Album Review: “Out Of Our Heads” By The Rolling Stones

While the Stones were still mostly doing covers with their 1965 album Out Of Our Heads, the band had already proved a point with regards to its musical prowess. It’s worth mentioning that their originals have now reached a level comparable to the band’s influences, in turn becoming a point of reference for future acts. In this review, we will be tackling the US version of the album, which is more recognized by most people.

Opening the album is an R&B cover of “Mercy, Mercy”, its recurring riff driving the song while high-pitched vocals hold the curtains for the song to progress. “Hitch Hike” follows with its gimmicky rhythm and a neat guitar solo, whereas “The Last Time” is an original cut with its folky-blues-pop infusion, becoming one of the band’s biggest hits. “That’s How Strong My Love Is” is the band’s attempt at soul, “Good Times” by Sam Cooke is given justice by Jaggers’ vocal capabilities, and “I’m All Right” is a charged rocker that ends way too soon.

The second side starts off with “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction”, which is probably the Stones’ most popular song – and a landmark in classic rock. “Cry To Me” offsets the energetic mood of the previous track with its dreary ballad format, while “The Under Assistant West Coast Promotional Man” is pure blues, with Brian Jones’ harmonica driving the song. “Play With Fire” carries a heavy folk run that shows the extent of the band’s musical capabilities. “The Spider and the Fly” features lush instruments and had great potential, while “One More Try” sports a boogie-woogie arrangement catering to their homecourt’s pop taste.

Out Of Our Heads was a momentous move of the band as it tried to break into the scene with more and more original material. It paid off quite well, becoming the first US album of the Stones to reach number one in the US charts.