The rolling stones just released their first original album in 18 years
In short: After nearly two decades of silence on new material, the Rolling Stones finally broke their streak. But this wasn't a simple studio session; it was a high-stakes race against time sparked by tragedy and fueled by a massive global marketing machine.
The path to Hackney Diamonds was fraught with creative friction. Following 2005's A Bigger Bang, the band struggled to find momentum, with guitarist Keith Richards citing Mick Jagger’s lack of enthusiasm and his own arthritis as hurdles. While they released occasional singles between 2012 and 2020, a definitive studio album remained elusive until the death of drummer Charlie Watts in 2021 served as a catalyst for the band to become more serious about finishing new material.
The production was a collaborative effort involving producer Andrew Watt and guest appearances from icons like Paul McCartney, Elton John, and Stevie Wonder. The recording process was remarkably efficient: principal recording took about four weeks, followed by two weeks of overdubs. Interestingly, Jagger’s vocals were recorded separately only after the guitar work was completed. By the time the album dropped in October 2023, Jagger estimated they had already finished enough material for a follow-up.
The title itself carries local weight; it is London slang for shattered glass left behind by burglars. The marketing campaign was equally expansive, featuring everything from projections on global monuments to a special home kit for FC Barcelona worn during the Clásico. Despite the long wait, critics have hailed it as one of their strongest works in decades, with some comparing its vitality to their output in the 1970s.
A notable historical footnote is the inclusion of 'Rolling Stone Blues' by Muddy Waters. While the song gave the band their name, this was their first time covering it on a release—a track Jagger and Richards bonded over as youths when Richards spotted Jagger carrying a Muddy Waters record on a train.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Hackney Diamonds
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