Album Review: “Some Girls” By The Rolling Stones

The Stones’ 1978 album, Some Girls, was shaped in relation to the music of its era. Incorporating the relevant sound of punk, disco, and new wave, the band modified their classic rock sound effortlessly. This crossroads of influence, technology, and technique led to Some Girls becoming a major commercial success. Ronnie Wood was also added to the lineup, providing guitar support for Keith Richards. And while the recording plight was challenging due to substance abuse issues prevalent in the band, Mick Jagger’s spearheading efforts took them to greater heights.

The album opens with “Miss You”, containing a circular riff and a distinct sax solo. Following it is “When The Whip Comes Down”, driven by Richards’ riff and lyrically follows the story of a gay hustler and the American urban scene. “Imagination” is a  cover of a song that the Temptations once touched, primed anew with an organ section to boot. “Some Girls” is unapologetically diverse with its jump from folk, acid, blues – you name it, it has it. “Lies” ends the first side with an exotic run, its consistent cadence and unclear direction making up its charm.

“Far Away Eyes” is a weak entry to start side two, but “Respectable” makes up for it with a catchy punk rhythm. “Before They Make Me Run” is a Richards number as he goes the outlaw route to address his personal demons. The classic hit “Beast Of Burden” is a convenient blues song that has Wood and Richards go all out on their interlaced guitar parts, while Jagger dishes his best vocal work to bare. Album closer “Shattered” tames everything down with its indulgent disco arrangement.

Some Girls was a landmark album for the Stones in America, becoming their bestselling record on US soil to date.