The Rolling Stones-Black And Blue (1976)

In 1974, The Rolling Stones released their twelfth album, "It's Only Rock 'n' Roll", which marked the departure of their guitarist, Mick Taylor. This led Mick Jagger and Keith Richards to search for an ideal replacement to face the band's future. For some time, the names of Rory Gallagher, Jeff Beck, and Peter Frampton were rumored, but they declined the offer. Others, such as Harvey Mandel and Wayne Perkins, were also among the nominees, but the position ultimately went to Ron Wood. Ron Wood was still with The Faces at the time and, as such, could only collaborate as a guest musician on the Rolling Stones' next album, "Black and Blue", released in mid-1976. Therefore, the band's official lineup at that time consisted of Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Charlie Watts, and Bill Wyman, while Ron Wood appeared as a guest musician. The lineup also included Billy Preston, Nicky Hopkins, Ian Stewart, and the aforementioned Harvey Mandel and Wayne Perkins. "Black and Blue" was recorded in various studios in Munich, New York, and Florida, produced by Jagger and Richards themselves, along with other producers including Glyn Johns. This new release features a repertoire somewhat removed from the Rolling Stones' usual and unmistakable rock and roll, with a collection of diverse tracks showcasing sounds like reggae and funk, as well as a series of songs focused on instrumental jams. An instrumental side that somewhat overshadowed the vocal melodies led to the album being considered controversial and transitional, met with a degree of astonishment by some of their millions of fans. However, it would eventually achieve platinum sales, a well-deserved number one on the American charts, and number two in the British charts. The funky "Hot Stuff" opens this new release with a disco rhythm, while the classic Stones sound is present in "Hand of Fate". With the following track, "Cherry Oh Baby", they delve into other musical avenues, this time with reggae, ending the first side of the record with the vibrant and splendid jam "Memory Motel". The second side begins similarly with the jam "Hey Negrita", which, however, lacks the intensity of the previous track. To finish off this versatile and attractive album, there's the Stones-esque "Melody", the heartfelt ballad "Fool To Cry" and the swaggering rock 'n' roll "Crazy Mama".