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This album probably has the best songwriting of any Stone's album since Some Girls and the musicianship does not show any of the sloppiness that the Stones sometime exhibit. However, Mick Jagger's modulating vocals, where he sings a one syllable word as if it has three to five syllables, definitely detracts from what are otherwise excellant songs. As a result, many of the songs have a caricaturish quality. If the Stones cut another album, they need to bring in a professional producer who will get Mick Jagger to sing in a more straight ahead, soulful manner. From a songwritting standpoint, this album would rank up there with the Stone's golden era (Beggars Banquet to Exile on Main Street), but the vocal performances are straight out of the 1980s.
I saw the Stones the year before they made this record: they were in top form, and this record reflects that. Of course there's plenty of Rock and Roll, but a few other tracks are woven into this musical tapestry: There's a straight-ahead funk number, a Delta Blues track, and one song that sounds so much like a 90's alt band, it's driving me nuts trying to figure out who it sounds like (The Stones plus ...?). It's my new driving disc. It's been on repeat play for a week so far.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Although not up to the Stone's best period from Beggars Banquet to Exile On Main Street, this is a real good album. It's not just a collection of riffs that many of their later albums were, it has some great songs. "Rain Came Down" and "Rough Justice" are two that come to mind. If you are a Rolling Stones fan, get this album.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
The Rolling Stones are back. And, back with a vengence. In their first studio album since 1997's Bridges to Babylon, they've actually shown a vitality and edginess that's infused with love, loss, near death and renewal. Life has certainly taken its toll on these guys and recent years have definitely not been kind -- Charlie's throat cancer, Mick's break up with Jerry, renewed drug addiction, etc.. Back in the studio with Don Was and the Glimmer Twins producing, they've channeled all their life experiences into a simple, yet powerful album whose styles cover a lot of ground, range and diversity. As with some of their early masterpieces like "Sticky Fingers" or "Exile on Mainstreet," Mick and Keith are writing together again and draw a lot on their blues and rock n roll roots. And, the band is playing very tight and with a lot of confidence and verve. Some thoughts on my favorite cuts from the album: Rough Justice - The album kicks off with this rocker anthem tribute. Keith and Ron hold the rthymn while Mick sings out perhaps to Jerry, other lovers who've spurned him or perhaps his fans, "so put your lips to my head baby and tell me what's on your mind. I know you still stil got that animal attraction for me ..." Let Me Down Slow - a nice soft tune with Keith and Ron's guitars dueling threads throughout. My favorite verse which could be as much a comment to a lover or critic, "Don't be too direct 'cause I feel a little fragile." Rain Fall Down - this funk-inspired 70s throw back definitely steps out from the other rock and blues tracks on the disc. It definitely grew on me the more I listened to it. Back of My Hand - classic blues riff with Mick drawing out the lyrics and blowing harmonica. This will play well if/when the band does an impromptu stop by at Kingstone Mine or Rosa's when they play Chicago. Biggest Mistake - pop filler that's easy and fun. Nothing notable, but nice to listen to nonetheless. It's got some trite pop lovesong lyrics like "We've been living together for over a year. The harmony's perfect ... it rang loud and clear." This Place is Empty - Keith's ballad backed by twangy accoustic guitar and an underline piano riff that's both melodic and somewhat haunting. Perhaps my favorite line from the whole album: "You and me we're just like the rest; we don't want to be alone." Laugh, I Nearly Died - Another slow, melodic tome to loss, loneliness and betrayal. "I've been traveling, but I don't know where. I've been missing you, but you just don't care; lost in the wilderness, so far from home. ... I've been to Africa, looking for my soul ... And I feel like an actor, looking for my role. ... Been sipping champagne on the boulevards... I'm so sick and tired, trying to turn the tide. So, I'll say my goodbyes ... laugh, laugh, I nearly died." I bought the disc at Costco for $12.99 right when it was released (needed that immediate satisfaction). But, I now see it on eBay and Half for $5-10 for those of you who want it now. It's definitely a keeper!Read full review
This album is nothing short of miracle for true Stones fans. On first spin, it is clear that the band is in fine form: energized, inspired, and in control. I suspect that after a week or two, some of the "this is a new classic," "five-stars" fervor will settle down for most people and turn into a clearer view that this is a rock solid, four-star, excellent outing. The production is outstanding. You can hear everything clearly: the grit of what's left of Keith's voice; Mick's sneers; Charlie's unstoppable rhythms - and, best of all, the absolute best harmonica playing Mick has ever recorded. This is what rock and roll can be in this day and age. It doesn't have to be the Next Big Thing, or even innovative necessarily. Rock and roll is the intangible thing that lives somewhere between a guitar and a voice and a drum beat that makes it all but impossible not to tap your foot and to feel a stirring in your gut. "Sweet Neo-con" has been getting most of the press, but right after that comes "Look What the Cat Dragged In," an all-out raver that just makes your jaw drop. The feeling you get when that song comes crashing in - when that whip comes down - that's rock and roll. This is the Stones sound that we crossed our fingers and hoped for when we heard they had a new album coming out. My next wish: that they realize that a new cd doesn't have to mean a world tour and they go ahead and make some more real soon.Read full review
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