The Rolling Stones - Tattoo You (LP) - Half Speed Mastered

When diving into the vast and iconic discography of the Rolling Stones, "Tattoo You" stands out as a testament to the band's enduring versatility and relevance. Released in 1981, this album wasn't crafted in the traditional sense but was instead assembled from a decade's worth of unreleased tracks, reshaped and reimagined for a new era. Despite its unconventional origins, "Tattoo You" feels cohesive and brims with the energy and edge that fans have come to associate with the Stones..

"Start Me Up," the album's opening track, is a quintessential Stones anthem. With its infectious guitar riff and Jagger's signature swagger, it's no surprise that this song remains a staple in rock radio and a highlight in their live performances..

The album's side one, titled "rock & roll," delivers a series of energetic tracks. Songs like "Hang Fire" and "Little T&A" capture the band's classic rock 'n' roll sound, infused with their characteristic grit and rhythm..

In contrast, the album's side two, labeled "ballads," offers a more introspective side of the Stones. "Worried About You" showcases Jagger's falsetto against a backdrop of soulful instrumentation, while "Heaven" drifts into ethereal territory, evoking a dreamy, almost otherworldly atmosphere..

One of the standout tracks from the ballads side is "Waiting on a Friend." Featuring a saxophone solo by Sonny Rollins, the song exudes a laid-back vibe, coupled with lyrics that emphasize companionship over romance, making it a unique entry in the Stones' catalog..

What's impressive about "Tattoo You" is how it encapsulates the myriad sounds and styles the Rolling Stones have explored over their storied career. From hard-hitting rock tracks to soulful ballads, the album offers a microcosm of what makes the Stones such a dynamic and enduring act..

The album also benefits from its production, with the then-modern techniques giving a fresh touch to tracks that, in some cases, had been recorded years prior. This melding of eras provides "Tattoo You" with a timeless quality, bridging the gap between the Stones of the '70s and the evolving music landscape of the '80s..

In conclusion, "Tattoo You" is a testament to the Rolling Stones' unmatched ability to reinvent themselves while staying true to their roots. The album, with its blend of rock anthems and soulful ballads, serves as both a nod to their past and a confident stride into the future. For fans old and new, "Tattoo You" stands as a shining example of the Stones' musical prowess and their enduring place in rock history..

What's the story behind "Tattoo You"? How was it different from other Rolling Stones albums?.

"Tattoo You," released in 1981, stands as a unique entry in the Rolling Stones' discography primarily because it wasn't composed of entirely new material. Instead, many of the songs were outtakes from previous recording sessions, some going as far back as a decade. Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, with the help of producer Chris Kimsey, revisited these tracks, reworking and adding new elements to breathe fresh life into them. Despite this patchwork approach, the album feels cohesive, a testament to the band's enduring chemistry and adaptability..

How was the album received by critics and fans?.

"Tattoo You" was a commercial triumph, securing the top spot on the Billboard 200 for nine consecutive weeks. Critically, it was generally well-received, with many reviewers praising the album's consistency and the enduring quality of the tracks, even if they were outtakes from earlier sessions. The single "Start Me Up" became one of the band's most recognizable and enduring hits, proving that even after two decades, the Stones still had the magic touch..

What are the standout tracks on "Tattoo You"?.

Aside from the iconic "Start Me Up," other standout tracks include the sultry "Waiting on a Friend," which features a memorable saxophone solo from jazz legend Sonny Rollins. "Little T&A," sung by Keith Richards, is a classic Stones rocker, while "Black Limousine" has a bluesy feel that harks back to the band's roots. The album's second side, often dubbed the "ballad side," features tracks like "Heaven" and "Worried About You," showcasing the Stones' softer, more introspective side..

What themes or influences are prevalent in the album?.

The Stones' blues and rock 'n' roll roots are ever-present on "Tattoo You," but there's also a maturity in some of the tracks, reflective of the band's evolution. Themes of love, lust, relationships, and the rock 'n' roll lifestyle abound, but there's also a sense of introspection, especially in the ballads. The band's ability to take tracks from different eras and mold them into a cohesive album also speaks to their versatility and their deep understanding of their own musical identity..

In the context of the Rolling Stones' extensive discography, how important is "Tattoo You"?.

"Tattoo You" can be seen as one of the last high points of the Stones' career, marking the end of their most influential period. It's remarkable that an album comprised largely of reworked outtakes could stand shoulder-to-shoulder with some of their most iconic records. It solidified the Stones' reputation as "The World's Greatest Rock 'n' Roll Band" and demonstrated their resilience and adaptability. In live performances, songs from this album continue to feature prominently, a testament to their enduring appeal.