The Rolling Stones: Still Rolling and Making History

At an age when most are long retired, the world’s greatest rock and roll band is back in the studio

For over six decades, the Rolling Stones have been the heartbeat of rock and roll. Now, just when the world thought they might finally slow down, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and Ronnie Wood have returned with Hackney Diamonds. This record, their first album of original material since 2005, is a bold statement that the "Glimmer Twins" still have plenty of fire left in the tank.

The album kicked off with the lead single "Angry," featuring a classic, snarling Keith Richards riff that proved the band could still capture the high-voltage energy of their youth. It was a defiant opening for a project that had to navigate the heartbreak of losing their legendary drummer, Charlie Watts, in 2021. Despite his passing, Watts’ steady, jazz-inflected beat lives on in the track "Mess It Up," providing a poignant bridge between the band’s storied past and their current chapter.

While the Stones have always been masters of the rock anthem, Hackney Diamonds also leans into their soulful, bluesy roots. The standout epic "Sweet Sounds of Heaven" serves as a modern masterpiece, featuring a soaring vocal duel between Jagger and Lady Gaga, backed by the legendary Stevie Wonder on keys. It’s a track that feels as timeless as the band's 1960s output, proving they can still reach for the sublime.

The album is also a star-studded affair that settles old rivalries and celebrates long-standing friendships. On the punk-fueled "Bite My Head Off," Paul McCartney joins in on a distorted "fuzz" bass, finally putting a bass guitar in his hands for a Stones recording. Meanwhile, the band looks back to where it all began with the closing track, "Rolling Stone Blues." This raw Muddy Waters cover brings the journey full circle, honoring the very song that gave the band its name over sixty years ago.

In an era of fleeting digital trends, the success of songs like the melodic "Depending On You" reminds us why the Stones remain a cultural force. They aren't just playing for nostalgia; they are creating a living, breathing soundtrack for a new generation. As the record proves, as long as there’s a riff to play and a story to tell, the Rolling Stones will keep on rolling.

Sources:

• Pitchfork
• Rolling Stone Magazine
• The Guardian
• Official Rolling Stones Website
• Billboard

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