The New Oldies: #1 Album of the Year 2023: The Rolling Stones – Hackney Diamonds

Something seems to be missing these days. It seems that record companies, radio stations, and streaming services are pushing some the great established musicians to the background. As a result these veteran artists are not getting the attention they deserve. Enter the Top 10 Album Countdown: The New Oldies. The main point is simple – to make this list you must have at least 20 years of producing established music. The album by the artist must have been released between November 1st, 2022 and October 31st, 2023.

#1 The Rolling Stones – Hackney Diamonds

The Rolling Stones’ Hackney Diamonds is the #1 Album for 2024 New Oldies Countdown.  I have an expression that every band has one good album left in them. But I had my doubts when it came to Hackney Diamonds and The Rolling Stones. One of my big doubts was the loss of Charlie Watts, who I viewed as the steady hand of the Stones. I had more doubts when the first single, Angry was released as it was mediocre. When I listened to the rest of the album, my doubts were removed.

The Rolling Stones get some help on this album. It features guest contributions from Elton John (Get Close, Live By the Sword), Lady Gaga (Sweet Sound of Heaven), Paul McCartney (Bite My Head Off), and Stevie Wonder (Sweet Sounds of Heaven). Perhaps the biggest surprise was the return of Bill Wyman. Wyman recently turned 87 years old and was long retired from the band. Wyman’s bass shines on Live by the Sword – a track that is quintessential Rolling Stones.

While the lead track Angry didn’t do it for me, things pick up with the second track Get Close and it doesn’t let up. The last two tracks of this album are epic. Sweet Sounds of Heaven is simply epic. Lady Gaga does vocals on this track and delivers an emotionally charged performance with Mick Jagger. It might be her best vocal performance I’ve heard.

There seems to be plenty of instances where the Stones go back to their blues roots, but perhaps none more-so than the closing track Rolling Stone Blues. This is the Stones’ take on Muddy Waters’ classic Rollin’ Stone. This is classic vintage blues. After the epic Sweet Sounds of Heaven, it’s almost like the Stones are going home and going back to their roots. If the Stones call it a career after this album, I wouldn’t be upset.

It should be noted while this is the first album since Watt’s passing, his drum tracks still can be heard on Live by the Sword and Mess It Up.

Even with one mediocre track, the rest of Hackney Diamonds is incredible. In the end this is the New Oldies #1 Track.