It was 18 years since we got some new music from The Rolling Stones – A Bigger Bang (2005). Their new album is only their fifth, sixth if you count the blues covers album Blue & Lonesome (2016), since then and while the Stones almost never releases a weak record – Under Cover (1983) and Dirty Work (1986) are both pretty close to that – the last album that could be considered a classic was 1981’s Tattoo You. As a huge fan of the band for over 40 years, I always look forward to a new release but the circumstances around this release are a bit different. Firstly, one can wonder how much drive and passion for new music a bunch of soon to be 80-year olds can have. Secondly, a most importantly, this is the first album without drummer Charlie Watts who passed away in 2021. Charlie was a huge part of the band’s sound and is to me irreplaceable. The news that he had recorded parts to at least some of the songs felt like at least a small relief. So I wasn’t really sure what to expect of a new Stones release in 2023.
But all my worries took a hike as soon as I heard the single “Angry” that pre-dated the album. The album’s opening tune is classic Stones all the way. It’s a mid-tempo rocker with an infectious groove, classic Keef-riffage and pop-flirting melodies that screams Rolling Stones a long way. The chorus is splendidly catchy and the hit-potential is enormous. It’s a brilliant tune from start to finish. Classic Keef-riffing continues with “Get Close”, a groovy and raunchy Classic Rock stomper that grabs a hold right from get-go. It’s early 70’s Stones here complete with a raw sax solo and Elton John guesting on piano, it’s busy and lively with a firey spark that will work great live. Great stuff.
The smooth semi-ballad “Depending On You” comes with a guitar sound that looks back on their 1973 album Goats Head Soup. It’s slow and kind of down-beat but still holds a chunky groove, it’s smooth yet never sugar-coated where the melodies are all classic Mick Jagger balladry. The chorus is captivating and is easily embraced. Very good. The aggressively driven “Bite My Head Off” is a raw and robust ass-kicker on an edgy and rough beat and chunky bass-line courtesy of one Paul McCartney. The raucous guitars of Keith Richards and Ron Wood creates an energetic spark and the whole tune reeks of attitude where Jagger lets rip like he was 22 again. The chorus is in-your-face and direct and catches on right off the bat. Awesome.
“Whole Wide World” rocks just like the way a classic Stones punch-in-the-gut rocker should. The crunchy guitars riffs away and the rhythms are tight and chuggy and even though the song looks back to their late 70’s it also holds a late 80’s touch to the song. The melody hooks are all spot on and the refrain is stellar. Good one. With a nod towards their old classics “Sweet Virginia” and “Faraway Eyes” the country smelling slow-burner “Dreamy Skies” brings on the acoustic guitars, lap-steel and twangy guitars but it also brings on an organ and a bluesy feel to the whole thing. The song is surrounded by a cosy, feel-good atmosphere and smooth melodies on a stripped-down 70’s note. Good stuff.
The single “Mess It Up” is one of two songs that Charlie Watts laid down his drums on before his final goodbye. It’s a loose, uptempo and lively rocker with a funked-up rhythm and some raunchy guitars with a riff so catchy it almost hurts. It’s an uplifting number with clear hooks and another solid chorus. Very good. The Heavy Metal smelling titled “Live By The Sword” is a Stones reunion as both Watts and old bassist Bill Wyman – who hasn’t played with the band since 1990 – is featured on it. It’s a live-pleasing 7o’s sounding Classic Rock stomper with a flirt to the band’s 60’s as well. It’s punchy, direct and intense with more sharp hooks and a live-pleasing outlook with Elton John hammering away on his piano – a catchy rocker that holds a no-bull chorus that’s memorable without going for a hit-feel. Splendid.
Coming off as the lost cousin of “Tumbling Dice”, the 70’s swinging and driving rocker “Driving Me Too Hard” comes with classic Keef riffery, a loose and chunky stomp and a juicy rhythm. It’s a raunchy mid-tempo Classic Rock stomper that could’ve been taken from a vault with 1972 written on it. It’s catchy, direct and straight ahead and perfect for the stage. Great. “Tell Me Straight” has Richards taking over the lead vocals. Back in the day, Richards’ tunes were always dirty and sleazy rockers but for the last records he’s been taking on the ballads and so is the deal here – and I can’t figure out why. Especially as most of them have been on the dull side. It’s the same thing here. It’s a slow and bluesy rock ballad, laid-back and mellow on a melancholic structure. Emotional, sure but the thing is, nothing really happens and the song never lifts. It’s ok but also underwhelming.
The star spangled ballad and latest single “Sweet Sounds Of Heaven” gives us a cameo from both Lady Gaga (vocals) and Stevie Wonder (piano). It’s a slow and bluesy tune that’s gospel-laden, bombastic and dramatic and quite intriguing with some captivating melody arrangement with a flowing rhythm. It’s a seven minute grandiose piece where Lady Gaga’s phenomenal gospel singing takes the song to higher grounds with soothing melodies and a heartwarming atmosphere – and the chorus is majestic. Simply magnificent. To close the album and go full circle the Stones covers Muddy Waters’ “Rollin’ Stone”, here renamed “Rolling Stone Blues”. It’s short, stripped-down, smoky number with only an acoustic guitar, harmonica and vocals. Since I’m not a huge fan of traditional blues the song never really sticks with me even though it’s ok.
To use producer Andrew Watt (Ozzy Osbourne, Post Malone, Iggy Pop, Elton John, Miley Cyrus – and once the guitar player for Glenn Hughes’ band California Breed) was a very good choice. He obviously knows how Stones should sound and he also plays bass, additional guitar, keyboards and provides backing vocals. The production is polished enough but also loose, airy and pretty rootsy. Song wise this album is their best since Tattoo You with a very high lowest level. As a whole the Stones comes off as fresh, vital and lively and that this record is made by a group of guys in their late 70’s is impossible to hear. So yes, the passion and drive are still there. If this is the band’s swan-song then they’re going out with heads held high. Splendid and highly impressive!
8/10
Tracklist:
1. Angry
2. Get Close
3. Depending On You
4. Bite My Head Off
5. Whole Wide World
6. Dreamy Skies
7. Mess It Up
8. Live By The Sword
9. Driving Me Too Hard
10. Tell Me Straight
11. Sweet Sounds Of Heaven
12. Rolling Stone Blues
CD & Festival reviews 