Who knew? Mick Jagger is 80 and Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood are close behind. When the Rolling Stones announced their first album of original material in two decades, I wasn’t sure about the prospect of octogenarian rock. After listening to Hackney Diamonds, it’s clear that all is well with the world of late life rock and roll.
From the opening notes of “Angry,” you quickly realize that the Stones are on safe ground. It is guitar-based rock and roll that builds as it progresses.
There are a number of guests who do not make the music better or worse. Elton John and Paul McCartney on “Bite My Head Off” are more appreciated than necessary. “Sweet Sounds Of Love” is a soulful gospel ballad where Lady Gaga gets the backing vocals just right.
Drummer Charlie Watts has passed away, so “Love By The Sword” and “Mess It Up” are possibly his last two performances on an official Stones release. Bill Wyman, who is 86 years old, contributes the bass on “Live By The Sword,” convening the four (at the time) surviving original members of the Stones on one track.
“Driving Me Too Hard,” “Tell Me Straight” (a Keith Richards ballad), and “Dreamy Skies” are all excellent in their own right.
Hackney Diamonds may not match the standard set in the Exile On Main Street era, but it is one of the better efforts of the second half of the Stones’ long career. That the Rolling Stones had the resolve to produce an album of this excellence at their age is remarkable. Who knew?
