The Rolling Stones Hackney Diamonds
Review: A Classic Rock Comeback
The Stones Return With Their First Album in 18 Years
The The Rolling Stones have made serious noise in the music world with the release of Hackney Diamonds, their first studio album in 18 years. After nearly two decades away from recording new material together, the big question was always going to be: could the Stones still capture that legendary magic?
Surprisingly, the answer is yes.
When your back catalogue includes timeless classics like Paint It Black
and Wild Horses
, expectations are naturally sky-high. Fans don’t just want a new album - they want that unmistakable Rolling Stones swagger. Thankfully, Hackney Diamonds delivers exactly that.
Back to Basics Rock’n’Roll
From the opening track to the closing notes, Hackney Diamonds feels like a return to the raw foundations of classic Stones records. The production is stripped back and refreshingly straightforward, allowing the rhythm section, guitar riffs, bluesy licks, and piano flourishes to take centre stage.
It sounds like a band playing together in a room again - loose, energetic, and completely alive.
That old-school approach works brilliantly here. There’s no overthinking, no desperate attempt to chase modern trends, just honest rock’n’roll from musicians who know exactly what they do best.
Paul McCartney, Elton John and Lady Gaga Join the Party
One of the biggest talking points surrounding Hackney Diamonds is its impressive lineup of guest musicians.
For pure rock history alone, hearing Paul McCartney finally appear on a Rolling Stones track feels special. McCartney plays bass on the explosive Bit My Head Off, bringing extra bite and energy to one of the album’s heaviest moments.
The collaborations don’t stop there. Elton John adds his trademark piano style to Get Close
, while Lady Gaga delivers a powerful performance on Sweet Sounds Of Heaven
. The track also features the legendary Stevie Wonder on keyboards, creating one of the album’s standout moments.
A Tribute to Charlie Watts
Hackney Diamonds is also the first Rolling Stones album released following the death of longtime drummer Charlie Watts. Even so, Watts’ presence is still deeply felt throughout the record.
Previously recorded drum parts from Charlie appear on Mess It Up
and Live By The Sword
, giving fans one final reminder of his effortless style and cool presence behind the kit.
Adding even more nostalgia, former Stones bassist Bill Wyman returns on Live By The Sword, briefly reuniting the band’s classic rhythm section.
Final Verdict: Hackney Diamonds Delivers Exactly What Fans Want
At its core, Hackney Diamonds is everything a Rolling Stones album should be. It’s gritty, loud, bluesy, confident, and packed with the kind of rock’n’roll hooks the band have perfected over decades.
There’s no reinvention here - and honestly, there doesn’t need to be.
The Stones know their audience, and after more than 20 studio albums, they understand exactly how to deliver a satisfying rock record. Hackney Diamonds may not reinvent the wheel, but it absolutely proves that The Rolling Stones still know how to make a great rock’n’roll album.
