In the whirlwind of rock and roll that was 1965, with the British Invasion in full swing and popular music undergoing a radical transformation, the Rolling Stones were carving out their own defiant space. These scruffy, sneering London lads were crafting a sound that was raw, raucous, and unapologetically rebellious. 'Out Of Our Heads,' their third album, released in the Netherlands in late 1965 with a distinctive blue Decca label, stands as proof of their relentless musical exploration and their willingness to shatter conventions.
The Stones, at this juncture in their career, were still evolving, navigating the tricky balance between their blues-infused roots and the emerging pop sensibilities dominating the charts. 'Out Of Our Heads' captures this transitional period, showcasing their growing confidence as songwriters and performers while retaining the raw energy that had made them a sensation.
The album bursts open with the soulful plea of "Mercy, Mercy," a Don Covay cover that highlights Jagger's emotive vocals and the band's tight rhythm section. It's followed by the playful swagger of "Hitch Hike," a Marvin Gaye tune given the Stones' signature treatment. The energy escalates further with "The Last Time," a Jagger/Richards original that perfectly encapsulates the band's blend of bluesy grit and rock and roll swagger. The song's infectious melody and driving rhythm made it an instant hit, solidifying the Stones' reputation as a force to be reckoned with.
Side one continues with the heartfelt ballad "That's How Strong My Love Is," revealing a softer side of the band, followed by the upbeat, bluesy shuffle of "Good Times." It closes with the Jagger-led rocker "I'm All Right," a declaration of youthful defiance.
Flipping the record over, we're greeted by the iconic opening riff of "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction," a song that needs no introduction. It's a raw, primal expression of frustration and desire, fueled by Richards' distorted guitar and Jagger's sneering vocals. The album continues with the soulful ballad "Cry To Me," followed by the tongue-in-cheek "The Under Assistant West Coast Promotion Man."
The tempo picks up again with the bluesy "Play With Fire," featuring Brian Jones' haunting slide guitar. "The Spider And The Fly" is a Jagger/Richards classic, full of dark imagery and sexual tension. The album closes with the upbeat "One More Try," a final burst of energy before the needle lifts from the groove.
'Out Of Our Heads' was recorded at the legendary Chess Studios in Chicago, a place steeped in blues history. The album's production team, led by Andrew Loog Oldham, captured the band's raw energy while maintaining sonic clarity. The result is a record that sounds both immediate and timeless, a tribute to the band's enduring appeal.
Of course, no discussion of the Rolling Stones would be complete without mentioning the controversies that surrounded them. In 1965, the band was already notorious for their rebellious image, their long hair and scruffy clothes a stark contrast to the clean-cut pop stars of the day. Their music, with its themes of sex, drugs, and rock and roll, was seen as a threat to the established order, and the band was frequently banned from performing on television and radio.
'Out Of Our Heads' is a record that captures the Rolling Stones at a pivotal moment in their career, a time when they were still exploring their musical identity, pushing the boundaries of convention, and challenging the status quo. It's a record that's full of raw energy, youthful exuberance, and a sense of unbridled possibility. It's a reminder of the enduring power of rock and roll, and a confirmation that the Rolling Stones were, and always will be, one of the greatest bands of all time.
