focus on established artists. Foolish Behaviour exemplifies the shift in pop-rock for veteran artists like Stewart, who moved away from the disco influences of his prior album Blondes Have More Fun (1978) toward a louder, more rock-oriented sound infused with new wave and synth elements, setting a template for his output through the decade with semi-inspired singles amid varied filler tracks. The album is frequently referenced in analyses of Stewart's commercial peak in the late 1970s and early , highlighting his adaptability as a British rock staple navigating the era's stylistic evolutions. Covers of tracks from Foolish Behaviour remain rare, with the title track occasionally performed live by artists such as during concerts in the , reflecting its energetic rock appeal. Stewart's rendition of the Motown classic "My Girl" on the album has been noted in contexts of the Motown revival, where veteran rock acts reinterpret standards to bridge genres and evoke amid the decade's pop dominance. Overall, the album is regarded as underrated within Stewart's , praised for standout singles like "Passion"—a Top 5 hit blending balladry with orchestral flair—that underscore his vocal charisma during a transitional phase.

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  34. https://www.discogs.com/release/1810131-Rod-Stewart-Foolish-Behaviour
  35. https://fineartamerica.com/featured/rod-stewart-foolish-behaviour-album-cover-1980-robert-banach.html
  36. https://us.rarevinyl.com/products/rod-stewart-foolish-behaviour-world-tour-1980-81-uk-tour-programme-tour-programme-139257
  37. http://www.robertchristgau.com/get_artist2.php?id=447
  38. https://www.worldradiohistory.com/UK/Record-Mirror/80s/80/Record-Mirror-1980-11-15.pdf
  39. https://steveharleycockneyrebeldiscography.co.uk/gi-me-wings-rod-stewart-1981/
  40. https://www.allmusic.com/album/foolish-behaviour-mw0000769271
  41. https://www.beaconjournal.com/story/entertainment/2021/07/28/mtv-first-100-videos-aug-1-1981/8080884002/
  42. https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/albums-chart/19801130/7502/
  43. https://www.billboard.com/charts/billboard-200/1981-02-21/
  44. https://charts.nz/showitem.asp?interpret=Rod+Stewart&titel=Foolish+Behaviour&cat=a
  45. https://www.officialcharts.com/songs/rod-stewart-passion/
  46. https://thelistwire.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/2025/05/28/how-many-albums-has-rod-stewart-sold-through-his-career/83888109007/
  47. https://www.discogs.com/release/631973-Rod-Stewart-Foolish-Behaviour
  48. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EHKHjtup3Qk
  49. https://genius.com/Rod-stewart-she-wont-dance-with-me-lyrics
  50. https://www.discogs.com/release/13197082-Rod-Stewart-Somebody-Special-She-Wont-Dance-With-Me
  51. https://musicbrainz.org/release/da302b7b-9883-4935-9312-72868bb85445
  52. https://www.discogs.com/release/6961742-Rod-Stewart-Foolish-Behaviour
  53. https://www.qobuz.com/us-en/album/foolish-behaviour-rod-stewart/0603497985159
  54. https://www.discogs.com/release/6149663-Rod-Stewart-Foolish-Behaviour
  55. https://www.45cat.com/cdalbum/cd/18p22979
  56. https://www.discogs.com/release/2435079-Rod-Stewart-Foolish-Behaviour
  57. https://www.discogs.com/release/18947794-Rod-Stewart-Foolish-Behaviour
  58. https://open.spotify.com/album/0C7POJHp0ZBDuQmCnVKNoA
  59. https://music.apple.com/us/album/foolish-behaviour-bonus-track-version/315611531
  60. https://www.hhv.de/en-US/records/item/rod-stewart-foolish-behaviour-963220
  61. https://www.rhino.com/product/foolish-behaviour
  62. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11295604/
  63. https://ultimateclassicrock.com/rod-stewart-not-quitting-rock-music/
  64. https://guestpectacular.com/artists/rod-stewart/song/foolish-behaviour/covered-by/78282
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