How Many Girls? (1978)

Defined by disco and newer rock 'n' roll bands, the mid-1970s proved to be a difficult time for bands originating during the 1960s. Many bands such as The Rolling Stones were beginning to be viewed as obsolete in favor of newer rock bands such as KISS. Despite the hardships faced in society and in the band itself, The Rolling Stones would release their sixteenth American studio album titled Some Girls in 1978. This album is hands-down my favorite album ever released by the Stones and contains my favorite songs written. Many other fans felt that way too; seeing that the album went on to become the band's best-selling album in the United States.

While conducting some research on the album, I learned that the band was facing some issues during the recording process. Guitarist Keith Richards was facing legal trouble during 1977 for heroin possession. To make up for his absence, Mick Jagger is regarded as the main songwriter for this album. Even though he appeared on the previous album Black and Blue, Some Girls introduced the world to Ronnie Wood and Keith Richard's inseparable guitar playing. 

Some Girls features four hit singles that have been played around the world. Those singles are "Miss You," my all time favorite song, "Beast of Burden," "Respectable," and "Shattered." Opening up with a bluesy-disco mix, the track "Miss You" is a powerful start to the album. Listeners are quickly introduced to the magnificent guitar work from Richard's and Wood. Other notable instruments such as horns can be heard; along with Jagger's various vocal pitches throughout. The single is definitely one of the band's best songs. 

Next in line, "When the Whip Comes Down" is the perfect introduction into the upbeat part of the album. The loud vocals from Jagger, striking guitar riffs from the duo, and we cannot forget about my favorite part, the guitar solo. Slowing down and incorporating a country-like style, the Stones include the relaxing "Far Away Eyes" for track six. I am usually not a fan of country/southern styles of music but I really enjoy this song. Ronnie Wood plays an interesting instrument on this song; a pedal steel guitar. The instrument can be heard by the iconic sliding sound throughout and during the solo. Mick also humorously imitates southern-Americans with a southern accent.

Jumping to the end of the album, the band finishes off with "Beast of Burden" and "Shattered." Besides hearing "Sympathy for the Devil" years ago, "Beast of Burden" is the track that got me really interested in the Stones. While it sounds cliche, everything about this song is perfect. I cannot begin to describe how much I enjoy the various guitar tracks throughout this song. If I had to pick a song that featured Richards/Wood with their best work, this would be it. Richards providing the iconic three-chord riff throughout, and Wood's random licks at various parts fit so well. Years ago when I decided to start playing the guitar, this was the song I wanted to learn. It took me what seemed like forever to figure out Richard's chords. To this day, years later, this song is still my favorite Stones song and will forever be.

The last track on the album is an interesting one. Marked by an almost funky, punk-rock kind of sound, "Shattered" is a weird one. What really defines this song is yet again, the guitar work provided by Keith and Ronnie. The guitar riff is the simple strumming of various chords but with a phaser—the effect that provides that distinct noise. Overall, the song is just marked by silliness from all of different band members.

To conclude, my favorite album released by The Rolling Stones would reach the number one spot in the United States and number two in the United Kingdom. Despite being bogged down by internal conflict and a new music environment, I believe the Stones had mild success with their last album of the 1970s. For anyone interested in listening to an album where the band returns to their "roots," Some Girls is very admirable.

Mick & Keith live in Texas—1978