It’s a widely agreed fact that The Rolling Stones are one of the greatest rock bands of all time. Their music has inspired generations of artists, but they’re now gearing up to release a whole album of new material.
Hackney Diamonds is the first such release since 2005’s A Bigger Bang and the first since the death of beloved drummer Charlie Watts (although he contributed to tracks on the new album before his passing.) This well-rounded, professional record also features the likes of Lady Gaga, Elton John, Paul McCartney, Stevie Wonder, and former bassist Bill Wyman, who temporarily returned to the fold for this album.
The first track, “Angry,” has over 19 million views on YouTube, which should come as no surprise when you consider how wide the net that The Rolling Stones throw is. You’d be hard-pressed to find someone who didn’t recognize the Hot Lips logo, so “Angry” as the lead single has performed just as well as expected. What might be surprising here is that Mick Jagger’s vocals are still as strong as ever, something that some of his contemporaries haven’t been able to manage.
In true Stones fashion, this album has a mixed bag of stylistic choices, from the Tumblin’ Dice adjacent “Driving Me Too Hard” to the hot-tempered, punky “Bite My Head Off.” We even see a touch of country influence in “Dreamy Skies.”
“Tell Me Straight” takes a more introspective turn, veiled in mystery, with Jagger’s harmonies gracing the chorus beautifully. The spare, resonating guitars add a haunting dimension, making it one of Keith Richards’ late-era creations. Its enigmatic lyrics offer layers of intrigue.
Following this, “Sweet Sounds of Heaven” has garnered much attention as a grand, newly minted masterpiece. While it flirts with moments of grandiosity, it’s equally electrifying and enveloping, capturing the Stones’ signature ability to conjure live-in-the-moment magic—a true gem.
The Rolling Stones’ existence is based on the blues musicians who came before them; the final track is “Rolling Stone Blues,” a track originally by Muddy Waters, and the origin of the band’s name. It’s a fresh take on the track, despite seeing Richards’ use of a 1930s Gibson; it serves as a true reminder that the influencers were once the influenced and brings Hackney Diamonds to the perfect close. The Rolling Stones are full speed ahead once again, and it doesn’t seem like they’re planning to slow down any time soon.