October 20: The iconic British rock band, The Rolling Stones, have made a triumphant return with their 24th studio album, “Hackney Diamonds,” marking their first release in 18 years. This album features appearances from music legends like Elton John, Lady Gaga, and even their former rival, Paul McCartney.
In their long and storied career spanning seven decades, the Stones have managed to surprise their fans with this latest offering. McCartney, the former Beatle, collaborates with the Stones for the first time, playing the bass guitar on the punk-inspired track “Bite My Head Off.” Despite the past rivalry between the Beatles and the Stones, the bands have always maintained friendly relations, with John Lennon even singing on one of the Stones’ songs in 1967.
McCartney’s contribution to the album was somewhat accidental, as shared by Keith Richards, the Stones’ guitarist, with Guitar Player magazine. Richards revealed that McCartney happened to be around and ended up contributing to the album, even though he hadn’t originally intended to play the bass.
While McCartney and Elton John’s contributions are a bit subtle, Lady Gaga and Stevie Wonder leave a more noticeable mark on the bluesy ballad “Sweet Sounds of Heaven,” reminiscent of classic Stones tunes like “You Can’t Always Get What You Want.”
Reviews for “Hackney Diamonds” have generally been respectful, but not excessively enthusiastic. The Guardian awarded it four stars, suggesting that if this is the Stones’ farewell, they’re exiting on a high note. The LA Times called the album “surprisingly energetic” and praised the timeless riffs.
Leading up to the album’s release, there was substantial anticipation, with some claiming it to be the band’s best work since “Some Girls” in 1978. However, others were less impressed by the polished production, comparing it to pop music stars like Justin Bieber and Dua Lipa.
Pitchfork played on the album’s title, “Hackney Diamonds,” an old London term for “broken glass,” to criticize it as “a collection of overused and uninspired tracks, so polished that their character has faded.”
Though “Hackney Diamonds” doesn’t come close to the legendary period between 1968 and 1972 when the Stones released classics like “Beggars Banquet,” “Let It Bleed,” “Sticky Fingers,” and “Exile on Main St.,” it is seen as a fitting end to the band’s over 60-year recording journey. Critics acknowledge that with such a storied discography, new albums and styles may seem somewhat unnecessary, but they appreciate the Stones’ continued presence in the music world.
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