It's been years and years since rock music was still important and had great relevance. Artists were not pop bunnies who sang with computer voices, but stars with guitars, poets, explainers of the world.
Today we're focusing on an old man who is even older today. Mick Jagger's "Wandering Spirit".
Mick Jagger gave himself the best 50th birthday present with this solo work, which would have done credit to the Stones in full possession of their powers. Produced by the technician with the best rock 'n' roll reputation at the moment, the American Rick Rubin, the veteran Jagger sounded fresher and more athletic than he has in years.
And the song selection is also impressive. From the sinewy opener “Wired All Night” to the harpsichord-embellished “Angel In My Heart,” the listener can enjoy a number of déjà vu experiences from the great days of rock music. All supported, of course, by the superior security of a monument of pop culture that no longer has to prove anything to itself or others.
The jetsetter Jagger sucking on the harmonica is typical: almost every one of the 14 pieces could come from a Stones album from the last 25 years, the harpsichord ballad "Angel In My Heart" as well as "Don't Tear Me Up", its "Chor You Can't Always Get What You Want". There's gospel ("Out Of Focus"), country ("Evening Gown"). Folk ("Handsome Molly") in there, but no frills about it.
Lenny Kravitz contributes a vocal address of devotion, Courtney Pine fans noble saxophone air into the studio, Benmont Tench and Billy Preston elegantly play the keyboards, and all the guitarists involved seem to come straight from the Keith Richards school.
Where there is so much consistent will to style, only a masterful work can emerge. One could have known that the Stones have come back together again and again since then, almost indestructibly: Mick Jagger was far from finished.