The Rolling Stones released Hackney Diamonds in October 2023, marking their first album of original material in 18 years. Critics and fans largely hailed the record as a return to form, with many reviewers noting it holds its own against the band’s celebrated 1970s output. Produced by Andrew Watt, the album features guest appearances from artists including Lady Gaga, Stevie Wonder, and Paul McCartney.
How does Hackney Diamonds compare to the band’s 1970s era?
Music critics have frequently compared the energy of Hackney Diamonds to the band’s mid-70s peak. According to The Guardian, the album captures a "sharp, focused" sound that evokes the grit of Some Girls while maintaining a modern production polish. Unlike the band’s 2005 release A Bigger Bang, which was often described as sprawling, Hackney Diamonds maintains a tighter, 12-track structure.
While the band’s 1970s classics—such as Exile on Main St. and Sticky Fingers—remain foundational to rock history, Pitchfork noted that this release succeeds by leaning into the group’s "signature swagger" rather than attempting to reinvent their established sound. The album serves as a tribute to the late drummer Charlie Watts, who appears on two tracks recorded before his 2021 death.
Who contributed to the production of the album?
The project was helmed by producer Andrew Watt, who is known for his work with younger pop and rock artists like Post Malone and Justin Bieber. This collaboration brought a different dynamic to the band’s recording process. According to an interview with Rolling Stone, Mick Jagger credited Watt with pushing the band to finish the project quickly, preventing the members from overthinking the arrangements.
The guest list represents a bridge between the band’s history and contemporary music:
- Paul McCartney: Plays bass on the track "Bite My Head Off."
- Stevie Wonder: Contributes keyboards to "Sweet Sounds of Heaven."
- Lady Gaga: Features on "Sweet Sounds of Heaven," providing vocal accompaniment that critics noted matches Jagger’s intensity.
- Elton John: Plays piano on "Get Close" and "Live by the Sword."
Why was this album a milestone for the band?
Hackney Diamonds is the first studio album of original songs the band has released since 2005’s A Bigger Bang. While they released an album of blues covers, Blue & Lonesome, in 2016, original songwriting had been absent from their studio output for nearly two decades.
The success of the record is reflected in its commercial performance. According to the Official Charts Company, the album debuted at number one on the UK Albums Chart, making the Rolling Stones the first band to achieve a number-one studio album across six consecutive decades. This achievement emphasizes the band’s continued relevance in the music industry despite their longevity.
Key Facts About the Release
- Release Date: October 20, 2023.
- Primary Producer: Andrew Watt.
- Recording Locations: The band recorded tracks in studios across New York, Los Angeles, London, and Nassau.
- Chart Success: The album reached the top spot in over 15 countries, including the UK, Germany, and France.
- Charlie Watts’ Legacy: The track "Live by the Sword" features the final studio recordings of the band’s long-time drummer.