The Rolling Stones - Some Girls
By the late 1970s, some critics wondered if The Rolling Stones were losing their edge, adrift amidst changing musical tides. Then came 1978's Some Girls – a lean, mean, revitalized statement that saw the band embracing the raw energy of punk and the infectious grooves of disco, all while retaining their signature rock 'n' roll swagger. It was a stunning return to form and one of their most vibrant, contemporary-sounding albums.
New York Energy: Punk and Disco
Recorded largely in Paris but heavily influenced by the sounds pulsating through New York City at the time, Some Girls captured a raw, urgent energy. The burgeoning punk scene clearly lit a fire under the band, evident in the speed and aggression of tracks like "Respectable" and "Shattered." Simultaneously, they couldn't ignore the allure of disco, resulting in the massive, four-on-the-floor hit "Miss You," featuring Mick Jagger's falsetto and Bill Wyman's iconic bassline.
The addition of Ronnie Wood as a full-time member solidified the twin-guitar weave with Keith Richards, bringing a new dynamic to their sound. The production was stripped-down compared to some of their mid-70s efforts, giving the album a rawer, more immediate feel.
Classic Stones, Modern Edge
While embracing new sounds, the Stones didn't abandon their roots. The title track, "Some Girls," is classic Stones observational sleaze, albeit controversial for its lyrics. "Beast of Burden" became one of their most beloved ballads, a soulful, weary plea showcasing the Jagger/Richards chemistry. They dipped into country with the pedal-steel-inflected "Far Away Eyes" (delivered with tongue firmly in cheek) and revisited blues territory with their cover of The Temptations' "Just My Imagination (Running Away with Me)."
The album felt like a snapshot of a band rediscovering their hunger, absorbing the sounds around them and filtering them through their unique rock 'n' roll lens. Jagger's vocal performances were particularly strong, shifting effortlessly between punk sneer, disco croon, and soulful balladry.
A Reaffirmation
Some Girls was a huge critical and commercial success, silencing doubters and proving The Rolling Stones were still relevant and vital. It topped the charts and became their best-selling studio album in the US. The iconic, controversial album cover, featuring celebrity faces in a wig advertisement layout, only added to its notoriety.
It remains a fan favorite and a high point in the Stones' vast catalog – a dynamic, energetic, and brilliantly executed album that captured a specific cultural moment while sounding timelessly Stones.