MICK JAGGER
"Goddess
in the Doorway" (Virgin; 2001)
Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton
Mick Jagger is so much more than simply a singer, a musician or a rock star. He ... and, to varying degrees, the other members of the legendary Rolling Stones ... is an rock'n'roll icon, and the bands that he has influenced either directly or indirectly are innumerable.
Mick has recorded many solo albums, of course, but has never achieved near the level of success that most of the Rolling Stones records have. Whatever the reason, the world never caught on to Mick as a solo artist, despite the fact that he's put out some pretty decent music.
"Goddess in the Doorway" should change all that. This collection of 12 brand new Jagger tunes are fresh, well-written and, perhaps most importantly, act as a window into the heart and soul of one of rock'n'roll's true masters. The record is instantly listenable, engrossing and entertaining.
Jagger himself has never sounded better. His vocals on "Goddess in the Doorway" are bright, stylish and shiningly unique. Here, the honesty in his singing style has never been clearer and - with the personal nature of each song's lyrics - each track is like a fresh shot of oxygen on a smoggy afternoon.
As one might expect, Mick has surrounded himself with musicians of unmatched talent. Performing on "Goddess in the Doorway" are Bono, Pete Townshend, Wyclef Jean, Joe Perry, Lenny Kravitz, and Matchbox 20's Rob Thomas. Their presence here enhances Jagger's above-average song-writing.
As far as a favorite track on the CD, my vote has to go to "God Gave Me Everything," a roaring little number that soothes the Rough Edge beast in me. It may not be heavy metal, but it rocks solidly and grabs you by the throat.
My hunch is that "Goddess in the Doorway" is the stuff that Grammys are made of. But the Grammys also gave Jethro Tull a heavy metal award, so who the hell knows what they'll do with this latest solo project from a true rock'n'roll legend.
For more information, please visit http://www.mickjagger.com.
Rating Guide:
A classic. This record will kick your ass.
Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.
So-so. You've heard better.
Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.
Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.
Copyright © 2001 by R. Scott
Bolton. All rights reserved.
Revised: 12 Mar 2024 12:56:41 -0500.
