The Rolling Stones - December's Children (And Everybody's) (LP)

"December's Children (And Everybody's)" is the fifth American studio album by the iconic rock band The Rolling Stones, released on December 4, 1965. This album is a significant piece in the band's early discography, capturing the raw energy and burgeoning creativity that would soon catapult them to global superstardom. It is a collection that showcases the band's ability to blend rock and roll with rhythm and blues, a formula that would become their signature sound.

The album includes a mix of original compositions and covers, reflecting the band's influences and their evolution as songwriters. Notably, it features "Get Off of My Cloud," a track that became a major hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. This song is emblematic of the rebellious spirit and youthful defiance that characterized much of the Stones' early work. Its driving beat and catchy chorus made it an anthem for the era, resonating with the countercultural movements of the 1960s.

Another standout track is "As Tears Go By," one of the first original ballads written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards. Originally recorded by Marianne Faithfull, the Stones' version adds a layer of melancholy and introspection, showcasing a different side of the band. This song highlights the duo's growing prowess as songwriters, capable of crafting both hard-hitting rock numbers and tender, reflective pieces.

The album also includes "I'm Free," a track that would later gain renewed popularity and be covered by various artists. Its themes of liberation and self-expression are timeless, and the song's simple yet effective arrangement underscores the band's knack for creating memorable hooks.

"December's Children (And Everybody's)" received mixed reviews upon its release. Some critics praised the album for its energetic performances and the Stones' ability to reinterpret classic blues and rock songs. However, others felt it was somewhat disjointed, as it was a compilation of tracks recorded at different times and places, rather than a cohesive album conceived as a whole. Despite this, the album was commercially successful, reaching number four on the US charts and further solidifying the Stones' presence in the American music scene.

Culturally, the album is a snapshot of a band on the brink of their most influential period. It captures the raw, unpolished sound that would soon evolve into the more sophisticated and experimental works of their later years. The Rolling Stones were at the forefront of the British Invasion, and "December's Children" is a testament to their role in bringing a new wave of rock and roll to the United States.

The album's cover, featuring a moody black-and-white photograph of the band, reflects the gritty, rebellious image that the Stones cultivated. This image, combined with their music, helped define the aesthetic of rock and roll in the 1960s and beyond.

In retrospect, "December's Children (And Everybody's)" is an important piece of The Rolling Stones' early catalog. It captures a moment in time when the band was still finding its voice, experimenting with different styles, and laying the groundwork for their future success. While it may not be as cohesive as some of their later albums, it offers a glimpse into the raw talent and energy that would soon make them one of the most influential bands in rock history. For fans and historians alike, it remains a fascinating listen, full of the youthful exuberance and rebellious spirit that defined a generation.