These three albums were released consecutively, and are linked through songs carried over from recording sessions held back as far the early 1970s. When the Stones entered the recording studio to prepare for an album, they recorded far more than they used, and material was held over for future albums. Do these three albums sound similar? Yes and no. The singles from each album have unique elements as the Stones incorporated contemporary sounds, but generally the album tracks do sound similar, and that any of them could have appeared on any of the three albums. Same writing style, same production and same vibe.
The Stones embraced that grungy, loose, slimmed down production with shorter songs with a focus on guitars with a minimum of distorting effects. Little use of keyboards or horns. Shorter hair (relatively speaking), thin ties and fashionable attire. Were they punk, new wave or garage rock? I believe more of the latter.
Some Girls (1978)
Produced by Jagger/Richards, engineered by Chris Kimsey. Recorded in Paris, 1977-78.
After a very mixed reception to Black & Blue, the Stones sought to tighten their sound and somewhat follow the trend with rougher, more energetic guitars. Jagger had been working on his playing and strapped on for this album.
Some of the songs are really good, others fair, but in its entirety, a very good album. It’s a time capsule of where the band was, it had certainly changed after Mick Taylor left. Some Girls has Woody onboard for the entire album and it shows the interplay between him and Richards. They complement each other so well. This is more of a garage band type of record, not sloppy, but loose and raw. The next two albums would extend this swagger, in part because of songs started or held over for those albums.
“Miss You” was Jagger wanting to be current. Disco Stones. Not a popular move with everyone, but it was a very successful single and it sold the album. The harp and sax solos are outstanding.
“When the Whip Comes Down” is quite the rousing song. A three guitar attack with Jagger now playing guitar. Not a deep song lyrically, but it’s a driving rock song.
“Just My Imagination (Running Away with Me)” a cover of The Temptations song. For a cover it’s rough around the edges, which fits perfectly.
“Some Girls” not a song that has aged well. Sexist to say the least.
“Lies” is another hard rocking, three guitar song. Nothing profound in this song either lyrically or musically. It fits into the overall vibe of the album, but isn’t special.
“Far Away Eyes” the country ballad. Fair.
“Respectable” fairly generic Stones rocker, the video had them doing the punk rocker thing, thrashing about and Jagger using his guitar to break through a flimsy wall into the next set. All theater.
“Before They Make Me Run” features Richards on lead vocals. Average, he’s written better songs, but also lesser ones.
“Beast of Burden” a top ten single, not terribly inventive, but a smooth ballad. Written primarily by Richards as a thank you to Jagger for shouldering the load during Richards’ recent drug problems.
“Shattered” released as a single, incredibly reached number 31 on the U.S. chart. Why do people like this song. I love the Stones but this song is trash. Never liked it, never will.
Emotional Rescue (1980)
Produced by Jagger/Richards, associate producer and engineer Chris Kimsey. Recorded in Paris, New York, Nassau in the Bahamas. Some hold over material from other album sessions. If you liked Some Girls you should feel right at home, this is more of the same. Unfortunately, it’s exactly the same.
“Dance (Pt. 1)” I always liked this song, with the dance beat and noisy guitar. It’s funky and messy, and some great Bobby Keys sax. Finally a co-writing credit for Ronnie Wood.
“Summer Romance” is a high kicking tune with the usual energy and snarling guitars. It fits the Stones template.
“Send it to Me” has a faux-reggae groove and Jagger’s silly voice inflection. Okay it’s different.
“Indian Girl” is a slow paced ballad with a steady Charlie beat and achy piano, Mick sounding plaintive.
“Let Me Go” moves along with a quick Charlie beat and ringing guitars. Again, too familiar sounding.
“Down in the Hole” a slow, bluesy groove with a sad harp. At least there is some guitar picking, not the incendiary Mick Taylor or Eric Clapton kind.
“All About You” gives Richards an opportunity to behind the microphone. It’s a slow, soulful song. Keef finally gives the album some genuine emotion. A bit of horns.
“Where the Boys Go” another wind-up song with grinding guitars and a steady Charlie beat. What is this about? Another formula Stones beater.
“She’s So Cold” I dislike this song as much as “Shattered.”
“Emotional Rescue” is a very good song, another Jagger effort at being contemporary. It still sounds good.
I understand now why this album sits at the back of my collection. A couple of songs are very good, the others, not so much.
Tattoo You (1981)
Recorded in 1972, 1975, 1978, 1980, 1981 at various locations in France, New York, Nassau in the Bahamas. An album of spare parts, sprinkled with some new material.
This album was a big seller for the Stones. That’s surprising because of using songs from earlier sessions, but a win is a win.
“Start Me Up” became an anthem for sports teams. Regarded as a Stones classic. Of their riff songs, this always struck me as one of their weakest, which proves that I can be wrong.
“Hang Fire” a moderately enjoyable song.
“Slave” a different drum sound and beat, guitars with a different effect, an interesting song. The longer version is nice.
“Little T & A” another song that hasn’t aged well. The music is fine, the lyrics are stupid. Sorry Keef. Swing and miss.
“Black Limousine” the required blues retread. I like the attempt at an impressive solo. A Ronnie Wood co-write.
“Neighbours” nothing impressive here, another generic rocker.
“Worried About You” a slow, soulful rocker. One of the better songs here.
“Tops” another song attempt at a Motown soul tune. A decent listen.
“Heaven” I had forgotten how good this song is. Different groove, different guitar sound. Smooth and soulful.
“No Use in Crying” the song starts in a promising direction, but then just repeats instead of becoming fully realized. Disappointing. A Ronnie Wood co-write.
“Waiting on a Friend” I do like this song a lot. Finally breaking the template. Nicely placed as the closer.
Ticket 2 Ride 
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