Description
The Rolling Stones – A Bigger Bang – Half Speed Mastered Double 180 Gram Vinyl Record
The Rolling Stones’ A Bigger Bang, released on September 5, 2005, is the band’s 22nd British and 24th American studio album. Often hailed as a return to their raw, stripped-down rock roots, A Bigger Bang showcases the Stones’ enduring ability to craft energetic and emotive rock music over four decades into their career. It was their first studio album of original material since Bridges to Babylon (1997), marking an eight-year gap that heightened anticipation among fans and critics.
With standout tracks like Rough Justice, Streets of Love, and Rain Fall Down, the album balances hard-hitting rockers with introspective ballads. A Bigger Bang received critical acclaim for its focused production and strong songwriting, often compared to the band’s classic albums from the late 1960s and early 1970s. It also sparked a massively successful tour, further solidifying the Stones’ reputation as rock’s most enduring and electrifying act.
Following the extensive Bridges to Babylon tour and the release of several live albums and compilations, the Rolling Stones took time apart to focus on individual projects. By the early 2000s, the band reunited with a renewed sense of purpose. The recording process for A Bigger Bang was notably streamlined compared to their more elaborate productions of the past. Mick Jagger and Keith Richards handled most of the writing and instrumentation, with producer Don Was providing a cohesive and straightforward sonic approach.
The album was recorded primarily in Mick Jagger’s home studio in France, with fewer collaborators than on previous albums. Longtime bassist Bill Wyman had left the band in the early 1990s, leaving Darryl Jones as the Stones’ touring bassist, though Jagger and Richards performed many of the bass parts on the album. Drummer Charlie Watts also overcame a recent battle with throat cancer to contribute his signature rhythms, adding emotional weight to the record.
Musically, A Bigger Bang strips away the glossy production and experimental elements of some of the Stones’ late-career albums, returning to the raw, guitar-driven rock and blues that defined their classic era. The album’s sound is lean and unadorned, with an emphasis on Keith Richards’ riff-heavy guitar work and Jagger’s dynamic vocal performances. The production is tight yet organic, capturing the band’s chemistry and live energy.
The album spans a range of styles, from blistering rock anthems to soulful ballads, funk-infused grooves, and bluesy jams. The lyrics reflect the band’s maturity, touching on themes of love, aging, resilience, and political critique, while retaining the rebellious edge that has always been a hallmark of the Stones’ music.
Track Highlights
Rough Justice
Opening with a thunderous riff, this hard-hitting track is pure Stones, with raw energy and Jagger’s playful, cheeky lyrics. The song’s straightforward rock-and-roll style recalls the band’s early blues-rock roots.
Let Me Down Slow
A mid-tempo rocker with a bittersweet edge, this track features melodic guitar lines and reflective lyrics about love and regret.
It Won’t Take Long
Driven by Richards’ gritty guitar work, this energetic song showcases the band’s ability to fuse urgency with a sing-along chorus, giving it a timeless feel.
Rain Fall Down
A funky, groove-heavy track with a modern sheen, Rain Fall Down mixes urban imagery with infectious rhythms. Jagger’s sultry delivery adds a layer of sophistication to the track.
Streets of Love
One of the album’s more emotional moments, this power ballad features a heartfelt vocal performance from Jagger and lush instrumentation. The song’s introspective lyrics and anthemic quality make it a standout.
Back of My Hand
A stripped-down blues track reminiscent of the Stones’ early influences, Back of My Hand highlights Jagger’s slide guitar playing and raw, impassioned vocals.
She Saw Me Coming
This playful, upbeat track pairs Richards’ jangly guitar lines with Jagger’s flirtatious lyrics, capturing the band’s signature swagger.
Biggest Mistake
A reflective ballad that explores themes of love and regret, Biggest Mistake features a tender melody and introspective lyrics, showcasing a more vulnerable side of the band.
This Place Is Empty
Keith Richards takes the lead on this soulful, acoustic-driven ballad. His raspy vocals and understated delivery give the track a raw, heartfelt charm.
Oh No, Not You Again
A fast-paced, riff-heavy rocker that channels the Stones’ rebellious energy. Its infectious energy makes it a fan favorite, reminiscent of their classic live sound.
Dangerous Beauty
A funky, biting critique of political and social hypocrisy, this track pairs provocative lyrics with a driving rhythm and sharp guitar work.
Laugh, I Nearly Died
One of the album’s most introspective and emotional tracks, Laugh, I Nearly Died features haunting vocals and a deeply resonant melody.
Sweet Neo Con
A rare foray into overt political commentary, this controversial track critiques U.S. politics with biting lyrics and a bluesy groove. Its directness sparked significant attention upon the album’s release.
Look What the Cat Dragged In
A funky, high-energy song that blends playful lyrics with a tight groove, showing the band’s ability to inject humor and vitality into their music.
Driving Too Fast
A classic Stones rocker with a propulsive beat and fiery guitar riffs. It’s a straightforward, adrenaline-fueled track that channels the band’s raw energy.
Infamy
Closing the album, this bluesy, laid-back track features Keith Richards on lead vocals. Its slinky groove and understated style offer a fitting end to the record.
A Bigger Bang explores a variety of themes, from love and heartbreak to political critique and existential reflection. Tracks like Rough Justice and Oh No, Not You Again exude classic Stones swagger, while Streets of Love and Biggest Mistake delve into vulnerability and regret. The album also tackles broader societal themes, with Sweet Neo Con delivering a rare dose of political commentary, reflecting the Stones’ ability to remain socially relevant.
The album’s title, A Bigger Bang, alludes to the Big Bang theory, symbolizing the band’s enduring creative energy and impact. It also underscores the Stones’ ability to remain explosive and vital in their fifth decade as a band.
A Bigger Bang received widespread acclaim upon its release, with many critics praising its raw, back-to-basics approach and strong songwriting. It was hailed as the Stones’ best album in decades, with comparisons drawn to their classic works like Exile on Main St. and Some Girls. The album debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard 200 and reached No. 2 on the UK Albums Chart, reaffirming the band’s global appeal.
The accompanying A Bigger Bang Tour (2005–2007) was one of the most successful tours in history, grossing over $558 million and showcasing the Stones’ unparalleled ability to captivate live audiences. Tracks from the album, particularly Rough Justice and Rain Fall Down, became staples of the band’s setlists.
A Bigger Bang underscored the Rolling Stones’ enduring relevance in the 21st century. Its mix of raw rock-and-roll energy and introspective depth appealed to longtime fans while introducing the band to a new generation. The album’s political edge, particularly on Sweet Neo Con, demonstrated the Stones’ willingness to engage with contemporary issues, proving their music could still resonate in a changing world.
The success of the A Bigger Bang Tour further cemented the Stones’ status as the definitive stadium rock band, setting new standards for live performances and global tours.
Half-Speed Mastered Audio
Finest Quality Vinyl Pressing
180Gram Black Double Vinyl
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic sealed
Track Listing
Rough Justice
Let Me Down Slow
It Won’t Take Long
Rain Fall Down
Streets Of Love
Back Of My Hand
She Saw Me Coming
Biggest Mistake
This Place Is Empty
Oh No Not You Again
Dangerous Beauty
Laugh, I Nearly Died
Sweet Neo Con
Look What The Cat Dragged In
Driving Too Fast
Infamy
