Reviews (page 5 of 13)
i like this, i know its a great album but im not wowed by it.
This was good
4/5
Pretty good! It has a surprisingly strong country influence, mixed with blues and rock. I can see why this is so loved because it's extremely consistent, a lot of fun and has a lot of variety in the track list while still sounding cohesive. Rip This Joint and Ventilator Blues were my favourites from a first listen.
I didn't get this album when I first listened to it but listening again, this is The Stones at their bar band best.
Previously rated: #36 - The Rolling Stones (4/5) #201 - Beggars Banquet (5/5) #567 - Let it Bleed (5/5) #665 - Aftermath (4/5) #930 - Sticky Fingers (4/5) ********************************** Album #934 I just heard Sticky Fingers a few days ago. I think I liked this one about equally. They are masters of the blues/country rock. Favorite track: Tumbling Dice
Kyllä rollaritkin osasi bluesia tehdä.
Overall a great listen. While there is definitely something to the criticism of the being a lack of cohesion to the songs on the album, I'd argue there's a cohesive vibe to this album. It's a bit all over the place in one sense, but really it's a great exploration of so many shades of American blues music. And each song on its own shows of the phenomenal musical connection they all have with each other. Overall, its a great rock and roll album. I do not, however, quite get why this album is considered their very best or regarded as one of the all time great albums. There's too much inconsistency in the quality of the songs themselves (there's a solid handful of songs on here that are no better than stock in trade/paint by numbers blues songs) and there isn't much I'd consider musically inventive. Also, not sure why there's so much excitement about Keith Richards being given the chance to sing lead on a song. He's a TERRIBLE singer lol.
I mean this feels like THE rock and roll album. It is everything good about rock and roll: high energy, sloppy, drugged out, and soulful. Some of the all time best stones songs on here. One critique is that it is a little too long. But I’d say 85% of it I adore. 4.5
Straight up raw rock and roll. It took the Stones a long time to get to this point, but this is the essential sound of the Stones. 4/5
Great album but many the same. Not my style.
Can't ever go wrong with the Rolling Stones!
Solid classic rock
terrific album if course. bluesy
This is a really solid album that features many good songs. I appreciate how the Stones during this era really touched on a lot of different genres and sounds as well. This might not be my favorite Stones album, and it is a bit long being a double album, but I would still listen to it again for sure.
Brilliant - almost but not quite my favourite Stones album
Finally caught up on this one.
- familiarity: medium, I know the band and quite a few songs but not this album - album: flow - instrumentation: surprising range: blues, sax, not what I expected - lyrics: fun - thoughts: I liked it, probably not going to reach for it but would enjoy it if someone else put it on - surprised: yeah, a side of the stones that I hadn't heard before - score: 4/5
Cerramos la última semana del mes nueve con otro disco de Los Stones en éste reto. Clásico trabajo de rock y blues, es un disco ideal para una reunión o para una mañana de trabajo. Gracias por recordarme lo excelente de éste laburo. Hasta el lunes
A classic collection of bluesy rock with almost gospel influences at times. My favourite tracks are Tumbling Dice and Shine a Light. Just effortless to listen to and that’s always nice.
Still looking for that 5* Rolling Stones album.
Great blues record, but a little too long.
3.9 2x catch up 10/10
Classic Rolling Stones album. I love the bluesy elements of it. It's easy to see why Stones and rock and roll fans hold it in such high regard.
I at more piano than I was expecting. That’s not a bad thing.
Have always been more of a Beatles guy than a Stones guy but this shit is pretty rock and roll. A bit long as a double LP, but not sure there would be enough to cut for a single.
Some good rowdy moments in there. Good as background music but must admit I didn't listen particularly closely.
This was an odd one. Initially when I started listening I was thinking of giving it a 1 or a 2 - it's a Rolling Stones album but there's not a single classic on the album. Once I discounted it being a Stones album I enjoyed it a great deal as a blues album
There is a lot more blues on this than I was expecting. Not a lot of variety though. An excellent background album.
Cover 7 It's a good album. You've first listen. Upon re-listen, it's a great album.
Exile On Main Street is probably 4.5 stars for me--consistently good, never bad, but not quite great. So I'm going to give it 4 stars. Then I'm going to start another 1001 albums project so I can then give the album 5 stars two years from now.
Great stones sound but a lot of the songs were just good not great. Maybe I’ll get it through more listens but I’m confused why this album is considered one of the best ever.
Very good album. Full immersion into American blues. “Rocks Off” starts the album off with a lot of energy and the album keeps up for most of it. Probably the bands most triumphant effort. 4.5/5 Definitely will listen again
With all the background issues affecting The Rolling Stones during this period: gutarist Keith Richards' worsening heroin addiction, long absences of vocalist Mick Jagger and bassist Bill Wyman from recording and the band still shut out from the UK as tax exiles: It's a sheer miracle that Exile on Main St. is as good as it is. The band's first double LP, Exile on Main St. is an 18-track journey through some of the finest tunes the Stones ever put to tape, with some notable highlights being 'Rip This Joint', 'Tumbling Dice', 'Let it Loose', 'Shine a Light' and 'Happy', the latter a rare Richards lead vocal cameo. Effectively combining the Stones' classic rock and roll sound with country and blues in the same vein as their previous record (1971's Sticky Fingers), Exile on Main St. takes more risks and pushes the envelope further, although its not always successful in this regard, as some songs roll past without really staying with you. While Sticky Fingers is perfect Stones from start to finish, Exile is maybe 5 or 6 songs too long to be a true five-star record for me. Nevertheless,
That was the sloppiest good album I've ever heard. It's also the most Southern US sounding album by a British band I've heard. It sounds straight out of a dingy bar somewhere between New Orleans and Memphis. It's also too long, as a lot of double albums are. Cut a few songs out, and this could be a 5. As it is, it's a 3.5, but I'm rounding up because I mostly enjoyed it.
This album is amazing. Best collection of the Stones music that I've heard so far. The energy is at 100 on every track, and the songwriting and instrumentation is consistently awesome with great songwriting and performances. A little too long maybe with some songs that just weren't up to par with the other 2 thirds of the album, but that's my only gripe. - Great album
Great album. Brings back a lot of good memories. I would probably give this album a 5 if it was pared down a little.
Rocks Off - 7.5/10 Rip This Joint - 7.5/10 Shake Your Hips - 7.5/10 Casino Boogie - 7/10 Tumbling dice - 8/10 Sweet Virginia - 7.5//10 Torn And Frayed - 8/10 Sweet Black Angel - 8.5/10 Loving Cup - 8/10 Happy - 7.5/10 Turd On The Run - 7/10 Ventilator Blues - 7.5/10 I Just Want To See His Face - 7.5/10 Let it loose - 9/10 All Down The Line - 8/10 Stop Breaking Down - 8/10 Shine a Light - 9.5/10 Soul Survivor - 8.5/10 75/100
4.5
Comes in hot then takes a bit of a victory lap
Better than I expected
Really like the album. La chanson rocks off m'a immédiatement accroché dans l L'univers musical de l'album. j'ai ressenti une grande liberté de la part du groupe sur la majorité de l'album. Avec des influences de blues, rock et même country. Le manque de cohésion pouvait parfois se faire ressentir de manière négative sur certains morceaux, mais de manière générale elle amenait une fraîcheur et un charme à la majorité de l'expérience. Je suis content d'avoir commencé par cet album puisque ça me donne un avant goût de la partie de leur carrière qui se voulait plus expérimentale
The Stones stumble into a juke joint and ingest the vibes via osmosis... Stone cold classics on this album like "Tumbling Dice", "Sweet Virginia", and "Shine A Light" and the whole thing is just an experience, even if it's cribbing the black mans music...
Mostly good
Pretty good.
i wasn’t really family with the Rolling Stones but this is everything I expeted
Very good
i wish i liked it more because i want to get what's so loved about it but it hovers in the great zone.not ground breaking, but great
About what I expected. High points: Tumbling Dice, Ventilator Blues, Happy
My first Stones album. I really liked it 👅
Of course it’s great but not as consistent as their best albums. Love ventilator blues.
Classic
Думал что мне не зайдет от слова совсем, но прослушал весь альбом с удовольствием, хотя не фанат Роллингов.
Great album. Not as tight-packed as "Sticky Fingers" but still really fun and lively. The whole album has a very different feel from what i'd expect from a Stones record, it sounds a lot like just dudes having fun and jamming around, rather than merely a collection of singles - that definetly shows on the very busy and organic performances of these songs. I don't think these are their strongest songs ever but they're surely an amazing portfolio to showcase their rather eclectic influences, of course from the blues but also from country, rock and roll and even soul/gospel. Favorites include "Rocks Off", "Shake Your Hips", "Tumbling Dice", "Loving Cup", "Let It Loose", "Shine a Light".
This could be my favorite stones album. At least it is today.
Very much the classic Stones sound. Enjoyed it a lot
Good from beginning to end and great at times. “Sweet Virginia” is a fantastic song, and has the benefit of being attached to the ending of Knives Out. The Stones are great, no more notes. 4/5
This was classically Rolling Stones. Good listen.
This is a bit of an oddity really. Coming at the end of an incredible run of albums from the Stones, Beggars Banquet, Let It Bleed, and Sticky Fingers; Exile On Main Street is regarded as one of their greatest works, but to a casual listener it is missing any of their recognisable hits. Exile On Main Street is all about the vibe. It is a down and dirty, sleazy blues odyssey and if you let it transport you into it's world you will enjoy it.
own
Fun
Listened to this album while studying for an exam, got a B+
Rå, fräsch, tuff. Ändå välproducerad. Jag gillar hur de använder doa-körer! (Sen kan jag lätt bli lite trött på Stones.)
Surprisingly I liked this. Reminded me of JSBX at times.
I've been quite scathing about all the Stones albums I've been served so far. But now for the first time I think I'm starting to see the light. This is fun! An album which sounds quite raw, like a band really enjoying themselves. Sweet Virginia is a highlight here. I also like some of the simpler blues, like Shake your Hips and Sweet Black Angel. Yes it's a bit too long, and some of the slower songs sort of blend into a generic tasteless soup. But overall this is showing me that the Stones are almost worthy of their acclaim.
The older I get the more I appreciate The Stones. The time I heard this album, I was not impressed - not that I thought it was trash, it is just regarded as one of the best albums of all-time. I still wouldn't wouldn't put it in the top 50 (where most put it in the top 10-25), but I do like it and understand it now. I don't know why I didn't care much for it, maybe it is the bluesy nature (I can only handle so much blues guitar), maybe it's Mic Jager's voice, I'm not sure. But I know now that not only this is a well done album from front to back and that its influence reaches for decades after it was released. There are only a literal few Rolling Stones song that I will purposefully play, and that happens about as often as Cleveland Browns in the playoffs, but I repect their work and know that they are damn good at their craft. 8.5/10 127/1001
GOSTEI
This album was quintessential Rolling Stones! I enjoyed how there were a mix of genres and vibes on the album. The album started off very rock and roll, and then became more country/folk, and there were a few songs with blues and rock elements in there as well. I had a good time listening to this Stones album and I would listen to it again in the future!
Good
The Rolling Stones know how to kick off an album and Rocks Off doesn't disappoint - the keys, the horns, the vocal manipulation all paired with a sound that is still distinctly The Rolling Stones make for a great entrance. Rolling right into Rip This Joint shows they're going to continue on their rampage, with more of those great keys and horns. Sweet Black Angel has these interesting blunt instrument sounds, I'm not well versed enough to identify them but I like the sound. Near the end, the slide guitar on Stop Breaking Down really stands out as representing the climax of this blues inspired album, with the progression into Shine A Light representing the start of the ending encore. The instrumentals, continued use of keys and horns, and Mick Jagger's vocals helped carry me through this album to the end, but I empathize with the common complaint that I did feel a bit lost at times through the entire track list due to how long and expansive it is. I was never disappointed or bored though, and believe this album rightfully deserves it's place as one of The Rolling Stones' greatest contributions to music.
a nice listening album, though nothing really stood out. solid solid stones. 3.5 rounded up.
Ah, back to the stones. Here's an album I should know I guess on its own terms, but instead mostly know because of Matchbox Twenty's compilation riffing off the name (Exile on Mainstream) and Liz Phair's artistically impressive track-by-track response Exile in Guyville. Also I invited a friend to join the project: my old College friend Drew joined; alongside my brother, he's had more impact on my music taste than just about anyone. Hope you stick around Drew! Listening Notes: -I mostly listened without a note-taking apparatus on hand, so this is going to be a less insanely verbose review than my standard many paragraphs into the void. (editing later: lol. leaving this in because it's funny now) -Okay relistening because the last tracks were fun: Rocks off has such a satisfying build up. And I'm always a sucker for brass in popular music. Good shit. -Just such great energy on rip this joint. Not nearly as polished as it could be, but feels *alive* in a way I really wasn't expecting. -I've heard shake your hips three times now and can't hear anything other than ZZ Top's La Grange (on research, Stones are covering a Black bluesman--many such cases). Dope melody, but I keep expecting heavier instrumentation like on that song and ngl im a little disappointed its not there. -Alright now at Tumbling Dice, we've settled into the middle section of the album: a bunch of middling songs that expand the run time, reduce the cohesion of the album, and are nonetheless very good. But they don't get enough space to breath. Maybe they would in the original vinyl, where there's a break between each side. -At basically every point in this album, I've felt like I could dance. Too rare in the sort of music we usually get here! -Just want to See His Face: Always think it's interesting the way gospel music themes come into the work of the rock artists who were so inspired by black American music. -I think the slower songs arc in Just Want to See... and Let it Loose is a great example of something that would benefit from a little more breathing room, something this album sadly denies it. Review: After two listens, my main takeaway was that the Stones feel pretty generic on this album, despite its reputation. But I figured my listening to the tail end of the album was a little spotty, so I relistened to the last few tracks, and I was impressed. Stop Breaking Down into Shine a Light is a great couple tracks and Soul Survivor finishes that running really well. This made me relisten one last time. I think at the end of the day, there are flecks of gold here, but the album as a whole buries them by being too long with too many lesser pieces. There's a five star album here, but unfortunately buried and mashed up with a 4-star album. And the result is less than the sum of its parts.
It dragged a bit at the end, so it could probably have done with trimming some of the fat from the track list. But, overall I can see why people like the Stones.
Solid track after track
Great rock n' roll album with lots of genre influences.
Quite an enjoyable listen from the Stones. Enjoyed the bluesy theme throughout
I feel like the Stones’ target demographic is people who liked Queen but stopped listening when Freddie went public with AIDS. Talented bunch though
I saw them touring during this time. Great record without much filler.
I've gotten a ton of Stones albums so far, they're just a solid band. I never knew they got so bluesy, almost like cowboy saloon sometimes. The songs sometimes blend together, but it's really good
• 4/5 • Stones at the peak of their early years - dirty yet polished, so loose yet it all fits together perfectly
folky & jazzy, multi genre
Very fun
The sum of the parts is greater than the whole? Perhaps! This has never been my favourite Stones album, they have much better albums. That said, 4 stars. Side one 1 "Rocks Off" - 4 stars 2 "Rip This Joint"- And they do "Rip this joint"! - 5 stars 3 "Shake Your Hips"- Sleezy - 5 stars 4 "Casino Boogie" - 3 stars 5 "Tumbling Dice" - The best track on the album. Country tinged. Wonderful opening riff. The guitar positively slurs, a bit like Keith Richards speaking! - 5 stars Side two 1 "Sweet Virginia" - Wonderful. - 5 stars 2 "Torn and Frayed" - 4 stars 3 "Sweet Black Angel" - 3 stars 4 "Loving Cup" - 3 stars Side three 1 "Happy" - Indeed, happy! - 5 stars 2 "Turd on the Run" - 3 stars 3 "Ventilator Blues" - 3 stars 4 "I Just Want to See His Face" - 3 stars 5 "Let It Loose" - 3 stars Side four 1 "All Down the Line" - 3 stars 2 "Stop Breaking Down" - Love this song. - 5 stars 3 "Shine a Light" - Super song.- 5 stars 4 "Soul Survivor" - 3 stars Total - 70 Average - 3.89
Хороший блюзовый альбом ролингов, игривый, бодрый
Stærkt rockalbum, lidt blues’et, måske en anelse langt
This might be my favourite Stone’s album
4 Stars (11/15)
I like the energy and the first song on the album is really good.
A real comeback/revival of the best Stones, the blues Stones.
Starts hella strong, but feels like it loses some momentum around "Ventilator Blues." Some huge singles. Definitely see the transition from the sound of the 60s to the 70s as the album goes on.
bastante movido pero no era lo que esperaba de los rollings sino que tenía unos sonidos menos de rock y más de otros géneros, pero me ha gustado bastante.
A bit bloated but also some of their best songs. Shine A Light almost pushed it to five stars but it felt more like a four throughout so I’m sticking with that.
not so on the over analyzing the lyrics side of the musical spectrum but so much into the lay back and enjoy the good old rock and roll side. the musical quality is amazing. rlly loved it
Eu gosto desse albúm, nada contra, mas sou da geração MTV: escutei tanto determinados artistas que hoje não suporto mais nem ouvir o nome... O Rolling Stones é esse caso! :-(
High-level Stones performance, though not truly exceptional for me.
Miscellaneous 70s dad rock. Just kidding. 🤘
A good banger. Not top notch, but a good 7-8/10 album.
I LIKE IT. A LITTLE LONG BUT FLOWS PRETTY GOOD 4/5
Pre-listening thoughts: man I thought we were done with the Stones lowkey 😭 turns out there’s still two more after this. Also I listened to this like a week ago but have genuinely just forgotten to rate all of my backlog. But I promise I’m not 14 behind 😭😭 Post/during listening thoughts: this was like on par with Beggars Banquet for me. Maybe a little higher. Sticky fingers is still their best album on here (and I’m STILL pissed about the omission of Some Girls but their like first Beatles-y album is on here???? F yall for real). There were some songs on here that I definitely feel had the Stones vibe I like the most, idk how to explain it. Like I’m not a fan of their blues stuff or their rockabilly inspired stuff, and their country stuff is hit or miss for me. But there’s some niche in the classic rock sound they hit and it really works for me. Anyways this was good. I still think Sticky Fingers is better overall but this had some hits and highlights I’d put on par with that albums best. But it was a little long and the back half had much less I really enjoyed. 7/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: no Fav tracks: Rocks Off, Tumbling Dice, Torn and Frayed, Loving Cup, Happy Least fav tracks: anything with that stupid 12 bar blues progression I actually am so sick of it
para empezar bien el día. ostia shake your hips es literal la grange de zz top. Jim Jones tmb inspirados en esto, son el origen de todo los rolling. me ha parecido un poco largo pero me gusta en general. lo volvería a escuchar, para levantarme por las mañanas, mientras me ducho o para ir en coche o pa tener de fondo.
Is this country?
Good Album !
Honestly never listened to Rolling Stones before this, and it is actually such a vibe I like this
bangers
A rock album that you can dance to? That’s something I can get behind
You can never have too much rock and roll. But this one does drag on a bit too much. 18 tracks feels bloated.
Really liked the album. I enjoyed the blues, folksy and soul vibes throughout. I also liked the fact that some parts of the album felt a bit gritty/unpolished and more natural. Really liked Torn and Frayed, Sweet Black Angel and shake your hips.
Never heard this album before, more familiar with their 60s singles and probably because they are more radio friendly. It's not a bad album by any means, was expecting more of a hard rock sound but got more blues. It finished strong with Shine A Light and Sole Survivor. I don't know why this goes down as their 'best' album on critics lists though. To quote the wiki: "Exile is not one of my favourite albums" - Jagger "Jagger also stated he did not understand the praise among Rolling Stones fans because the album did not yield many hits." 3.5/5. Raising to a 4.
Quality. just quality. Loved this album, would listen again
This album was great. Really good music that was really enjoyable to listen to. Can’t ask for much more than that. I was expecting this especially to just be really basic 70s rock, which it still was cuz that’s what The Rolling Stones kinda is, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be absolutely bangin good too.
Great record. Tumblin Dice is such a classic. I can appreciate that Keith was in love with the US Blues movement. Amazing riffs straight out of the delta.
Очень динамичный альбом с нескучным звучанием. при этом композиции перетекают друг в друга. хаос + шум + поток мыслей = гармоничный и целостный альбом
Banging
I don't really love the stones much and never listened to one of their albums. Surprisingly nice sound and decent songs. Surprised at how American the sound is of this album, though I don't mind that at all.
Do your best Jagger
A chaotic collage of sounds, styles, influences and impact. I am not sure if the brilliance was entirely intentional but sure that that doesn't matter
I haven't really listened to the Rolling Stones since high school and now I've had 2 albums generated in less than a week! In my Sticky Fingers review I stated that it's probably not my favourite Stones record, but I'd figure that out when I had more generated for the project. Both records are great in their own right, but Exile On Main Street feels like the more polished and arranged record, whereas Sticky Fingers seems to have some of the bigger hits and felt more in-your-face rock and roll. I'm enjoying the second half of Exile a lot more than the first half and it might be squeezing out Sticky Fingers a bit. Favourite tracks: Sweet Virginia, Sweet Black Angel, Loving Cup, Ventilator Blues, I Just Want to See His Face, Let It Loose
4 von 5 Klassiker, insbesondere mit der Geschichte dahinter. Bestes Album der Stones, insbesondere wegen der Hits. Für mich aber auch mit Blues Standards Filler…
-listened to this while hammered out of my mind as Jagger would have intended probably… wow I REALLY ended up liking it! i had no strong thoughts either way about Let It Bleed but this was great, kept me interested and had such incredible energy -I would really like to listen to it again soon honestly, I’ve began to fall in love with blues rock I think -Favorites are Rip This Joint, Ventilator Blues, and All Down The Line
Can't fault this just because it's not my favorite Stones album. Great bluesy rock that goes on and on...
Solid from start to finish. Bluesy Stones. I've always liked a lot of their songs but never found an album I particularly liked, this isn't really loaded with their 'hits' but works as an album. 7.5/10
Great album.
The Stones aren't generally my jam. I truly don't get their appeal and have always chalked it up to Boomerism-you-had-to-be-there sound. But 'Exile...' straight up sounds like a helluva fun basement party, and I'm here for it. Bluesy rock, playful lyrics. It all sounds like brewskis with the babes and bros with the stereo cranked to 11. They're still not for me, but I had fun with this.
I enjoyed it more than I expected. Good vibes.
This is a must-listen (#143). It surpasses the other two Stones albums I've heard so far, in that it maintains a scrappy energy and vibe all the way through without really flagging, and it is pretty much always enjoyable. But it suffers through the same issues I had with the other albums - sounds great and has a wonderful energy, but none of the songs individually do much for me. I guess they'd have been best experienced live?
Go Stones!! 🤘
This album was not quite what I expected from it, but not in a bad way. It's solid and I only wish I had been more in the mood for this kind of sound today - but even that doesn't detract from the virtues of the album. I can certainly see myself enjoying it more on another day
This is one of those albums that have been reviewed 99 million times in more than 50 years. Yay for listening notes. As an album it's good - just not my thing unless I'm in a very precise mood. It's good, but not quite sure why this is heralded as one of rock's pinnacle achievements.
Just a classic Stones album, a party with dark/seedy undertones, a spine of good ole fashioned rock n roll with the draperies of other styles thrown in (gospel, country, etc.). It's the good local dive bar of music.
Favorite Track: Rocks Off
Been waiting for a Stones album on this album project. Have really only listened to one of their albums fully (Steel Wheels) over the years so happy to get to dive into one. Overall, not disappointed , honky Tonk blues were on display throughout . A big listen (for one day) and probably still needs to be revisited.
einmal mehr Stones, bluesig, rauh und immer wieder gut.
Not really a bad song on the album even if it isn’t my favorite of theirs. Stones in their prime, just a great baseline floor. Does taper off a bit at the end. My faves include: “tumbling dice”, “rocks off”, “shake your hips”
Great album. I did not know The Rolling Stones very well before so I was surprised by this catchy blend of blues, rock and rock'n roll. The only critique I could possibly level at it is that it lacks any "hit" songs. On the other hand, it has no weak points either.
Great intro to British blues
Pretty good, but did drag on a bit.
This is excellent throughout but just doesn’t quite have anything that stands out to make it 5⭐️ A really, really good Stones album but with none of their big songs
This generator is certainly stretching my musical genres as the Rolling Stones are an iconic band, but only one for me that I would hear occasional songs on the radio. This album gave me a new appreciation for them.
A chaotic collage of sounds, styles, influences and impact. I am not sure if the brilliance was entirely intentional but sure that that doesn't matter.
Really fun bluesy sound. This was my first listen and I was surprised by the more stripped down version of the Stones I’d solidified in my mind. Will revisit on occasion for sure.
9 out of 10
Lots of classic tracks on this one
Stones eh.
Consistent the whole way through
Classic
Great enjoyed
Good stuff! Very Rolling Stones
i liked this album and would listen again, but its pretty long… no super strong opinions just some classic rolling stones tunes!
Honestly makes me understand the love for The Rolling Stones a little bit more. This felt like they had a little bit of everything.
Lubię Stonesów, nie udają nikogo kim nie są. Ta płyta nie jest pretensjonalna, nie próbuje mnie przekonać, że jest największym artystycznym doznaniem tamtych lat. To po prostu kawałek dobrej muzyki, która cieszy. Czuć, że zespół się dobrze przy niej bawił - emanuje pozytywną energią. Czasami słychać lekkie inspiracje country i Dylanem, to też na plus. 8/10, bo są lepsze płyty Stonesów.
Legendary but not my first Stones choice.
This album gets a lot of hype. And I don’t know if I’ve ever listened to it. There are great moments on this album. Shake your hips and ventilator blues. Still not sure if this lives up to the hype. I really like all down the line.
It was nice, but did not get me hooked.
Good album, I'm just not a big fan of the stones
custom_rating:8
The songs are all new to me, but of the Stones’ albums I’ve heard so far, I like this one best - it sounds like a party.
Maybe felt a little long but I did enjoy it!
4/5
I knew some of it, but not all. Such a grimy album. Sounds like a party.
Very enjoyable as a non-stones listener. Very laid back, blues/gospel/folk vibes. “Authentic” 60s production quality
Dope
Very good. I feel like the stones were in full swing here. I love the country and blues of elements. Good listen front to back
Fire. Made me realize I've been sleeping on the Rolling Stones. Definitely need to listen to this one a few more times through
Yep!
this is the stones I like
I would say I like the more ballad ones, rather than the straight rock and roll ones which can sometimes be good. I mean what more is there to say, its the Rolling Stones. Favourite songs: rocks off, casino boogie, tumbling dice, sweet Virginia, torn and frayed, loving cup, happy, let it loose. Overall around 7/10
To my shame I don't think I've ever tried to listen to the Stones. "The Music Never Stopped" is one of my favorite movies, but I never actually put effort into seeing what it's all about. It's way closer to blues than modern rock than I thought it would be.
I don't really get the point of playlists, overlong groupings of songs thrown together to fit a mood, a vibe, an ambience, or style. The playlist that is simply a depository for all the songs you've ever liked makes some sense, but seems needlessly complicated to navigate. I used to tape the songs I liked from CDs I borrowed from the CD library, but, honestly, I never went back to the tapes. I just made them so I would have the songs. If I actually wanted to listen to the songs, I would have to integrate them into a proper mixtape. A mixtape that, like an album proper, would have a flow, highs and lows, transitions and juxtapositions. A journey rather than a mood. Arranging songs by vibe feels like collecting together swatches of the same colour in different shades, a paint chart instead of a collage. That's what Exile On Main Street is: a playlist, not an album. Songs the band liked - that you may like too - thrown together, one after the after. A decent ear will recognise different genres of Americana, but really all of them of a piece - you see the family resemblance, you know why they were put in the Main Street bin rather than the Sticky Fingers one. But not one song connects to the next, they don't clarify or edify each other by sitting side by side. One song doesn't even know the other ones are there. That is a form of variety, I suppose. Or that's how often feels. Really I hear two types of song here, some that are inward-looking and some that are outward-looking. The inward-looking songs sound like the band is a circle, playing to themselves, enjoying the camaraderie of walking through their favourite styles and influences. This is most of them, documentation of a good time that you missed out on - like the party atmospherics on that first Beastie Boys album. The outward-looking songs sound like Mick Jagger is facing the audience, the band and backdrop behind him. Shine A Light, for example, is for us. Too much of the record is for them. Knowing that a playlist will go on indefinitely, with no indication of where you are in its length, you keep an ear out for highlights, for little things that grab you. Plenty grabs me here, but only for a moment, full songs are hard to grasp or care to grasp. That those little things on Exile On Main Street are the playing of Nicky Hopkins, the brass arrangements, and the gospel backing vocals says who knows what about my feelings for the Rolling Stones. 3 While it is clearly impossible to deny that the Rolling Stones had a better time making this than anyone has ever had listening to it, it’s still quite good to listen to. They had perfected the art of building more or less mundane musical material into brilliant, ecstatic finales - Rocks Off, Rip This Joint, Tumbling Dice, Sweet Virginia, Loving Cup, All Down the Line. The sloppy(?), inconsistent production actually gives a sense of variety and certainly contributes to the spontaneous, party atmosphere of the record as well, although there is very little sloppy about the playing - the piano particularly is absolutely terrific. But the real key element in why this album is so good is Mick Jagger’s ability to find some convincing melodic hook every time (Keith Richards finds one too to be fair) and then deliver it with terrific energy and drama. Rocks and Shine a Light are two of my favourite Stones tracks and while I don’t particularly love anything else on this record I don’t think it ever sags in quality. Actually that’s not true - I love I just want to see his face. And all the horns. And the backing vocals. And Charlie Watts drumming. 4/5
Good album. Some people love it and say it's their best but I disagree. I think it's good but there's better.
I've already heard this. The best Rolling Stones album, as it's the most coherent. A bit long to run to since it's a triple. You could call this the Stone's 'Sandinista'.
Great Blues and Rock n Roll Elements through the whole Album and the Sound is so American. Feels like a Album to listen while driving through Route 66. Could've been a bit shorter but it is still a great and strong album overall. (4.0/5.0)
Aproape 5
Love the Stones!
real good bluesy rock, perfect for a summer drive to the campsite
didn’t listen probably a 3-4
Typical Rolling Stones. A little loud, a little rebelliousb
I was quite surprised that despite being released in 1972, this album followed the style of classic 50s rock and roll. Everything from the rhythm and chord progressions used felt like music you would hear at a dance hall on a Friday night. Now I'm just waiting for a cute boy to come up to me and ask me to dance or take me roller skating. Onto the actual review of the music. I think my criticism of this album is that after a while, all the songs kinda sound the same? Which in this scenario I don't actually have any issue with it because the album is so laid back and easy to listen to. So why is this a criticism if I don't mind it? Probably because I don't see myself coming back to this album anytime soon except maybe if can find it on cassette to listen to during a Sunday afternoon drive. In other words, I'll come back to this for the vibe, but not because I think it's one of the most well-written or produced albums of all time.
Date- 2/17/2025 Number- 67 Rating- 2 Top Tracks- Tumbling Dice Loving Up Ventilator Blues Listening Notes- For how much I like the Stones, it surprised me I had not listened to this album in full. Great Blues/Honky Tonk and Boogie album without anything skippable. I really enjoyed the piano, horns, steel guitar and blues vocals. I still lean more towards the Stones rock heavy songs, but I will be listening to this album much more. I may have listened to this album on my own, but am happy I did for the 1001 project. A solid 4.
Murky bluesy groovy
They sure took their own advice to Let It Loose on this one. Who cares exactly where or under what circumstances this album was made when it's just so much FUN to listen to? Drags a little for a couple of tracks in the middle, but still: Peak Stones!
Very good but it got very repetitive, couldve done with being half as long as well
I find it light and fun
This was pretty good. Not an unbearable amount of honky tonk. Enough careful composition to keep it interesting. Bluesy classic rock. Not my thing, but I can’t complain
This was pretty good. Not an unbearable amount of honky tonk. Enough careful composition to keep it interesting. Bluesy classic rock. Not my thing, but I can’t complain
My favourite flavour of Rolling Stones is definitely the dirty, dirty blues variety. It always feels a bit lazy to criticise double albums for being too long or 'sagging' at some point so I try to avoid that critique but I have found even after a few listens that particularly the first ten or so tracks have a bit of a habit of blurring into one. I personally found myself digging the second half more and if I had this on LP, I'd probably default mostly to listening to disc two. I've been gaining a massive appreciation for the harmonica recently and this has some truly vintage parts on the old mouth organ. So that helped tip me from a strong 3 to just about a 4.
According to fans, this is apparently the best album The Rolling Stones ever made. Critics these days would agree: 5's, 10's and A's across the board. ROLLING STONE (the magazine) would agree as well. On its 2012 list it was a top ten entry, at number 7. Later in 2020 it dropped down to 14, but it's still the highest-ranked Rolling Stones album by far — heck, at this point it now out-ranks SGT. PEPPER'S LONELY HEARTS CLUB BAND. That's quite a bit of pedigree for my ass. However, The Rolling Stones themselves (or maybe just Mick Jagger) would not agree. At the very least, he or they don't understand all the praise. The album didn't yield very many hits, after all — and that's not even to bring up the **mixing**! It's curious to me to see that disconnect. It's not particularly pronounced, yeah, but just that it exists at all... And, I'unno, just based off of the vibes I'd gotten from the Stones, I don't think I would've guessed that **this** was supposed to be the absolute cream of the crop. STICKY FINGERS, LET IT BLEED, those feel more to me like they should be claiming the top spot. Especially LET IT BLEED — how can an album that has shit like "Gimme Shelter" and "You Can't Always Get What You Want" **not** be the best thing? Goodness, STICKY FINGERS has "Dead Flowers", and that's an amazing little deep cut. Meanwhile, I look at EXILE ON MAIN ST., and I don't recognize a single song here. From the outside, I'm seeing what Jagger is talking about... And, like, I recognize, I'm largely judging a book by its cover here. Just because an album doesn't have any big obvious hits doesn't mean it's any worse. Heck, albums with big hits could be **worse** 'coz they only have the one or two good songs. It's just not typically a good sign in my eyes, y'know? It's not like listening to the album entirely disproves that, either. I mean, don't get me wrong: this is great rock music. In fact, it's not **just** "great rock": there's so much country and gospel influence throughout... And, oh, goodness me, the gospel influence. Let me put it out there right now, the gospel stuff is the best stuff on this album. Any time there was a song that leaned that way (or in a similar soul-ish direction), ah, I was all for it. Certainly, within the group of Rolling Stones album we've gotten so far, I like this a lot more than I do the strict "return to roots" blues rock of BEGGARS BANQUET. However, despite how much I find I like this material... I'unno. I'm still being held back from finding it all that incredible. It's great rock music, sure. But is it better, as a whole, than STICKY FINGERS? Or, why not, SGT. PEPPER'S? Legit, I do think the problem is that I didn't pick out any particular hits. As good as the material here is, and as well as it's played, I don't think I really heard that one song that would keep me wanting to come back for me. That's something I feel is cruisical, y'know? Even if it's just one song, a really good album — the best in a band's discography, even — should have that one song that makes you jolt your head up like, "Ooo! Listen to **that**!" STICKY FINGERS has those in the form of "I Got The Blues" and the aforementioned "Dead Flowers", not to mention the actual hits "Brown Sugar" and "Wild Horses". Meanwhile, on EXILE, I'd be hard-pressed to pick out any particular song. It all operated on such a nearly flat plain of "Yeah, it's good; I like this" that I barely noticed when one song ended and another began. This isn't exactly a glowing endorsement of the album here, I'm aware of that; I wanna stress again that I think it's great, even... But **the best**? Maybe if it'd been trimmed a little. I'm not sure if it **really** needed to be two discs — and ain't that the death knell for a double album, eh? But for real, maybe if the album had been tightened up some of these songs could have stood out a little more and I'd be more willing to cop to the consensus. But, y'know, I actually dislike making reviews so much about the consensus or others' opinions. So even though it provided me with a framework to talk about this album, let's put it aside as we wind down. I'll emphasize one more time, I did enjoy this album. When it got its gospel tinge on, or when it went a little country, I was all for it. When it was more straightforward rock, it was— it was fine. Good as any good rock music should be. It's just not one I'd be clamoring to revisit too soon, unlike STICKY FINGERS or the one I'm really looking forward to, LET IT BLEED. Still, though, I wouldn't give it less than a 4. It's a 4 that's less enthusiastic than usual, but a 4 nonetheless. At worst, it just doesn't get me too much closer to understanding why exactly the Stones could be such a critical darling. (And for real — the 2012 RS500 had this **how many spots** above **ABBEY ROAD**? I would never, goodness.)
Pretty good offering from the Stones on this double album set. 4.5 bumped down to 4.
kinda incredible icl
Oldie but goldies
Finally had the chance to sit down and listen to this one. Was on a flight to Vegas for my roomates 21st birthday and this album perfectly matched that vibe. I do think that it could have been a single LP and packed a bit more punch (I.E Sticky Fingers), however for what its work there isn't a "bad" track on this whole thing and just for that alone it deserves the praise that it does get. 8/10
It’s exile.
Pretty good for boomer rock. I agree with Ryan
Another that I knew. One of my favourite Stones albums. Probably at their best for me
Lots of soul, solid rock idk how I'd never heard of this album before, 8/10
Classic. Haven't listened to it in a long time, and I'm not a huge Rollings Stones fan, but definitely a good album. I am a big fan of Ventilator Blues though ;)
002.Exile On Main Street by The Rolling Stones -Felt like I was listening to a Local Rock Group playing the Beer Tent at the Spring Spit-in-your-eye festival. -The RS music that gets played on the Local Rock Station around here sounds more like it was built for Arena Settings vs this Town Hall Dance sound. _would buy if it was <$5 LP
I’m not a huge Rolling Stones fan but every time I hear something by them I’m like “yeah I get it” a little more. It kinda sounds like a Bruce Springsteen album
Rocks off and Happy are the highlights for me.
I’d like to rate it 3.75 but rounded up because the songs that hit, hit very hard. But there’s way too many meh songs and the excellence of the good ones get washed out overall. Overall enjoyed it
Absolute classic that defined their sound and pushed the needle forward
I've had this record for years, once played in a horn section in a song-by-song recreation of it. I see it as kind of an advanced class in the Stones. It's NOT a good first album you should hear of theirs, as so many of the tracks are just VIBE, and it's a double album with only a couple of hits. For a starter (non greatest hits) Stones album? '60s Stones: "Flowers". '70s Stones, maybe "Sticky Fingers", the one before this one. But, I mean "Tumblin' Dice" is one of the greatest rock songs of the '70s for sheer vibe, groove and hookiness. We generally don't love the Stones for their deep lyrics, let's just be clear about that. Sometimes they sneak in some good stuff ("Torn and Frayed") but their appeal isn't usually in the lyrics. "Happy", btw, is a hit as well, with Keith on lead vocals. I like the Stones, even after almost a decade of popularity and huge hits, manage to make this record sounds relaxed, like a bunch of friends hanging out at a cabin by a lake or something, just partying, making music, writing songs on the spot, making food, playing old blues records, philosophizing about whatever. Of course that's not the story whatsoever, with sessions happening in different studios in different cities, Keef not showing up and developing a raging heroin habit, etc., but as a straight-through listening experience it FEELS kind of like that... I'm fond of how "Loving Cup" turns into a New Orleans-style horn-and-piano freakout at the end. There, I said it. Loose-limbed, sprawling, rootsy, world-weary, it's a classic, but in the end I would shave off about 4-5 of the more meandering songs and make this a long-ish single album.
Take a sip from my Loving Cup!
Flows so well
Straight up blues record. I dig it. Hilarious that the background is them holed up in France, evading taxes and the album becomes this personal anthem to their own outlaw status. Also fascinating that this mostly grows out of hours-long jam sessions, many with other musicians sitting in too.
Great album. Torn and Frayed, Loving Cup, and Shine a Light were all highlights for me.
just what i'd want out of rock and roll album. really good energy and rock? idk its a good album thats all that matters
The Rolling Stones hebben ontzettend veel goede nummers, maar niet echt veel albums die in z'n geheel zeer goed zijn imo. Exile On Main Street is hier een uitzondering van. Lang album, dat wel, maar wel veel goede nummers (al staan ze ook wel bijna allemaal op de eerste plaat). 3.9
Not my favorite stones album but still good, easy to listen to
Bluesy rock and roll. A very Americana sound for a British band. Not what I think of when I think about the Stones but enjoyed it a lot
Enjoyed this but I don’t feel this is the Stone’s best album. The remastered version is less muddy than I remember though.
A good amount of stone cold classics on this. I tend to prefer the songs that are more musical than the looser, yell-y songs on this. Basically when Mick Jagger sounds like he's singing rather than yelling I am very on board.
I did enjoy this. I was surprised to find that for such an iconic album, I knew none of the tracks!
The two singles, Tumbling Dice and Happy, truly are two standout songs on this album. Happy has Keith Richards on vocals, a change up I always appreciate. A song called I Just Want to See His Face has another change up: a positive reference to…Jesus? Am I hearing that right? I’m only at 4 stars because I’m not a huge Stones fan to begin with but it’s a solid album that deserves its reputation as one of, if not their very best.
Good, but when they start getting into more of the piano ballads, I start to lose interest. Just feels like those songs drag. But still a good album
Need to finish but very much enjoyed the first half that I listened to. Not something I would listen to every day but very enjoyable.
Another great Rolling Stones album. It's neat to see how they've grown as a band from the first album and how much the instrumentals have gotten better. That being said the album is pretty long even if it is consistent.
Classic album.
Some classics in there. Almost a 5.
What’s not to like about the Stones.
I liked it. Had some hits and catchy tunes.
Easy to listen to. Would do it again. Rock is always fine...
1.Sweet Virginia 2.Shine a light 3.Rocks Off Beautiful album, glad to have it discovered. Doesn't sound like a 1972 work
Lots of fun.
Exquisite
This was so electric and full of life. Will be revisiting.
Just enjoyed all round
Very good and interesting tracks at the beginning and the end of the album. Very experimental and quite challenging even today. However the middle part is a bit mediocre. It seems to be a more classic Stones sound. Not bad, but also not great. Overall I loved that loose sound, but the album sounded not that coherent to me. It might grow though.
Et af de sjældne albums, der er bedre end de enkelte numre. Ingen af Rolling Stones’ største numre er på denne, men albummet er vildt godt sat sammen. Lidt forud for sin tid, en håndfuld numre kunne godt være blevet lavet af Bruce Springsteen. Et engelsk band har aldrig lydt så amerikansk (kompliment)
De fleste gode Rolling Stones plader har et par kæmpe bangers men er ellers meget svingende kvalitet, den her er faktisk god hele vejen igennem (men måske stadig lidt for lang). Stor 4er
Solid, classic.
Not their best in my eyes. Solid for an hour, but there also aren’t many songs that stand out.
One of my least listened to stones records but I really enjoyed! Heaps of influence from Southern blues - banging
Love the Stones but I think the hype caused me to be a little disappointed in this one. I’ve listened a long time ago and it’s a good album but doesn’t seem all that special. Good tunes and very typical that you can tell their influences (in a good way). Probably 3.5 but I’ll give them the benefit of the doubt
This is a much more bluesy attempt from the Rolling Stones who do a great job of mixing it into their classic style.
I don't think I've ever heard something this groovy before. First half was incredible, definitely slowed down towards the end. If it was just the first half it would be an easy 5, but I was pretty bored with a lot of the later songs. Fav Songs: Shake Your Hips, Sweet Virginia, Loving Cup
Never listened to a full album Of the Rolling Stones so was a good experience
Very good.
I actually really enjoyed this album, which had a lot of "good album" qualities that made it flow well. I think I will revisit it later.
Hey, these guys are pretty good! I especially liked the first track, Rocks Off, with it's sort of ragtime piano and horns.
## Overview of *Exile on Main Street* *Exile on Main Street*, released in 1972, is often hailed as one of The Rolling Stones' crowning achievements and a landmark in rock music. The album was recorded during a tumultuous period for the band, primarily at a villa in France while they were in tax exile from the UK. This setting contributed to the album's raw and unpolished sound, which has been both praised and criticized over the years. ## Lyrics The lyrics of *Exile on Main Street* reflect themes of disillusionment, hedonism, and the complexities of life. They often feature a stream-of-consciousness style that can be cryptic and abstract. For instance: - **"Tumbling Dice"** explores themes of gambling and chance, paralleling the unpredictable nature of relationships. - **"Sweet Virginia"** offers a nostalgic look at simpler times, juxtaposed with the chaos surrounding the band. - **"Shine a Light"** serves as an introspective plea for redemption amidst personal turmoil. Mick Jagger's delivery often obscures clarity, leading to mixed interpretations of the lyrics. Critics have noted that while some lines resonate deeply, others feel clichéd or lack substance, contributing to a perception of inconsistency in lyrical quality[1][2]. ## Music and Production Musically, *Exile on Main Street* is a melting pot of genres, including rock, blues, country, and gospel. The album features: - **Raw Sound**: The production is characterized by a murky mix where vocals are frequently buried beneath layers of instrumentation. This has led to critiques regarding its overall clarity and coherence[2][4]. - **Instrumentation**: The album employs an array of instruments beyond traditional rock setups, including horns and pianos. This eclecticism is evident in tracks like "Rocks Off" and "Shake Your Hips," which showcase a vibrant blend of sounds[1][3]. - **Collaborative Spirit**: Many songs feature contributions from various musicians who were present during recording sessions. This approach resulted in a loose and spontaneous feel but also raised questions about band cohesion and integrity[2]. The production by Jimmy Miller is notable for its intention to capture the essence of live performance rather than polished studio perfection. While some listeners appreciate this rawness as authentic, others find it detracts from the listening experience[1][2]. ## Themes Thematically, *Exile on Main Street* delves into: - **Disillusionment**: Reflecting the band's struggles with fame and personal issues, many songs convey a sense of searching for meaning amid chaos. - **Hedonism**: The album captures the excesses of rock 'n' roll lifestyle—parties, drugs, and fleeting pleasures are recurrent motifs. - **Redemption**: Tracks like "Shine a Light" hint at yearning for salvation or clarity against a backdrop of confusion and despair. These themes resonate with listeners who appreciate the album's authenticity and emotional depth, while others may view them as repetitive or lacking nuance[3][4]. ## Influence *Exile on Main Street* has had a lasting impact on rock music and culture. Its influence can be seen in: - **Subsequent Rock Albums**: Many artists cite it as an inspiration for their work due to its genre-blending approach and raw sound. - **Cultural Legacy**: The album has become emblematic of the 1970s rock scene, representing both the highs and lows of that era. - **Critical Acclaim**: Frequently appearing on lists of greatest albums ever made, it has cemented its place in music history as a defining work for The Rolling Stones. The album's legacy continues to inspire new generations of musicians who admire its unrefined authenticity and emotional complexity[4][5]. ## Pros and Cons ### Pros - **Eclectic Sound**: The diverse musical styles showcased throughout the album appeal to a wide range of listeners. - **Authenticity**: Its raw production captures the essence of live rock performances, offering an immersive experience. - **Cultural Significance**: Recognized as one of the greatest albums in rock history, it has influenced countless artists across genres. ### Cons - **Murky Production**: The lack of clarity in mixing can detract from individual performances and lyrical comprehension. - **Inconsistent Quality**: Some tracks are perceived as filler or lacking depth compared to standout songs. - **Lengthy Format**: At 18 tracks over two discs, some listeners feel that it could benefit from tighter editing to enhance overall impact[1][2][3]. ## Conclusion *Exile on Main Street* remains a polarizing yet undeniably significant work in The Rolling Stones' discography. Its blend of raw emotion, diverse musical influences, and thematic depth makes it both a celebrated masterpiece and a subject of critique. While some listeners revel in its chaotic charm and authenticity, others struggle with its production choices and lyrical vagueness. Ultimately, it stands as a testament to the band's artistic journey during one of their most tumultuous periods.
Definitely a much more put-together and slick sounding Stones than albums I've heard before. It's a little messy but I think that adds to the fun - there's a raw, energetic atmosphere to the whole album and really it's a vibe you just want to stay with for hours. Can see this growing on me even more. Best Track: Tumbling Dice Worst Track: Rip This Joint
Best Song: Sweet Virginia Worst Song: I just want to see his face
Good album, I hear the blues throughout and that's neither a good nor a bad thing, it's just a thing that I felt like sharing.
Good bluesy rock and roll.
Great!
Have heard before many times still a really great album but prefer sticky fingers
Superb
Not bad, lots of classic Stones music. I've just heard it so much and it is such a part of pop culture that I don't need to hear it anymore. It's great but I will hear it just by living in our current society. Once again, no complaints about the music, it's good. It's just overplayed everywhere.
7/10
I won't go track by track but opener Rocks Off is a good start, an energetic rocker with the saxophone featuring prominently. We have sax in the second song too, and fast piano, this pulls more from 50s rock and roll than from country or blues. But then Shake Your Hips sounds very bluesy in an experimental way, the clipped rhythm guitar plugging along. Tumbling Dice is the biggest song here, although it's not one of their massive hits, followed by Sweet Virginia and its Dylan esque harmonica. Then Torn and Frayed sounds like a proto Sweet Home Alabama. We're covering a lot of ground here and it's still the first half. Oh yes, this album is 67 minutes long too. A second half highlight is Let It Loose, quite different from the rest. A gospel influenced ballad with a memorable melody. An unlikely favorite for me off the record. In a similar vein I also like Shine a Light, which features a great guitar solo too. There's a lot of songs and a lot to unpack here. I really think it's an achievement and there's tons of depth here to absorb. I'm just stuck at **** because it doesn't all resonate with me yet.
One of the best Stones albums - a step down from Beggars Banquet and Let it Bleed but still pretty great.
Quite a bluesy album from the Stones, I liked this one
Great album, a couple filler songs but other then that I really enjoyed it
Rocks Off is a lively introduction to the album, you would hope so after seeing this is a double LP, so you better hope this album can be this engaging for all 70 minutes. A solid opener. Rip This Joint is a fun rockabilly track, not a particularly memorable one and not quite my taste. Shake Your Hips made me think something is up with this album production-wise, and yes it turns out that this album was recorded over a number of years in different studios because it really shows as you go from song to song. The production value/musical style seems to vary quite a bit on this album and I suppose that's an artistic choice but not necessarily one that I know if I like. A serviceable song, nothing much else to say about it. Casino Boogie has some great horns on it, but is definitely one of those songs where I think "is Mick Jagger racist for basically doing blackface with his voice?" Tumbling Dice is one of two songs from this album I knew beforehand and it's fantastic. Classic weird ass Jagger vocals that I can barely understand the lyrics through, backing vocals hitting at the right time, I can picture Keith Richards laying down the guitar track while nodding off. Banger. Sweet Virginia is a return to the more downbeat, lo-fi parts of this album. It was at this point I decided to look up when the Stones kicked their drug habit (at least Jagger) and discovered that the recording of this album was basically a sideshow to the drug cyclone of which Keith Richards was the eye. It definitely shows! Torn And Frayed is a fine song, there really isn't much to say. The honky tonk/keyboard track as well as the backing vocals really makes me think the stones were quite fond of Songs From The Big Pink. Sweet Black Angel has a sweet percussion track, GOOD harmonica unlike a certain folk artist who is a contemporary of the Stones. It was somewhere the start of this track and the end of the next one where this album really clicked for me. Loving Cup closes out the second side of the first disk well, this song brings it all together and its good to see that though I had my doubts about the pastiche of production value and styles here that it came together quite well. Happy is sung by Keith Richards and he gets to show off that just because his body is a garbage disposal for schedule 2 drugs, does not mean that his voice has gone to shit (yet)! You have an album with this many songs on it, you're eventually going to have a name for a song as stupid as Turd On The Run. This song is fine, it sounds much like a few of the more forgettable songs on the first disk. Ventilator Blues feels like a rusty hand-cranked hurdy gurdy, its probably the grimiest and most lowdown track on either disk here and definitely a high point. I Just Want To See His Face has some really great keyboard work that goes well with the scatting lead vocals (going to assume it's scatting cause I can't understand anything he's saying) and backing vocals here. The smooth fading intro from the last song here works really well, and the drum track provides nice bookends. I am never going to be able to listen to Let It Loose without thinking of Jack Nicholson beating the shit out of Leonardo DiCaprio while he yells "I'm naht a fahkin cawp". This song fuckin rocks especially cause it makes me think of Jack Nicholson's way over the top performance in The Departed. Especially that one line in his opening monologue. You know the one. The last side of this album is alright, a lot less remarkable than the other sides with the exception of Shine A Light which stands out as probably my second favourite song on this album behind Let It Loose. Soul Survivor is a good closer but I will say after a few listens, each time I did feel kind of blues'ed-out by a full listen of this whole thing. This album is good, I certainly don't think that it deserves the EXTREMELY high praise that it has received. I think maybe the fact that this was recorded in such a tumultuous period, the return to a more 'basic' sound versus their previous albums, and the mythology surrounding the culture of the band and all the guests that visited them in this period probably contributed more to the band's favourable reception than the actual musical merit here. The Rolling Stones are the embodiment of the old saying "Good artists copy, great artists steal", this album is a bunch of university educated Br*tish toffs stealing tunes from starving black American artists. But at least they're honest about it unlike Led Zeppelin. Highlights: Sweet Black Angel, Ventilator Blues, I Just Want To See His Face, Ventilator Blues, Let It Loose, Shine A Light https://youtu.be/u5AuLTra3t8?si=whBm8Ha_L1MddB7i&t=53
Very solid rock & roll & blues album: great energy and pretty consistent sound while also exploring the subtleties of different rock flavors. Great interaction between the instruments here. The band works so well together, they don’t show off or try to impress and none really stand above the rest, they all just play the right parts together. Could probably cut a few tracks but there isn’t really bad material, just some that isn’t as good as the rest. The album starts phenomenally and has some excellent tracks in the middle, but I lose a little attention room towards the back-middle and end.
I think, so far, this is the best album by The Rolling Stones on this list (and there has been 5 or 6 in total). None of the songs is a hit or a popular track, but the 70 minutes long record is very solid and equally good from start to finish. Blues sound, a bit of rock or even rock'n'roll, pretty good vocal, some nice guitar solos. Definitely it stands out in the band's discography. Quite pleasant surprise.
Its the Stones, pretty good!
Great album but but my favorite of the Stones
wait do i like the rolling stones? 3.5
This was a very 'soulful' type of rock and roll album. I enjoyed it quite a lot!
Good stuff. Biggest result of this all is that I now like the Stones.
I was pretty apathetic my first listen which has tended to happen with the Stones. However, the bonus tracks were great and made me relisten thru the main album and it clicked a lot more on the second run through. Still not my favorite of theirs but a fun listen regardless. Rating: 4.1
It is a very solid album from front to back, but there isn't a single song on it that really jumps out to me. It's just consistently very strong.
I'm all over the map on this one. I've never listened to this album in full, and I knew it was iconic so I had high expectations. At times, it met them.
Some cool gospel influences and despite the song variety, holds together nicely
I especially enjoyed the first 10 songs. Sort of has an old timey rock and roll feel. And I love me some hot sax. Rocks Off, Rip this Joint, Shake Your Hips (sounds like a ZZ Top song), Tumbling Dice, Sweet Virginia (especially loved this one), Loving Cup, Happy... all great songs. But after that the album kind of drops off for me. It's about 8 songs too long.
I’m surprised that I haven’t heard this one before. It’s apparently well known
I must be the only person in the world who doesn’t lile Rolling Stones.
For, in a sense, being the deep cut rolling stones record, it has such a good energy. It has so many highlights and lives up to the boozey basement vibe they were conceptually going for. A fun, blues, soulful rocking record that exudes the best of the band. My only complaint is, for as long as it is, there is not enough stylistic variation. This is not a really hard criticism but I think I'm just use to the stones having so much variety/grandeur across their catalog. Or maybe i'm closer to a beatles fan over them. Regardless, a much listen if you're a fan of good ol' rock n roll. Check our rocks off, happy, sweet virgina, casino boogie, turd on the run, tumbling dice and loving cup for sure. Otherwise just let it play and enjoy the vibe.
Not my typical music I listen to. But The Rolling Stones are fine in general.
Great Blues rock. I was unfamiliar with most of this album, but it was really solid. The album did suffer a bit from being a little long winded, which led to some of the songs being a little same-y, but overall really well done. Favourite songs: Ventilator Blues, Tumbling Dice, Sweet Virginia, Torn and Frayed, Shine a Light, Happy, Turd on the Run, All Down the Line, Rip This Joint, Rocks Off Least favourite songs: I Just Want to See His Face 4/5
Stones albums from the early 70's always seem somehow "smaller" than what I expect. I prepare myself for music that is straight-ahead rock (and perhaps overly sexual and way too flashy for me). Instead, I find a collection of little blues numbers loosely put together.
I liked the album but it was a bit long. The songs were upbeat and fun. They sounded full, and nothing felt out of place. Standouts: Rocks Off, Tumbling Dice, Sweet Virginia, Torn and Frayed, Loving Cup, Let It Loose, and Shine A Light.
Nice
Nothing really stood out for me, unlike on Sticky Fingers, but still an enjoyable Stones album
Standard Stones blues-y stuff, nothing particularly special but I did enjoy it more than expected.
I've never thought of the rolling stones to have jazz influences - mainly because I only really know a few of their most popular songs that are solely rock and roll - but the saxophone, the trumpets, the acoustic guitar, everything just makes the sound. And I welcome it. I think that this album starts and ends very strongly; however, there is a small dip in the second half - in my opinion - only a small one though. Despite this the entire album is extremely enjoyable. Most of the tracks are very strong especially Shine A Light, Sweet Virginia and All The Line. I love the blues, swing and gospel influenc; the myriad of different styles make the album sound almost disjointed but connected at the same time. This is an incredibly strong album that perfectly encapsulates rock and roll.
In my book, this is one of their top 3 albums when the Stones were hitting their peak in the late 60's and early 70's. (The others being Sticky Fingers and Let It Bleed) It's a bit long but still surprisingly solid, consistent and enjoyable.
Not many standout tracks but I can see why it’s a classic
First album on this list I own physically :) The second disc is even better than the first! The songs flow so nicely together and it paints this beautiful rustic picture of the 20th century. Rocks Off is one of their hardest no bullshit songs that starts the album off with such high energy and that momentum never lets up
I think having none of the big hits works well here as it doesn’t distract focus from the rest of the album. So many good songs of sufficient variety to make this a quality listening experience. Really enjoyed this one.
Alright
Works great as a complete piece of work. Reason that it misses a 5* is that it runs a little too long for me as opposed to Let It Bleed. Strong start and some stone cold classics. Playing is great and sounds like a hell of a lot of fun at Nellcôte. You can hear the party
Good album, had a few Rolling stone weirdos in there but also some bangin songs! Heard a few I already knew and a few I'd like to know.
I was listening to this when I received some pretty bad news and well the mood was set anyway.
Not all my favorite songs on this album.
still a great album,
I get why Mick and the boys don't really like this album. The production value did suffer a bit and it didn't have much commercial success in terms of singles. However, I also get why everyone else (including me) loves it. It's classic (not over-produced) Stones.
Good this
Lots of good stuff here. Definately a stripped down, bluesy approach. Feels like one big party. Catchy tunes all around. So many little ditties that I forget them about as soon as I hear them. But I'm enjoying the listen.
7/10…country rock
Once again proving that albums are a creature apart from our current culture of songs as singles, not part of a whole (maybe this reflects the general trend towards individuality that we presently live with?). I do love me some Stones, and ‘Sweet Virginia’ marries up my country leanings with crunchy blues guitar as well as any song out there, but it was the ‘other songs’ that grabbed me here, especially “Shine a Light” and “I Just Want to See His Face”. Maybe Mick and Keef felt they needed some saving - and they were probably right.
I’m always surprised at how unpolished and raw this album is at times and I mean that in a totally good way. When I first heard this over 20 years ago I loved it- over time I find myself revisiting less and less but I can still appreciate it and it allowed to understand why the stones were/are so huge.
It's a bit of a glorious double album mess but it delivers dirty rock and roll in an epic way
I know it’s supposed to be their best, but I prefer Sticky Fingers. Simpsons: Yes
de sound vom erste song gfallt mer seehr. gnau gnueg dreckig und clean glichzitig. sehr geil. rip this joint isch afoch chli boogie und sie schreied chli? gutmer etz gaar nüt. shake your hips tönt au seeehr noch john lee hooker. ich ha gern john lee hooker aber trotzdem. und es isch etz nöd würklich en song. casino boogie het cools wurlitzer sehr nice. sax solo hani etz recht whack gfunde. find ich d stones scheisse? aso nai aber mega mega geil isch etz da nöd. tumbling dice isch viel meh en song sehr cooli bgvs und so en refrain und e melodie und de keith richards five string shit sehr nice. ok super song. sweet virginia het au seehr schöni country gitarre torn and frayed chan au reeecht tschutte findi. sweet black angel (muss des?) musikalisch gfallts mer eigentli. glaub es isch eig en civil rights song. sie mached irgendwo glaub de N-bomb. weiss ich nich. loving cup? loving cup. ok. coole song ok. wird langsam mitem jahger warm. und nicky hopkins am klavier fitzt huere ane. cooli fills au vom charlie. happy isch wieder chli meh basic. aber easy. hahah turd on the run isch en riese songtitel. schnurregiige passt drums sind super tight und s riff isch halt es bluesrock riff. nüt erfunde (nöd erfunt). ventilator blues isch wieder chli meh en song mit ahspruch zum en song sii. sie wechsled ab zwüsched songs und bluesriffs findi. i just want to see his face isch recht nice. afoch de glich mood dure. let it loose isch die erst ballade bis etz. recht hübsch mit de chorus gitarre und so. die letste vuer songs sind jetz HAAAMMER e vieri e vieri.
The runtime for this put me off a bit but I ended up enjoying this. Mick Jagger's vocals always shine through when he's at his peak and this album proves so. If someone were to ask me what would be my go to album rock and roll I'd definitely tell em all about this. Best - Rocks Off, Tumbling Dice, Ventilator Blues, Stop Breaking Down, and Shine A Light Worse - no bad songs 4.50/5
I know some say this is the Stones’ best album, but that honor, to me, goes to Sticky Fingers. This a very good album though.
Pretty good Stones album, some very forgettable extra tracks make this lose its 5 star status. 4.4 stars
Probably the most fun Rolling Stones album I’ve heard to date. Didn’t need to be a double album though, I feel like a tighter runtime would’ve made this a 5.