It's very hard to separate The Rolling Stones from Mick Jagger. You say one name and you immediately think of the other. It's even harder for someone like Mick to put out solo releases and have people listen to them without comparing these songs to what he has done in The Rolling Stones. Mick still insists on putting out the occasional solo release between releases by The Stones. His first was 1985's "She's The Boss". Not necessarily the most memorable album that Mick has produced, this was recorded during a time when the future of The Stones was in serious jeapordy. Things improved with 1987's "Primitive Cool"; a release that featured the guitar work of Jeff Beck. But Mick's last release from nearly 8 years ago, "Wandering Spirit", made you wonder why he wasn't just saving the best material to help make a really good Rolling Stones album. I guess I have the same question about his latest, "Goddess in the Doorway". Scheduled for release on November 20th, this release is so frustrating to me because it's such a good cd! Why in the world wouldn't he put the effort in with Keith Richards to produce a very good Stones album?
"Dancing in the Starlight" is the first song to get my attention. Sounding like something The Stones would have done in the late 70's, this song is a danceable and well produced. The effortless bass flows along with Mick's timeless voice. A slight splash of strings in the background gives the song just enough punch. This song is a good example of what separates the basic guitar, bass, and drum sound of The Rolling Stones with the more elaborate and and multi instrumental solo-Mick. Michael Jackson's new single is a pale immitation when compared to "Hide Away". This is the style of song that he probably wishes he still could do. The funky, and almost reggae sounding tune shows Mick "threatening" to "fly away... and no one's going to find me" and "wear some fake disguise and change the color of my eyes". You almost get the feeling that Mick means what he says here; was this his true feelings after his break with Jerry Hall? In many spots on this release, Mick seems to downplay the role of the guitar. Guitars take a slight back seat in the mix to "Don't Call Me Up". A surprisingly mellow song, heavy orchestration and piano complements Micks vocals extremely well. Guitars do make a prominent return on the very heavy "God Gave Me Everything". This song is far removed from The Stones sound with its almost "heavy metal" effect, but Mick makes it work. Another favorite of mine is "Everybody's Getting High". This is one song that would sound great with the other Stone's playing along! I know that Pete Townshend makes a few appearances on this cd, and it definitely sounds like he's playing on this song. This track is a pure guitar-driven sonic effect that is another great dance number. Not a lot of subject matter here with the lyrics, but then again some of Mick's greatest tunes have only dealt with chasing women and having a lot of fun! Glad to see that Mick Jagger, fast approaching his 60th birthday, still shows plenty of spunk and still has the desire to compete with all of the younger band and singers out there.
Of the four solo releases that Mick Jagger has put out, this is easily my favorite. This is even a more consistent release than the last two Rolling Stone studio albums. Mick's giant ego still inspires him to record his own material, but I can't complain much when the quality is this good. I hope he has saved a few "weapons" to add to the next Stones release to make it a little more memorable!
