Around the time of Beggar's Banquet, the other Rolling Stones were having troubles creatively and personally with Brian Jones, but, on this album, they did return to his initial vision of the band. Though most people see Jones as having little creative control over Beggar's Banquet, I think it was truly a noble way for him to say goodbye, because, on this album, the band returned to their raw roots. This album was released in 1968, and, about a year later on July 3, Brian Jones drowned in his pool.
Sympathy For The Devil - CLocking in at 6 minutes eighteen second, "Symnpathy.." is one of the longest and most haunting songs the Stones have ever done. It begins with a percussion track and howling most likely done by Mick. Mick's lyrics are genius, to say the least. During their 1969 tour, this song became a staple, being the first song they played at several shows including the disastrous Altamont festival. 5/5
No Expectations - Brian plays an acoustic slide guitar part on this which really adds a beautiful touch to the song. It's a very sad, slow song, that seems to be a fusion of rock and country. 5/5
Dear Doctor - The country swagger of this is absolutely menacing, in that cool Stones sort of way. The instrumentation seems to be most an acoustic guitar and a harmonica, with some piano. 5/5
Parachute Woman - With dual acoustic and electric guitars and a harmonica, this is easily the catchiest blues song the Rolling Stones ever wrote. 5/5
Jigsaw Puzzle - Chrlie's drumming starts off "Jigsaww Puzzle", a song that could possibly be the best off the album. The key instrumental part to the song here is actually the bass line. Bill pulls off some of his best fretwork on this, with his signature jumpy style. Also, there's a slide electric guitar most likely played by Brian that helps to texturize the song and also contributes a solo in the middle. 5/5
Street Fighting Man - With socially conscious lyricas and a heavy, buzzing acoustic part, this song actually became an extremely electric concert staple for the Stones. Mick's vocals really seem to pull the song into place. It some of the Rolling Stones' best writing. 5/5
Prodigal Son - The Stones use stone-cold acoustic blues with a little high-hat part by Charlie here, and pull a geniunely cool song. Enough said. 5/5
Stray Cat Blues- This is the hardest rocking song on the album. It's about underage sex...with a 15 year old. "It's no hanging matter, it's no capital crime." It's so damn catchy, and also funny at times. I absolutely love Keith's guitar riff during the intro, he truly is the riffmaster. 5/5
Factory Girl - "Factory GIrl" seems to be a traditionalistic English folk song in character. Keith's guitar work is absoltely brilliant. There are fiddle and mandolin parts that add great amounts to the song. 5/5
Salt Of The Earth - Keith begins "Salt.." with an acoustic guitar oart and his singing, which is actually very effective. The lyrics are absolutely beautiful. A piano and gosple singing adds great texture to the song. It closes the album brilliantly. 5/5
The album...obivously a 5/5
