The Rolling Stones were on a roll, so to speak. They were fast tracked to become one of the most popular Rock groups out there and were releasing some interesting music. This is a clear example of that. Let’s see why this is so.

We begin with Mercy Mercy which is a simplistic and catchy tune about love based troubles. It is a good tale about that, and the guitar and melodies here are very catchy. An excellent start to this album. Good to hear. Surprisingly short, it is less than three minutes long, which is different.

Following is Hitch Hike which is a great story of travel and other pursuits by hitch hiking. Although not really common these days, in older times it was a norm for some people to do to travel across the country, particularly in the U.S.A. Another good piece of music, nice to hear this song.

The Last Time begins with some very 1960s sounding guitar, before going into a rather ordinary tune for The Rolling Stones as it sounds like the singing here isn’t the greatest. Still, it is enjoyable, just not what it could be. Listenable, but not really a great song anyway. The outro is quite good though, with Mick Jagger doing some shouting that sounds neat.

That’s How Strong My Love Is comes next. It is a lovely piece of musicianship that sounds as good today as it did in 1965. A simple, lovely and catchy piece to hear, this is incredibly good. A nice 1960s sentiment, very good to hear. Quality tune.

Next is Good Times which is another good piece of 1960s Pop/Rock goodness. It has a killer melody, and a nice sentiment about it. Being just under two minutes, this demands repeat listens. Great song, it sounds top.

Following is I’m Alright – Live which is a good live rendition of a song by The Rolling Stones, with loads of teenage girls screaming loudly. A good listen throughout, although somewhat destroyed by the screaming and ambience of the music venue.

(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction – Mono Version is one of the most legendary songs by The Rolling Stones. The intro is not a saxophone, it is actually Keith Richards playing a riff on guitar. It is easy to see why this song is so loved, it sounds really awesome. The combination of decent melody and pacing rhythm throughout makes for a good listen. A great listen that is timeless.

Cry To Me comes along next. It is a superb listen, and is another classic piece by The Rolling Stones. It is about heartbreak and all that comes along with it. A subdued and good love song about crying, this is excellent listening. Good job, once again.

Next is The Under Assistant West Coast Promotion Man – Edit/Mono Version which is a quirky piece that begins with guitars and harmonica. It is a great tune to hear, and just sounds like a traditional rhythm and blues piece. A nice sort of tune, this is a good listen, sounding very 1960s and about said person from the U.S.A. Different.

Following is Play With Fire – Mono Version which begins with acoustic fingerpicking, with Mick Jagger singing about the riches that one can inherit from a deceased family member. This is an odd lyrical listen, and is simple and beautiful music to listen to.

The Spider And The Fly is an interesting piece that is slow Rhythm and Blues, and has prominent harmonica throughout. Mick Jagger sings about young man’s troubles and the whole piece is a slow tempo listen. It is notably about what one’s partner tells to oneself as a Rock and Roll singer. Interesting. The harmonica at the end is really good.

One More Try is the last piece of music here. It is a good piece to finish off this album with, and is a good example of musicianship that The Rolling Stones could do. Not bad to hear.

This album is decent, yet is short of being a classic as the songs on it are rather patchy, and some some fairly bland, to be honest. Still, it does have some good cuts, it is just not as good as it could be. The Rolling Stones did lift their game in albums afterward, and this was the stepping stone to that. Rather short and bittersweet, at merely over half an hour long.

Solid.

7/10