THE ROLLING STONES: Tattoo You (ROCK): review / opinion to read on Music Waves

Apart from the surge represented by "Some Girls" (1978), it is necessary to recognize that the Rolling Stones seem to be on a slippery slope since "Goats Head Soup" (1973), last opus worthy of the legends of Rock. This slow but obvious fall is doubled by a rupture between Mick Jagger and Keith Richards who can't stand each other anymore. While they were preparing for a stadium tour, the Stones had no album to promote and the Glimmer Twins had not written anything for a long time. Faced with the incompatibility of moods between the two leaders of the group and in order to face the imperative to offer a discographic delivery before the forthcoming tour, Chris Kimsey, their sound engineer since a few albums, has the idea to take out of the drawers some tracks not retained for the previous records. After a refreshment of these titles by the members of the group, if possible by avoiding to cross themselves in studio, "Tattoo You" is finally released in 1981 and will know a course for the least unexpected for what is at the base only a collection of songs judged not enough good for the preceding albums.

First single with a riff and a chorus that have become rock emblems, 'Start Me Up' is the perfect demonstration. Composed for "Black And Blue" (1975), it was a reggae at the base, before becoming a rock during the sessions of "Some Girls" without being retained for as much in the end. This is a totally improbable story when you look at the anthem that this title became. It launches a first part composed of the most dynamic tracks of this "Tattoo You", for what is the A side of the vinyl version. And there is here what to please a lot of fans. Between the frenzied rocks ('Hang Fire') and the fiery ones ('Neighbours', despite the unbearable mix of his snare drum), Keith Richards gives us one of these roots pieces with vicious lyrics that he has the secret of ('Little T&A'). Slave' is more haunting and benefits from one of the saxophone solos that Sonny Rollins sprinkles on the opus. Finally, although of a great classicism, 'Black Limousine' is a blues without lacking in catchiness and efficiency.

The second part (side B) makes in the suave and the appeased. Mick Jagger takes advantage of it to bring out his falsetto on a captivating 'Worried About You' with its variations of intensity and singing, or on an aerial 'Heaven' with psychedelic effluences. To note the gleaming solo that Wayne Perkins comes to pose on the first named. Tops' also plays on the nuances and benefits from a catchy chorus, while 'No Use In Crying' is both plaintive and bewitching. Finally, 'Waiting On A Friend' comes to conclude the whole as 'Start Me Up' had launched it, unstoppable single whose chorus haunts you for days and days. A melancholic and light folk-rock ballad, it is once again illuminated by a superb solo from Sonny Rollins.

As improbable by its format as unexpected by its quality, "Tattoo You" gives hope to the Rolling Stones' fans by reminding them that the latter are still able to offer gleaming rock tracks. While waiting for the two leaders of the band to find a way towards reconciliation, this opus acts as a breath of fresh air. Let's hope that an album of new compositions will validate this return to grace of the living legends. - Official website

THE ROLLING STONES

TATTOO YOU

AUTRE LABEL

ROCK