Review Summary: An addicting and exciting offering from The Rolling Stones that will have you singing long after the music stops playing
Until recently, I never considered myself to be a very big fan of The Rolling Stones. That was before I stumbled upon their highly enjoyable
Between The Buttons. Released back in 1967, it’s easily one of their most consistent albums and it’s loaded with songs that are almost
too easy to sing along to. Considering just how accessible they are, it’s not surprising that songs like ‘Ruby Tuesday’ and ‘Let’s Spend The Night Together’ propelled the album towards the top of the charts. However, what makes this album so special is its undeniable charm and how well it works as a whole. Unlike some of their efforts, it just never seems to run out of steam.
Backed by their original lineup, the band are on top of their game on
Between The Buttons and Mick Jagger pulls off one of his most charismatic vocal performances. However, one of the album’s biggest stars is undoubtedly Brian Jones. The multi-instrumentalist would meet his untimely death just two short years later at the age of 27, but his talent on this album remains impressive today. Playing everything from the electric guitar and piano, to horns and harmonicas, Jones tends to spice up every track he touches. Even the smash hit ‘Ruby Tuesday’ wouldn’t be the same were it not for his delicate use of flutes and the piano. The song also contains some of the most accessible vocals of Jagger’s career. It’s no secret that his voice is an acquired taste, but he sounds more welcoming than ever on ‘Ruby Tuesday’ and maintains that sense of charisma throughout the album’s runtime.
From the bouncy opening track to the sarcastic tone of ‘Something Happened to Me Yesterday’,
Between The Buttons is a captivating listen from start to finish. Whether you consider yourself to be a fan of the band or not, this is the album that’s likely to change your mind as it finds the band reaching their musical peak. Many will argue the band’s best work is
Beggar’s Banquet or
Let it Bleed, but
Between the Buttons is surely the album where The Rolling Stones really began to find their sound, and they’ve never sounded so charming. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself singing along to this one in the shower.
