Keef back from the dentist.

Dueling Mazur PS designs
which debuted in 1972.

1972 Exile on Main Street- The Stones had yet to prove their sound could maintain it’s strength over two discs as the Beatles White Album had in 1968, but this title would greatly succeed. Recorded in the raw within the basement of Keith Richard’s home in the French Riviera, it plays like a motion picture from start to finish. Rocks Off opens the eighteen-track collection with a swaggering country vocal by Mick, only to stress his chords on the following Rip This Joint. Many acoustic songs appear, including Sweet Virginia, Torn an Frayed and Shine A Light, of which two re-appeared on their 1995 live album Stripped. Though initially dismissed as a self-absorbed and overall lackluster outing, it has since become recognized as a mammoth rock classic which would set the stage for dozens of bands with a similar sound to find success later in the decade. Electricity did find it’s way on to this album and with marvelous results. The hit single Tumbling Dice, All Down the Line, and Keef’s own Happy, are classics all their own. All Down the Line was actually conceived as an acoustic track, much like many others found on this album. This was a new Rolling Stones in many ways, but the change was magnificent.
rating-*****

Jagger Attacks!

1973 Goat’s Head Soup- At first hearing, it might seem as though this album was a collection of leftovers from the exhaustive Exile on Main Street set, but that label is unjustified. Though most++ seem to agree that Angie is one of the finest moments the Stones ever had on wax, it is difficult to reach an agreement on the value of the other selections. This set opens with a great dripping-groove track Dancing With Mr. D, whose riff is near indentical to Jumpin’ Jack Flash, yet simply in reverse. 100 Years Ago has a value of three moderate songs which together form an excellent musical piece performed a select few times live. The remainder is a greatly entertaining rock album, especially if you are open to the vulgar playfulness of Star Star and the political harshness of Doo Doo Doo Doo Doo (heartbreaker). This was their third successive Trans-Atlantic (US & UK) number one album, and deserved to be so. Mick stated in 1973 that he worked very hard on the album, and the result is a fitting testament to that. ++ Upon first hearing the track Angie, U.K.'s NME proclaimed their great displeasure by calling the song "atrocious."
note-The seemingly impossible-to-edit Star Star (originally entitled Starfucker), was cleansed of it’s “pussy” reference upon it’s initial US vinyl release.
rating-****

1974 It’s Only Rock 'n Roll- After a decade of albums, the Stones fully realized their true unique sound on the ten tracks found here. Though many songs of the past were fitting examples of the “Stones' sound", this collection as a whole is a document to their completed evolution from pop stars to rock martyrs. Mick Taylor indeed (as he would later put it) became the only Rolling Stone guitarist to leave the group alive, but not before Ron Wood unofficially replaced him months earlier - check the album’s liner notes for mention of the future Rolling Stones member. If You Can’t Rock Me is a Brown Sugar / I’m Going Down hybrid whose pounding drums and heavy guitars are matched expertly by Jagger’s lusty vocals. The title track provided one of the finest five-plus minutes in rock history, and it is comforted by a series of strong contenders for the album’s highlight. That’s David Bowie singing backing vocals on the excellent Time Waits for No One.
rating-****

Even Mick is shocked by the instant NYC crowd.

The "suggestive" Beast Of Burden PS.

1976-1980: The Single Story ----------------------------------- 1976, Apr - Fool To Cry / Crazy Mama (UK) 1976, Apr - Fool To Cry / Hot Stuff (USA) 1976, Apr - Hot Stuff / Crazy Mama (USA promo only) 1978, May - Miss You / Faraway Eyes 1978, Sep - Beast Of Burden / When The Whip Comes Down (USA) 1978, Sep - Respectable / When The Whip Comes Down (UK) 1978, Dec - Shattered / Everything Is Turning Into Gold (USA) 1980, Jun - Emotional Rescue / Down In The Hole 1980, Sep - She’s So Cold / Send It To Me

1976 Black and Blue- As a now fully-recognized member of The Rolling Stones, Ron Wood made his presence felt for the first time, as did fellow musicians Harvey Mandel and Wayne Perkins whom each fell short of joining the band themselves. As a solo artist both before and since however, Ronnie hasn't had much of a talent for lyrics as he has for music. In what should have been a great moment in their recording history, the Wood-inspired Hey, Negrita soars musically before being buried deep by weak lyrics. Fool to Cry was a world-wide hit, but does not comfortably fit in this album which plays more like a jam session than a professionally mixed studio release. The overall feel is lazy and though it works at times was neither experimental nor greatly impressionable. Keef himself would later proclaim the LP was truly more a recorded rehearsal than studio album. Much like the Nicky Hopkins-credited LP Jamming With Edward 4 years earlier, Black and Blue offered a glimpse into the inner workings of the Stones during a crucial transition period. There are a number of fine moments in this set, but it was not enough to hold fans over for a three-year span.
rating-***

1978
Some Girls- In what was, as Jagger put it, “...an answer to the strengthening popularity of punk rock...”, this Grammy®-nominated LP with songs like When the Whip Comes Down, Respectable, and Shattered provided fans with a taste of "Stones Punk." Including Keef’s excellent Before They Make Me Run, this album was a reflection of their most impressive recording sessions in some time. The Stones covered a Temptations song for the third time with the inclusion of Just My Imagination (running away with me).
In what would be their most recent single to reach #1 in the US, Miss You successfully broke the Stones into the dance music charts without compromising their premiere rock status. There are over a half-dozen variations of this album’s cover (most common of which is featured in the center), including the highly sought after first pressing which, after protests from Sophia Loren and Lucille Ball regarding their respective featured likeness, was pulled from the shelves. The original album cover concept was that of Peter Corriston's, whom would also provide the Stones with their Undercover peel-off sticker jacket in 1983.
rating-****

1980 Emotional Rescue- Aided immensely by the continuing (despite efforts from promoter Mike Veeck) disco/dance craze, and not to mention that they are in fact the Rolling Stones, this bland album was their fourth and most recent Trans-Atlantic number one album. In what should have been a peak moment, the weak production and mixing of Where the Boys Go fails to bring to life the song’s true feel in fear that it would sound too much like 1978’s When the Whip Comes Down. Though the set provided one of their best blues tracks in years Down In the Hole, the other “Blues” songs had no color, and the rock songs just didn’t rock. Without compromise, the less-threatening She’s So Cold (their 50th hit single) succeeds as the album’s true rock highlight. The title track is no doubt a good song, but after three consecutive albums in which a dance track led the way, it was time for a change. Where 1978’s Miss You was a treat, 1980’s Dance was an unwanted hat-trick. In further recognition of the countless brilliant 1979 out-takes released in years since this album was pressed, it is even more disappointing to hear the final result. As Keith Richards himself stated, " ... it's not that we used the best that we recorded, we just used what fit together." note- early pressings of the LP came with an oversized thermal-imaging poster of which a portion is featured above.
rating-***

1981-1986: The Single Story ----------------------------------- 1981, Aug - Start Me Up / No Use In Crying 1981, Nov - Waiting On A Friend / Little T & A 1982, Mar - Hang Fire / Neighbors (USA) 1982, Jun - Going To A Go-Go (live) / Beast Of Burden (live) 1982, Sep - Time Is On My Side (live) / Twenty Flight Rock (live) (UK) 1983, Nov - Undercover Of The Night / All The Way Down 1984, Jan - She Was Hot / Think I’m Going Mad 1984, Jul - Brown Sugar / Bitch (UK) 1986, Mar - Harlem Shuffle / Had It With You 1986, May - One Hit (to the body) / Fight (USA)

1981 Tattoo You- Reaching as far back as 1972 for some, the Stones brought together dozens of unfinished songs in the studio to be recorded for this album. It is a common practice and should not be looked at as an unfair advantage of fan loyalty. Though Start Me Up was originally realized as a reggae song back in 1978, it’s re-recording as a rock song and the timing of it’s release could not have been better. This is a very solid outing that might have been a bit overindulgent in the “ballad” department, yet with songs such as Heaven and Waiting On A Friend among them, it is well worth the time. If it really were a retro-compilation other than a formerly-unreleased collection, then it might be less impressive. The fact that none of these songs were known to have existed to the general public prior to their 1981 release, we can feel comfortable that the Stones had evaded the disco disease and successfully invaded the eighties with an album which for the first time since 1974, opened with a true rock song. note- pre-Virgin Records CD issues include a significantly shorter version of Slave [track #3.]
rating-****

She Was Hotter than the LP design.

1983 Undercover- It was a gamble to have such a politically-charged song open an album, yet was even more so to not have this release accompanied by a tour. As truly the first album attempting to utilize the existence of MTV, we were treated to a series of lavish video productions of which most were subsequently banned for their depictions of sex and violence. The title track did prove to be a top-10 hit, but the album struggled to reach the U.K. top-3 [top-4 in the U.S.], breaking a streak of ten consecutive albums to reach number one in either the US or UK dating back to 1969. This was however, a far better album than many have suggested in years past. As an opener to side two, it contains the excellent Too Much Blood with it’s equally effective bass, horns and guitar working together quite well as both a dance and rock song. Too Tough is a great basic rock track and should have been more of a highlight. It seems Charlie does not have his heart in the music, and he comes off quite robotic at times. What would be missing from most of the songs on the album was emotion from all band members. There was a rift already forming between Mick and Keith that would reach a head in the following years. Luckily, not even their lack of total enthusiasm could effect the great music and lyrics heard through much of the album. note-If you have an original LP of this title (designed by the same person behind the Some Girls cover), do not expect the woman to be naked under the peel-off stickers.
rating-***

dirty

1986 Dirty Work- This album was written and recorded during a time when anger and resentment were pulling the Glimmer Twins in directions both away from the band, as well as each other. Mick was basking in the success of his first solo album, She’s the Boss, released in 1985 much to the dismay of Keith whom recorded his feedback for the world to hear in his own 1988 solo debut Talk is Cheap. Their lack of communication was reflected in this album which contained far more bad elements than good. Among the best moments is the opener One Hit (to the body), classic Jagger/Richards both lyrically and musically, with invaluable help from Led Zeppelin's Jimmy Page. Had It With You has a great blues/rock feel and once again, Keith shines bright on the album’s closer Sleep Tonight. On a down note, for the first time since 1964, the album’s biggest hit single [Harlem Shuffle] was not a Jagger/Richards composition. By far the worst selection is Back to Zero (co-written by Chuck Leavell) with it’s synthetic eighties pop noise which does not even hold it’s own as an album-filler track. The poorly designed album cover with its original red cellophane seal should have suited as a stern warning of it’s contents.
On a much sadder note, the recording sessions for Dirty Work were marred by tragedy as long-time “sixth stone” Ian Stewart died at the age of 42. Not mentioned in the liner notes, the album was concluded by the fading sounds of Ian on piano.
rating-**

Wyman's (top right) Swan Song, 1991

1989-1991: The Single Story ----------------------------------- 1989, Aug - Mixed Emotions / Fancy Man’s Blues 1989, Nov - Rock And A Hard Place / Cook Cook Blues 1990, Jun - Almost Hear You Sigh / Break The Spell (USA) 1990, Jun - Almost Hear You Sigh / Wish I’d Never Met You (UK) 1990, Aug - Terrifying (remix) / Rock And A Hard Place (remix) 1991, Mar - High Wire / 2,000 Light Years From Home (live) 1991, Jun - Paint It, Black (live) / Honky Tonk Women (live) (UK) 1991, May - Ruby Tuesday (live) / Play With Fire (live) (UK)

1989 Steel Wheels- It is difficult to write and record music without the personal criticism necessary for true artistic success. Feeling as good as they were about themselves at the moment, it must have been a challenge to put aside the accolades for the past and work on the future. The band officially re-grouped in February of 1989, soon after accepting their Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction. They were anxious to prove their worthiness and by August, along with the album release, a world-wide tour was announced. Though it did not return them to the top of the album charts, people were obviously happy to have them back and followed the Stones around the globe during their grossly successful Steel Wheels & Urban Jungle tours. Mixed Emotions would be the Stones highest charting single since 1981, and most recent to reach the top-5 in either the US or UK. The album begins with a trio of good tracks, but loses it’s way for a while until Rock And A Hard Place. For the second time in as many albums, Keith offered a highlight with his album-closer Slipping Away. Limited-edition first pressings of the CD were housed in true steel cases.
rating-***

1994-1999: The Single Story ----------------------------------- 1994, Jul - Love Is Strong (EP) [UK] 1994, Jul - Love Is Strong / The Storm [US] 1994, Oct - You Got Me Rocking / Jump On Top Of Me [UK] 1994, Oct - Out Of Tears / I’m Gonna Drive [US] 1994, Dec - Out Of Tears / I’m Gonna Drive [UK] 1995, Jul - I Go Wild [UK] 1995, Nov - Like A Rolling Stone (EP) [UK] 1996, - Wild Horses (EP) [UK] 1997, Aug - Anybody Seen My Baby? [UK] 1998, Feb - Saint Of Me / Any Way You Look At It 1998, Aug - Out Of Control [UK] 1999, ? - Memory Motel [live]

1994 Voodoo Lounge- Well received upon release then later trashed as a “greatest hits” package re-worked for the nineties, it soon becomes obvious upon listening that both opinions are justified. Mick blows his harp on the opener Love Is Strong like nothing any fan has heard since Midnight Rambler. With You Got Me Rocking, Sparks Will Fly, and The Worst to follow, there hadn't been as good a starting lineup on a single Stones album since Tattoo You. The entire set is strong, and truly heralded the "comeback" from their 1986 downfall. Though not touted as an official new member of the Stones, Darryl Jones replaced the departed Bill Wyman for the recording sessions of this album and subsequent world tour. The Stones also seemed to be re-discovering themselves after what was at 5 years, the longest break between studio albums they had ever subjected their fans to. This album was a return to the gritty rock-n-blues sound which was the foundation of their success, and just the right dish the public appeared to be hungry for. They would storm across the planet over a full year with a new sense of urgency to prove themselves “The Greatest Rock Band In the World”, a feeling which did not fully unveil itself during the 1989-90 tours. The album closer [LP only] Thru and Thru is an effective tension-builder which features Keith on lead vocals. For greater reasons unknown, Mick decided to include Mean Disposition as the final track released exclusively on CD. This was the Stones first double studio album (on vinyl anyhow) since 1972's Exile on Main Street, and first ever Grammy® winner [best rock album.] There are countless official b-sides and alternate mixes floating around of which at least one, Jump On Top of Me, is worth searching for as I know Steve Miller would be interested in hearing it.
rating-****

1997 Bridges to Babylon- Unlike most of their previous albums, the fact that they were the Rolling Stones did not help in the commercial success of this release. Though Bridges to Babylon sold more copies in it’s U.S. debut week than Voodoo Lounge, it lasted only twenty-seven (27) total weeks on the top-200 albums chart. A rather short stay by Stones' standards, but fans can easily find comfort in the fact that Oasis' 1997 release lasted only 26. It is however, far better than any figures may suggest. Charlie’s drums introduce us to the hard-driven Flip the Switch which is almost matched by Too Tight later on. Keith is featured on lead vocals for three tracks (most on a Stones album to date), highlighted by You Don’t Have to Mean It. Some of the tracks were over-produced, such as the Dust Brothers’ working of Might as Well Get Juiced which does not fit comfortably with the other selections. There are a few more songs that exist for 'filler' such as Low Down, yet since we are in the age of the CD where the public expect lengthier albums, this practice is forgivable. While Saint of Me was the hit single, the intensity and power of Out of Control won it a respectable position among other classic songs in the Stones live arsenal for the world tour that followed. note-Low Down has been performed live only once (MSG Jan. 14th, 1998).
rating-***

2002-2006: The Single Story ----------------------------------- 2002, Sep - Don't Stop 2003, Sep - Sympathy For The Devil [EP] 2005, Aug. 22 - Streets of Love / Rough Justice [UK] 2006, Sep. 2 - Biggest Mistake [UK]

2005 A Bigger Bang- The Stones can still be as plush as a feather pillow or sharp as a razor. This set has 16 tracks, the most since Exile on Main Street, but in no way can truly compare otherwise. Rough Justice is harsh and powerful in their classic rock style and a welcome addition to their live set. Would that be all the punch they have? Fear not, as Oh No, Not You Again presents itself as a strong competitor for rock highlight with its slight country flavor. At first listen, you may be afraid that Streets of Love will sound far too similar to Out of Tears, but instead melds into a powerful vocal hook that was strong enough to push it into the UK top-15. Heavy blues track Back of My Hand is much like foundation Stones work as heard in the early sixties and will likely be revered by purists. Jagger's harp adds great emotional depth to several cuts, but it's his vocal energy that supports Laugh, I Nearly Died. The significance of Sweet Neo-Con, a poorly-veiled yet richly-deserved shot at the 'Bush II' administration, is easily overemphasized. Yet the idea that the Stones have not strayed into this territory is absurd. Despite its additional strong points Let Me Down Slow, Look What the Cat Dragged In and Infamy (the latter of which seems right out of Main Offender) several tunes are rather unspectacular with a 'by-the-numbers' feel that have plenty of hiss, but lack that final crack. Upon release, it appeared to inspire a similar knee-jerk reaction from fans and critics alike as Voodoo Lounge did in 1994; yet time will tell if it will be remembered as favorably.
rating-****

See ...

Part I: Studio Albums 1964-69

Part II: Studio Albums 1971-2005

Part III: Compilations 1966-2005

Part IV: Live + Solo 1965-2004

Mick Jagger (b. July 26, 1943).
Brian Jones (b. February 28, 1942 - d. July 3, 1969).
Keith Richards (b. December 18, 1943).
Charlie Watts (b. June 2, 1941).
Bill Wyman (b. October 24, 1936).
Ian Stewart (b. July 18, 1938 - d. December 12, 1985).
Mick Taylor (b. January 17, 1948).
Ron Wood (b. June 1, 1947).
Bobby Keys (b. December 18, 1943).
Chuck Leavell (b. April 28, 1952).
Darryl Jones (b. December 11, 1961).
Dick Taylor (b. January 28, 1943).

Check Certified Record Sales totals for all U.S. and U.K. certified releases.

Test your knowledge on Rolling Stones topics in the BeatZenith.com Music Trivia page.(Rolling Stones trivia authored by AC Palacio.)

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