Join our glittering track-by-track as we gallop through The Rolling Stones' 'Hackney Diamonds'!
Bryget Chrisfield
STACK Writer
The ageless octogenarian rock’n’roll rebel gang’s first album of original material in 18 years, produced by the in-demand Andrew Watt, features both Stevie Wonder and Elton John on piano.
So who picks up Charlie Watts’ sticks? Steve Jordan who was hand-picked by the band’s late, great drummer to fill in for him on what was originally expected to be a temporary basis.
Here's our straight-from-the-top-of-the-dome commentary, in track-by-track form, of the rollicking newie from The Rolling Stones: Hackney Diamonds.
Angry
Gotta love a whispered “one-two-three-four” intro; ears can familiarise with the singer’s timbre alone. That’s a Start Me Up-level infectious riff – classic Keef!
Angry seems like an impending divorce song featuring jangly tamba flourishes to offset the rage. There’s mention of spitting in faces, “still taking the pills,” and a casually smokin’ guitar solo.
Get Close (feat. Elton John)
This one’s an authentic ‘70s stomper, resplendent with a shimmering sax solo plus irresistibly universal sentiment: “I-i-i wanna get close to you.” Hug your mates with arms ‘round shoulders while engaged in enthusiastic singalong vibes – beaming.
Depending On You
“She's with somebody else ” – a woe-is-me, 'she’s already moved on' song. Sorry, you came to depend on me, bro! Culminates in a choir joining the lustrous, theatrical strings.
Bite My Head Off (feat. Paul McCartney)
“Why ya bite my head off…” repeated ad finitum opens this T. Rex-flavoured rager. Jagger really knows how to bark out a consonant, and f-bombs abound here. Macca’s unexpectedly vibratory, distorted bass solo deals downright dirty riffs (think: Queens of the Stone Age!), as a voice tease-coaxes, “Come on, Paul, let’s hear something.” Yep, we’re fully invested. Reach for the repeat button!
Whole Wide World
“Everywhere I'm looking, there’s memories of the past…” – this outsider anthem is for air-punching, and lyrics switch from Memory Lane to life advice: “When the whole wide world’s against you… And you think the party’s over/ Well it’s only just begun.” Did Watts drum on this one? Certainly sounds like it. “Let’s raise a glass, get up and dance/ ‘Cause life’s just hit and run…”
Dreamy Skies
“An old AM radio is all that I’ve got/ It just plays Hank Williams and some bad honky tonk/ ‘Cause I got to take a break from it all…” – a respite song with sauntering tempo. That meandering metallic guitar line? Swoon. Not sure why, but we’re reminded of Werewolves of London’s melodies – and the harmonica is dreamy as.
Mess It Up
A catchy, you-done-me-wrong rant, this one navigates the bitterest end of a dalliance gone too long, and teeters on the truth-telling/just being hurtful boundary. “And I won’t lie…” – that octave leap is *chef’s kiss*.
Live by the Sword (feat. Elton John)
Elton’s distinctive honky-tonk piano goes off here – we can see the reflected sparks flying all a-blur from his multi-ringed, bejewelled fingers.
There are some satisfying crisp handclaps... but wait, we’ve forgotten to even listen to the lyrics up ‘til this point, such is this musical arrangement’s power! “I’m gonna treat you right…” – phew, we can get behind that sentiment.
Driving Me Too Hard
Wow. This one’s basically saying ‘cool your jets’ to an eager beaver; we hear you slamming on the brakes like, “Woooaaaah, Nelly!”
Tell Me Straight
“How do we finish?” Keef sings, during his only lead turn on this record, as if seeking our advice for this band’s swansong. Just imagining his proudly haggard face singing the words fills us with joy. We also wonder whether he has ever been straight, in any sense of the word, at any stage throughout his life. Keef strikes us more as a lightning bolt than a straight line.
Sweet Sounds of Heaven (feat. Lady Gaga)
The beginning of Sweet Sounds of Heaven evokes You Can’t Always Get What You Want, with cymbal-heavy percussion and guitar noodling. “No, I'm not, not goin' to Hell/ In some dusty motel…” – Lady Gaga belts to almost bursting point, and the brass really brings this one home. Spiritual stuff.
Rolling Stone Blues
“It’s gonna be a rolling stone…” – a Muddy Waters cover, also widely known as Catfish Blues, winks toward the band’s name inspo and beginnings. Here, The Stones’ core trio of Jagger, Richards and Wood keep it tradish with bluesy guitars and harmonica that’s simply saturated in soul. The geezers are rough diamonds, we’re reminded.
Hackney Diamonds by The Rolling Stones is out now via Universal.
shine bright with the brand new belter from the rolling stones!
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