Via amazon.com

For the first time since 2016s “Blue & Lonesome,” The Rolling Stones have released a new full-length record. “Hackney Diamonds” is the first record from The Rolling Stones without the legendary Charlie Watts who first joined the band in 1963.

The 12-song record features the aforementioned Watts along with other guest stars like Elton John, Paul McCartney, Lady Gaga, Stevie Wonder, and former bass guitarist Bill Wyman.

The record lasts 48 minutes and is a return to form for one of the biggest rock bands in the entire world after a seven-year hiatus from new studio material.

If there has been one thing about The Rolling Stones that has been consistent throughout their history is the classic Keith Richards and Mick Jagger writing style. This dynamic duo has penned some of the greatest songs in history and their writing chops have not diminished yet.

Out of the 12 songs on the record, the first half of the album is a lot stronger than the second half. The first half of the record contains some of the strongest material on the album and outperforms the last six songs.

The first song off the record, “Angry”, is such a classic Rolling Stones song. The riff between Richards and Ronnie Wood is electric and Jagger’s voice sounds like it’s at the top of its game.

Track four, “Bite My Head Off,” is a fast-paced tune that shows some of the more skilled side of the band.

If you’ve read my reviews then you know that some of my favorite parts of the record are great bass lines. With the bass, it can either dilute your music or add a much-needed sound to the record.

Thankfully for The Rolling Stones, they have none other than Paul McCartney on bass guitar. Before the solo on the song, Jagger calls out and says “C’mon Paul, let’s hear something.” It’s great to see the Rolling Stones and one member of The Beatles play with each other. In terms of British rock and roll, it’s impossible to talk about The Beatles without mentioning The Rolling Stones and vice versa.

Track five, “Whole Wide World,” isn’t as fast as the song prior, but it’s still just as amazing in musicianship.

I love the funky guitar riff behind the jumpy drum beat from Steve Jordan on the drums. What I also thought was really interesting was the tone of the guitars in the solo. The guitars are really heavy and add another deeper layer of music to the song.

Track seven, “Mess It Up,” is one of two songs to feature Watts on drums on this record. Knowing that this track was one of the last songs with Watts adds another bone-chilling sound to the song.

Outside of the master class in drumming by Watts, I love how the vocals are right in front and the rest of the band is also clear despite being layered behind the vocals. I think the overall production on this record is spectacular.

Throughout the back end of the record track six “Dreamy Skies” makes listeners reminiscent of some of the country blues rock-infused songs on “Sticky Fingers.”

As listeners travel down the record, they find two songs. “Tell Me Straight,” features Richards on lead vocals and “Sweet Sounds Of Heaven.”

“Sweet Sounds Of Heaven” is an all-star song. Joining The Rolling Stones is Lady Gaga on vocals as well as Stevie Wonder on piano. This song is such a great song and it truly sends chills down my spine every time I listen to it.

For all the hype that surrounded this record, it was well worth the wait. This was such a great record and should be in the contest for album of the year or at least best rock album.

Now, let’s finish this record off with The Singers Thoughts:

1. The band sounds so great and they still are at the top of their game, it’s like they never took a seven-year hiatus.
2. I would love to see some of these songs played live at their concerts, they’re really great and would sound better in person.
3. It would be great to get more than one song with Keith Richards on vocals. All I’m asking for is two songs with Richards on lead vocals, just two.

Overall Grade: 8/10