Rod Stewart’s 1978 disco-infused hit “Da Ya Think I’m Sexy?” catapulted the already successful British rocker into a new realm of pop stardom, albeit with a fair share of controversy. Known for his raspy vocals and gritty rock anthems with The Faces and as a solo artist, Stewart surprised many with this sleek, danceable track from his ninth studio album, *Blondes Have More Fun*. The song quickly topped charts worldwide, reaching number one in the US, Canada, Australia, and several European countries. It solidified his crossover appeal and cemented his status as a global music icon.
The song’s simple yet catchy lyrics and pulsating beat, heavily influenced by the disco movement sweeping the globe, made it an instant dance floor filler. However, its meaning was subject to multiple interpretations. While on the surface it appeared to be a narcissistic anthem of male vanity, some argued it was a satirical commentary on the superficiality and fleeting nature of fame and attraction within the club scene. Stewart himself described it as a tongue-in-cheek observation of the pick-up culture of the era.
Despite its commercial success, “Da Ya Think I’m Sexy?” faced accusations of plagiarism. Brazilian musician Jorge Ben Jor noted striking similarities between its melody and his own song, “Taj Mahal.” The case was eventually settled out of court, with Stewart admitting the unintentional borrowing and donating royalties from the song to UNICEF.
The public response to the track was a mixture of enthusiasm and criticism. Many embraced its infectious groove and playful lyrics, while others, especially rock purists, saw it as a betrayal of Stewart’s rock roots and a blatant attempt to capitalize on the disco craze. This criticism reflected the ongoing “Disco Sucks” movement prevalent at the time. Regardless of the mixed reception, “Da Ya Think I’m Sexy?” remains one of Rod Stewart’s most recognizable and commercially successful songs, forever etching itself into the fabric of late 70s popular culture.