After 18 years, the Rolling Stones are releasing an album with new songs. And what a thing. On “Hackney Diamonds” the seemingly indestructible rock icons are at their best.
No, “Hackney Diamonds” certainly doesn’t sound like the music of a pensioner band. Quite the opposite. On their new album, the three remaining Rolling Stones – Mick Jagger (80), Keith Richards (79) and Ronnie Wood (76) – display an energy and joy of playing that many musicians half their age lack.
“Let the old keep believing they’re young,” sings Jagger in one verse of the excellent blues ballad “Sweet Sound of Heaven.” It sounds like the unofficial motto of this legendary rock band.
A full 18 years have passed since “A Bigger Bang”, the last studio album with new songs. Since then, the Stones have toured the globe, releasing the covers album “Blue & Lonesome” and a few singles. “We recorded a lot, but there was a lack of pressure,” says Jagger in a good mood in an interview with the German Press Agency in London. “There was no deadline, nor did the producer push it.” At some point, the singer, who has maintained a youthful aura despite deep wrinkles, lost his patience.
Work like before
“I said to Keith: Let’s do it differently because it doesn’t seem to be going in the right direction,” says Jagger, who has been the de facto boss behind the scenes since the 1970s. “Let’s set a deadline. Let’s go into the studio, do it with a different producer and then work the way we used to do it so we have it done by a certain time.” A few months later, “Hackney Diamonds” was finished and the frontman was happy. “We were only a week late, so that wasn’t bad.”
After the death of drummer Charlie Watts, “Hackney Diamonds” is the first album with his successor Steve Jordan. Watts had recommended him himself when his health was no longer so good. From a human perspective, the loss of Watts is difficult. Musically, the change on drums is also an opportunity. Because the 66-year-old Jordan, who drummed for the TV studio bands of “Saturday Night Live” and talk show host David Letterman and in Keith Richards’ other band X-Pensive Winos, brings a fresh impetus.
“It’s a completely different feeling playing with a different drummer in the band. He changes the dynamic significantly,” confirms Jagger. “He drums much harder than Charlie, louder, noticeably louder.” This was already noticeable on the band’s 60th anniversary tour – and on the first single “Angry” with its robust guitar riff. You can also feel it in the driving rock’n’roll numbers “Bite My Head Off” (with star guest Paul McCartney on bass) and “Whole Wide World”. The last time the Rolling Stones had so much steam was on their brilliant 1986 album “Dirty Work”.
Charlie Watts also plays
Charlie Watts can also be heard on “Hackney Diamonds”. Two tracks were recorded before his death. The rousing, danceable “Mess It Up” impresses with its powerful groove. And with “Live By The Sword” the Rolling Stones travel back in time. In addition to Watts, former Stones bassist Billy Wyman, who was part of the band from 1962 to 1993, also plays. On top of that, Elton John strums on the piano – a small favor among old musician friends.
Not the only one, because Stevie Wonder is on the keys for “Sweet Sound Of Heaven”. The soulful blues ballad is a highlight of the album. You can’t help but be reminded of “You Can’t Always Get What You Want”. But when Lady Gaga begins to sing, the new, seven and a half minute long single emancipates itself from the old Stones classic from 1969. In the finale, 80-year-old Jagger and 37-year-old Lady Gaga engage in an entertaining duel of voices.
There is no filler on “Hackney Diamonds.” According to Jagger, the Rolling Stones recorded a lot of songs and then sounded out the class from the crowd. With success. “If you record enough stuff, you’ll like enough stuff,” the singer says as a matter of course. “Tell Me Straight” sung by Keith Richards is probably the weakest song – but still quite nice. As we all know, the coolest guitarist in the world isn’t blessed with a great voice.
A say for everyone
Jagger and Richards used to have heated arguments. Things are more peaceful today. “Of course there were discussions, yes. But I wouldn’t say they were really heated,” says the rock icon, who doesn’t believe in democracy in a band. “It’s the worst thing ever,” says Jagger, grinning. Nevertheless, he assures, everyone has a say and is allowed to express their opinion. He doesn’t reveal who has the last word in the end.
Successful producer Andrew Watt (Miley Cyrus, Ozzy Osbourne, Iggy Pop), who will only be 33 years old on the day the album is released, also played a major role in the sonic revitalization of the Rolling Stones. According to Jagger, the strong-willed Watt, who is listed as a co-songwriter and takes over guitar, bass, keyboards, percussion or background vocals on some songs, proved to be the perfect choice.
The last of the twelve new songs brings things full circle, so to speak. The “Rolling Stones Blues” is a cover version of Muddy Waters’ “Rollin’ Stone”, the song that gave the band its name 61 years ago. Jagger sings and plays the harmonica, Richards plays the guitar. Not more. “Once you’ve heard all the other songs on the album, all the different styles of music, you kind of come back to where we started. A nice ending.”
Another album wouldn’t be a surprise
If this were the Rolling Stones’ last studio album, it would be a worthy finale. “Hackney Diamonds” is versatile, captivating, timeless and probably the Rolling Stones’ best studio album in 30 years. However, the trio says they have recorded so many songs that another album wouldn’t be a surprise.
In any case, the Rolling Stones aren’t thinking about quitting as long as their health cooperates. Mick Jagger, who says he trains in the gym every day and dances regularly, is already planning ahead. “We hope to go on tour,” reveals the 80-year-old. “And I hope we’ll play some of the new songs.”