Fifty-one years after its release, The Rolling Stones’ ‘It’s Only Rock ‘n Roll’ remains a pivotal album, marking a significant transition for the legendary band as they embraced new sounds and took full creative control, forever changing their trajectory.
On October 17, 1974, the world received a new sonic statement from The Rolling Stones: their twelfth British and fourteenth American studio album, It’s Only Rock ’n Roll. While often overshadowed by preceding masterpieces like Sticky Fingers and Exile on Main St., this album marked a profound “definitive turning point” for the band, as noted by author James Hector in The Complete Guide to the Music of The Rolling Stones. Fifty-one years later, its significance continues to resonate, not just for its enduring title track, but for the fundamental shifts it heralded within the legendary group.
The album arrived at a critical juncture, cementing The Rolling Stones’ status as rock’s elder statesmen while simultaneously introducing a new dynamic within their creative process. This period saw the band navigating the evolving mid-70s musical landscape, and their response was an album that blended their raw rock roots with increasingly prominent soul and blues influences, showcasing a sophisticated adaptability that few bands could match.
A New Era of Production: The Glimmer Twins Take the Helm
Perhaps the most significant change embodied by It’s Only Rock ’n Roll was the shift in production. For the first time, Mick Jagger and Keith Richards officially took the reins, producing the album under their now-famous pseudonym, “The Glimmer Twins.” This marked a departure from their long-time collaboration with producer Jimmy Miller, signaling a desire for even greater creative autonomy.
Speaking on this pivotal decision, Keith Richards explained, “Mick and I felt that we wanted to try and do it ourselves because we really felt we knew much more about techniques and recording and had our own ideas of how we wanted things to go.” This hands-on approach, highlighted by `Radio X`, infused the album with a directness and intensity that truly reflected the band’s vision, setting a precedent for their future creative endeavors.
The End of an Era: Mick Taylor’s Farewell
Beyond the studio sound, It’s Only Rock ’n Roll carries the weight of being the final Rolling Stones album to feature guitarist Mick Taylor. His departure following the album’s release was a momentous event, bringing an end to a five-year tenure that saw him contribute significantly to some of the band’s most critically acclaimed work, including Sticky Fingers (1971) and Exile on Main St. (1972).
Taylor’s distinctive blues-infused guitar work was integral to the Stones’ sound during the early 70s, making his exit a genuine turning point. The album itself, with its eclectic blend of styles, serves as a powerful testament to his contributions, particularly on tracks that showcase his intricate melodic lines and soaring solos. His successor, Ron Wood, would soon join the band, ushering in another distinctive chapter.
Critical Reception and Enduring Legacy
Upon its initial release, It’s Only Rock ’n Roll received largely positive reviews, though some critics felt it wasn’t as groundbreaking as previous Stones efforts. However, as `Louder Sound` highlights, the album has gained considerable recognition over time as a pivotal moment in their career. Tracks like the iconic title song, “Time Waits for No One,” and “Fingerprint File” have earned their place in the band’s extensive catalog, showcasing their evolving sound.
The album’s track list is a testament to its diverse appeal:
- “If You Can’t Rock Me”
- “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg”
- “It’s Only Rock ’n Roll (But I Like It)”
- “Till the Next Goodbye”
- “Time Waits for No One”
- “Luxury”
- “Dance Little Sister”
- “If You Really Want to Be My Friend”
- “Short and Curlies”
The Stones Today: Still Rolling and Recording
Decades after the transformative period of It’s Only Rock ’n Roll, The Rolling Stones continue to defy expectations. In 2023, they released their 24th studio album, Hackney Diamonds, marking their first collection of original songs since 2005’s A Bigger Bang. This latest effort proved to be a critical and commercial success, earning them the Grammy for Best Rock Album at the 2025 Awards, according to `Rolling Stone`.
The success of Hackney Diamonds has sparked optimism among fans and insiders alike about the possibility of more new music. Marlon Richards, son of Keith Richards, shared in a conversation with Rock Collector that the Grammy win has indeed motivated the band: “They gave them a Grammy, so now they’re all hyped up on that: ‘Oh, yeah – we can do another one like that! We’ve got more like that if you want…’ I think they’re doing the follow-up.” While recent reports indicate some UK and European tour dates were canceled due to scheduling conflicts, the enduring spirit of The Rolling Stones, honed through albums like It’s Only Rock ’n Roll, ensures their legacy continues to grow.
