Cameron Schrock

This album initally comes off with a kind of ugly modern feel to the sound quality, but after a couple listens where you pay attention to what's actually being played and sung, it's very easy to move past that (plus, the final song, a cover of the song which gave the group its name, has a much more authentic quality to it). The lead single, 'Angry', is a hell of an ear-worm, and there are numerous layers to this album. It's easily their best since the '80s, and probably the end of their studio work. I saw a reviewer on Youtube greatly criticize the tracks, claiming them as subpar and claiming that the lyrics made no sense and seemed to be "written by AI". This idea is absurd - the lyrics fit the individual songs well and do make sense, there is no reason the Rolling Stones, who have had like two decades to figure out new lyrics, didn't write their own stuff for what is likely their LAST STUDIO ALBUM, which features their DEAD DRUMMER and a whole host of high-profile musicians. There would be no reason for them to damage their legacy and final piece of work like that. And knowing they've written lyrics like the ones that open "Can't You Hear Me Knocking", you can't really argue about them making much sense anyways. Rock borrows from the blues (especially Stones rock), and the blues have a history of using the voice for its sounds and feel just as much as for its words. Lyrics don't always need to make sense. Anyways, the album is an absolute banger, especially when it's cranked up loud, and there are instant classics all over this thing, just give it a decade or two. I personally love all of the tracks, with the weakest ones probably being Get Close, Driving Me Too Hard, and Tell Me Straight, and my personal favourite probably being Mess It Up (definitely check out the disco remix too, it's also fantastic!). The track order makes a lot of sense, and the final two tracks are a great way to end not only an album, but a career. Pick this thing up and give your ears a few weeks to let the tracks cook, and soon you'll be in love.