I won’t pretend that I’ve heard a Rolling Stones album all the way through past 1983’s Undercover. From what I remember of their output from the last twenty years, it seemed like they were either uncomfortably trying to assimilate with current rock trends or forcing a return to their 60s/70s roots. So when I heard the age-defying legends (Mick, Keith and Charlie are all in their 60s now) were releasing their first studio album in eight years, I had to chuckle and dismiss it. Then I heard the angry, anti-Bush Administration rant “Sweet Neo Con” and my interest was piqued.

It turns out that this is the most natural-sounding Stones album in over two decades. They’re at their best on A Bigger Bang when they rock hard and funky with both slashing and sliding guitars and the occasional harmonica. The lighter moments are less convincing, but the delicate and wistful “Laugh, I Nearly Died” is a notable exception. Most importantly, their trademark loose, bluesy sound isn’t overwrought with glossy production. Nearly everything breathes and grooves like classic Stones – though trimming four or five of the weaker tracks (there are an excessive 16 total) would have helped quite a bit.

Ultimately there are very few new Stones ideas on here, so A Bigger Bang isn’t all that essential. It’s just surprising and enjoyable that they can sound this good after 40+ years in the business.

Heavy Rotation tracks: “Sweet Neo Con“; “Rough Justice”
Medium Rotation tracks: “Oh No, Not You Again“; “Look What the Cat Dragged In“; “It Won’t Take Long“; “Laugh, I Nearly Died“; “Let Me Down Slow”
Grade: B

(As posted 9/26/05 on davepowersmusic.com)
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