Matt LuceyThe Rolling Stones need no introduction. Aside from the fact that I just recently reviewed the teaser single for this album, The Stones have been in the zeitgeist since the 60s. They truly are titans of the music industry, credited with being one of the founding bands in the rock movement. Often compared to The Beatles (an honour), The Stones merging of Blues into the emerging genre of Rock and Roll launched them to the charts early in their career and saw them reach that point on many occasions since. While they were rumoured to have a feud with The Beatles, they were actually close friends and admired one anothers work
Career and records, accomplishments
With 32 studio albums, alongside a litany of compilations, live shows, remasters and more, The Rolling Stones has one of the biggest discographies ever. This is as a result of an enormous work ethic, in addition to being active almost constantly since their inception. Despite the changes in the lineup, the core group remained stable through most of this. Keith Richards on guitar, Mick Jagger on vocals and harmonica and Charlie Watts on drums. This was the heart of the band for the longest time. Ronnie Woods joined the band later, being a salaried employee for a long time, before finally being granted his earned position and stake in the band.
Unfortunately, in 2021, Charlie Watts passed away. At the age of 80, having given 58 years to the band, Charlie’s passing was mourned by all. The last album, Hackney Diamonds, featured 2 tracks with the late drummers playing. Replacing him since then is Steve Jordan. Normally, I would question this choice to continue but Jordan had Charlie’s blessing before he died. That fact, in addition to Jordan’s brilliant playing on the rest of the album, made me respect this new addition.
Lead up to this Release
As I mentioned, this album comes 3 years after their last main release, Hackney Diamonds. That album was, to me, their best release in many years. I remember sitting down and listening to the album, more impressed than ever by this band’s longevity. The album showed that the band was able to adapt to modern influences and collaborate with a whole new generation of artists.
The top track, to me, was their song featuring Lady Gaga, “Sweet Sounds Of Heaven”. This album let many fans get excited about what they might do next. This album then, was much anticipated. Aside from the single hitting the charts in the US, the band tirelessly promoted the song on social media and in interviews.
Foreign Tongues
One of my favourite things about this album is the art. The striking image of the members faces jumbled up in a caricature of their iconic looks feels very true to form. The record was released by Polydor Records, a reputable agency that has worked with The Stones in the past.
Naturally, a large team of sound engineers and producers were involved. This allows the band to focus on the writing and performing without worrying about any of the various other aspects of music making. Unlike their last album, there were no features on this album. Aside from anything else, I am consistently impressed by the longevity and work ethic of the band.
“Rough and Twisted”
“Rough and Twisted” is a fitting opener for the album, beginning with a sharp, twangy guitar tone that is quickly joined by bass and drums to establish a familiar feel. The slide guitar is something we’ve seen many times with the Stones. The drumming feels slightly different from the band’s usual style without sounding out of place. Mick Jagger’s vocals are the most recognisable aspect, and the addition of harmonica acts as a welcome throwback to the band’s blues roots, with piano adding another layer of texture.
While the song doesn’t break new ground and the Stones have arguably explored this sound more effectively in the past, it’s always nice to have more of that. The vocals eventually step aside to let the harmonica and guitar shine before returning to a chorus. Not a bad opening track by any means.
“In the Stars”
“In the Stars” stands out to me as having the best riff on the album. Bright, sharp and full of energy, it’s quintessential Stones. Jagger delivers another excellent vocal performance, although the lyrics feel slightly generic. Again, this is to be expected. No band can make music for this long without stepping on their own feet.
One of the song’s biggest strengths is its use of both lead and rhythm guitar. Once upon a time, a band having a rhythm and lead guitar was not surprising. Today, this band makeup is almost unseen. We get this playful mix because of this, with the rhythm laying down the structure while the lead offers texture. The backing vocals complement Jagger perfectly, and may be my favourite part of the song. The solo doesn’t go crazy but satisfies that craving.
“Ringing Hollow”
“Ringing Hollow” shifts back towards the band’s country influences, opening with acoustic strumming accompanied by that iconic twangy tele in the background. Neither of the guitars really overpower. This allows Jagger’s voice to take centre stage. At this point, I don’t thing that Mick Jagger could stop singing if he wanted to. His vocals have been iconic for the duration of the band’s career.
While The Stones main influence has and always will be blues, we can’t forget the influence American folk and country has had on them. Lyrically, the song offers a critique of the current state of America, with the repeated line, “Lady Liberty don’t look so good”. It’s nice to have a return to song lyrics carrying actual social and political messaging. This was a mainstay of the 60’s and 70’s but fell from the focus in pop culture. We see it coming back now when it’s most needed. This is a really solid track and a throwback to what we know them for.
Conclusion
While I’m never really going to speak ill of The Rolling Stones, this is not their best work. While some songs sound great, there’s definitely no mold breaking happening here. The album falls short of their last release in my mind, while still being a very serviceable work. Realistically, just about any release from The Rolling Stones is worth a list, and this is no exception.
