Review of The Rolling Stones' "Let It Bleed"


Let it Bleed (1970), amazingly, is the thirteenth album from The Rolling Stones. Amazing because their recording career dates back to Profile, which was only released in 1964. In all, this prolific band have released 32 albums in a career spanning over 30 years and still going strong.

Let it Bleed is an interesting piece of work because there are a few different sounds running through this album. The opening track- and probably the best- is 'Gimme Shelter', a piece of classic rock 'n' roll with lead singer Mick Jagger's strong vocals and the electric guitar being the highlights.

There are some other rock moments on the album, and although not as good as 'Gimme Shelter', they all have their own unique variations. 'Live With Me' sounds suspiciously like the famous Stones' song 'Jumping Jack Flash' (which was actually released one year before on their previous album Through the Past Darkly), without being of the same quality. 'Let it Bleed' is much better and the piano is a nice touch too. 'Midnight Rambler', also very good, is eerily reminiscent of American group Credence Clearwater Revival, which is probably a comparison the band wouldn't like. 'Monkey Man' features another strong Jagger vocal while 'You Can't Always Get What You Want', despite an enormously irritating (and long) choral introduction, is a good way to close out the album.

The Rolling Stones, on Let it Bleed at least, sound better when they're in this rock mood. Still it's nice to see them offering up variety as the same thing over and over can become a little taxing. 'Live With Me' and 'You Got the Silver' are slower and softer. The first is only average while the second is quite good.

The strangest moment on this record belongs to 'Country Honk' which, appropriately enough, is The Rolling Stones going country. The loud violin, especially, is bizarre. There are numerous drug references on this album so perhaps that provides some sort of explanation. Still, it's not such a bad song.

The best way to describe Let it Bleed is as a nice, easy listen. The band show a pleasing willingness to experiment and vary their sound. While it doesn't rises to any great heights, it is a catchy album and there are certainly some good songs on it.

RATING: 7/10

The copyright of the article Review of The Rolling Stones' "Let It Bleed" in Pop/Rock Reviews is owned by Nick Bendel. Permission to republish Review of The Rolling Stones' "Let It Bleed" in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Go To Page: 1

Articles in this Topic    Discussions in this Topic