Third Rate Romance" is a song written by Russell Smith, first recorded in Montreal in 1974 by Jesse Winchester and his band the Rhythm Aces, assisted by Smith. It became a hit the following year by the newly re-formed Amazing Rhythm Aces on its 1975 album Stacked Deck. It was the band's debut single, reaching #11 on the U.S. country singles chart and #14 on the Billboard Hot 100,[1] as well as #1 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks and Top Singles charts