The Rolling Stones teased that something big was coming when they delivered a single, "Rough and Twisted," this spring under the name the Cockroaches. Now, the legends have released a new song under their normal name. The question is whether "In the Stars" is any good?
Before we get there, you'll likely also want to know that the group will also be releasing a new album called Foreign Tongues that will see the lads get a little help from their friends. Among those featured on the record are the Cure's Robert Smith, Paul McCartney, and Steve Winwood. Should be fun.
As with everything Rolling Stones, great things are expected. When they tour, the shows are still elite, and even their most recent record, Hackney Diamonds, was quite good. They set a high bar themselves, and have mostly met it except for a short run in the 1980s and 1990s.
Review of the Rolling Stones' new single, "In the Stars"
Which is why one might be slightly worried when first playing "In the Stars." There is a definite '80s feel, but it's OK. Instead of overly glossy rubbish, one might think the tune is going to turn into a full-blown Elton John breakdown. That lasts all of a few seconds before Keith Richards digs into the dirty work and Mick Jagger enters.
Jagger's vocals are slightly odd, however. We don't get a bluesy, gritty line, but something far cleaner. The melody is more pop than rock, but it's fun, at least.
Shades of the '60s and '80s are felt throughout the song, but don't expect any ruggedness. That appears to have been intentionally avoided. The Rolling Stones won't be trying to remake Exile on Main St., and that's for the best. We could be in store for the band's 25th album to be among their most pop. Take for evidence, if you will, the "Ooo"s in the chorus.
Jagger, at least, reverts to vocal form more in the chorus. It is this kind of thing that keeps the track from being truly excellent.
While the guitars have a slight garage feel, the rest of the tune is more a jumble of ideas than one whole. None of the flow is bad, mind you; this is the Rolling Stones we are talking about. The track just has a bit more of Steel Wheels about it than Tattoo You.
As the true lead single for Foreign Tongues, does "In the Stars" make one want to check out more of the new Rolling Stones album? Does it really matter? No. We are all going to listen to the entire record, no matter what the first song sounds like.
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