Hackney Diamonds, Rolling Stones - Album Review

By: Liana Darling

The Rolling Stones: Hackney Diamonds

The Rolling Stones is an English rock band that formed in 1962 in London. Since then, they have released 31 studio albums, with their most recent being released on October 20th. Following the release of this album, they have been the only act to reach the top ten in the US with new albums in every decade since the 1960s. The band is now number three on the Billboard 100 Artists chart. Their new album, Hackney Diamonds, is 48 minutes of classic Rolling Stones. Throughout the years, The Rolling Stones have perfected their sound and have stuck to it.

The song "Bite My Head Off" features Paul McCartney, which hasn't happened since 1967. This has been an anticipated feature for some time now. Leading up to this song, the album was very high energy, and this song was too until McCartney took the lead. When he took the lead for bass on the song, I felt what can only be described as pure joy.

"Sweet Sounds Of Heaven" may be the best song off of Hackney Diamonds. This track showcases the lead singer's voice in a true gospel fashion. For being 80 years old, without listening to this album with prior knowledge, most would probably assume that Jagger was in his 40’s or 50’s.

The album ends with maybe one of the simplest acoustic blues songs. When listening to "Rolling Stones Blues", you can imagine what one of the first rehearsals might have sounded like between the original group members. It is a song that takes you back in time.

This album holds up to The Rolling Stones name. With such a variety of music on Hackney Diamonds, there is a lot for anyone to appreciate. The Rolling Stones have made music for many decades and some people may think that it's time for them to retire, but it doesn't seem like they're done quite yet.

Song List:

1. Angry

2. Get Close

3. Depending On You

4. Bite My Head Off (feat. Paul McCartney

5. Whole Wide World

6. Dreamy Skies

7. Mess It Up

8. Live By The Sword (feat. Elton John)

9. Driving Me Too Hard

10. Tell Me Straight

11. Sweet Sounds Of Heaven (feat. Lady Gaga and Stevie Wonder)

12. Rolling Stone Blues