Kevin Howard
It’s been a couple of decades, but the Rolling Stones are back with a new album and I must say I LOVE IT! Hackney Diamonds is right up there with some great Stones albums. I’ve always been a big fan and I knew I’d probably like whatever they put out, but this surpassed my expectations AND it grows on me with every listen. Somehow Mick and Keith and Ronnie still got it! The songs sound crisp and the lyrics are fresh. They don’t call them the greatest rock n roll band in the world for nothing.
Track listing;
Angry / This was the first single. Reminds me of Start me up.
Get Close / Steve Jordan on Drums. He was Charlie’s suggestion. Nice work. Elton John plays piano.
Depending on You / Things slow down a bit here but a great song.
Bite My Head Off / The album picks up again here and this song is FUN. Paul McCartney popped in to play bass on this one and I imagine the old boys had a ball recording this. You can tell!
Whole Wide World / Dreamy Skies are next up, Not my favorite on the album but they didn’t make me want to skip forward.
Mess It Up / A Fine rocker and it was cool to hear the late Charlie Watts on this one. I always thought he was under rated. Such a chill dude and an excellent drummer.
Live by the Sword / This features Elton John on piano and original Stones bass player Bill Wyman came out of retirement for this one.
Driving Me Too hard / Tell me Straight / These two keep the momentum going.
Sweet Sounds of Heaven / My favorite song on the album! Mick’s vocals are as good as ever and Lady Gaga brings the heat with back up vocals. Stevie Wonder adds the piano and keyboards. I think this ends up a classic Stones song. The edited version bangs but if you want a little more for you money you’ll enjoy the 7 minute version.
Rolling Stone Blues / A great way to finish out the album. It’s a good old fashion blues song. The blues is what got these boys into the business and they have mastered it!
If you love this album like I do you’ll be happy to know that producer Andrew Watt says they recorded enough material for another album. In spite of their age, the Rolling Stones have even more to offer. I say bring it!
