Review: Rolling Stones’ new ‘Hackney Diamonds’ album sparkles

Near the end of the exultant “Sweet Sounds of Heaven,” the penultimate track on The Rolling Stones’ terrific new album “Hackney Diamonds” , we hear what sounds like a vocal contest between two up-and-comers: one Mick Jagger and one Lady Gaga.

To which we say, let the games continue! The competition is emblematic of the joyous energy that infuses the Stones’ first collection of original music in 18 years, out Friday. It’s their best new work in decades — tight, focused, full of heart and swagger.This all feels like a rather major development for lifelong Stones fans. For so long, it seems, there’s been an unspoken contract between them and the band: You keep touring, and we will come.

Another party guest: Elton John, doing piano duty on two tracks. In one, “Get Close,” Jagger croons: “I walk the city at midnight with the past strapped to my back.” The lyrics are not always this poetic, but when they are, it’s often a dialogue with the past. As when Richards sings in “Tell Me Straight,” his poignant lead vocal outing: “Is my future all in the past? Just tell me straight.”

The late, great Charlie Watts, who died in 2021, appears posthumously on two of the 12 tracks. On one, “Live by the Sword,” former bandmate Bill Wyman joins on bass, making for an emotionally potent reunion. Steve Jordan, the successor Watts chose, takes the beloved drummer’s place on the rest of the album. Most tracks are penned by Jagger and Richards; they’re joined on three by pop producer Andrew Watt , who clearly exhibits a golden touch with this whole project.

Entertainment Entertainment Latest News, Entertainment Entertainment Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

Rolling Stones' ‘Hackney Diamonds': Album ReviewWith 'Hackney Diamonds,' the Rolling Stones deliver their strongest album in four decades — and the closing song suggests it could be their last.
Source: Variety - 🏆 108. / 63 Read more »

Reseña: The Rolling Stones demuestran que todavía tienen brillo en “Hackney Diamonds”Cerca del final de “Sweet Sounds of Heaven”, la penúltima canción del fantástico nuevo álbum de los Rolling Stones, “Hackney Diamonds” (sí, NUEVO), escuchamos lo que suena como una competencia vocal entre dos grandes: Mick Jagger y Lady Gaga.
Source: sdut - 🏆 5. / 95 Read more »

The Rolling Stones demuestran que todavía tienen brillo en 'Hackney Diamonds'Cerca del final de “Sweet Sounds of Heaven”, la penúltima canción del fantástico nuevo álbum de los Rolling Stones, “Hackney Diamonds” (sí, NUEVO), escuchamos lo que suena como una competencia vocal entre dos grandes: Mick Jagger y Lady Gaga.
Source: latimes - 🏆 11. / 82 Read more »

Rolling Stones have new record coming out: Past earnings, album sales and more fast factsThe Rolling Stones have a new original album coming out Friday, bringing renewed attention to the legendary British rock band created in the 60s. Here are some facts about the band.
Source: FoxBusiness - 🏆 458. / 53 Read more »

Ronnie Wood Talks New Rolling Stones Album, Paul McCartney Collab“We’ve been doing a little rehearsing to see how these songs translate live,” Wood explains. “And they’re really cooking.”
Source: billboard - 🏆 112. / 63 Read more »