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THE REVIEW
It must be said that when faced with any Rolling Stones album from the first half of the '70s, one must literally kneel in adoration; before this album, one must make sacrifices to the "Gods of Rock."
"Exile On Main Street" stands as a milestone in the now forty-year-long career of the Stones. The grand opening is entrusted to "Rocks Off," a powerful riff to which the brass section and a simply superb guitar interweaving are added. Then follows a rapid rock'n'roll "Rip this Joint" and a hypnotic blues à la John Lee Hooker with Jagger's captivating voice: "Shake your Hips." Once again, a rock'n'roll "Casino Boogie," in which, however, the seductive backing vocals of Richards begin to be felt, accompanying Jagger's voice for most of the album.
And so we arrive at a great piece "Tumbling Dice": great riff, catchy melody, fabulous Taylor slide solo, and choirs that wrap it all in a very "warm" atmosphere. The needle keeps moving, and here are three acoustic ballads that follow one another: "Sweet Virginia," "Torn and Frayed," and "Sweet Black Angel"; through them, one understands Keith Richards' ability to do great things with an acoustic guitar in hand.
Now it's "Loving Cup"'s turn: a classic Stones ballad marked by piano, background acoustic guitar, and electric guitar in the foreground adorning the accompaniment; here Jagger's voice truly reaches its peak. After that, the powerful rock of "Happy" with Richards on vocals, the country-ballad "Turd on the Run," the captivating and bluesy riff of "Ventilator Blues," the insignificant, yet in context, respectful "I Just Want To See His Face."
We reach the album's closing part: "Let it Loose" is a splendid ballad with melancholic tones, "All Down The Line" an energetic rock with choirs playing their (great) part, the Robert Johnson cover "Stop Breaking Down" here reinterpreted in a very 70's key. The album closes with the overwhelming ballad "Shine a Light," resulting from perfect cohesion between Richards and Taylor, and finally the great riff of "Soul Survivor," where the heavy influence of Keith Richards can be felt, dominating the entire album.
Simply a masterpiece, one of the most significant albums in Rock history.
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Summary by Bot
The review praises The Rolling Stones' album Exile On Main Street as an iconic and groundbreaking work. It highlights key tracks like 'Rocks Off' and 'Tumbling Dice,' emphasizing the outstanding guitar work and vocal performances. The album is recognized for its diverse styles, from rock to blues and acoustic ballads, showcasing the band's versatility. Ultimately, it's hailed as a masterpiece and an essential part of rock history.Tracklist Lyrics Videos
The Rolling Stones
English rock band formed in London in 1962. Key long-term members include Mick Jagger and Keith Richards. Known for blues-influenced rock, enduring live performances and a prolific discography.81 Reviews
Other reviews
By RingoStarfish
Exile after repeated listens finally begins to reveal itself in its greatness, which seems all improvised, playful, unconscious.
Jagger is the red thread of this complex sonic and human puzzle, the storyteller who reveals what was and what it has become.
By j&r
The greatness of this album lies precisely in its total formal imperfection, in the frantic, disorderly, and chaotic way it came to light.
Exile on Main Street is the strongest example of total symbiotic fusion between life and music.
By currahee72
A warm, dense, raw, anarchic, and uncontrolled album.
An album seductive, nonchalant, and seminal that shows the wild and proletarian side of rock.
By woodstock
Because inside here there's rock, all of it, and I don’t care if anyone says otherwise.
Probably, even in moments like these, a record can save your life.
