The Rolling Stones review

If any band can be linked to the 1960s counterculture, it's definitely the Rolling Stones. This is the UK version of the debut album of the rebellious, influential and brilliantly named band. It consists mainly of cover versions of other songs, but still, a debut by a famous band is always interesting.

Tracks:

1. Route 66: 7/10 it's fairly repetitive and simple, but there's enough energy and enthusiasm here to grab the attention and hint how big The Rolling Stones will eventually become.

2. I Just Want To Make Love To You: 8/10 a speedy instrumental which isn't just all rock guitar chords and nothing else and the band's infectious energy will grab anyone who wasn't paying attention.

3. Honest I Do: 5/10 an aggressively forgettable love song although there's still something here which sounds different. Also, you've got to love the harmonica.

4. Mona (I Need You Baby): 8/10 again, it may only be a cover but it's still genuinely a solid song with a catchy baseline and lyrics that offer a new take on a formula (The love song) that's as old as music itself.

5. Now I've Got A Witness: 8/10 an enjoyable instrumental that partially thanks to its variety is more successful than Black Mountain Side from Led Zeppelin I and Moon Dawg from Surfin' Safari.

6. Little By Little: 7/10 solid if not stand out, this one provides another entertaining instrumental backed up by lyrics which vary from the other songs thematically.

7. I'm a King Bee: 5/10 this song offers little more than Mick Jagger's consistently strong vocals and some mildly interesting bee related metaphors.

8. Carol: 8/10 this fast and ferocious song is pretty awesome, and it's filled with an irresistible manic energy that gives the song a gloriously unrestrained tone.

9. Tell Me (You're Coming Back): 8/10 a less memorable one, but it's a very good listen thanks to its tone of urgency and pathos.

10. Can I Get A Witness: 8/10 another solid rock song and it's refreshing to see that in terms of love songs the album doesn't just go for clichéd, two dimensional declarations of love and actually explores failed relationships too.

11. You Can Make It If You Try: 6/10 it may be perfectly enjoyable to listen to but all this one really does is hammer its message in again and again with little diversity.

12. Walking the Dog: 4/10 what is this song even about?!

Best song: Carol
Worst song: Walking the Dog

Summary: Consider my expectations exceeded. I haven't been the biggest fan of the Rolling Stones music I've previously heard but this is a pretty strong debut. There are some bad songs here, I won't lie, but many of the songs are solid four star tracks even if it's unlikely they'll end up on many Best Rolling Stones Songs lists. What sets the album apart is its energy and passion, and overall it's a good way to spend 30 minutes.

Final Rating: 8/10