Rolling Stones' 'Hackney Diamonds' Album Review - 8/10

The Rolling Stones' "Hackney Diamonds," unveiled on October 20, 2023, via Polydor Records, is a 12-track expedition that reasserts the band's enduring impact on rock 'n' roll. This is their first original studio project since 2005's "A Bigger Bang," and it dialogues with the present while honoring their illustrious past.

"Hackney Diamonds" track list is as follows:

1. "Angry"
2. "Get Close" (Feat. Elton John)
3. "Depending On You"
4. "Bite My Head Off" (Feat. Paul McCartney)
5. "Whole Wide World"
6. "Dreamy Skies"
7. "Mess It Up"
8. "Live by the Sword" (Feat. Bill Wyman, Charlie Watts & Elton John)
9. "Driving Me Too Hard"
10. "Tell Me Straight"
11. "Sweet Sounds of Heaven" (Feat. Lady Gaga & Stevie Wonder)
12. "Rolling Stone Blues"

The album commences with "Angry," a song that sets the stage with its untamed energy. Mick Jagger's vocals are both defiant and introspective, especially when he sings, "Voices keep echoing, calling out my name / Hear the rain keep beating on my window pane." It's a track that serves as a prologue to the album's emotional narrative.

Following is "Get Close," graced by Elton John, which offers a softer, more melodious counterpoint. The lyrics, "I walk the city at midnight with the past strapped to my back," dive into themes of identity and nostalgia, confirming the Stones' ability to navigate emotional terrains.

"Bite My Head Off," featuring Paul McCartney, is a tribute to the British Invasion era. It captures a blend of freshness and nostalgia, with lyrics like "Yeah, if I was a dog / Yeah, you would kick me down," evoking a sense of timeless rebellion.

"Whole Wide World" and "Dreamy Skies" function as the album's emotional anchors, offering a contemplative look into the band's psyche. Lyrics like "When the whole wide world's against you / And you're standing in the rain," encapsulate the band's ability to articulate universal sentiments.

These tracks are counterbalanced by "Mess It Up" and "Driving Me Too Hard," which steer the Stones back to their foundational blues elements. Lyrics like "You stole my numbers, you stole my codes," from "Mess It Up," explore themes of betrayal and emotional fatigue.

"Live by the Sword," featuring Bill Wyman and the late Charlie Watts, serves as a poignant nod to the band's history. The song's lyrics, "If you live by the sword, gonna die by the sword," emphasize the irreplaceable roles of each member in the band's legacy.

The album concludes with "Rolling Stone Blues," a tribute to the Muddy Waters track that gave the band its name. The lyrics, "Well, I wish I was a catfish / Swimming in the deep blue sea," encapsulate their journey from blues enthusiasts to rock 'n' roll legends.

Keith Richards and Ron Wood's guitar craftsmanship is both detailed and expansive, delivering the iconic riffs that fans have come to expect from the Stones. The rhythm section, featuring the late Charlie Watts on select tracks and Steve Jordan as a stand-in, lays down a sturdy base that allows for musical exploration.

Guest contributions from Lady Gaga, Stevie Wonder, Elton John, and Paul McCartney amplify the album into a collective musical venture. Lady Gaga's input on "Sweet Sound of Heaven," with lyrics like "Everyone is asking questions, yeah / I got one or two," provides a modern juxtaposition to the Stones' classic aura.

"Hackney Diamonds" holds personal significance for the band, with tracks featuring the late Charlie Watts serving both as a tribute and a reminder of his irreplaceable contribution. Critics have lauded the album for its capacity to resonate with a diverse audience while preserving the Stones' iconic sound. This is an album that challenges musical and societal norms, affirming that the Stones are still a dynamic entity.

On a scale from 1 to 10, "Hackney Diamonds" confidently lands at 8 for us. The Rolling Stones demonstrate that they're not just enduring but are a thriving entity, continually pushing the envelope and cementing their nearly six-decade-long iconic status.