2005 marked the release of The Rolling Stones’ last original album, A Bigger Bang. A lot of touring and a lot of rocking later, they’re back again, with an even bigger bang. The pioneering rock group’s new album—the first in eighteen years—Hackney Diamonds, was released on October 20th.
It’s Only Rock ‘N’ Roll
Totaling twenty-seven studio albums starting in 1964, The Rolling Stones have cemented themselves as rock legends, known as the founding fathers of the “hard rock” genre. The band originated in London in 1962, entering the rock music scene with a brand-new sound.
With gritty music that wasn’t afraid to break boundaries and shock masses, The Stones were some of the first men to truly exude what it meant to “rock ‘n’ roll”.
But in 2021, the band’s Charlie Watts—often regarded as the greatest drummer of all time—passed away at 80. Fans were unsure what the future held for the iconic rock group.
Jagger, Wood, and Richards continued to release remastered & deluxe versions of albums, along with the occasional tour, but it seemed like new music was off the table for the (now) trio.
Start Me Up (Again)
But on August 29th, things changed for The Rolling Stones. The band’s official Instagram posted a cryptically exciting message. Featuring projections all across the world, the band’s caption suggested new music was on the horizon.
Then on September 6th, the band announced the upcoming release of a brand new studio album, Hackney Diamonds, along with a teaser clip for a new song, “Angry.” It was official, The Rolling Stones were back again.
That night, vocalist Mick Jagger, guitarist Keith Richards, and bassist Ronnie Wood went live with host Jimmy Fallon. They celebrated the upcoming release of Hackney Diamonds and reflected on a rock career that’s over sixty years old, along with honoring the late Charlie Watts—who’s posthumously featured in the album.
Then two months later, Hackney Diamonds finally came out.
Fans were elated to discover the highly anticipated album was littered with star-studded features. Paul McCartney, Elton John, Lady Gaga, and Stevie Wonder all appear on the album. The latter two are featured in a blues-inspired duet.
Songs range from angsty anthems like “Angry” to soulful ballads like “Sweet Sounds of Heaven”, but nevertheless, the twelve-track album is still easily recognizable as The Stones.
(Can’t Get No) Satisfaction
Although Hackney Diamonds has found a soft spot in fans’ hearts, the reviews are split. Pitchfork gave the album a measly four out of ten, labeling their new sound as purely a “money grab”. Whereas Rolling Stone has decidedly declared that the band hasn’t “sounded this on top of their game in about half a century.”
But despite these stark differences in opinion, I think it’s safe to say there’s one thing we can all agree on, turning eighty never looked so cool. Two-thirds of these forefathers of rock on their way to octogenarian status, but The Rolling Stones are showing no signs of stopping now.
Where To Listen
Hackney Diamonds is out now and available on all streaming platforms. Take a listen and let us know what you think!
