Revisiting The Rolling Stones 'Hackney Diamonds' (w/Martin Popoff)

[@seaoftranquilityprog]

Here's the link to both of our separate reviews: Martin- kzbin.info/www/bejne/h3awe5aZe6-hpKs Pete- kzbin.info/www/bejne/e6rKqqWuhpmdfas

[@gjdc]

Three weeks in and I'm still really enjoying this album and keep coming back to it. Its very good indeed.

[@StephenZimmer]

It is an excellent album and I'm grateful to be getting a new Rolling Stones album here in 2023!

[@brianwalsby2459]

It’s a victory lap. It’s also the first Stones record I listened to all the way through since Tattoo You! I instantly liked and remembered the songs on first listen. It made me want to keep listening, so I have. Now they just need to ask Mick Taylor to come back for whatever time they have left!

[@b2tall239]

You tell him, Pete! Don't let Old Man Popoff rain on our Rolling Stones parade! 😀

[@teastrainer3604]

People who like this are entitled to. That's fine. But I don't want to see 80 year old men act this way. It makes me cringe. If they were women, people would laugh at them.

[@paulburrows7908]

😂 Poppoff knows best.

[@dsnyc5789]

This album is like eating a slice of your Grandmothers' Favorite Apple Pie. She might be in her 80's, maybe she forgot a few of the ingredients, but you eat it with a smile on your face remembering everything she's ever done for you.

[@thomasbeck2934]

Well put!!👍🏻

[@manuelper]

I'm not saying the album is good or not, but you're basically saying that anything the Stones put out at this point you'll lap it up. I could never approach music that way.

[@kmjr2400]

​I 💯 percent agree. . I don't like this stones album . . The stones jumped the shark decades ago( they're not the only band to do it) I'd prefer to put on anything by the stones up to 1980

[@Otwin.56]

The Recording Quality is poor, it Sounds tinny. Maybe it's my fault. ( CD Player???)

[@MrTheabsolute69]

This isn't grandma's pie! This is music by professional musicians. Too many cooks in the kitchen. And quit trying to sound "relevant"!

[@neshod6415]

Agreed with Pete, to me the best Stones' album since Some Girls by far plus one real Stones classic song. People just didn't expect this quality from them at this part of their career...remarkable and splendid ....

[@garygennaro6029]

I listened to it once and think it's great. However when you say better by far since Some Girls is cutting some albums short. Great albums comparable Tattoo You and Steel Wheels.

[@SuperStrik9]

In no way is this album better than Tattoo You or Emotional Rescue. Just my opinion. To each their own.

[@garygennaro6029]

@SuperStrik9 Cool. I'm use to all of those later album except Bridged To Babylon which I've heard basically once and didn't like. I thought Vodoo Lounge was pretty good (couple of great songs). New one sounds great but I'll listen more. Got to get used to it.

[@SuperStrik9]

@@garygennaro6029 Emotional Rescue and Tattoo You are both really good albums. Better than Hackney Diamonds imo. No songs on Hackney Diamonds are as good as songs like Emotional Rescue, She's So Cold, Dance (pt 1) or Start Me Up. Just my opinion.

[@tomleone409]

Agree that this is easily the best since Some Girls.

[@lexpeters735]

I appreciate that you took my suggestion on board. The disparity between your opinions made for a great discussion. 🎸🎸🎸

[@jackroberts9401]

Top 5 all time Stones album for me. Mustve listened 50 times this week.

[@williamsannuto8239]

You guys are great together. Great listen!

[@pr7070]

Martin on fire here. Like it that he sticks to his guns - it's what makes the two of you work.

[@bryankafka2952]

Thank you both (and to Jamie as well). All the discussions on the channel convinced me to get it. Just had my first listen and it is a fun upbeat Stones album. Definitely worth getting, thank you all

[@Dowd34]

You have to take it for what it is. They can still write pleasant, good Rolling Stones songs. Which is almost incredible at this point in their career, and is also testament to how great they are. The album is cohesive, well put together. Not history-making, but it's just great to have a new batch of decent enough songs to listen to. I'm happy with it. I will listen to it, many times, for a long time to come. But then again, I'm an absolute fan.

[@brotherhoodoflightshowcurr3318]

I am an avid viewer to Sea of Tranquility. Speaking of old dinosaurs like “the Rolling Stons” I think some of SOT viewers were around from 1965 to 1975. Certainly the channel loves that era of music imagine growing up, listening to “Satisfaction”, and then watching all the stones albums develop all the way to. “It’s Only Rock ‘n’ Roll”. What’s missing is most all the guest on the shows didn’t start listening to music till like 1975 or 1976. It would be nice to hear some veteran guest fans talk about the early days.

[@smartfreddy]

It’s great that the Stones have been with us for 60 years! This means every generation since has an album to identify with! Us 70 year olds have 60 decades to listen to! Aren’t we lucky?

[@johndonny443]

I like the album and enjoy it more upon each listen.

[@johnoberle9750]

I haven’t gave Hackery Diamonds a serious listen yet. I’m happy people are saying it is great. I’m a big time fan of The Who and Ritchie Blackmore. The Who’s later albums come under scrutiny by fans as does Ritchie for doing the music of Blackmore’s night. My opinion these guys owe me nothing and they owe themselves to do the work that makes them happy. I love the fact that they are still at it and what they are doing is great. No you can’t compare them to things they done 40 years ago. It’s their turn to do what they can what they want. They have given us so much in spades, Gold , platinum whatever you want to call it. You can dissect a certain era of their work and stick with that if that’s what you want to do because of a preference you might have. I tip my hat to these guys and thank them. All of the bands that are still doing what they do. Nothing but positive vibes to all. The clock keeps ticking on us all! ❤👊👍 Tune in or tune out it’s your choice. Positive vibes these people deserve.

[@alexconway4950]

Good discussion chaps. I'm in the love it camp - their best since Tattoo You in my opinion.

[@bradjackson4595]

I really like this album and agree with most of what Pete has said here. Glad to hear you like Whole Wide World more now.

[@markhaselow8315]

And by the way, is ANYBODY gonna’ mention how good Ronnie Wood sounds on this?

[@shawnriffhard]

Yes, he was outstanding at the live show.

[@lukamatosic4741]

You both make some valid points, but I’m in the Pete camp, love the record. Btw Bridges to Babylon is my favorite record, perfect mix of pop and rock of modern Stones!

[@markellis7847]

As one who ran out and purchased England's Newest Hitmakers in 1964 at age thirteen, and saw the Stones several times, including with Brian Jones and at Altamont, IMO this is a great record.

[@davidl570]

Dang, you were at the infamous Altamont concert? Bet that was as a little traumatic! Very dark chapter in the Stones' history.

[@markellis7847]

@@davidl570 I didn't find out how bad it was down front till I got home. Worst concert experience ever by far.

[@davidl570]

@@markellis7847 I believe it.................I believe it.

[@scottmcrae3355]

I like the album but also agreed with a lot of Martin’s review. I saw someone mention that Angry sounds like an INXS song and now I can’t I unhear it.

[@brianwalsby2459]

Holy shit, you are right! It would be the best song off of Kick!

[@danielwolski873]

It would be the best song off Kick😂Better than The Devil Inside or Need You Tonight, not a chance.

[@jamessullenriot]

I usually agree with Martin more than Pete when they have disagreements, but on this topic I side with Pete's take much more. When a "legacy" band puts out new stuff I generally listen to that and then it's a trigger to go back to their older catalog. But for this release, I'm mostly listening to this vs going back to their older stuff a few weeks in.

[@richards3862]

Great cd. I love Keith's solo song

[@dirkbag22]

After the band released a blistering blues album - what, 6 years ago? - I knew this would bring them back to sharp song writing. Touching back on their roots helped them immeasurably. As a for instance on your topics, on Whole Wide World, the transition from verse to chorus is GORGEOUS! I love it.

[@NorsePJ]

Having preconceived notions before reviewing anything kills creative appreciation.

[@MrSmitht04]

This is the best show on the internet

[@senorfunball]

All I know is i have been humming these tunes constantly since getting this album, and that means it's pretty damn good to me 🤘🤠👍

[@ivostoyanov4850]

I joy every minute in this album

[@glennandadriansrocktalk]

I hear you guys regarding the "positive" vs "negative" performance of videos. There's a reason Rolling Stone put out that incomplete list of '250 Greatest Guitarists' - same principle - stir things up and it'll spread more. Appreciate the review, guys

[@dsallen7914]

Hard to believe, but it's been as much time passed now since Voodoo Lounge, as there was between that album and the Stones' first.

[@dangrise6182]

Indeed. A very interesting observation.

[@billmercier8996]

Absolutely LOVE this album. I've listened to more than any new album I've boughten in years! Depending on you, Angry & Get Close my favs

[@mikewoodrow5878]

I’m with you on that, Pete - for me, the feeling I get from this one is reminiscent of Tattoo You’s release. The opening chords of Angry have the same effect that Start Me Up did, at that time. I can’t necessarily say why, but it is what it is. I dig the fresh production sound, especially for this LP. Same with Extreme’s new album Six, I have been playing that one all the way through, a lot - I’m loving it. Great instalment today - peace from Toronto!

[@eldorado852]

Tattoo You was a much darker album for me than this collection of happyness

[@timhewtson6212]

Another excellent episode. SoT is the only rock music show I listen to as a matter of course, even if I'm not particularly interested in the subject. After all, you may make me interested in it during the show. I really like this format for important albums: review individually, get audience feedback, re-review as a two-hander. No problem with a level of negativity if it's in good faith. The SoT brand stands for highly articulate appreciation based on in-depth knowledge - and appreciation includes comments on things not particularly liked. Also, the chemistry between the presenters is excellent. It may have been lost in history, but both The Beatles and the Stones started out as pop bands and continued to be pop bands. The last few Beatles albums were conceived as albums, rather than a collection of songs, some of which would be chosen to be singles, but The Stones have always been a pop band, and have always updated their pop style. I'm guessing that releasing a few appetizer tracks on KZbin before launching the full album, then putting the whole album onto KZbin, works as a marketing technique. If I like the album, I'll still buy it as well because it is only fair. I haven't bought 'Hackneyed Diamonds' but I will buy another Stones album shortly, maybe this or 'It's only rock 'n' roll,' although I may have to listen to 60 years of Jeff Beck first following the 4 episode focus on guitar gods from Pete and Phil.

[@RakelaK67]

great album (which I did not expect) .... strong from start to finish... its better than a 3, Martin lol

[@jonathankupersmith1654]

Best in 40 years. Hands down

[@mbgaomo]

I like it. I'd give it a 4 out of 5. Best Stones album since Steel Wheels.

[@Henricus88]

Martin, I don’t think people had issues with the concept of Iron Maiden albums having the wheels falling off, it was that they adopted a sound and never changed. How does X-Factor sound like Piece of Mind? Or how does The Final Frontier sound like No Prayer?

[@Henricus88]

Not trying to be rude at all, I’m a big fan of your work.

[@jimmcguy5511]

Martin blew it. Hackney Diamonds is a great album!

[@crazyguy43]

He didn't blow it he had an opinion different than yours.

[@mikebarooshian7255]

@@crazyguy43I don’t know hackney diamonds sucks the stones made way way better albums tattoo you was the last best real stones album period and I’m a huge stones fan I buy anything they ever made

[@stone4173]

​@@mikebarooshian7255Agree that better stones albums, voodoo lounge was great and I like bridges to babylon but I can't get into this album at all. Sweet sound is a lovely song with lady gaga brilliant on it. Can't agree with these guys about the album .

[@donakin8562]

Martin talks a lot :). And that’s a good thing y

[@hyo2002]

I feel the scent of exile on main street and tatto you album in this album. The clear sound of songs such as "angry" and "get close" reminds me of the start me up of the Tattoo you album, and "dreamy skies" is reminiscent of "torn and frayed" with well-groomed slide guitar and contury music feeling(They proved once again that they were excellent at making American style music.), and "sweet sound of heaven" is gospel like "sweet virgina" or "let it loose" and "following the river" released later. Some melodies are so catchy that they are like pop, but I think they have excellent affinity because they have excellent musical capabilities and seriousness rather than pop. I listen to the rolling stones they played and sang on this album, and it makes me feel once again that they are the white blues group that most approached the raw sounds of early blues musicians like muddy waters, whether they intended or not. They always introduce and connect the entire generation under the name Rolling Stones and also create changed music.

[@AlanKPet]

Enjoyable discussion. I first heard the Stones driving my dad’s car blasting the #1 Satisfaction in high school. Been a fan ever since. I think it’s the best they’ve done in years, not a fan of the last couple. It reflects different eras of their career to me. View from a Boomer….

[@guillermomaldonado6277]

Well, this rarely, but rarely happens; but I find myself siding with Martin on this topic. Thanks for the show! 🍺🤘

[@Wayner71]

A new Rolling Stones album and a Beatles single. Its the 1960's and all of my life is ahead of me. Then I realize, no its not..

[@gregwatson3300]

Two great gifts

[@robertgentilejr.5700]

STILL loving the album. I will say my favorite songs off of A Bigger Bang, I like more than my favorites off this one. But it has a more consistent flow. And I appreciate the album's length and them not doing 16 songs where 6 or 7 could have been shelved.

[@karloberkovich]

Agree with you re the length of the album, it's 48 minutes which I think is one of the keys to its success and, as you say, flow. I still listen to CDs and like physical product but one of the, it could be argued, downfalls that came with the advent of CDs way back was/is their capacity. I realize listening habits are different now given streaming, playlists etc. so even the concept of an 'album' may have been lost but my point (finally, lol) is that CDs have an 80-minute or so capacity. So, when they came out mid- to late 80s and became for a time the main listening vehicle for music, bands/artists seemed to figure they had to fill all 80 minutes; hence sometimes bloated albums where, as you say, 6 or 7 songs could easily have been shelved as they were arguably substandard not to mention 80 minutes regardless can be an exhausting listening experience all in one go. I'm age 64 so grew up through the mid to late 1960s and obviously the 70s, my teen years, and the classic albums of that period were all relatively short. The Beatles' Sgt. Pepper is just 39 minutes and there are other such examples and that was at least in part a function of the limitations of vinyl capacity. The only albums that were longer, over an hour, were double albums that were designed as double albums yet still, the Stones' Exile On Main St. for example is "just' 67 minutes spread over 4 sides of vinyl. Jump ahead to Voodoo Lounge, Bridges to Babylon and A Bigger Bang and they are 62, 62 and 64 minutes long respectively - all double vinyl albums, even though, unless one actually bought the vinyl, one tends to think of them as single albums because they're each 1 CD. Steel Wheels from 1989 is 53 minutes. It's interesting in that, had vinyl capacity been greater, maybe the same thing would have happened earlier on as later happened with CDs, i.e. lengthier, arguably too lengthy and bloated, albums.

[@robertgentilejr.5700]

@@karloberkovich Agree. Bridges took a while for me to warm up to. But I am a huge fan of the GOOD material off of both Voodoo and Bang. Honestly, if I shaved Voodoo and A Bigger Bang down to "vinyl length" I think both albums stand up with the 1970's Stones.

[@TheChadTI]

Don Was produced Live By the Sword on the album.

[@kirkthomas1124]

I loved this record the first time through, and it gets better with each listen. Their best since Tattoo You. IMHO.

[@ericdinse5047]

I've been enjoying the discussion on the new Stones album & I'm a big fan of the band, so I decided I wanted to get my own copy. I went to (2) different record stores & they were sold out at both locations. Still wanting to buy a copy.

[@richardwoodhouse8404]

I watched a recent interview with Mick jagger and he said WE ARE 2 THIRDS INTO MAKING THE NEXT ALBUM], this was my very 1st time listening to a stones album, i was very impressed, SWEET SOUND OF HEAVEN is the best stones song ive ever heard [ yes ive heard all the songs they played on the radio and im 57]

[@davidmorris5215]

Martin has previously said he can make his mind about an LP after listening to 10 seconds of each track.... Did he listen to this LP all the way through?

[@fourseasons4105]

Yeah that's bs and very superficial of him to say, any artist/album deserves the bare minimum of a full playthrough and your full attention when it's on, otherwise don't ever claim to be so "objective" or like your opinion matters to anyone

[@nickrogerson8129]

This will be interesting. I wonder if Martin has changed his opinion at all - if not the two of you will be butting heads the whole time haha!

[@scottmcgregor4829]

Lol. If Martin starts mentioning that the songs are "depressing" or "clanky" you can guess that his assessments will not be glowing . Also pertaining to the video "when the wheels fell of"f, I understand the meaning of that phrase is bands discover a way of writing and settle in and stop moving forward.

[@grindhousecartoons6896]

RIGHT ON MARTIN, WHAT MODERN PRODUCTION LACKS IS AUTHENTICITY AND ATMOSPHERE. THIS AINT NO GOATS HEAD SOUP OR STICKY FINGERS!

[@MartyMurray]

I'm enjoying the new Hackney Diamonds album. I think it's a solid record, and amazing for this point in their career, and I am not a huge Stones fan. I haven't liked very much of what they've done for the past twenty years or so. Each album has a two or three good tracks, and then the rest you can basically toss out. Just because you're the Stones, doesn't mean you can get away with that. To hear a solid new record, with no bad tracks, I'll take that any day. Now I'm trying to get into the new Rival Sons albums. A great listen, and challenging. I'm enjoying them more each time I listen. Led Zeppelin meets Deep Purple meets Greta Van Fleet meets Rare Earth and soulful 70's classic rock, like Grand Funk. Great stuff!!

[@Ed-cc7do]

The greatest rock n roll band of all time (by a country mile) are still with us - the band that fucking wrote Satisfaction and Gimme Shelter are still with us. That’s enough for me.

[@gregwatson3300]

"Depending on You" and "Live by the Sword" are my favorites on this. I do miss the Don Was production, which brought out Charlie's crisp snare and cymbal sound.

[@Michael_Birk]

I think I can just ditto everything Pete said. I was pleasantly surprised since I heard Angry a few weeks ago. I heard it again a few days later and thought, okay, this is going to get old pretty quick. Good stuff, but just in that 'too sweet to savor' vibe. I heard Angry again today, with the rest of the album and still liked it. As far as the rest of the album, like I said... ditto what Pete said about all of it. Personally, Driving Me Too Hard struck me as a song that could really hold up over time, but I think others might too. As far as production, to me, The Stones always sound and feel like The Stones even with new production styles over the years; like Tattoo You, Babylon, Steel Wheels. Whatever they did to get this album done, I think they hit the spot for 2023. Especially compared to other straight up rock bands like Aerosmith and AC/DC who's latest stuff is dismal.

[@painless465]

I listened to this album several times now and call me crazy,I think it's their best since Some Girls( I only really like the ballads on Tattoo You)

[@luizoswaldoabreu2752]

One of the three greatest Stones albums of the Ron Wood phase. Some Girls and Tattoo You being the others.

[@mystormyseas]

I really enjoying album but the drum need that dirtneas if that makes sense, and I miss Darryl Jones bass playing he has such groove. But I think best album since voodoo lounge , but like songs from the last few albums . Great show guys .

[@vincentleroy5661]

Pleasantly surprised with the album. Thier best since Steel Wheels.

[@greenalishi222]

Its cool they put it out. Just a pasted together thing. Glad it exists. Rough Justice off the last album and Keith's solo stuff, the last cool Stones stuff. The blues cover album is great too. This like much now is a grid on a screen. Cut and paste music. No feel. No loose. Great its here. Musically generic

[@JIF882]

I thought that Dirty Work had some modern touches. It was produced by Steve Lilywhite, who had previously worked with U2 and Suioxsie & The Banshees. Bridges To Babylon had Has Anybody Seen My Baby?, which has elements of rapping. Even Some Girls has some modern touches. So, i don't know what's Martin's problem. I don't understand why people have problems with the guest stars. The band has always used outside musicians. I still don't have the cd, and i don't want to listen to it on streaming because I want my first listen to be on cd. Regarding Aerosmith, apparently, they did start out to make a classic album, but the record company made them bring back the outside songwriters. Also, regarding the comment about liking the album because it's the longest in a while, that's not the case. Music From Another Dimension was hated from the get-go, as was the most recent Boston album. Two recent albums from Classic Rock veterans that i enjoy came out a decade or so ago. Those are 13 by Black Sabbath, and A Different Kind Of Truth by Van Halen.

[@chrisshill5044]

I ordered the new Rolling stones and the new Guess Who.Should have them next week!

[@Dr.GrahamSuperstar]

I’d like to see Mick, Keith, Paul & Ringo form a supergroup.

[@FuturePast2019]

Good one. Yes.

[@wernermoritz882]

Why excluding Ronnie?😅

[@mikebarooshian7255]

@@wernermoritz882I’d like to see the stones use songs that were never released way back when they were young when the stones had Bill Wyman they have enough songs to release 15 or more new studio albums with Charlie and Bill I whould buy there albums for sure it’s better then putting out albums that are junk I want them to be excellent but the stones are way past there prime they lost the most important members Brian Ian Stewart Charlie and Bill if there’s no Bill or Charlie it’s not the stones and now Mick is 80 years old there to old they should retire the whole band should have hung it up after steel wheels

[@FuturePast2019]

And a setlist that cover 1964-1974. (The British invasion and domination) When I saw Paul he played 90% 1965-1973.

[@ChrissHill-im7kj]

Good stuff. Check out the new Angel album and the new Guess Who also if you haven't yet..Both very good..

[@bumpdunlop]

I recently listened to the new Bettye Lavette album. A very different animal than the Stones. Produced by Steve Jordan with Steve on drums and Pino Paladino on bass. The drum sound is so different than on the Stones record. The drums sound like a real drummer playing all the way through the song. On the Stones record it sounds like the drums were played for four measures and then looped. Listen to the Hi-hat on Angry. It is exactly the same thing every four measures. A few times they lower the Hi-hat volume to disguise it. This is damn close to a drum machine.

[@paulweaver]

Martin popoff you have got some chat most of is tripe the new rolling stones album is awesome don't you forget that 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

[@markhaselow8315]

Quick update: now that I’ve had a few listens to this album, ‘Angry’ has grown on me a bit. I have an automatic distain for anything that is too over-hyped, but in due time I usually get past that. The rest of this album has worn on me very well. Like putting on a pair of my favorite jeans, I feel like I’ve been listening to this album for years. Favorite tracks right now: Get Closer Mess It Up Tell It To Me Straight

[@SH-ud8wd]

This is the first Stones album since Dirty Work, that attracts my interest.

[@acknowledgingourdiscontent]

To be honest, a lot of music reviewers (maybe it is a generational thing? I was born in the '90s...) seem to give too much credit to a song just for existing. "Oh well, it has a verse, chorus, guitar solo, pretty good..." even if it doesn't resonate. Just because a song was recorded, doesn't mean it is worthy of praise. My attitude to music might be totally different, but I listen to songs because I am compelled to, it is pleasurable, not as a 'study'. Even the prog. "Oh, but how will you know if you like a song truly if you only hear it once?", well, in the digital era, it is too easy to hear songs again, via recommendation or choice or general inevitability (popular in the zeitgeist), so I'll always be able to hear something I initially didn't like 'again', it isn't like the '70s wherein you owned (and therefore over-rated...) all of your music, it was harder to acquire, consequential to give it away, whereas now it is shared like an open library (as it should be, but that's a whole can of worms I won't even go into right now...). Maybe back in the '70s when there was nothing to do but sit at home and play the same LPs over and over again you began to analyze songs like they were a series of images or permutating images, but to me the appeal of a song is that it grips one even when not listening to it, they want to listen to it again, they are grateful for having heard it... Songs were part of a collective oral tradition at one time, the ones that resonated were notated. Now, a song being recorded/notated before it has had any chance or opportunity to resonate with anyone, seems to receive praise just for existing. "Oh it does this and does that..." in a very 'analytic' way, not describing how it makes one feel or what it does to one's physiology... If a song or track doesn't hit, so be it. Don't try to look for positive qualities. It is too easy to compose a generic rock song to let all of these hacks and real-job-less escapees from the 9-to-5 get away with it... No seriously, recorded music output doesn't impress me in and of itself, creating an impression in my brain, that is impressive... That's why I agree with Popoff about the album, although even he is being too nice to it just for basically existing... I don't even care much for anything this band released after EoMS, I have no love for sitting next to a speaker listening for positive qualities amongst the depressingly generic...

[@alexjohnston8889]

I'll say one thing about bridges to Babylon it has one of the finest stones songs ever in the opener Flip the switch.

[@dangrise6182]

Flip the Switch probably is my favorite song on that album.

[@jimmycampbell78]

Think the Stones have always had some 'pop' in their sound, I agree with the guy who commented at 13:20. On the 'Powerslave' topic I think I made the comment in that previous video: 'wheels come off' implies something negative and I don't connect any negativity with that album. I also think you have "Rime..." on Powerslave which was something that Maiden hadn't really done before, its a step up from Tame A Land. I also think Iron Maiden experimented with their sound on Somewhere in Time and Seventh Son which came after Powerslave. If that's the basis of the wheels coming off criticism, I don't think those albums sound just like Number of the Beast or follow that template.

[@dangrise6182]

I agree with everything you said. Many of those same thoughts entered my head while watching the Wheels Come Off episode.

[@MarkDauner]

I really like Hackney Diamonds and have had it in regular rotation since it was released. I'm sure I've got some bias based on my love for the Stones, but who cares. I'm not a critic. Also, the fact that we've gotten new music from The Rolling Stones and The Beatles in the past couple of weeks? In 2023? I'm willing to overlook a lot just to sit in and savor a musical moment that probably won't happen again.

[@pleasantvalleypickerca7681]

Best since Tatoo You. Great album.

[@sergefernandez3395]

Hello from France mister pete😊. I like to watch your vidéos.The rolling stones have realised only in France as the same time as hackney diamonds an other album. It's called totaly stripped live l'olympia 95 2cds or 3color lps. See you later mister pete😊.

[@frankies9465]

I like the album, happy they are still putting out material , and I'm impressed with Jaggers voice. But, I'm not in love with the material yet. Maybe it will grow on me. I'd give it a 6. But the jury is out

[@iainholmes2735]

Enjoyed this review. When I look at the Stones it's a bit like looking at Stonehenge or Skara Brae: they Were once amazing, and a bit of it still exists. Jumping Jack Flash or Gimme Shelter it ain't. But....its OK. And I like it (to coin a phrase).

[@malco49]

martin still seems to think the stones are those rebellious young men of yesteryear. mick especially keeps up with popular and modern musical trends . the bits i have heard of hackney diamonds sound like they have an articulate blend of keith’s time honored and treasured riffs along with mick’s varied influences. if you want to hear the rebellious stones they have plenty of records to satisfy that craving. i kind of give the stones credit for trying to stay current or as current as a bunch of rich old geezers can be .

[@doubled7804]

I had to comment about Martin talking with Blitz from Overkill about how bands are supposed to get better as they go.I have always heralded this....Overkill is my favorite thrash band...Martin loves the later material...Pete...if I remember right...Feel the Fire remains number one.I'd love to see a Top 5 albums of Overkill from the 2000s onward.

[@martinpidhany8278]

New overkill need to cut song times to 5 min tops. Less is more.

[@tomleone409]

This is just a terrific record by any measure.

[@TheChadTI]

Martin's so right about the producer feeling like an equal imput to the band. The Ozzy ones felt the same...

[@colinrgage]

Maybe it's laziness on behalf but I just think do I really need to hear another stones album

[@rockinvida1960]

Not sure what sort of studio trickery Andrew Watt conjured up for Hackney, but dare I say that Mick Jagger has never sounded this stunning on a Stones record before? I think he is actually a better singer now than he was in his younger days. This album is pretty damn good for this late in the game…I never expected this!!

[@barth4747]

I really like the album a lot, but I can totally understand what Martin is talking about regarding the pop aspect to it, and the questionable input of that "third member" (being Andrew Watt)... Having said that, every time I play the album, I like it more & more ...

[@dsnyc5789]

Agreed, Martin was nit-picking a tad. At the end of the day the album made me smile and enjoy the time spent listening.

[@themarketingimage112]

The sax solo with Keith and Ronnie is so Bobby Keys in the 70s

[@geotechmore8855]

Martin picked up one the 5 foot one Iggy Pop riff. I heard that too.. It's an awesome Rolling Stones album.. )^_-)/

[@MrCecilnoise]

saw them doing one of the songs live, it was rough and sloppy but man it sounded awesome, would have been nice if they recorded it more raw.

[@paulcollins5586]

You cant knock a band who has been playing this long. they are havin fun and dont have to prove anything.

[@greensombrero3641]

I see both sides about this album. Only time will tell, time is on my side but also time waits for no one, and it won't wait for me, ticking away ....

[@jagajazzin]

I can't believe some people get bent out of shape because another person isn't absolutely fawning over the 753rd Rolling Stones album! "The pass" is something I feel many, many people these days also give to the last few Iron Maiden releases. I saw a number of comments saying that "Senjutsu" is the *best of their career!* Like, c'mon buddy, dial it down a bit

[@jedikiah1541]

I'm with Pete. Hackney Diamonds strikes me as the most focused and consistent work since at least Tattoo You. I'm not a fan of every song, perhaps, but there are no throwaways on this album. The songs seem more fully developed and stand up to repeated listens better than any album since the early eighties. The songs have real effort behind them, and there isn't the knocked off feel generally of the later albums. I credit Andrew Watt for that, who seems to have brought out the best in The Stones, and reminded them of why once they were so great. Strangely it is the Charlie tracks I like least, and that has no reflection of his playing.

[@andresferbu]

Too harsh Martin. Happy enough its not a dissapointment like the previous two albums. Stones have always run with the times, and this sound is the trend now, so it is. Best thing is that you can hear they still put their heart, soul and work in it… that’s very satisfying. Cant say the same of the latest albums from Maiden, ACDC, Saxon, Leppard, Aerosmith, Ozzy, Purple, etc.

[@FuturePast2019]

34:40 Sound of Silence?

[@micolsen9824]

Played it once, but haven't purchased. I liked the first half more.

[@alexjohnston8889]

Best album since voodoo lounge, although bridges to Babylon has some good tunes and bigger bang has about 4 good tunes but it a bit long, hackney diamonds is a good length and good tempo throughout.

[@mikebarooshian7255]

@alexjohnston8889 your right hackney diamonds was the last best album since voodoo lounge it’s very good but was it as great as tattoo you no no no tattoo you was the last best real true stones album period well for one there missing Charlie and they brought back former baseplayer Bill Wyman good idea blue and lonesome was very decent but tattoo you was still the last best stones album period the stones were never the stones once Wyman left I thought it ended after steel wheels the band should have stopped they were getting old after steel wheels the band consists of Bill and Charlie they creat the stones sound

[@alexjohnston8889]

@@mikebarooshian7255 I think steel wheels is just as good as tattoo you and I don't mind dirty work but steel wheels is my favourite of the 80s.

[@mikebarooshian7255]

@@alexjohnston8889steel wheels was a good album but tattoo you was still the last best stones album period the stones have made a lot of great albums but for decades and decades they have lost there magic ever since Bill Wyman left listen to any of those old stones albums listen to Bill’s bass lines to this day Bill never got the respect he deserves no baseplayer can replace Bill once Bill left they became like a different band but there is no way the stones will make another album like tattoo you or any album like they did when they were in there prime there done there way past there prime there to old now and Charlie he’s gone they should just retire

[@bobkannen4272]

Only listened once so far, but I'm with Martin. Production is very key when it comes to the Stones. They've been incredibly consistent for many decades as far as coming up with quality tunes, but there's a certain point when the sound becomes too processed, too "produced", and at that point the core spirit of the Stones seems to be violated. In their greatest years they experimented with many styles but they almost always essentially sounded like a band playing together in a room (even though they often weren't). I blame Mick, who always has to be "up to date". But then again, I think it's Mick's superhuman energy and stamina that has kept them together and active for such a miraculously long time. On the other hand, I kind of wish they'd used Charlie's departure as an excuse for an honorable retirement.

[@danhickey5707]

Man, I couldn't agree more with your final statement. I love the Stones, but I have zero interest in hearing or seeing them in concert without Charlie Watts on drums.

[@ditherschmidt9152]

To be 80 years old and still be able to perform at this level and bring joy to others is WOW! Martin, stop being so critical, it's not the case at all. This album is not analyzed in this way... and it seems that you don't understand!

[@MartinPopoff]

Eh, it's art, not a quadratic equation. Meaning there's nothing to understand and everything to understand, but it's all abstract. I'm obviously taking weights and attaching them to different things, but generaly I understand any positives or negatives that get brought up, right? Surely?!

[@samhouston1979]

here’s a story…i listened to this in the car the other day on the way back from a colonoscopy, but my friend & i talked over it and so i didn’t get much of an intensive listening experience out of it

[@steverinhop]

I confess I have not heard the new Stones album, despite the fact they are my 2nd favorite band. However, I know exactly what Martin is saying about how current pop music makes him angry. Whenever I hear autotune on a voice or the tickety trap beat sound a shiver goes up my spine. It's like fingernails on a chalkboard. I'll have to listen to the new Stones album and see if I can make it through the whole thing.

[@dangrise6182]

Martin is being too fussy here. It is much closer to the Stones sound than Bridges to Babylon or Undercover. The album it's most like is A Bigger Bang.

[@steverinhop]

@@dangrise6182 I have listened to it since I left that comment. I don't hear all the modern production that Martin heard. But I do think several songs sound more at home on a Mick Jagger solo album.

[@63mckenzie]

I deleted my negative comment on the album after seeing an interview with Al Pacino about being a father at 83. I then realised what Hackney Diamonds is really about. It's about living life to the full and not just waiting for the Grim Reaper when you get to a certain age. It's about doing what you love and makes your life worthwhile. So I apologise to Mick, Keith and Ronnie.

[@ExileOnMainStream]

Popoff really walking it back on this one