Sixty years on, the Stones keep rolling, and Jagger keeps moving. In 2023, they celebrate a significant milestone with their first album of new songs in 18 years, 'Hackney Diamonds,' set to release on October 20th, 2023. They've transitioned from LPs to streaming platforms, adapting to the changing landscape of music consumption, spanning generations from Baby Boomers to Generation Z.
The Rolling Stones were formed in London in 1962. The band's name was inspired by an improvisation during an interview with the lead guitarist, Brian Jones. He had noticed a copy of the 1959 compilation LP 'The Best of Muddy Waters' on the floor, specifically side 1, track 5, titled 'Rollin' Stone.'
Notably, Mick Jagger and Keith Richards initially started a group called 'The Blue Boys,' while Brian Jones, Charlie Watts (the drummer), and Ian Stewart (the keyboardist) were part of a collective known as 'Blues Incorporated.' Jagger and Richards had been classmates at Wentworth Primary School in 1950. After losing contact when Jagger moved, they coincidentally reconnected at a train station several years later during their late adolescence. This reencounter eventually led to the formation of their own group.
Their journey took a significant turn when they decided to perform at a new club in Ealing in April 1962, where various small blues bands were emerging. At that time, Blues Incorporated was also performing. The rest, as they say, is history.
Before long, the Rolling Stones established themselves as the longest-performing rock band in history and played a pioneering role in developing a grittier form of rock that influenced countless bands. They were a key part of the musical phenomenon known as the British Invasion during the 1960s.
The band's journey began as a gathering of enthusiastic students and bohemians who played what was then considered an esoteric style of music based on Chicago blues. They performed in pubs and clubs throughout West London.
Initially, their potential for mass-market success seemed unthinkable. However, by 1965, they had captured the collective affection of teenage Britain and were second in popularity only to the Beatles.
This surge in popularity sparked debates and fueled a perceived rivalry between the two bands. In the mid-1960s, the Beatles were known for their longer hair, matching suits, and an utterly charming image that contributed to their respectful and reassuring public impression.
In contrast, the Rolling Stones sported longer hair and dressed differently, which gave them a more intimidating and rebellious appearance. As a result, they were perceived as more threatening. This image was further cemented by the behaviour of Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and Brian Jones, who faced intense police scrutiny and press harassment due to drug use and perceived degeneracy. The band's reputation led to the coining of the idiomatic phrase 'sex, drugs, and rock 'n' roll,' and they embraced a 'bad boy' image.’
The Rolling Stones' early years were marked by their exploration of recycled gems from blues and rock 'n' roll legends of the 1950s. Their first five singles and the majority of their first two albums featured songs composed by other artists. However, Mick Jagger and Keith Richards were heavily influenced by the Beatles' songwriting styles and gradually took over creative control of the group.
Brian Jones, on the other hand, was a talented instrumentalist but struggled with songwriting. Despite his attempts to compose songs, he faced significant challenges, including issues with alcohol and drugs. He also had a strained relationship with the band's manager at the time, Andrew Loog Oldham. These issues ultimately led to Jones being dismissed from the band just weeks before his tragic death.
Keith Richards later described their guitar style as the 'ancient art of waving,' in which both guitarists played rhythm and lead parts together, a characteristic that would become a trademark of the Rolling Stones.
Similar to many artists of their time, the songs by the Rolling Stones reflected the cultural norms and attitudes of the eras in which they were written. The band's representation of women in their songs varies widely, with early songs often objectifying women, while later songs depict them as complex, independent individuals. The band's lyrics have evolved over time, occasionally challenging stereotypes and societal norms. However, like many rock bands of their era, their catalogue includes songs that are viewed as problematic in terms of their portrayal of women, highlighting the complexities of their musical legacy.
In their early career, much like many other rock bands of the 1960s, The Rolling Stones often wrote songs that portrayed women as objects of desire. Tracks such as "Honky Tonk Women" and "Brown Sugar" featured lyrics expressing longing and lust for women, often depicting them in a one-dimensional, sexualized manner. It's essential to note that certain songs by The Rolling Stones, particularly those from their early career, contain controversial and sexist themes. An example of this is "Under My Thumb," where the lyrics have faced criticism for their treatment of women.
As their career progressed, The Rolling Stones transitioned to writing songs that depicted women as strong and independent individuals. Notably, the song "Paint It Black" features a female protagonist coping with grief and loss. "Angie" is another example showcasing a more complex portrayal of a woman's emotions and struggles. Some of The Rolling Stones' songs incorporate female characters within narrative-driven storylines, such as "Ruby Tuesday" and "Lady Jane," where the lyrics provide a deeper and more multifaceted portrayal of women.
In the 1970s, The Rolling Stones' song "Shattered" featured the line "Pride and joy and greed and sex, that's what makes our town the best," which can be interpreted as a commentary on female empowerment and individuality within the context of the era. In certain instances, The Rolling Stones' lyrics humorously challenged conventional ideas of femininity. For example, their song "Some Girls" includes lines that playfully challenge traditional gender roles and stereotypes.
The band's depiction of women in their songs has transformed over the decades, mirroring shifts in societal attitudes and the band's artistic growth. However, it's worth noting that their public personas often revolved around the image of being womanizers.
Their recent album, 'Hackney Diamonds,' features collaborations with notable artists like Lady Gaga, a staunch advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, and the iconic Sir Elton John. Interestingly, while the band appears progressive in terms of these high-profile collaborations, their overall approach might still carry old-fashioned undertones when it comes to minority representation.
The lyrics of 'Angry' could indeed be considered controversial if the addressee is interpreted as a woman. The perception of women as frequently angry can be attributed to a complex interplay of factors, including gender stereotypes, double standards, cultural expectations, communication styles, confirmation bias, activism, and media portrayals. These elements collectively contribute to the way society sometimes misinterprets or negatively labels women's expressions of anger.
In the music video for 'Angry,' there is a notable emphasis on merchandising for the upcoming album. However, interspersed within these promotional shots, the camera follows a traditionally Western, conventionally attractive woman in a red car. She is depicted in a sexualized manner through her clothing and choreography, suggesting a connection to an ostentatious lifestyle associated with a red convertible car.
It's important to note that the other songs on the album primarily revolve around themes related to relationships, feelings, and opinions, with no explicit focus on women. Furthermore, the music videos for these songs have not been released yet.
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