The Rolling Stones - Hackney Diamonds "I can't unhear that." The Contrarians

[@michaellord9745]

I really like it. Strongly disagree with you.

[@coreyjohnston4673]

Me too!

[@arto2533]

when 'Voodoo Lounge' came out in 1994 everyone was raving about how good they still sound considering their age. And it's been the same with each new record since.

[@captainkirk70]

Yeah, Robert Christgau said DW was their best since Exile. Lol. Insanity.

[@captainkirk70]

I would read that but on first listen I knew it to be a lie. I'm assuming the magazines that these reviewers work for push for a good review so they can have access to the Stones. But its still getting great reviews from KZbin channels with like 80 subscribers.

[@captainkirk70]

BTW I haven't raved about a Stones record since TY. I immediately thought VL was mediocre, terrible production, nothing like the real Stones with just the good Keith songs. And I was 24 at the time. I was embarrassed to put it on for other people gave it 10 times and filed it away

[@deborahrohl7690]

@@captainkirk70 I gave vl once that was enough for me

[@TheTempleOfBoom]

It may be a good album for a bunch of senior citizens...but its a horrible album by any other standard .

[@zroy9263]

I strongly disagree with this entire review! This album is well-produced and well-recorded, and the music fuckin' rocks! The musicianship is stellar. It sounds like a traditional Stones album and yet it's loud, energetic, fresh, and aggressive at times! The guitar riffs and solos are stupendous! The gospel and blues tracks have a lot of soul in them and balance out the album very well. The fact that they closed this album with some downhome blues dedicated to the great Muddy Waters who gave them their band name and inspiration was beautiful and heartfelt. I was touched. Long live the Stones and RIP CHARLIE WATTS.

[@MrMortadella1]

It’s a fun album with catchy grooves and choruses. It’s what the Stones are and bravo to them to still able to pull it off at thier age. This guy is analyzing it like he’s performng an autopsy. He can’t see the forest from the trees. The Stones have always had a pop feel to their music but with more soul. Just listen to it and enjoy the ride.

[@gregwatson3300]

"Pretty much anyone" could have drummed like Charlie Watts? You're way off the mark on this one.

[@troyschoultz3654]

When I’m Mick’s age I only hope I’m not pissing myself. IF I live that long. What in the hell do you want? The album sounds solid to me.

[@neshod6415]

If you are lucky enough to live until Mick's age

[@jerryweber1768]

Pooping yourself is worse but I understand todays adult diapers are pretty good.

[@julianhignell8452]

What do I want? Well not this, more of Sweet Sound Of Freedom maybe but all this shouty hectoring bloody over produced, overly mannered vocals…no thanks!

[@joshdance9959]

Well said mate. The Stones have always been influenced to a degree, by whatever the current musical trends are. Sometimes for better Sometimes for worse, throughout their career. "Corporate Sound"? As opposed to what...recorded in one take at Sun studios, or in mum n dads garage? Lol The Stones have often gone for big glossy sounds, just listen to Tattoo You 🙂🎸🙂😝

[@Skycladatdusk78]

I think the album sounds great, with Andrew Watt producing I knew what to expect. I disagree that anyone can do what Charlie did, he had a unique swing and groove and I think Steve Jordan is the best possible drummer they could have to follow Charlie. After first listen I'd give it 9/10, easily one of my favorites of the year. Hope they play a lot of these live.

[@MartinPopoff]

Not discounting that Charlie is the only one who ever drummed like that, anyone can do it. Stop with this magic behind the beat stuff.

[@bodiddleybodiddley]

Sounds awful

[@DWMusic-nh3ws]

My dad likes this album as a life long stones fan, I like it, and my kids like it. I think most people like it.

[@rightchordleadership]

Andrew watt’s work with ozzy is godawful

[@julianhignell8452]

Soon as i saw his name on it I thought 🤮

[@overtheedge4711]

I was really disappointed with the Iggy Pop album he did too. A couple excellent songs and a whole lotta wtf?!?!?.............

[@Carl_O.]

I'm glad I'm not a critic or KZbinr, because I'm just a normal guy being happy to have a new Stones album and thinking it's a good, fun album. I think some people just nit pick a little too much, and it sucks the joy out of the fact that we have a new album that IS actually good.

[@julianhignell8452]

No it doesn’t…you enjoy it, good for you…we don’t have to!

[@Carl_O.]

@julianhignell8452 I will, thanks. I'm actually happy to have a new album by one of the greatest bands of all time, and it actually sounds like them still. But I guess they can't please everyone's unrealistic expectations.

[@julianhignell8452]

@@Carl_O. how is it unrealistic to expect after so many years to hear the real voices, a decent drum sound and not just a producer’s version of what he thinks we should be listening to? I point you to the recent Ian Hunter album, far more listenable, no obtrusive over embellished production, lots of special guests serving the song and a real voice of an old man at the end of his career rather than trying to sound like a 30 year old again

[@drpaulmasonphd]

Of course Martin dislikes it. Given the weight of positive reviews, what else would you expect? Doubtless, had it sucked, the Pop-ster would be telling you it's a top-five Stones album: NOTE, his top 5 albums are: #5 Black and Blue; #4 It’s Only Rock 'n' Roll; #3 Exile; #2 Tattoo You; and #1 Some Girls. (Dark Horse Album #39). The absence of Aftermath, Between the Buttons, Let it Bleed, Sticky Fingers AND Beggars Banquet in there tells you all you need know. But hey, it's how the dude earns his corn so cut him some slack. Even so, the polemic, countercultural, 'just-to-be-different' shtick is starting to wear a little thin!

[@julianhignell8452]

Or maybe it is his actual preference? You know not everyone can like those albums…I happen to like all those you listed WAY better than this over produced rubbish. He is spot on with this review.

[@CB-xr1eg]

I agree, sometimes it seems like Mr Popoff just wants to be different because he can. He even talks bad about the greatest ever Live album, Made In Japan- Deep Purple. But then, the channel is called The Contrarians so what do we expect?

[@julianhignell8452]

@@CB-xr1eg well it is only the greatest live album in your mind. I think you mean it is your favourite! 😁

[@CB-xr1eg]

@@julianhignell8452 Not just in my mind, not at all, you're showing your ignorance. You only have to look at online reviews and polls to see it's been regarded as the greatest ever Live album for many years. The reasons for that are that it not only captured Deep Purple at their peak, but it's also one of the few Live albums to have not been "doctored" or overdubbed in the studio. What you hear is exactly how it went down at the concert(s).

[@julianhignell8452]

@@CB-xr1eg nah, it is still only an opinion. No ignorance, I love it but it is not my favourite live album, that falls to The Who where both the Live At Leeds and Live At Hull trump the Purple one…sorry!

[@JasonSositko]

I am so happy I did not take your word for this one. I was absolutely blown away how much I liked this album as a whole. Considering the age of the band, I am shocked they could deliver something this solid. Not one bad track for me.

[@hippydippy]

Absolutely! This review is comical at best. lol

[@julianhignell8452]

@@hippydippy nah Martin is spot on for me. I will not be surprised if in a few years after all the hype has died down, people will come out and say “well it’s not really one I reach for, I played it to death to start with but I got a bit tired of Jagger shouting at me, oh and that drum sound!😱”

[@overtheedge4711]

@@julianhignell8452 I kind of fall in between Martin & the folks raving about it. It's alright, but it's not great. Not much sticking with me after several spins, except Angry and that song with McCartney (even the name of it isn't sticking). But there is nothing that bad on it. I think A Bigger Bang and Blue & Lonesome are better though. I'll give it some more chances. I'm an optimist.....I still pull out Dirty Work every once in while to see if I can finally warm up to it.

[@RobissimoFC]

word@@hippydippy

[@speakerofthehouse101]

I could not disagree more. It is a great album.

[@StephenZimmer]

Absolutely is

[@veledajohnson1511]

lol oh pleaze

[@brigwood7658]

@@veledajohnson1511 What are you 'o pleazing' about? It's quite clearly the best thing since tatoo you!

[@TheTempleOfBoom]

your funny.

[@tussk.]

What have they done to Jaggers voice?

[@wigimonster8909]

Completely solid album. Disagree with the review.

[@MartinPopoff]

I hate today's pop so much, and I also don't like what's happened to Ozzy, and I can't get past putting the two together. It's the children's music VOCAL MELODIES that make me, er, angry.

[@DarrellGregory]

I thought Angry was Stones by numbers, and I was ready to dismiss the album, but after a few streams I was totally blown away. Best Stones album since 1981.

[@Jamie.Laszlo]

This album is downright fantastic. I don't focus on a lot of the same sounds Martin does....so I am 100% fine with it. And I have no problem with good "pop".

[@JetsFan523]

I agree 100%

[@StephenZimmer]

Agree completely

[@coledrago]

It’s truly outstanding. I can’t disagree any more with this bozo 🤡

[@captainkirk70]

I don't get the "pop" complaint. Has anyone listened to SW-ABB?? Those records are way more pop and slick. "Has Anyone Seen My Baby?" C'mon. Take a second listen to any of those albums. Wayyyy more pop. Its baffling. HD is a great record on first listen. "Sweet Sounds" is better than anything easily. Jagger's TY voice almost makes me cry. Are there slightly low points? Yes. But that's why I rated it 4/5.

[@BazookaToe]

Yeah it’s crazy. I’m the same age as Martin and I don’t know what he went into this hoping for. Yes pitch correctness has been used across the board on the album, but it’s a complete banger, and more than any of us could have hoped for at this stage of the Stones.

[@liamphillips7315]

When reverance for the past prevents you from celebrating the present lol. C'mon, man, pretty good for EIGHTY! Yeah, it's a little clean on production but a couple of these songs are going down as classics from a great late-era album. Play it in the background on some old speakers and it will sound just the way you want it to. Bet money it grows on you🤘

[@captainkirk70]

I seriously don't get the "clean" production thing. Has anyone listened to DW-ABB?? Way more commercial except for the Keith songs. It's insanity. All those records are way overproduced. That besides mediocre songwriting is why I can't listen to them.

[@takodabostwick8507]

3rd best album of the year! Didn't expect it to be up in my top 3 because we had 3 awesome albums this year from Depeche Mode, Metallica, and Cannibal Corpse. Awesome record. I can't wait to get it on vinyl.

[@styx1231]

i Totally Agree ..got the CD BLURAY will get the vinyl later

[@thehighdeath5562]

I agree 100%. It’s so overproduced, it sounds fake. And I’m a fan of slick production. I love Roy Thomas Baker, Mutt Lange, and Bob Rock. But to polish a Stones album like a modern pop band sounds JARRING. I’d love to hear the demo versions of these songs, as I feel they’d have more of the vibe the Stones are known for.

[@dirkrogers9312]

Ever since LET IT BLEED the stones have been addicted to filler.If one could take 3-4 songs off each album.!! It's the live performances and the pseudo evil lifestyle has kept them going. Girl with Faraway Eyes? Bullshit country. It's fun to follow the Stones.but they shouldn't put trash with the gems.

[@kevinlale7141]

I don’t know what album this guy was listening to, maybe he is more musically informed than me, but just as a listener and a stones fan I thought the album was amazing! This guy just sounds like he wants to find anything wrong with it. He can to sound like he knows better.

[@kdiamond]

The autotune on Mick's voice kills it for me. It's glaringly obvious right off the bat on Angry, its crazy they would lead with that. If you're over 80 and still making music, I want to hear what that sounds like, not some kind of AI version of your younger self.

[@aldebaran4154]

What's funny is Paul McCartney released McCartney III a few years ago and so many complained about his voice. I was of the opinion I'd rather hear his real voice than have him do something to make it sound 'better.' Seems like this album has auto-tuning, I mentioned above in my post I haven't heard it yet, and almost everyone is so happy with Mick's voice. Go figure. 🙂

[@kdiamond]

@@aldebaran4154 ha yea I think we are in the minority on that. Just like an overwhelming majority of people would rather see a band use backing tracks live if it means they’ll have a good time and relive their glory years. Which is a valid take I guess.

[@julianhignell8452]

I’m with you on this…Jagger’s voice in this is what turns me off it. I really like Sweet Sound Of Freedom and Keef’s sweet little song…but aside from those two I just hear Jagger shouting at me and it really is wearing!

[@ericm.1245]

If he can’t sing I’m sure you wouldn’t by this album and maybe you wouldn’t anyway so if it takes a little autotune to create new music at Micks age then so be it. It is still a lot better than the auto-tuned crap currently on the radio and most of them are young and never could sing not to mention write their own songs.

[@julianhignell8452]

For a much more authentic experience of elder statesman rock I would point you towards the Ian Hunter album released earlier this year, similarly full of special guests but as far as I can tell there is no tuning of the voice and sounds far better for it. You get the real voice not a simulation of what the producer thinks everyone wants to hear. Plus it doesn’t give you earache!

[@dadolin01]

C’mon, we’re in uncharted territory here. For a bunch of 80-year old rockers I think this is a great comeback album. It’s vibrant and sounds like the Stones!

[@julianhignell8452]

It sounds like the Stones but with too much production…I remember how much people were gushing about Voodoo Lounge, but I wonder how many play that darned thing these days? I really think that Steel Wheels was the last time they did anything remotely interesting, aside from Keef’s song and the Lady Gaga one this is a 5/10 at best for me.

[@dadolin01]

@@julianhignell8452 I agree about Steel Wheels. Although it somewhat “suffered” from the 80s style production, it had many great songs on it and, at the time, sounded like a refreshing Stones record.

[@7777jimbob]

how is being old an excuse, treat them like the real band they are who have made some of the best and most important rock albums of all time.

[@acknowledgingourdiscontent]

Everyone has low standards and Martin is right imo

[@crazyprayingmantis5596]

I keep hearing "for a bunch of 80yr olds its great" Thats like saying my old beat up car is great because..well... it still runs. You don't get points for being old and still capable of creating music. Its an awful forgettable album, even for 80yr olds. It sounds like it was generated by AI

[@fenderguitars6050]

one of the problems with this album is it is over produced yet still sounds incomplete and like it needs overdubs and more mixing forget the fact that the songs suck

[@crazyprayingmantis5596]

@@fenderguitars6050 There isn't a memorable guitar bit on the entire thing, it actually gets worse on repeat listens, it's horrible

[@danielmcevoy976]

Don't agree that it is that bad. Based on current music and their age it's good. I think the songs are there but I HATE the production. Don't like the guest appearances. There will never be another Sticky Fingers but we all accept that I hope.

[@kentnoble8434]

Great album. You’re nuts.

[@superlove35]

Totally agree with the overproduced snare. Charlie's snare (on Mess It Up for example) sounds more natural.

[@MrSparklespring]

Bullshit : great album overall!

[@MartinPopoff]

I hate today's pop so much, and I also don't like what's happened to Ozzy, and I can't get past putting the two together. It's the children's music VOCAL MELODIES that make me, er, angry.

[@griphfunk]

​@MartinPopoff are you copying and pasting your reply here? 😂 Hey, I get it, saves time saying the same thing over and over.

[@StephenZimmer]

Agree, he is getting older, might need a hearing check up. 🤣🤣🤣

[@taranguapo]

I like it 🤷🏼‍♂️ It has a solid 70s Stones sound with modern production. I expected it to be over produced considering their age. It's dressed up but still sounds good.

[@styx1231]

I Totally Agree

[@captainkirk70]

Totally agreed. And that's what Mick asked for. The 70's vocal sound makes me so happy I could cry. It's not a record that sounds like '72. But it really couldn't.

[@markhaselow8315]

This is what I would expect the Stones to sound like in the 2020’s. Not crazy about “Angry”, but the album as a whole is pretty solid. Reminds me of the Bridges To Babylon sound, but with a more laid-back approach lyrically. And Lady Gaga sounds great on Sweet Sounds of Heaven. The ‘guest’ thing doesn’t bother me as long as it’s good.

[@RickNBacker]

AI will be creating Rolling Stones albums for another 50 years...

[@johngrogan4609]

Big Stones fan since ‘72. This album way exceeded expectations. New classics. Thanks boys!

[@TheTempleOfBoom]

seriously , put the meth pipe down .

[@johngrogan4609]

Strictly a beer and weed guy. But thanks.

[@phillipbrock617]

Preposterous review. When you've been around as long as the Stones have, you're gonna have a lot of moving parts, and of course a lot of people to mention in the credits. THAT'S what you're basing your review on? Have you listened to what they are actually DOING once the tape is rolling? This is their greatest work since "Tattoo You." By the way, where can we pick up YOUR most recent work?

[@johnbriggs3916]

I know irony is dead, but you do realise, don't you, that it has been a journalistic trope to say "their best work since Tattoo You" for every album, probably since Tattoo You. (And in some sense it may well be true.) Or perhaps you haven't heard it said for 18 years?

[@danielhirrel3712]

I couldn’t disagree with you more. Great album, god bless The Rolling Stones.

[@cicatriceseneljardin9099]

Its a great Mick Jagger album....

[@jean-philippedaniel509]

Their best album since Tattoo You. And that was over 40 years ago.

[@captainkirk70]

Totally agreed and it's not even up for discussion. It's the younger fans that rate the later albums as anything but slick, mediocre and embarrassing to a band like the Stones. 4/5.

[@neshod6415]

Agreed plus one Stones classic song ....

[@michaeldallaway1988]

When did you last listen to A Bigger Bang? Everyone said that was the best since Tattoo You, and I think track by track it's better than this. Too long though.

[@captainkirk70]

@@michaeldallaway1988 I listened to ABB plenty when it came out. In attempts to like it. I always want more Stones to love.It's filed away with the others now. I love "Laugh" and whatever Keith songs are on it. Theres usually one good Mick track then the Keith songs and that's it on those records. I hope I dont file HD away but I already like it more than the DW and on records. The production is bad on those records too. Especially DW and SW.

[@jonashallberg2832]

Album 3,5/5 Review 1/5

[@peterdiamond4903]

Excellent review.

[@shasta810]

shouldn't be disappointed with this new album with all the auto tune, pitch correction and bad production that goes on today. Keith Richards talk is cheap album from 1988 is better than any New album they've come out with!

[@MartinPopoff]

Oh my God, thank you. I adore Talk Is Cheap.

[@captainkirk70]

Maybe better than anything since TY. But fans act like it's Exile or something.

[@julianhignell8452]

Talk Is Cheap is great! 👍🏻

[@luizoswaldoabreu2752]

Yeah, Talk is cheap is great, but I love Mick's Wondering spirit more.

[@julianhignell8452]

@@luizoswaldoabreu2752 that’s cool, I just found that album a bit obvious and not authentic but can see the appeal.

[@Ft.Gagiano]

After hearing the plastic production all over this. I'm willing to give Bridges to babylon another change. (And there is actually some good songs onit )

[@befhip]

I really don't understand the bad rap that BTB gets from a lot of Stones fans. I thought it was great, some of their best writing and playing in years.. I think it is way better than HD which I really wanted to like.

[@magma640]

I’m with you Martin, so over produced , sounds artificial and kind of plastic. Not good. It’s only Pop and Roll and I don’t like it!

[@deand7348]

disagree - I love it

[@MartinPopoff]

I hate today's pop so much, and I also don't like what's happened to Ozzy, and I can't get past putting the two together. It's the children's music VOCAL MELODIES that make me, er, angry.

[@deand7348]

I know but Stones always have a modern producer since like the 90's - Voodoo and Bridges etc. They mix classic and modern sounds - Of course I love Blue and Lonesome and all that but they just did that - I love the guitar sounds they are authentic and updated at the same time @@MartinPopoff

[@reubensane5539]

@@deand7348I agree w you ,this may be their best album I’m gonna say since Dirty Work and I know people hate that album but I liked it. I like a lot of their songs through the years but this album flows great.

[@747jono]

Are they trying to hard ? I am a lover of early Rolling Stones. Fully respect them for still going but obviously i think the rawness has gone and going for this guest artist thing is trying to appeal to wider audience they don't need to do that. Great review Martin.

[@MartinPopoff]

Great points, thank you. Yes well-put.

[@amysson5151]

As soon as these legendary bands start pulling in pop stars on their albums, I’m out. That’s a sign that the band doesn’t believe in itself. Especially when they pull in non-talent like Lady Gaga. As soon as I heard her name, I said nope. Even legendary Paul McCartney and Elton John don’t belong on an album with the Rolling Stones. The Stones should be able to carry an authentic album on their own. When they pull in weak, watered down pop stars like Lady Gaga, Justin Bieber, Miley Cyrus, etc., then it’s a red flag that Mick Jagger and Keith Richards no longer have the stones to pull off a ballsy record. Hackney Diamonds or hack diamonds? I’ll listen to one of their older records, instead, and smash this new one on the ground and test the hackney diamonds theory.

[@piscesempress1978]

Are you kidding about Lady Gaga.She has the chops! She can do any type of music, even jazz with Tony Bennett and rock and pop. I DO agree about Miley Cyrus and the others though... I don't want to MIley's 80 year old chain smoking voice on this album.

[@MartinPopoff]

Interesting idea. But more, it's the bringing in of Andrew Watt.

[@andrewmacdonald3667]

Bieber and Cyrus are not on the album.

[@amysson5151]

I Used them as examples of other legendary artists that pulled them in on other albums. It’s all the same.

[@paulcollins5586]

Its great. you cant knock the energy of this album.

[@Codzilla71]

Sounds like that "energy" is hiding a whole lot of bland. I haven't heard it yet, btw.

[@CB-xr1eg]

@@Codzilla71 Maybe give it a listen before you criticise it? Just a thought...

[@Codzilla71]

@@CB-xr1eg I have now, on the official site which displays the lyrics too. And I have to say the lyrics throughout are awful. You think back to classic Stones lyrics and compare to these.

[@CB-xr1eg]

@@Codzilla71 You mean Jagger writes different kinds of lyrics at 80 to what he did in his 20s or 30s? Who would have thought that?🤔

[@Codzilla71]

@@CB-xr1eg no, I mean they are standalone awful. That's my opinion. Your opinion may differ completely. Grow up and accept people like different things.

[@MrTheabsolute69]

I only started watching The Contrarians. And only once did I recently comment. Martin, I must say your review was mostly spot on. I read of the fawning swill that passed for reviews on KZbin. Pathetic. I really wanted the Stones to have a good album or at least a good song. But everyone was just so thrilled that most of them made it this far, that I felt I was watching a parade of The Emperor's New Clothes! You touched on the overproduction. You hit the nail on the head. But the Stones used to write some beautiful lyrics, but now...? Just an example;- " lardy louts" in Whole Wide World. Are you serious? A garage band could do better!And in Keith's song, he rather answers himself-" Is my future all in the past?" Tell Me Sraight. Apparently so, Keith. Too many cooks! So, many thanks, Martin for at least being honest with your review. The world isn't!

[@dudleyb8774]

It's a very disappointing album. Doesn't sound like a band, much less the Rolling Stones.

[@371anr]

You forgot Blue and Lonesome. Not original material but I’ll be listening to that long after H Diamonds.

[@paulh6673]

100% agree with this review. It just has that uncanny valley feel of something entirely computer generated. Exactly the same as the last few Ozzy albums. Absolute zero earthiness, soul or "ROCK N ROLL" - just an approximation. The songs in themselves are actually not too bad - if a bit "written by committee" - but the album is just entirely killed by the AI feel.

[@gaqread]

I do think the production might be a bit too clean - but I disagree fundamentally with the rest of this critique. "Get Close" is a great example. Where you heard over-produced I heard the Stones sounding at their Tattoo You era best. The beat is funky and the sax solo is fantastic. Bottom line: these are really good to great songs.

[@hevihoo]

Martin, I can somewhat understand your point of view being the contrarian you are but there are things that are a bit hard to swallow though. First, I think it's immediately Stonesy stuff here. I mean it's instantly Stones doing what they do with the help of modern production. The Ozzy comparison is quite out of place here since Andrew Watt took Ozzy's past and character and built a modern rock/pop artist around it. There are just small hints and musical references to his past glories and everything else is overproduced and artificial and as such pretty dispensable contemporary rock music. Ozzy's voice has been touched by technology up to the point that it almost makes me sick. By the way same kind of a thing applies to the latest Helloween record. It gets a lot of praise and I can see the reason why but I just can't get past the amount of processing in the vocals. Not that Watt had anything to do with that, just something that's bother me with the vocal production nowadays. But back to the main subject. So, if I hadn't listened to the Stones' record before watching the review I would have assumed it to be exactly the same stinking pile of you know what that the latest Ozzy records were. I couldn't have been more wrong. While the production isn't perfect in every aspect it doesn't destroy the record since there are strong songs in the core of it and the band that brings the basic sound and soul to it. It doesn't sound like it was heavily written with outside songwriters. More like a good producer doing what he is supposed to do, guiding and helping the band with the ideas and arrangements when needed. The music, for the most part, is pure Stones here. Also, they have utilized technology and big name/hot producers a lot throughout their career. As well as additional musicians and big name guests.i guess we have to go all the way back to their first few years to have just the band playing on the record. Would I prefer the record to sound a bit more organic? Absolutely but it isn't as horrific as it is painted to be here. But I'll have to get the vinyl to hear how it actually sounds then. But at the moment, based on few playthroughs on Spotify, my overall view is pretty positive. And if this is the end of their recording career it surely isn't a bad one. Just my thoughts.

[@MartinPopoff]

Great stuff, thanks for the detailed and nuanced look at this Watt question. You are swaying me with this wise music swami explanation. Thank you.

[@hevihoo]

@@MartinPopoff No, thank you for your often challenging and highly controversial views. They're honest and surely doesn't leave anyone cold. Oftentimes one is forced to re-evaluate an established stance. Whether it changes or not is not that important. You go back to things and take a look at them from a different angle and see if they still survive the test. And don't get me wrong, I'm not that big-headed that I think that I should or even could educate you on Stones etc. Just respectfully disagreeing and more or less trying to explain my views.

[@julianhignell8452]

@@hevihoo this is very true…but I have a strong feeling with this that some people will swing more towards Martin’s view as the months and years pass by. I remember A Bigger Bang getting rave reviews and that had now sunk back down the rankings where it belongs. Like that record though there are some redeeming moments. It’s not a terrible record, it has a terrible production, but I don’t get the hype it is getting at all.

[@lance98541]

I don't like it, either. There is just too much fakeness to make it truly listenable.

[@gagadreams]

Sweet Sound of Heaven is an AMAZING song!!✌️

[@Fastnbulbous1969]

Glad someone agrees with me. I read an overwhelming amount of positive press, but when I listened, i expected it to not at least be horrible, but half of it is. While it probably has highest number of (2-3) of un-horrible tracks since Steel Wheels perhaps, but yes, F that production sideways. The title sounds like the name of a really rundown stripclub.

[@crazyguy43]

Guys, you're allowed to still like this record even if Martin doesn't. This is a well-articulated review no matter where you stand on the album itself.

[@ArmandoMPR]

Hackney Diamonds is an instant classic. An easy 9.6 out of 10. Who am I to get in the way of some good ol’ fashioned crankiness? However, I will clarify that this was mostly recorded in one studio, so you’re plainly wrong. They had an initial session in New York where Watt was mostly observing. There they recorded “Dreamy Skies.” Watt took over in LA, and that’s were most of it was done. Jagger did his final vocals in Barbados, and Wyman recorded his part in London because he rarely flies. But all the tracks were mostly done in one studio.

[@MartinPopoff]

Define "recorded." When do we start calling editing suites studios?

[@captainkirk70]

Totally agree. And tech has moved on. Whatever they used sounds fantastic. Would I have liked for them to sit in a circle in Olympic recording to tape? Yeah, probably. Surprised Andrew didn't set them up kinda like that or at least the setup of the studio on SG. But Andrew did a superb job. Someone who's a fan but has the balls and respect from Jagger to do what he says. They are both the MVPs of the record. From the footage ive seen of the Gaga track both she and Steve Wonder were live in the studio with Keith. And she nailed it.

[@captainkirk70]

@@MartinPopoff Where are you getting your info on what they used? Bill doesn't fly at all. So I'm sure they had to use whatever to get his bass on the track.

[@msh6865]

This must be click bait. Totally unrealistic and unfounded. Good music is good music.

[@thecontrarians2438]

thanks for explaining what music is 🙏

[@arto2533]

I suppose most of the original Stones fans (those who were around in the 60's and 70's) are either dead, deaf, demented or otherwise distracted, so The Stones may as well try to sound modern. 'Hackney Diamonds' sounds f'n brilliant. Especially the drums, bass and low end in general.

[@johnweyers2685]

As they say, "Give me a break dude." Opinions are like aholes...everybody's got one. 😎

[@xvola6888]

Don't bite my head off but It sounds like a Mick Jagger solo album IMO so don't get angry with me.

[@aaronmorber1943]

Agree where is Keith Richards it's like led Zeppelin in through the out door without jimmy page

[@TheTempleOfBoom]

This album is terrible...no matter what the legions of Stones synchophants would have you believe .

[@plywoodduck]

Hi everyone...Hackney Diamonds fits very well into the Rolling Stone catalog. If there are albums by the Stones you might rate as A or A+ - this one rates no lower than an A-. It sounds EXACTLY like the Stones - EXACTLY as raunchy and poppy as all their albums. If you don't like any of their albums, I guess you start a KZbin channel. The drums sound amazing by the way... good luck everyone.

[@julianhignell8452]

Sorry but I cannot agree about the drums…sound awful to me. It’s so overhyped, A- ?? I would give it a C at best and that is for Sweet Sound of Freedom alone.

[@BeggarsForSomeSoul]

Thanks for being sane amongst the insane! 1 good song and a bad Muddy Waters cover and a bunch of filler, badly written overproduced crap! These guys shot their load way back in 1975! I know many people who agree. They can't write anymore especially choruses. Living off the bones of classics for years just like McCartney. Go listen to Gimme Shelter people below and tell me the difference between standard of excellence and forgettable!

[@paulweaver]

Love it what you talking about martin 🤔

[@styx1231]

Same Here ...i Really like the Album...

[@paulmonahawk4921]

Definitely a contrarian opinion!

[@georgehopper4843]

What do you care about the credits? Listen to the songs. This is what rock n roll should sound like today but doesn’t. The music and lyrics are tremendous.

[@robplante8631]

Martin is a classic over-thinker. If it sounds good, it is good...

[@TheHowmuch55]

Is this guy for real?... obviously people listened to him and made this a No1 album... stick to bananarama mate... you'll probably appreciate junk like that... its a record.. just music for Christ sake.

[@thecontrarians2438]

thanks for commenting on the review, its just a review for christ sake.

[@davepounds8924]

Totally disagree with your opinion on this Every thing they do is a in your words A Big Production!! The drums sound great on this album and Micks vocals are wonderful for a man his age Micks voice bothers you??? I sense a lot of bias towards the Stones. Album getting great reviews 👍

[@styx1231]

Hi Got to say i Really Like the Album

[@davepounds8924]

@@styx1231 👍

[@wigimonster8909]

Album is getting stellar overall reviews.

[@davepounds8924]

@@wigimonster8909 Yes It’s getting good reviews from a lot of people!

[@MartinPopoff]

I hate today's pop so much, and I also don't like what's happened to Ozzy, and I can't get past putting the two together. It's the children's music VOCAL MELODIES that make me, er, angry.

[@danielvysocky2716]

Martin, listen to "Bite My Head Off" back to back with The Sex Pistols "Liar"... its the same song on verses! The same!!! Forget "Respectable" and "When The Whip Comes Down" , the Stones have finally legitimately ripped the Pistols off.

[@MartinPopoff]

Hah, nice, Daniel - funny!

[@philipdru9290]

Dude was probably a prison punk. Mess It Up is amazing! The album is tremendous. I’m not going compare it to anything, to do so would be an insult. All I can say is that the Producer did one hell of job. The guitars are up front, and the drums are solid! Mick’s voice and lyrics are spot on. Fuck anyone who doesn’t like this album. Like Let It Bleed, this album is meant to be played loud!

[@julianhignell8452]

I think you could put this on a volume setting of 1 and it would still be too loud! I guess it is a “fuck me” then because I am not a fan of it. I am with Martin. I really hate the production, it’s horrible, unlike Let It Bleed which was a classic and sounds beautifully recorded. I give you the guitars, they do sound good, but the drum sound sucks!

[@AliRaza-lg8nw]

Extremely disappointing album in every way. I’m going to pretend it was never released just like I do with Dirty Work.

[@bengalgangster]

i like the album , dont love it!!! i dont get the love some commentors have for it!!! i feel some people would love , at this point anything they do!! i have it well below voodoo lounge and on par with undercover , sweet sounds of heaven is my fav cut!!🐯

[@CB-xr1eg]

Undercover is Mick solo.

[@markybgoode]

Love the Stones- Not Hackney Diamonds. The new album is way too polished and over produced!

[@JIF882]

The Stones have also had guests on their album. Who cares if the guests are famous? It's cool to have Elton John on a Rock album, and Stevie toured with the Stones in '72. Also, i also like that they got Sir Paul to rock.

[@progmeup]

It's all in the mix. The same mastering engineer also did Steven Wilson's new album and that sounds fantastic. So praise Watt for the arrangement ideas he brought in, and blame Watt for an overcompressed, flat, superficial mix. Watt can continue being a producer, but he needs a mixing engineer. At least for any rock albums he'll work on in the future.

[@captainkirk70]

I feel it sounds great on vinyl and on my premium streaming service. It's the CD and regular SD streaming that's the problem.

[@progmeup]

Yeah, thanks for telling me. It's good that some versions have a good (or at least better) sound. @@captainkirk70

[@tomp4053]

I enjoyed the album a bit more than I expected. Probably my favorite album since Tattoo You but we'll see in a few years. lol

[@1967PONTIACGTO]

I remember rushing home with my brand new copy of the just released Goats Head Soup, and not liking it at all.. a huge disappointment after a string of masterworks that for me started with Decembers Children and ended with Exile on Main Street... haven't cared much for anything they've done since Exile... I listened to many of the songs on this album, and the question that goes unanswered is ... why?

[@thomasmarthinussen8978]

It's a superb poprock album, in my opinion.

[@docdeens4030]

If youre relying on guest stars to lend your album relevance, youre already off on the wrong foot. Does the world really need another Stones album?

[@Baz63]

will buy the album but i don't like 'guests' especially 'big names' who i always think are included just to increase sales (as if the band needs that at this stage) and detracts from the authenticity of the recording. I would prefer that the band just played without assistance.

[@captainkirk70]

They didn't have Jones to play bass. So that lead to Macca, Elton, Gaga, Stevie Wonder were all excellent guests. It's a great Stones record. 4/5.

[@senorfunball]

Man, I hate cranky old assholes...like me This album is great 🤠👍

[@ourheartscondemnyou]

It’s the best Maroon 5 record so far. Oh wait..

[@glennnolu7152]

It's classic Stones, fucking great

[@michaelivan9066]

I tried to listen to the album. By the start of the second song I couldn’t take Micks over enunciation of every word in the choruses. He sounds like he is trying to sing to a baby or something. Hate to say it as I love the Stones but I’m probably going to leave this one for streaming only.

[@NostalgiaVHS]

it looks like they stole the album cover from Def Leppards delete bin.

[@SaintMartins]

Cleverly disguised album art by the Stones. The "diamond" is actually a woman's.....and the knife is a man's......the red material under the diamond is a bedsheet and the pieces of broken diamonds on the top is her 2 arms and the bottom chipped diamonds are the legs.

[@TranceMasterJack]

Pervert. 😄

[@julianhignell8452]

Maybe but it still sucks!

[@aleksandarfrick2656]

Like it ! They put a little light on this gray days of wars .

[@mattkelly7971]

Guess we listened to two different albums? 🤷🏼‍♂️ I’ll never hear the word “drama” the same way again lol.

[@jdiona]

The question is: is it a new Stones album relevant today? I think no. Yeah, a legendary and most longing band - is it a really band playing here or is it a collective of musicians playing what a producer tells them to play? - it’s always a breaking new. But it’s just a pop album … no rock n roll here what rock n roll means… this is just a demo of what studio technology can do now. This has no aggression … too perfect… reason over soul… I will always worship their legacy from the late 60’s and 70’s. That’s holy ground… and I like steel wheels… for me it was the last really stones album… if you like it , more power to you. For me this is crap. Not a truly rock n roll band.

[@julianhignell8452]

I agree! If there were more along the lines of Sweet Sound Of Freedom then this might’ve been a killer album, but it is way over produced and I really do not want to hear the whole thing anymore than once.

[@Twotontessie]

I am the first to trash production, mixing, songwriting and collaboration when it feels desperate. I really don’t have any problems with it. For a “rock” record and Stones in 2023 - my expectations were very low and were surpassed.

[@craigburgess7105]

Enjoyed the review. Have had a quick listen (twice through) and was pleasantly surprised. Bound to be a lot of (over)production on it, and an element of songs built on 'current committee' thought (pop strands), but pushing those elements to the mid ground (not the background) the songs stand up for me. Very good effort for 80yr olds. Better than expected. Will have another listen in a couple of months to see how it sounds then.

[@ericm.1245]

I disagree with you as I think this is refreshing for a Stones album and was pleasantly surprised especially because these guys are an old band but can still churn out good music. I think they are probably trying to appeal to a broader and younger audience too so that may be why the increased production and cleaner sound from Mick but I don’t mind this surprisingly. I am in my mid 60’s and remember many of their past albums but honestly I am surprised that they can still create new music and not just a blues cover album. So that’s my take on it and of course we are all entitled to our opinion and from what I’ve noticed many others seem to like Hackney Diamonds too. Anyway Martin I enjoy your podcasts even if we don’t always agree. I guess life would be pretty boring if everyone agreed. All the best and Rock On!

[@colstonvear1958]

Thanks Martin. Yet to hear.

[@beatleboy0195]

Production wise any band or singer from pre 1980 is gonna sound like this with modern producers, it's one of my arguments that modern music (1990) onwards sounds not to good to my aging ears. It doesn't bode well for Paul McCartney's new album i hear he has the producer of hackney diamonds working on his. Would this sound better with jimmy miller in charge, I do like the album though.

[@MartinPopoff]

Nicely put. Paul McCartney's a different thing. There's more variety, and he's a solo artist. It would have been nice to retain more Stones traits here.

[@JarrettMehldau]

​@@MartinPopoffWhy does Macca think he has to follow these stupid trends? I thought "Egypt Station" was already partially ruined by the production. Why can't Macca get himself someone musical as producer like Lanois or Jon Brion or maybe work with Nigel Godrich again?

[@kissterio]

Overproduced album with auto tuned vocals. The same with last Ozzy albums

[@dalesamuels8667]

great album!!!

[@SomeSong2]

I get your point about the clean singing and pop melodies on rock albums by rock bands. It’s been clogging up albums since around 2007-2008.

[@vintagevinylvets1187]

Martin, you touched on exactly what we feared about “Hackney Diamonds.” We preordered the digital copy from iTunes and still haven’t heard the whole album because of what you said. First, why wasn’t Don Was back to produce? Also, it seemed like an insecure album by hiring the producer that is “flavor of the month”-Andrew Watt. Now that we’ve heard your review, we’ll probably listen to the entire album. It seems unfortunate but probably their best release in recent years is “Blue & Lonesome” which won them a Grammy for “Best Blues Album” no less. Ironically it’s a “covers” album and produced by Don Was. Just sayin.’…..🎧