The Rolling Stones: Hackney Diamonds review – if this is the end, they’re going out with a big success.
The eighth song on the 24th album by the Rolling Stones is called Live By the Sword. It’s about dying by the sword and has different versions of that idea. Honestly, it’s not one of the best lyrics on Hackney Diamonds. It seems like Mick Jagger came up with the main idea for the song but then ran out of ideas for variations on it after the first verse. But he decided to keep going anyway. He says things like, “If you’re involved in crime, you’re involved in bad stuff.” And “If you live a promiscuous life, you better be tough.” Well, if you say so, buddy.
However, some may argue that the lyrics are not very important. Live By the Sword brings together the Rolling Stones lineup from the mid-70s to the early 90s – with Charlie Watts on drums, recorded before his death in 2021, and Bill Wyman on bass. Elton John also joins in, playing the role previously held by the late Ian Stewart. This song reminds us of the time in the late 70s when the Rolling Stones were influenced by punk, whether they admitted it or not. It is similar to songs like Respectable from Some Girls, Where the Boys Go from Emotional Rescue, and Neighbours, which was originally recorded during the Emotional Rescue sessions but ended up on Tattoo You in 1981. Mick Jagger sings with passion and conviction throughout the song, even if the meaning of the lyrics is unclear, especially the part about living like a whore. He sounds energized and engaged, which is a departure from his occasional lackluster performances on Stones albums in the 80s and 90s, where it seemed like he was just going through the motions.
The lyrics sometimes have impressive lines. For example, Jagger sings, “If you live by the clock, you’re in for a shock,” which is one of many references to the passing of time. Keith Richards also asks, “Is my future all in the past?” on his solo song “Tell Me Straight.” These lyrics summarize the Rolling Stones’ recent recording career. It has been 18 years since they last released an album of new songs, which is quite surprising. The band realized in the mid-90s that touring and making albums were separate endeavors. They no longer needed to make albums to make money from touring. You might have thought that their album “A Bigger Bang” in 2005 would be their last, but they surprised us with “Blue & Lonesome” in 2016, which was a return to their roots with blues covers.
Andrew Watt used to work with pop stars like Camila Cabello, Justin Bieber, and Dua Lipa. Now, he produces music for famous rock stars like Ozzy Osbourne, Elton John, Iggy Pop, and Paul McCartney. Paul McCartney recommended Watt to the Rolling Stones after their previous producer didn’t work out. Watt helps the older rock stars sound modern, but he also knows that fans want the Rolling Stones to sound like themselves.
The choruses of Angry and Depending on You, both co-written by Watt, have a sparkle that suggests someone who knows how to make contemporary hits. The production has a modern touch that prevents it from sounding like a deliberate recreation of the Stones’ past. Lady Gaga, a guest star, almost injures herself while trying to channel the spirit of Merry Clayton, the famous guest vocalist on Gimme Shelter, in Sweet Sounds of Heaven. However, unlike the Stones’ previous attempts to incorporate trip hop-inspired sounds with the Dust Brothers and Danny Saber on Bridges to Babylon in 1997, there are no clumsy attempts to sound contemporary. Mick Jagger has wisely chosen not to collaborate with British rapper Skepta again. Apart from Lady Gaga, the other star guests stay in the background and seem content. McCartney adds a distorted bassline to Bite My Head Off, which is unusual for him. Elton John and Stevie Wonder stick to playing the piano.
Despite its unappealing title and artwork, Hackney Diamonds is filled with great songs. From the country honk of Dreamy Skies to the laid-back vibe of Driving Me Too Hard, the album showcases the band’s talent. Although there were some challenges during the recording process, the end result is full of energy and determination. It’s clear that everyone involved wanted the Jagger-Richards songwriting partnership to end on a high note, especially with the recent passing of Watts. Hackney Diamonds is a fitting tribute and a stronger album than their previous release, A Bigger Bang.
They succeeded in making a Rolling Stones album that doesn’t need any special explanation. The last song, Rolling Stone Blues, is played with a raw, acoustic sound and has a great harmonica solo by Jagger. Richards plays a guitar similar to the one used by Robert Johnson. It’s really good. On Tell Me Straight, Richards asks how they should end the album, and Hackney Diamonds gives a great answer.
