The Rolling Stones: Into Their Golden Era (1969–1974)

The Rolling Stones: Into Their Golden Era (1969–1974)

Mike Bell

 

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Few bands have managed to encapsulate the essence of rock and roll quite like The Rolling Stones. Throughout their decades-spanning career, the group has weathered countless shifts in musical styles and industry changes. But when it comes to pinpointing their most creative period, the consensus among critics and die-hard fans zeroes in on a specific five-year window: 1969 to 1974. This was a time when The Rolling Stones not only defined their sound but also cemented their place in rock history with a series of genre-defining albums.

Why 1969-1974 Stands Out as The Stones' Creative Peak

The late 60s were a turbulent time for the band. The death of founding member Brian Jones and the arrival of virtuoso guitarist Mick Taylor marked a turning point. Taylor’s joining in 1969 ushered in a new era for the Stones, blending his fluid, blues-inflected lead guitar work with the raw power of Keith Richards’ rhythm playing. This partnership pushed the band beyond their blues roots into more sophisticated territory, exploring a diverse range of sounds and themes. What emerged from this chemistry were three of their most critically acclaimed records: Let It Bleed (1969), Sticky Fingers (1971), and Exile on Main St. (1972).

The creative evolution was as much about the band’s internal dynamics as it was about the external influences of the era. The late 60s and early 70s were a period of intense social and political upheaval, and The Rolling Stones, always known for their ability to tap into the zeitgeist, reflected this turbulence in their music. From the decadence of "Midnight Rambler" to the wearied resignation of "You Can't Always Get What You Want," their lyrics captured the uncertainty and unrest of the age. The music itself became a melting pot of rock, blues, country, and soul, drawing on American roots music in a way that felt both authentic and daringly innovative.

Inside The Recording Process: A Band in Its Element

One of the most fascinating aspects of The Rolling Stones during this period was their unconventional recording process. Sessions were often chaotic and improvisational, driven by the band’s almost alchemical ability to transform jam sessions into iconic tracks. Keith Richards’ penchant for loose, groove-based guitar playing served as the backbone, while Mick Jagger’s knack for penning incisive lyrics provided the narrative framework. But The Rolling Stones were never a two-man show.

The role of the rhythm section—Charlie Watts on drums and Bill Wyman on bass—cannot be overstated. Watts’ impeccable sense of timing and understated drumming style laid the foundation for every song, giving the band its trademark swagger. Wyman’s melodic basslines, meanwhile, added depth and complexity. It’s telling that the band often worked best when the members were physically separated, only to come together in the studio to hammer out the final details. The result was a sound that was both polished and ferociously alive.

This period also marked the height of The Rolling Stones’ collaboration with outside musicians, a practice that set them apart from many of their contemporaries. Pianist Nicky Hopkins’ lyrical playing graced numerous tracks, adding a sense of grandeur and texture to songs like “Angie” and “Loving Cup.” Saxophonist Bobby Keys became almost an unofficial band member, with his raunchy solos punctuating hits like “Brown Sugar.” Each guest musician brought a unique flavour to the mix, broadening the sonic palette of the band without diluting their core identity.

The Impact of Guest Musicians on The Stones’ Sound

What made these collaborations so impactful was the way The Rolling Stones integrated these musicians into their creative process. Rather than relegating them to the role of sidemen, the band often built entire songs around a particular guest’s strengths. Take Merry Clayton’s unforgettable vocal turn on “Gimme Shelter,” for example. Her chilling scream of “Rape, murder! It’s just a shot away” elevated the track from a mere anti-war anthem to something visceral and timeless, embodying the chaos and dread of the late 60s.

Similarly, Billy Preston’s funk-inflected keyboard work added a fresh energy to tracks like “Can’t You Hear Me Knocking” and “Shine a Light,” pushing the Stones into uncharted musical territory. These contributions weren’t just decorative; they were integral to the band’s creative success, turning great songs into masterpieces.

The Decline: What Happened After 1974?

Every golden era must come to an end, and for The Rolling Stones, the creative magic began to wane after Mick Taylor’s departure in 1974. The reasons for the decline were manifold. Keith Richards’ escalating heroin addiction was certainly a factor, as it disrupted the band’s workflow and complicated personal relationships. By the mid-70s, Richards was embroiled in drug-related legal troubles that threatened the band’s very existence.

At the same time, Mick Jagger’s focus began to shift. Jagger, always more attuned to the broader cultural shifts than Richards, started pursuing solo projects and mingling more with the social elite, drawing criticism for becoming too detached from the band’s roots. As a result, the music started to lose some of its earlier grit and authenticity. The addition of Ron Wood in 1975 brought a different energy, and while Wood’s amiable personality fit well with the band’s ethos, his style never quite matched the sophistication and intensity that Taylor brought to the group.

The Stones’ Legacy: Why the 1969-1974 Era Endures

Today, the 1969-1974 period is widely celebrated as The Rolling Stones’ golden era for a reason. The music created during these years transcends its time, capturing the essence of rock and roll in its purest form: wild, unpredictable, and utterly compelling. Albums like Exile on Main St. continue to be dissected and re-evaluated, not just as historical artefacts, but as living, breathing works of art that still have the power to surprise and inspire.

What sets this era apart is the sheer audacity of the music. The Stones were never content to play it safe. They took risks, embraced chaos, and, in the process, created some of the most enduring songs in the rock canon. In a world that often celebrates polish and perfection, The Rolling Stones during this period remind us that sometimes, the best art comes from rawness and imperfection.

So, whether you’re a long-time fan or a curious newcomer, diving into the Stones’ output from 1969 to 1974 is an essential journey. It’s a window into a time when rock music was more than just entertainment—it was a force of nature, capable of reflecting the darkest corners of society and illuminating the beauty within the chaos.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How many albums have the Rolling Stones released?

The Rolling Stones have released a vast catalogue of music, including:

  • 31 studio albums
  • 13 live albums
  • 28 compilation albums
  • 3 extended plays
  • 122 singles

They have also released numerous box sets, video albums and music videos.

2. What are their best-selling albums?

Some of the Rolling Stones' best-selling albums include:

  • Sticky Fingers (1971): This iconic album features classic tracks like "Brown Sugar" and "Wild Horses," and is known for its Andy Warhol-designed zipper cover.
  • Exile on Main St. (1972): A double album widely considered one of their best, Exile is a sprawling work that blends blues, rock and roll, and country influences.
  • Some Girls (1978): This album marked a return to form for the band and included hits like "Miss You" and "Beast of Burden."
  • Tattoo You (1981): Featuring the smash hit "Start Me Up", Tattoo You became one of their biggest commercial successes.

3. What record labels have the Rolling Stones been signed to?

The Rolling Stones' recording history has spanned several labels:

  • Decca Records (UK) and London Records (US): 1963-1970. Decca was their initial UK label and London was its US subsidiary.
  • Rolling Stones Records: 1971-1992. The band formed their own label, distributed through various partners like WEA, EMI, and CBS.
  • Virgin Records: 1993-2006. They signed with Virgin for a period.
  • Universal Music Group: 2007-present. This is their current label.

4. Who owns the rights to the Rolling Stones' music?

The ownership of the Rolling Stones' music catalogue is split:

  • Pre-1971 recordings: Owned by ABKCO Records. This includes their early hits.
  • Post-1970 recordings: Owned by the Rolling Stones themselves. They retained rights to all music made after forming their own label.

5. What is their most recognisable single?

"(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction" is arguably the Rolling Stones' most iconic single. Released in 1965, it became a global hit and is considered a rock and roll anthem. Its distinctive guitar riff and rebellious lyrics made it a cultural phenomenon.

6. How many number-one hits have the Rolling Stones had?

On the Billboard Hot 100 chart, the Rolling Stones have had eight singles reach the number one spot. These include "Satisfaction", "Paint It Black", "Honky Tonk Women", and "Brown Sugar". They have also achieved numerous top ten hits throughout their career.

7. What was The Rolling Stones Rock and Roll Circus?

The Rolling Stones Rock and Roll Circus was a 1968 concert film featuring the Rolling Stones, along with other legendary acts like The Who, John Lennon, and Eric Clapton. It was conceived as a BBC television special but was shelved for years due to various reasons. The film eventually saw a release in 1996 and has become a cult classic.

8. Have the Rolling Stones released any official bootlegs?

Yes, the Rolling Stones have embraced the bootleg culture by releasing a series of official live recordings under the "From the Vault" collection. These releases offer fans a glimpse into the band's live performances throughout their history, with high-quality audio and video recordings of concerts from different eras.

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1 comment

Mick Taylor only mentioned as a band member who died at the end of the peak period in question is a HUGE miss in this otherwise good piece.

Tom Ganski

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