Let It Bleed (1969, The Rolling Stones)

An excellent rock record.  While the first and last tracks are by far the best moments on the album and it isn't without minor flaws, it's such a blast to listen to.  It features the Stones at full on transitional mode.  Gone with the psychedelia and in with the gritty country/R&B influenced rock and roll. 



1. Gimme Shelter- *****
A flawless song.  Everybody knows this one.  It's an apocalyptic masterwork.  There's a good reason why Martin Scorsese has used it an absurd amount of times in his films. 


2. Love In Vain- ****
The Stones show their country roots.  Sounds very Robert Johnson-esque.  While it seems a bit underwhelming after Gimme Shelter, it's a nice heartbreaking blues song.  Nice guitar work.


3. Country Honk- ***1/2
The country version of Honky Tonk Women.  Decent but nowhere as good as the single version. 


4. Live With Me- ****
Fun dirty rocker with an awesome bass line. 


5. Let It Bleed- ****
Another fun dirty rocker.  The sarcasm in this one cracks me up as they completely troll The Beatles Let It Be.


6. Midnight Rambler- ****1/2
A haunting rocker from the perspective of a serial killer.  Very spooky, atmospheric and groovy.  Love how it slows down and picks back up near the end.


7. You Got The Silver- ****
Another great country ballad rocker.


8. Monkey Man- ****1/2
Most people heard this one in Martin Scorsese's GoodFellas (1990).  Maybe the best riff Keith Richards ever came up with.  So strange and unique.  Mick Jagger screaming "I'm a monkey" over and over again brings me so much joy. 


9. You Can't Always Get What You Want- *****
What an excellent song.  I've recently come to realize this is actually my favorite on the album.  What an amazing groove with great meaning behind the lyrics.  Just feels like the Stones gave it everything with this one.



My Rating: 9/10