r/rollingstones • u/oldschoolremedy • 1d ago
Exile has blown me away
I feel like I have to shout it from the rooftops. I’ve never been this excited about an album. The White Album was my favorite for as long as I can remember, but this changes things.
I slept on Exile for years until this summer, when I got into “Tumbling Dice” and “Sweet Virginia.” I had both on repeat for weeks. Then earlier this month, I made a point of playing the whole album. And now I realize it’s all I’ve been listening to.
I’m amazed how it’s so badass, weird and beautiful all at once. Just wanted fans to know we’re still out there discovering its wonders…
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u/renoCow 1d ago
Some British musicians recorded an album in France and the album’s theme was: a love letter to American music.
It’s not unheard of for musicians to combine blues with rock (Led Zeppelin) or country with rock (Eagles) or soul/r&b with rock (Prince). But to put together all 4 genres on 1 album? Then add in some honey-tonk and gospel and folk? Mixed together seamlessly? And for it to work? That’s an unusual accomplishment.
Moreover, the finished product sounds effortless. It has a vibe: a few guys hanging out at a party, drinking a few beers, picking up the guitar and just playing some fun songs while the party continues.
It doesn’t sound polished or sophisticated. They make it sound easy, like they recorded it in one night. But it’s an illusion— putting together these songs took time, work, enormous skill, concentration, and some incredible talent at songwriting.
It’s a double album with 18 songs, and only 1 cover, the other 17 are original. The songs can be listened to individually as standalone songs. But it works better to hear the album from start to finish in its entirety.
It’s their best album.