What's the Worst Rolling Stones Album? (VOTE!)

What's the Worst Rolling Stones Album? In this video, we dive deep into the last eight studio albums by The Rolling Stones, from 1983's "Undercover" to 2023's "Hackney Diamonds." I review each album, offering insights into their hits, misses, and overall legacy, and rank these eight from best to worst.
Now it's your turn - vote and share your opinion on what you think the worst Rolling Stones album is! And see results on October 21, 2024 -- one day AFTER Hackney Diamonds' first birthday (October 20). Whether you're a die-hard Stones fan or a casual listener, this ranking will spark some debate. Don’t miss out - join the conversation.
LISTEN to the Robert's Record Corner reshuffled and stripped-down versions of three Rolling Stones albums with these Spotify links:
VOODOO ACTION (shorter Voodoo Lounge): open.spotify.c...
BABYLON ABRIDGED (Bridges to Babylon): open.spotify.c...
BIG BANG (A Bigger Bang): open.spotify.c...
Robert's Record Corner comes out every other Monday.
(And, yes, I love the Stones - even the less-than-legendary stuff.)
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FAIR USE NOTICE: This video may contain copyrighted material whose use has not been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. Robert's Record Corner (RRC) uses this material for critical, educational and commentary purposes only -- all with the goal of promoting music knowledge and appreciation. RRC believes that this constitutes a “fair use” of the copyrighted material as provided for in Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, which provides allowance for "fair use" for purposes such as news reporting, criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.
#RollingStones #TheRollingStones #RollingStonesRecords #HackneyDiamonds #MickJagger #KeithRichards #vinylcollection #MusicHistory

[@RobertsRecordCorner]

VOTE: On the Worst Rolling Stones album of all time HERE. forms.gle/Ro79Tyk4eEEdTNa5A

[@carlcontrera1699]

Undercover

[@physicalmedia1981]

Steel wheels is a very cool album

[@ZionForman]

the cuts with Moroccan music are cool

[@mustangman6170]

I like every song on it.

[@julijusskarica5440]

Absolutlly

[@CraigHARRELL-se9xm]

'64 to '72 is basically all the Stones i need.. A smattering of songs after that but those eight years are essential

[@olavirannisto3552]

I still need 1973. I wonder how underrated Goat's Head Soup is, good album.

[@cesarnarro6013]

The Stones from 1969 to 1974 (Mick Taylor years ) are my favorite rock band ever !

[@vitamindeeznutz4102]

Bro Goats Head Soup is better than anything from 1964-1967 I’m tired of the Goats Head Soup slander

[@Bluepillphil-d1w]

A little tough. I call it at Tattoo You, anything after that is unlistenable

[@JismIsm-en4kz]

I'd extend it till '78 (some Girls) - Then smattering of tunes...

[@andreichivu7653]

Undoubtedly, "Dirty Work"...

[@GravityBoy72]

Absolutely.

[@mr.knightley1989]

Disagree. I always loved it.

[@mrt77wv]

Easily their worst album cover, but there are lots of really great songs on it.

[@dawnpatrol700]

Totally, overproduced and the songs are lackluster. That late 80s production, is nails on a chalkboard to me. They redeemed themselves with Steel Wheels, not their best, but miles ahead of Dirty Work. My personal favorite is Satanic Majesties. Wasn't crazy about Undercover either

[@Stumptonian1]

The fact that even though I bought all these albums when they were released but barely remember anything from them makes it really tough to make a decision.

[@itiswhatitaintanditaintwha1427]

Yeah, definitely Dirty Work!

[@a.debree6771]

A Bigger Bang is so over-saturated that I hardly can listen to it, could love the songs but this album should have a remaster (like Rush did with Vapor Trails).

[@DavidGutierrez-ib7rg]

Thank you for this! I too, became a complete Stones nut in '81 after an older brother got me into a concert in Boulder Colorado. They've been my best friends since.

[@craigoog]

Undercover is the worst definitely. Hackney Diamonds SUCKS. It sounds prefab and who let some a hole get writing credit from Mick and Keith? Hell Mick Taylor and Ronnie Wood can't even get that. Emotion Rescue was Lame, way worse than Dirty Work. The last great Stones LP was Exile. maybe Some Girls but it was a bit one flavor, and I never want to hear Miss You or Shattered again. I've been following them from 64 when I was 12 all the way through till now. Brian Jones is still jewel of the band.

[@RobertsRecordCorner]

I actually had made the point that Ronnie has eight co-writing credits in nearly 50 years, while Andrew Watt got three here -- the first three songs incidentally. I blame him for the 'aaah' backing vocals and the chorus guitar overdub in "Mess It Up" -- but maybe he was able to get the band working together with more purpose. I think? The album is more Mick than Keith, it feels. Thanks for watching.

[@petestaint8312]

I think we're the only ones who think Hackney is dreadful. Mediocre and boring.

[@Ianmackable]

Upvoted for the Brian Jones respect.

[@iankeill6865]

Steel wheels is a brilliant albums. The rest you mention are crap

[@petestaint8312]

@@iankeill6865 steel is a bore fest. Nothing stands out. Listened to it many times and not impressed.

[@MrMaxtaurus]

Ha that reviewing of old RS magazine reviews was great. Reminds me of what they used to do when reviewing David Bowie's 80's and early nineties output. It was always "best album since Scary Monsters"

[@philipdru9290]

God, Let’s Work caused me to stop wearing my Stones t-shirts in Junior High….beyond embarrassing.

[@williamlangan5902]

Tattoo You- the album where I paid attention to the Stones. My brother gave me a tour shirt for Christmas and I wore it out! What’s to follow? Let’s see. Undercover- an embarrassing cover. Stones use synthesizers and electric drums. She Was Hot was a fun video. Highlights include that and It Must Be Hell, though it’s a Soul Survivor rewrite. Low points are Feel On Baby and Too Much Blood. The video for the latter grossed me out. Dirty Work- we waited patiently for this. Harlem Shuffle was ok. A cute video. Had It With You is uncomfortably personal. Sleep Tonight is a highlight, a sweet tribute to Ian Stewart. Rest in peace, Stu. Steel Wheels- indeed a miracle we got this one. But it tried being all things to all people as with Blinded By Love. Mixed Emotions and Slipping Away are highlights. Voodoo Lounge- a little too much as you said. Love Is Strong has a nice harmonica riff. You Got Me Rocking has one of the most pretentious lyrics about a “butcher, cutting up meat.” And? However, Out Of Tears is a nice ballad. Anyone who’s been through a breakup could relate to it. Bridges To Babylon- tried to be a great album. We got a decent album. Saint Of Me has some good lyrics. It shows Mick knows the Christian faith but good luck making him that kind of man! Out Of Control worked better live with the trumpet riff. A Bigger Bang- I’ll have to go back and listen to it! But I got to see them live here! Blue And Lonesome- nice blues standards. But the voice of the world’s oldest teenager sounds a little raspy. Hackney Diamonds- I’ll have to hear the whole thing. Angry is pretty solid. Nice to hear Charlie and Bill, one last time. Rest in peace, Charlie. No one could play the drums like you. Be glad we still have Bill with us for now. Hope he enjoys his 90th birthday! That’s my review on the Ocho!

[@RobertsRecordCorner]

Also a big "Blinded By Love" fan by the way. Thanks for the notes!

[@SH-ud8wd]

A Bigger Bang is completely uninspired. Dirty Work has the original line up, which gives it more the Stones sound, than the later albums. Under Cover is the last relevant Stones record. Feel On Baby on this record is the best Stones Reggae ever. The title song, She was hot and It must be hell are classic Stones songs and the rest is urban sounds. I like to see Under Cover as their only Metal album.

[@peterchecksfield9958]

Brian Jones is on Dirty Work?

[@jtmichaelson]

Bridges to Babylon. Outside of "Anybody Seen My Baby", I can't seem to relate to anything on that one. I know Dirty Work should have been, but it came at a time I was young enough to be vulnerable to just the Rolling Stones name, so I listen to it more than I should. Voodoo Lounge was a great album, as was Steel Wheels. And the others are good, not great, but acceptable. Bridges just does nothing for me from beginning to end.

[@Hawthornne]

Another vote for Dirty work from me.

[@CliffBoulle]

Why I knew that album would mentioned?😂

[@davidjackson5449]

Best albums Beggars , Let it bleed and from later period Voodu lounge.Worst Dirty work

[@TheHalrobot]

Super interesting. I'm a HUGE Stones fan, I know everything about them!!!! Personally, Undercover is one of the best Stones albums. It sound dark, weird and scary. I love it!! Lots of cool indie bands try to sound like that today. This album is underrated and is becoming increasingly popular among Stones fans. If I had to choose the worst, I'd say Dirty Works, it's very bad.

[@ExileOnMyStreet]

Never understood the bad reptation for Undercover. But, it's mostly from the "rock purists" who have trouble with it. It's one of their most lyrically disturbing records. I'm with you!

[@RobertsRecordCorner]

I love you all are big Undercover fans. I feel for all the heroism that Chris Kimsey did unifying that Tattoo You sound from several recording sessions over 7-8 years, he weirdly doesn't get as fresh a sound for Undercover. The songs feel "small" too me, somehow thin. I like some forgotten second-side songs a lot -- "All the Way Down" for Mick's under-breath ending to the lyric "I was Mr Cool just a snotty fool... like kids are now." That's funny. I wish Mick was more self-referential in his older years. I think Hackney's "Whole Wide World" talking about the London flat from way back is interesting -- and in an English accent! -- but then the chorus turns into an after-school special. Thanks for defending Undercover. I wanted so much to love it -- for it to be a legend when it came out.

[@TheHalrobot]

@@ExileOnMyStreet Undercover was the last album on which the Stones sounded "Dangerous". On this album, the Stones have created an eerie, disquieting universe. A great Stones album! I'm glad to see that fans are slowly beginning to understand.

[@TheHalrobot]

@@RobertsRecordCorner I totally understand when you say it feel small. It’s true. But not a problem for me. I’m open to a remix, like what they did for Goats Head Soup

[@ExileOnMyStreet]

@@RobertsRecordCorner It's likely the glossy production, Mick always wants to sound current so I can't really blame them for 1983, but I imagine a down and dirty mix of Undercover. I think people would view it differently.

[@robertjcofell4582]

It' s not something I ever thought about but after watching the video I realized how right you are about that time frame. Tattoo You is pretty much where I stopped paying attention. There were a few good songs since then but nothing like previous years.

[@scottgalupo]

If it’s not highly rated, it’s underrated.

[@peterchecksfield9958]

Haha, good point!

[@KeefMyRiffheart]

Dear Robert! Your work on this video to the worst album of The Rolling Stones (I do not vote 😉, there is none 🫶 - it depends on my mood which is the best album at that moment 🫶🫶🫶) is great, varied and made with love to The Rolling Stones! Thank you so much! But 😊 the albums Voodoo Lounge, Bridges To Babylon and A Bigger Bang - the Stones made a dream come true to me - are not too long to me! Every song I feel, you know?! And I'd miss even single song. My love to the Stones is great, since I was six years old ... so, I am a fan now for 47 years 🫶🫶🫶 I am still flashed by The Rolling Stones! Sending you many greeting from Hamburg, Germany! Thank you for your great work to made this video and your view on The Rolling Stones! All the best! Ines :>

[@RobertsRecordCorner]

@@KeefMyRiffheart Thank you! I can't exaggerate how much the Stones have meant to me as well. Have a great day in Hamburg! Thanks for watching!

[@jameswilson7084]

I agree with you, it's "Dirty Work". Such a disappointment at the time. And notice how even Rolling Stone magazine couldn't cover up how poor it is.

[@bigredmachine1]

Jagger came off his solo release with Hard Woman

[@w1nchester32]

interesting question..! what i have observed over 50 years of being a fan of the Stones, is that each new album is met with a degree of disappointment, criticism and hostility and the charge that 'it aint as good as - whatever'. 'Exile' is a case in point - panned on release and now held up as possibly their best. I remember being disappointed with 'Voodoo Lounge' but now absolutely love it ! It will be the same for Hackney Diamonds - like in 20 years people will say - 'oh that was a classic'. Its bizarre - i think it's possibly because we love them so much (RIP CW).

[@RobertsRecordCorner]

I am definitely thankful to have all of them! Thanks for the comment

[@acooper8910]

Pretty much everything after Exile. I know Goat's Head, It's Only R&R & Black & Blue have their moments, but I always felt heroin was a bigger buzz than buzzing riffs to Keith during that period & it shows. Some Girls has some decent stuff, but it still feels like a band going thru the motions. Tattoo You's best songs were actually written years earlier & dredged up to fill some space. I'll probably get crucified for this, but I think they've been off the boil ever since Ron Wood joined. He probably kept them together as a social unit, but his musical input is generally pedestrian.

[@mistermousterian]

Totally agree.

[@bigredmachine1]

Shattered might be favorite song by them...

[@jonashallberg2832]

Great video! Great topic! Difficult question!

[@Thomasgene]

Will Listen again and judge! Thank you! Dirty Work or Emotional Rescue? I'll be back with vote and IMO choice. I will say this I've always been a fan, fanatic of Stones!

[@peterchecksfield9958]

Voodoo Lounge. There's some horrible Stones-by-numbers songs on it, as well as some really good songs that no-one talks about. 'You Got Me Rockin'' is by far my least favourite Stones single ever... and 'Love Is Strong' is one of my faves from the last 40 years.

[@RobertsRecordCorner]

I feel the same about You Got Me Rocking -- I wonder if they had changed the lyrics it would have been a standout (for me)?

[@petestaint8312]

Voodoo is so close to being a great album. If they put a little more effort in or went in another direction it would have been awesome. But, it's just another mediocre album. Bigger Bang is pretty decent. 👍

[@chrisdelisle3954]

Good question! I don't know the answer as I haven't given these albums a good enough listen. Why listen to any of the albums more than once or twice when you could listen to anything from 1968-1972? Furthermore, not that the Stones need another compilation, but it would be interesting to see if people could come up with a generally agreed upon "best of" from the last 41 years.

[@RobertsRecordCorner]

@@chrisdelisle3954 I think that is a bigger challenge, you're right

[@danwood4631]

I quite like their later albums. Worst album: Dirty Work.

[@styrmugnsell4560]

I have just watched the first five minutes and I have loved the Stones for about 35 years and I think you are SPOT ON! Happy to hear someone who know what he is talking about. The album covers from the late 80's and after are horrible! And they no longer sound that original... I like "Fight" from 1986 (but I think that one was re-recorded leftover from the Black & blue-sessions) and Too Tough from Undercover. Up until 1981 they were relevant. Lately I almost only listen to Black & Blue, Goats head soup and Tattoo you. BTW, Get Close reminds me a bit of Slave, in a positive way. Sounds good...

[@spectorfriend]

Hi Robert, I just discover your page and... why this Quebec flag? I'm from Quebec and curious about it, thank you !

[@RobertsRecordCorner]

@@spectorfriend I've been a few times and got it there once. I needed something in the wall -- temporary place -- so thought Quebec is it!

[@tomrobinson5776]

Cool video. Tattoo You was the last Stones album I ever bought. I’ve always liked Almost Hear You Sigh from Steel Wheels. Love the background vocals which have an infectious quality.

[@RobertsRecordCorner]

@@tomrobinson5776 Also like it. Feels like a Keith ballad to me.

[@one_with_kevrything9825]

Steel Wheels is great. Chock full of hidden gems amongst the hits.

[@davelightman]

I'm glad to see you appreciate Hackney Diamonds - I agree, I was really impressed with it. A Bigger Bang is stronger than most folks remember - 'Laugh, I Nearly Died' is a standout. And yes, 'Dirty Work' gets the crown, I'm afraid.

[@petestaint8312]

Bigger Bang is a decent album. Hackney is garbage. They're back to the bland and mediocre with Hackney.

[@lilajagears8317]

​@@petestaint8312I liked it, great album!

[@flyingburritobro68]

I prefer Dirty Work to Bigger Bang. One Hit to The Body is enough to make it better. Hold Back, Too Rude, Sleep Tonight and Harlem Shuffle are good. The synth heavy Jagger tracks suck

[@alexcaprio]

I love your presentations and your speaking voice, great videos

[@ac9559]

Standing up for Dirty Work. 2 bad tracks in Hold Back and Fight, otherwise I like everything else. Satanic Majesties also great. 2 lame tracks, Sing This Song...1 and 2. Replace those with Dandelion and We Love You and you have a 5 star record. A Bigger Bang was the ONLY Rolling Stones record I listened to a few times, put away and never went back to. Hated Black and Blue when I first got it, but it has grown on me.

[@RobertsRecordCorner]

@@ac9559 I have had same feeling for years reg Satanic! We Love You/Dandelion greatly improves it. Also next song they made -- Child of the Moon -- would have been even better. Thanks for the comments

[@ac9559]

@@RobertsRecordCorner Excellent point. I love that song but I forget about it because it did not come out until 1968. It would have fit perfectly on Satanic Majesties as well. Thank you for the page, I love these discussions. In my mind the Stones had the best 10 year run of any band, 1965-1974. There was a time when even their scraps were brilliant. Jiving Sister Fanny is one of their best songs and they did not even bother to give it a proper release.

[@one_with_kevrything9825]

Always dug most of A Bigger Bang. Felt like their energy was really back

[@mistermousterian]

@@RobertsRecordCorner You have that right. Just like Strawberry Fields and Penny Lane belong on Sgt. Pepper

[@ChromeDestiny]

Dirty Work has grown on me and some excellent outtakes from it leaked a while back but it has three tracks I absolutely consider The Stones' nadir, Hold Back, Back to Zero (good lyrics but horrible production sinks it) and the album mix of Winning Ugly (I actually like the 12 inch NY mix, I'd like to hear a version that's like the NY Mix but shorter like the album version.)

[@HansJansson-s8h]

Absolutely agree with you on Hackney Diamonds. It's the best since the great ones back in the 70's. It's punch in the gut filled with great rock songs wrapped in a sound that makes the music raunchy and bold.

[@markknopfler1984]

Love your channel, you basically think and act the same way I do about the Stones. Keep up the great work.

[@dominickdepaolo6668]

Great calculations with a perfectly logical conclusion, because you nailed it! Speaking for myself, when I was watching the first minute of the video, I immediately muttered "Dirty Work" to myself as their worst album when you posed the question. I'm glad I wasn't wrong on that all this time. 😎

[@TheRollingStoness]

Every album is a gem for a stones nerd to me.. Even tho every album after Tattoo you went down the drain for my ears only at the time they were released cause i expected them to sound like their 70s work( immature thought at that time..) But all grew on me.. Pure gems now.

[@phosphorescentscotsman]

Those 8 that you've singled out, Mick likes to have something to sell other than concert tickets when they went on tour. He was an economics major, buy the album and the tee shirt. The Idea you had about cutting down VooDoo Lounge and BB is spot on mate 👍👍

[@JessicaDejulio-d7l]

True Fan love them from day 1 Front to back

[@rocky-o]

i would say emotional rescue is their worst.. but..since you have narrowed it down, i will say bridges to babylon... great video..peace.. rocky

[@HansJansson-s8h]

Worst album in my opinion is Dirty Work. That album is telling me stories about the Stones breaking up eventually. God knows how they made it back to be working together still.

[@unncommonsense]

Money

[@douglaslangdon9343]

From worst to least worst: 1. Dirty Work 2. Undercover 3. Bridges to Babylon 4. Hackney Diamonds 5. A Bigger Bang.... Compare their videos for Undercover with one of their contemporaries (for State of Confusion) and tell me which band sounds more alive and relevant, and less cringy. I totally agree with you about ''You Got Me Rocking'' - the mind boggles as to why they feel the need to play it all the damn time in concert.

[@mrnick5515]

Steel wheels is good

[@suartgilmour4540]

Cool video! I can't really vote as I haven't heard Bridges or Dirty Work (too afraid to, lol). I would say there's a great 10 track album in Vodoo Lounge and a great 12 track in Bigger Bang. Steel Wheels is just a bit boring imo, apart from the few tracks you highlighted. Hackney 💎 s is good, but the production is too clean, and Jagger's vocals are so good that you can't help wondering is it auto-tune or something similar. Although, I really like Depending On You and Sweet Sounds of Heaven. And yes, the Muddy Waters cover. They said at the time of HD's release that they had nearly enough tracks for another album, but who knows if we will ever see it. Stuart

[@RobertsRecordCorner]

@@suartgilmour4540 I hope they didn't use auto tune! I find Andrew Watt's touch a bit poppy -- like the repeated guitar overdub in the chorus of "Mess It Up" and all the ahhhh backing vocals. But HD surprised me so much I still feel particularly fond of it. Thanks for watching!

[@ExileOnMyStreet]

No autotune, but some pitch correction is used on Hackney Diamonds. Who cares, the songs are great.

[@thatzak]

Look, I’m in my mid 30s appreciating the stones more than I ever have in my entire life, and I’ve been listening to them for 20 years. And now they’re one of my favorites of all time. I’m loving them more than when I first got into classic rock in my middle school years, but now they’re in my top 5 favorite bands of all time now despite my 25 year interest in rock from all eras. I expect nothing from the stones this late in their career, but they’ve earned that. “Angry” at least has a better riff than I’d expect from a band that late in the game,”.!The Stones’ longevity is amazing. At the same time, they’ve been a legacy act since 1981. But that’s completely okay. The Beatles get to be frozen in amber at their peak. But for the layman, life keeps going beyond your peak in life. And that’s why I prefer the stones now in my mid 30s vs the Beatles. Don’t get me wrong, The Beatles earned their spot for a reason. I’m just speaking from a pure subjectivity level.

[@mikelstone536]

Imagine a new group today releasing an album like *Dirty work*.They would be the new sensation.And the same case would be with *Done with mirrors* by Aerosmith .Two great underrated albums

[@seed_drill7135]

I share in the low opinion of Dirty Work, but I haven’t even listened to the post Wyman albums enough to even recall what they sound like and would have to check my shelves to be reminded of the titles.

[@LeoAdams-hs1be]

Spot on analysis. Except Brand New Car can be really enjoyable, as long as you assume he's having a laugh..

[@blakelyhall8191]

I am only 1:52 into the video but the handwritten “Rolling stones situation” timeline with is design and use of colored pens, ✋✋I am all in and subscribed!! 🙌👏👏👍

[@andrewbrennan7291]

Rolling Stone mag is really full of it. Undercover 7/10 Best song on it Undercover of the Night Dirty Work 5/10. Best song Had it with you Steel Wheels 7/10. Best Song Slipping Away Voodoo Lounge 7/10 Best Song You got me rocking (now) Bridges to Babylon 6/10 Best song Saint of Me A Bigger Bang 8/10 Streets of Love Blue & Lonesome 7/10 . Best song Just your fool Hackney Diamonds 9/10 Sweet Sounds of Heaven.

[@RobertsRecordCorner]

@@andrewbrennan7291 Thank you for the list bMy bests are often the same! I'm not into Sounds as Heaven as much as some, but I appreciate the effort.

[@peterduggeli4197]

"Their Satanic Majesties Request" is shurely the worst thing they ever did. Sticky Fingers the best.

[@KendalAudiologist]

Some good songs on that album. 2000 Man, She’s a rainbow, Citadel and that one by Bill…

[@lpquagmire3621]

UNDERCOVER

[@chrisolivo6591]

This is a tough question only because i haven’t listened to their last 2 studio albums. ‘Bridges to Babylon’ was the last album i bought from them. I will say that ‘Steel Wheels’ is my favorite post ‘Tatoo You’ Stones album. Yes it’s a pure pop album but that was the heyday of MTV so every artist was tailoring their music to a pop sound. I think the height of classic rock was 1964-73. The introduction to the Beatles started it, then you just had masterpiece albums like St Pepper, Abbey Road, Tommy, Dark Side of the Moon, Led Zeppelin 2 and 4, Who’s Next, Quadrophenia, Sticky Fingers, Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, The Doors, The Yes Album, Fragile, etc. Good lord that 10 year period will never be topped.

[@knowyourbassplayer]

Agreed on Hackeny... Bridges is the worst IMHO... Dirty Work not as bad as folks make it out to be.... Undercover had attitude, Steel was a comeback album that catered to the times...

[@bookiester]

It's the Rolling Stones. It's all great. What the hell, be grateful for any music they produce.

[@paisleydunbar7218]

No idea but i know its not Their Satanic Majesties Request because that is their best album.

[@KeefMyRiffheart]

There are just underestimated albums of The Rolling Stones! Even Dirty Work is an album that saved my life (true!)!

[@finch45lear]

Great ,really well thought out video. Very entertaining. It’s definitely “Dirty Work”.

[@patrickbarry6273]

I love the Stones and while it's not bad, I just don't get into Blue & Lonesome. I think Undercover and Dirty Work are great fun.

[@aminahmed2220]

Absolutely fantastic have a great day also today is Thanksgiving in Canada ❤😊

[@vegardyrnes1793]

Thank you! I totally agree with you! Cheers

[@lawrencejhutchinson]

Voodoo Lounge

[@petestaint8312]

Agreed. Could have been a great album if they put on a little more effort or gone in a different direction. Even Mick doesn't like it.

[@GarySkadra]

Bridges To Babylon is worst I like Dirty Work

[@FrankyGoesToNowhere]

I like Dirty Work. For me, the worst: - Between the Buttoms (UK). Trying to be POP without success. - Steel Wheels - Bridge To Babylon Both disapointing, Not natural.

[@MarkKost-m1n]

the "too long " thing is a serious problem, considering most of us are dying right now .

[@QuirijnBesse]

The first studio album The Stones released after I became a fan was Vooddoo Lounge (I'm from '82) so I have a weak spot for that one. I don't dislike Dirty Work at all. I think Steel Wheels is the album The Stones always wanted to sound like. For me Undercover is a disaster. I love the song though! And Keith's song! They've always been a highpoint of the album since Emotial Rescue. Hackney Diamonds is great! It feels like a present. I never thought they'd bring out a studio album again. I hate how they sometimes bring out a new song and tie that to a new compilation album! You only need Hot Rocks and Jump Back if you want those. The other albums on this list.. I don't care much for them. Thanks for the video!

[@martinmason5008]

Very good, Robert, as it's well reasoned. Agree with Dirty Work being the worst. I've never been out of love with Steel Wheels and don't have any fat (cup of tea track, where I can step away for five minutes). Next worst are Undercover, Bridges to Babylon, Bigger Bang (all the same level of tedium, pretty much). Then Blue and Lonesome in the middle. Hackney Diamonds is far from going through the motions, though I'd put Voodoo Lounge as a better album, simply edited to sides 1 and 2. We differ as I think Mick's solo stuff is very good, and Saint of Me is tiresome. Anything by Keith and the Winos is tremendous by the way. I agree that I thought we'd seen the last of the boys in any form after Tattoo You. Hence why Steel Wheels was the right album at the right time, robust enough to charge some very awesome tours, which I caught on three continents.

[@jonesy2111]

A Bigger Bang is one of my least favorites. I remember trying to get into it after I bought it and just couldn’t… it just fell flat and was too long. I would say Voodoo Lounge is one of their better ‘worst albums’ and I don’t care for the latest album either

[@pierce_13]

Emotional Rescue has never appealed to me.

[@finch45lear]

ER Rocks!!!!

[@marianourcaray8096]

The album is bad but the title track is awesome.

[@mrpaul79]

Dirty Work has One Hit to the Body, though. Insane that they produced that during such an unproductive period.

[@branko4033]

In less than a month I'll be 66. And I've been hopelessly Rolling Stoned from '72, maybe 73. I'm not able to think in terms of a WORST Stones album. But that's in my head, that's all. To me, anything 1964 up to and, of course including Exile is simply awesome, I still can't get enough of that. Thereon, well, I like Some Girls and Tattoo You, and that's about it. The point about the Stones has been their live gigs, particularly after Exile. After all, RnR is about playing for audiences, not about effing around with mics, tapes and buttons in a sealed off room. And that's how I see the best effing RnR band ever.

[@buzzbabyjesus]

You nailed it.

[@ExileOnMyStreet]

I hope nobody is "stuffing the ballot box" by placing multiple votes. I made a Spotify playlist to listen to when I drive that includes every Stones song on the platform, including b-sides, bonus tracks and...GULP .."Metamorphosis". As I listen, I find myself skipping the most songs from "A Bigger Bang", so that was my vote. I enjoy "Bridges" and "Voodoo Lounge" and I skip a few tracks on each, but with some excising they're both good records, especially VL. I do NOT feel like skipping anything from "Emotional Rescue", "Undercover" (love it), or "Dirty Work" and "Steel Wheels", both of which I think are good albums. "Blue and Lonesome" is pretty solid and "Hackney Diamonds" would rank as my favorite Stones record since "Tattoo You". I love every track on it and it flows so well, very well sequenced. So, there you have it..ABB..is my least favorite. Glad they redeemed themselves with HD.

[@RobertsRecordCorner]

True! I hope this vote isn't hacked! Thanks for the comments!

[@peterchecksfield9958]

I actually prefer Metamorphosis to ANY post-Sticky Fingers album. But then I love the Brian era.

[@ExileOnMyStreet]

@@peterchecksfield9958 The great thing about the Stones is they have so many eras to choose from.

[@ExileOnMyStreet]

@@RobertsRecordCorner Judging from the comments, I don't think it will matter. DW is the clear winner...or loser...depending on your viewpoint.

[@paulellsworth4007]

Dirty work is always considered their worst.. I think if you are considering stones worst albums you have to include her majesties, black and blue, and emotional rescue just to mix it up.

[@RobertsRecordCorner]

@@paulellsworth4007 Thanks! I tended to see Bigger Bang as the worst. But revised myself. I like those other three albums you mention a lot. I certainly prefer them all to It's Only Rock'n'Roll and December's Children for its laziness. But they are definitely not the best. Who knows?

[@olavirannisto3552]

Otherwise I agree, but 'majesties' is a bit better than the others in my opinion.

[@paulellsworth4007]

And they certainly are not the worst.. I just think to include them so it’s kinda not like all their albums since tattoo you 😅. Which is usually how their worst of list goes… I love emotional rescue. Very underrated album along with black and blue 👍🏼

[@BeatlesEddieV]

It is Hackney Diamond

[@mistermousterian]

Satanic Majesties has two classic tunes( 2000 Light Years, She's a Rainbow) and some truly great deep cuts. (Citadel, 2000 Man, The Gomper, Candle). I love the whole thing. Bought it when it came out. C'mon man, it's unfairly maligned. One of their best, sound quality aside.

[@jameskneubuhl9115]

Even on their worst albums, there's bound to be at least one track I enjoy. I agree that the hidden jewel on Dirty Work is Had It With You. Dirty Work also had Harlem Shuffle, which wasn't bad, and I also liked Keith's reggae tune, Too Rude. The rest of it? It's full of songs I honestly don't care to ever hear again. For that reason, I'd have to vote for Dirty Work as their worst ever. Undercover had Mick trying to pull the band in new directions - some of it worked, some of it didn't. The only song on it that I didn't mind hearing repeatedly was.... Pretty Beat Up. Undercover also loses some points with me because I really didn't like She Was Hot, and it's embarrassing video. So Undercover comes in at 2nd-to-worst for me. A Bigger Bang had some really good stuff, but there's one song on it I can't stand, and that's Rain Fell Down, which I think is stupid. Just for the presence of that song, A Bigger Bang is, for me, their 3rd-to-worst. Honorable mention as my 4th-to-worst is Their Satanic Majesties Request. As bad as Keith's heroin addiction may have gotten later, on Satanic Majesties it sounds like Mick and Keith were on too many drugs when they wrote the songs, and the rest of the band must have been too to agree to record them. But once again, I think this overall terrible album has two decent tracks - 2000 Light Years From Home and She's A Rainbow. It's all subjective. Overall, the Stones have gone against convention just by being around as long as they have, and whatever they do, I'll always give it a listen - knowing there's no guarantee whether I'll love it or think it's rubbish.

[@stupidangrycottagedan4168]

Dirty Work is the worst - Goats Head Soup and IORR are the ones I listen to the most. I agree with your take on things.

[@Hotsk]

I don't know. I stopped listening to the Rolling Stones when "Goat's Head Soup" was released. That was it. The Stones had sold out. I'd had enough. So without having heard any of their albums after 1973, I can't really vote. But I would assume that they're all even worse than "Doo Doo Doo Doo Doo" and "Heartbreaker." I was once a big Stones fan. I saw them live when they were at their peak in both 1969 and again in 1972. I wouldn't even cross the street to see them today, even if I were given a free ticket.

[@scottythetrex5197]

I actually think Voodoo Lounge, Bridges to Babylon, Blue and Lonesome, and Hackney Diamonds are good. Sweet Sounds of Heaven is in the top ten Stones songs in my view.

[@stampede4107]

I’m afraid their latest album has a lot of pitch correction…

[@michaeljfoley1]

I noticed that too. Even more so, when another reviewer pointed it out. Pitch correction or autotune always makes me cringe, especially on rock n roll songs. But, I know it is pervasive these days.

[@chelmsfordroad50]

Th worst Stones album was definitely Dirty Work until the release of Hackey Diamonds. I am a Stones fan since 1964 (yes, I'm old) and HD is the first Stones CD I just can't listen to at all. Next worst, either Bridges to Babylon or Blue and Lonesome. I did rather like Voodoo Lounge though of course nothing they have done comes anywhere close to their 4 greatest albums...Beggar's Banquet, Let it Bleed, Sticky Fingers and Exile.

[@RobertsRecordCorner]

@@chelmsfordroad50 Since '64! Wow. When was the last album that came out and you got that 1965, 1968, 1971 energy... a bit? Something that felt truly iconic and ended up being that way?

[@stephenfisch615]

Emotional Rescue is my choice for worst.

[@SH-ud8wd]

Why?

[@peterchecksfield9958]

It is pretty dire (title track excepted!).

[@billstill1794]

Definitely! A total pos crapola!

[@petercena9497]

Sandwiched between two overhyped albums.

[@peterchecksfield9958]

@@petercena9497 True! I think SG and TY and remembered more fondly than ER (ditto Undercover & DW) because of the tours that promoted them.

[@wasteofspace20]

The padres sadly disintegrated into dust those last two games vs the dodgers. A damn shame.

[@RobertsRecordCorner]

They really did, alas.

[@billyshane3804]

Not interested in anything after the brilliant Tattoo You.

[@ilabelle1]

I’m not so sure that the Stones ever released a truly horrible album. But comparing the Stones to the Stones Dirty Work is the weakest of the bunch.

[@BrianRoberson-k7g]

I would say "Dirty Work" but I guess I'm wrong.

[@m.e.8153]

To me the worst is Dirty Work. Voodoo Lounge is a good one, a little unfocussed... Bridges and Bigger Bang didn't do anything for me. So I was glad when they brought a Blues album. Hackney diamonds is surprisingly good, really good!

[@djknox2]

There are MANY.

[@danielsonnv]

It's harder to vote for the best Rolling Stones album

[@timmytVA]

I largely agree with your assessment thought I've never listened to Blue and Lonesome all the way through. Hackney Diamonds is a pretty darn good album and, lo and behold, it clocks in at 48'! Perhaps Andrew Watt should get credit for editing the self indulgent tendencies of the prior few albums.

[@Ianmackable]

I haven't heard the album, so I can't suggest what songs should have been cut, but 48' is still at least 8' too long, imho.

[@kwd-kwd]

great channel , love your delivery. I think Black and Blue is terrible and Dirty Work. I have them all.

[@bustabass9025]

Prolly that Goat's Head Soup thing. 😂

[@maxkatz2]

"Hackney Diamonds" is the worst Stones album because it sounds like Mr. Pop Andrew Watt.

[@richardbartolo2890]

I have 25 of their albums. There are a couple of their later albums I don't have. But for me their early blues & original albums with Brian Jones are very good. But their supreme originals started with their single Honkey Tonk Women, Then to the albums Beggars Banquet, Let it Bleed, Get Yer Ya'-Ya's out, Sticky Fingers & Exile on Main Street. Somehow, just my taste, It's only Rock & Roll didn't seem quite as good as those others. And Black & Blue I guess is their weakest. I hardly go back & listen to Black & Blue. But Damn, They have recorded as many excellent albums as 3 or 4 bands put together. Thats a hell of a record, 25 and counting very good to supreme albums and only 2 weak ones.

[@joebarr725]

Hackney Diamonds. Not even close.

[@petestaint8312]

Agreed. Another mediocre album. They just can't crank out decent material. Although, Bigger Bang was decent, not great but decent.

[@christianpoivey2383]

Dirty work or undercover, I can’t decide

[@johnwallen438]

UNDSERCOVER is one of the best. STEEL WHEELS is the drabbest and most uninspiring, The first album is probably ther actual worst with its 2 minutes covers and terrible engineering.

[@RobertsRecordCorner]

@@johnwallen438 I always give the first five or so a pass. I like them plenty though. It's where the band started, translating American R&B and blues. They did it well, I feel. Thanks for the comment

[@Ianmackable]

Mixed Emotions was less a huge hit than a small- to medium-sized hit. Btw, why not count the blues covers album? Their very first album (UK version) was nearly all blues and r&b covers.

[@RobertsRecordCorner]

Well, it was pretty big, I'd say. "Mixed Emotions" and "Harlem Shuffle" both reached 5 in the USA -- the highest-charting singles of the past 43 years for the Stones. Maybe huge is a slight stretch, but it was close? Totally fair point about Blue & Lonesome. I did include it in the rankings and vote etc, but only skipped it for the Rolling Stone reviews -- just to cut some video time honestly, and keep it focused on the Stones albums where they were writing music in the studio. My point was simply how they have compared each album more or less as "best since Exile" since Tattoo -- that album, being covers, was handled differently too. I dunno. Thanks for watching!

[@Ianmackable]

@@RobertsRecordCorner Okay, point taken. Checking the chart placings yesterday I was surprised to see how high the song got in some places, including #1 (gulp) in my home country of Canada. On the other hand: #36 in the UK, #25 in Australia, #41 in France, numbers that seem far more reflective of how the song was generally received. It just never had the aura of a drop-dead classic Stones hit; I don't recall anyone in 1989 saying "Wow! Have you heard that new Stones song? It's awesome!" The last time that ever happened, it seems to me, was with Start Me Up. Btw, I propose that Steel Wheels did contain one great Stones song: Continental Drift, where the use of the Master Musicians of Joujouka revived the spirit of peak-period Brian Jones era Stones. Best Stones album: a three-way tie between Aftermath (UK version), Sticky Fingers, and Exile on Main St. Most underrated Stones album: Goats Head Soup, whose reputation seems to keep growing. Lost Stones masterpiece song: Winter. Greatest Stones single: Paint It Black. I can't comment on any Stones post-1988 because I've literally never listened to any of those albums. I always assumed that if they were any good, word-of-mouth would have told me so.

[@matthewchicchi7262]

Dirty Work is my fave Stones 1980's album.

[@MindGuild]

Emotional Rescue - a dreadful album My favs: Exile on Mainstreet Some Girls Let it Bleed It's Only Rock n Roll Tattoo You

[@ArmandoMPR]

I think their last 5 albums are all great. Of course, this wasn’t my initial impression for a couple of them, but it’s the opinion I’ve arrived at after maturing as a music lover. Hackney Diamonds is easily their best album out of those. It’s a top 10 Stones album for me. Blue and Lonesome is a great electric blues album. They never sounded as authentic as they did in that album. Ronnie is amazing all the way through. I wish Clapton hadn’t been invited for the couple of songs he appears on since I don’t think he added much. Voodoo Lounge, Bridges to Babylon, and A Bigger Bang are great but flawed albums. Yes, they are too damn long. 45 minute versions of each would net us more obviously great albums. But even as they stand, they are what I would call “low-key” great albums. “How Can I Stop” is an amazing song and a great ending to Bridges, I don’t know how you could leave it from your shorter version. Anyway, as I said, they have flaws aside from their length. Brand New Car from VL and Sweet Neo Con from ABB are mediocre songs that shouldn’t have made their respective albums. Here’s my ranking and grade for the 8 albums you talked about: 1. Hackney Diamonds - A 2. Blue and Lonesome - A- 3. Bridges to Babylon - A- 4. A Bigger Bang - A- 5. Voodoo Lounge - A- 6. Steel Wheels - B 7. Undercover - B 8. Dirty Work - C+