On August 24, 1981 "The Rolling Stones" released their 16th studio album "Tattoo You".
"Tattoo You" marks a unique chapter in the "Rolling Stones'" extensive discography. The album is widely regarded as a late-career triumph, reinvigorating the band’s sound. Comprised mostly of unreleased tracks from previous recording sessions spanning the '70s, "Tattoo You" showcases the "Stones'" ability to polish and reinvent older material into a fresh and cohesive album.
Led by the dynamic Mick Jagger's vocals and the sublime guitar duo of Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood, "Tattoo You" boasts a lineup that includes Bill Wyman on bass and Charlie Watts on drums. However, the album also features previous members and guest musicians like Mick Taylor, Nicky Hopkins, and Billy Preston, enriching the album's tapestry with their unique artistry.
From the infectious energy of "Start Me Up" originally rehearsed in 1978 during the "Some Girls" sessions and "Hang Fire" that was worked on in both the "Some Girls" and "Emotional Rescue" sessions, to the soulful balladry of tracks like “Waiting on a Friend”, "Tops" both were cut in late 1972 during the "Goats Head Soup" sessions with Mick Taylor and "Worried About You" with Billy Preston on keyboards, this album encapsulates the essence of rock 'n' roll with a touch of blues and a sprinkle of groove.
The album is often divided into two thematic halves. Side one, with tracks like “Start Me Up”, “Hang Fire,” "Black Limousine", "Neighbors" and more, that captures the band’s signature rock energy. “Start Me Up,” originally conceived as a reggae track, evolved into a stadium anthem with an infectious riff and swaggering vocal delivery by Mick Jagger. Its lasting appeal and status as a concert staple cement its place as one of the "Stones'" most enduring hits. "Hang Fire" criticizes England, suggesting its people are lazy and its politicians incompetent. Initially titled "Lazy Bitch," it likely referenced British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. "Black Limousine" was based on Jimmy Reed's blues track "You Don't Have To Go" and reflects the band's rock and roll lifestyle involving women, alcohol, and limousines. Initially recorded during the "Some Girls" sessions in 1978, the song stands out as one of the few credited not just to Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, but also to Ron Wood. Wood mentioned that the guitar riff was influenced by Texas slide blues guitarist Hop Wilson. As the lyrics suggest, "Little T & A" is a great rock N' roll track with Keith Richards on lead vocals and bass. "Neighbours" was inspired by Keith Richards' real-life experiences with noisy neighbors, leading to his eviction from a New York apartment in 1981. Initially started in 1979 for the "Emotional Rescue" album, the song features Jazz saxophonist Sonny Rollins who also played in "Slave" and "Waiting on a Friend".
Side two, shifts to a more introspective and mellow tone. Tracks like “Worried About You”, "Heaven" and “Waiting on a Friend” highlight the band’s versatility and depth. "Heaven" explores themes of sexual ecstasy. While the word "heaven" doesn't appear in the lyrics, even Mick Jagger is unsure how the title was chosen. Keith Richards did not play on this track; instead, Bill Wyman handled guitar, synthesizer, and bass, while Jagger also played guitar. The song's vocals and sound mark it as one of the "Stones'" most psychedelic tracks. Originally started in 1979, it was intended for the "Emotional Rescue" album. “Waiting on a Friend”, is a reflective song about friendship, with possible undertones related to drug use, given Keith Richards' heroin habit at the time, featuring a delicate saxophone solo by Sonny Rollins alongside Mick Taylor, Nicky Hopkins, Jimmy Miller, and Kasper Winding. It is a standout, blending warmth and nostalgia with reflective lyrics. Keith Richards’ soulful guitar work shines throughout the album, particularly on “Slave,” where the groove-heavy, extended jam showcases the "Stones'" affinity for blending rock with blues and funk. This track was originally recorded in 1974 as "The Black And Blue Jam,". Pete Townshend of "The Who" provided backup vocals. The original recording featured Billy Preston, Jeff Beck, and Nicky Hopkins, though their parts were removed in the final version. Jazz saxophonist Sonny Rollins was convinced by his wife to collaborate with the "Stones", contributing also to this tracks.
The album’s creation, largely fueled by necessity due to the band’s grueling touring schedule, resulted in a collage of reworked outtakes and new recordings. Despite this patchwork approach, "Tattoo You" stands as a testament to the "Rolling Stones'" resilience and adaptability.
"Tattoo You" proved that the "Rolling Stones" could still deliver potent and relevant music nearly two decades into their career. The album’s eclectic mix of rockers and ballads reflects the band’s enduring chemistry and ability to draw from their deep well of musical influences.
"Tattoo You" was not just a critical success but also a commercial triumph. This album climbed to the top of the US Billboard 200, showcasing the enduring appeal of The "Rolling Stones" music. Surpassing all expectations, "Tattoo You" became the pinnacle of the band's chart achievements, capping off a winning streak of eight consecutive number-one albums in the US that began with "Sticky Fingers" in 1971.
The impact of "Tattoo You" transcends its initial release. In 1989, "Rolling Stone" magazine bestowed the album with the honor of being ranked 34 on the list of the "100 greatest albums of the 1980s". Furthermore, it secured a spot on the prestigious list of the "500 Greatest Albums of All Time", ranking at 211 in 2003 and later at 213 in the revised list of 2012. More than that, in 2000 the album was voted number 759 in Colin Larkin's "All Time Top 1000 Albums". Such accolades underscore the lasting influence and significance of this musical masterpiece.
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