“Hackney Diamonds” - Rolling Stones Album Review

“Hackney Diamonds” Rolling Stones Album Review

If people are looking for an album that is the perfect combination of blues and rock, then “Hackney Diamonds” by the Rolling Stones might be the perfect fit.

“Hackney diamonds” is British slang for the shards of glass left on the floor when someone breaks a window to enter into a building.

Hard to say what the band is going for with this name, but it is fun and different.

This is the Rolling Stones' 26th American studio album and their first album featuring new songs since 2005.

The album starts on a happy note with the song, “Angry.”

“Angry” offers an upbeat start. Right off the bat, driving drums leads into a classic rock feel.

The music video for this song features actress Sydney Sweeney, and honestly, she carries the video on her back. She slays, to say the least. The editing of this video is unique and makes the band feel more current.

The album as a whole is a rock album but features some blues vibes, which has always been the band’s genre.

In general, the album fits in well with their discography, however does not add anything that fans have not heard before.

Songs that stand out from the album are those featuring other artists.

“Live By The Sword,” features Elton John and sounds more like a song by John than a Stones song. It does not necessarily fit in with the album.

This song and “Mess it Up” feature original band drummer Charlie Watts who passed away in 2021. Watts has a passion for blues music and was able to express that in these songs.

Throughout the whole album, the drumming is superb whether performed by Watts or other drummers.

The only explicit song is “Bite My Head Off” featuring Paul McCartney. This is like a 50-year-old white man's dream collaboration.

The second to last track is “Sweet Sounds of Heaven” featuring Lady Gaga and Stevie Wonder. This is one of the more blues-inclusive songs.

The track sounds like it could back an emotional scene in a movie.

Hopefully, fans are content with the same vibe and sound from the band because that is exactly what this album provides.

While this album does not necessarily stand out from the band’s discography, besides the fact that it is the first new album in a couple of decades, it is still worth listening to.

The Rolling Stones prove the point that “rock’s not dead.”

Rating: 5/10

Reviewer’s favorite songs: “Sweet Sounds of Heaven”, “Angry”

Reviewer’s least favorite songs: “Live by the Sword”

Savannah Swartz is a third-year communications major. To contact her, email sms9072@psu.edu.