In 1974, The Rolling Stones were once again searching for their identity. After hugely successful tours in 1972 and 1973 thanks to the overwhelming critical and commercial success of 1972's Exile on Main Street, the band were mired in problems of their own making. Mick Jagger was bothered by wife (and now mother of his child Jade) Bianca trying to tame him from his lothario lifestyle. Keith Richards was diving deeper into his heroin addiction. Mick Taylor was becoming disillusioned with his role in the band as he was contributing and writing songs but never given credit (or royalties). 1973's Goats Head Soup is a fan favorite but was derided by critics for not being as good as Exile.
Apparently the Stones were going to a half live, half covers album that eventually gave way to more interesting original materlal (Ain't Too Proud To Beg still made the album and was the 2nd single). Disenchanted with married life, being hounded by press and law enforcement helped create It's Only Rock N Roll - an ode to their lives as huge stars in the public eye. The title track is a classic both for the name and the story of Mick wondering what is enough for the fans and press. They come strong with killer Keith riffs (If You Can't Rock Me, Dance Little Sister), dirty roadhouse rockers (Short And Curlies) and forays into reggae, country, gospel and soul with the usual R&B sensibilities that make the Stones the Stones.
Of course, we were a bit put off that there is no Keith song on the album (the last time that would happen) but you know he had something to do with Fingerprint File, a song about running from the FBI and all manner of police. With Nicky Hopkins and Billy Preston lending their talents on the keys, Ronnie Wood and David Bowie making brief appearances and the boys experimenting a bit, this ends up being a fun Stones record to explore. It might not be chock full of radio hits but get to see the Stones going down paths they don't always go with surprising delight. Not the best or worst of the Mick Taylor era and one we're glad we researched and heard.
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