Introduction
"Primitive Cool" is the 2nd solo album by the Rolling Stones' frontman, Mick Jagger. Released on September 14, 1987, the album was a follow-up to Jagger's launching solo effort, "She's in charge". In spite of boasting an outstanding list of musicians, "Primitive Cool" failed to live up to commercial expectations, receiving mixed reviews from music critics. Nevertheless, it does offer some intriguing insights into Jagger's musical motivations and artistic direction throughout this duration outside of the Rolling Stones.
Motivation and Musical Style
Throughout the 1980s, Mick Jagger intended to establish himself as a solo artist in addition to his deal with the Rolling Stones. Showing the era's trendy synth-pop noise, "Primitive Cool" is defined by polished production, heavy use of synthesizers, and elements of dance music alongside Jagger's unique rock 'n' roll swagger. Lyrically, the album touches on styles of fame, love, and aging, showing Jagger's own experiences as an aging rock star.
The album includes a lineup of skilled musicians, including Jeff Beck, G. E. Smith, Simon Phillips, Dave Stewart, and Pete Townshend, to name a few. These partners assisted to produce a varied noise throughout the record, including whatever from straight-ahead rockers to emotional ballads and dance grooves.
Notable Tracks
"Primitive Cool" includes 10 tracks, each showcasing a various element of Jagger's musical personality. The album kicks off with the energetic "Throwaway", a catchy, uptempo rock tune about discarding shallow relationships in favor of authentic connections. Other standout tracks include "Let's Work", a transmittable dance number with a strong message about the importance of cooperation and effort, and "Say You Will", a synth-laden pop-rock track that reflects the age's musical trends.
The album's title track, "Primitive Cool", uses a more introspective side of Jagger's songwriting, exploring the battle to preserve one's identity in a world filled with distractions and temptations. "Kow Tow", one of the album's more speculative tracks, features Eastern-inspired instrumentation and lyrics about submission to a greater power. The album closer, "War Baby", is a wholehearted ballad that resolves world conflict and the significance of empathy and understanding.
Reception and Legacy
Upon its release, "Primitive Cool" received blended reviews from critics, who applauded Jagger's songwriting and musicianship but felt the album did not have the raw energy and edge of the Rolling Stones. In spite of its moderate industrial success, reaching # 41 on the UK Albums Chart and # 26 on the United States Billboard 200, the album stopped working to match the appeal and praise of the vocalist's deal with his primary band.
Despite its underwhelming efficiency, "Primitive Cool" stays an intriguing look into the evolution of Mick Jagger's musical identity during the 1980s. Functioning as a time pill of sorts, the album echoes the zeitgeist of the period, and its diverse range of songs supplies a platform for Jagger's flexible talents as a musician. Though it may not be a vital masterpiece, "Primitive Cool" captures Mick Jagger experimenting with brand-new noises and concepts, even more cementing his status as an enduring and prominent artist on the planet of rock music.
Artist: Mick Jagger
Mick Jagger, founder and lead singer of the Rolling Stones. Explore his iconic music, wit, and quotes that shaped history.
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