Blue and Lonesome
by The Rolling Stones
Metascore
82

Universal acclaim - based on 21 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 21
  3. Negative: 0 out of 21
Buy Now
Buy on
  1. Exclaim
    Dec 2, 2016
    60
    While the band's attempts to recapture their old glory have typically felt like attempts to give fans what they've wanted from them--and the idea that of a bunch of old white men tying their authenticity to their black cultural forbears feels something like an ugly metaphor for this mess of a year--this is the Stones making music for themselves.
  2. Mojo
    Nov 22, 2016
    60
    It's disappointing that there aren't one or two more inspiring moments, especially when there's a roughly equivalent number of duds. [Jan 2017, p.92]
    All this publication's reviews
  3. Consequence
    Dec 13, 2016
    58
    In the end, the record feels like a copy of a copy, though produced on what may just be the world’s best copier. If nothing else, though, the record works as a pleasing re-centering for one of the greatest rock bands of all time.

Awards & Rankings

78
#78 Best Album of 2016
85
#85 Most Discussed Album of 2016
83
#83 Most Shared Album of 2016

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 66 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 51 out of 66
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 66
  3. Negative: 9 out of 66
  1. YT_Guyyy
    Dec 8, 2016
    5
    I don't see it. I don't see what's good about this. I'm generally into bluesy stuff, but this I just don't like. The mixing seems to be a bitI don't see it. I don't see what's good about this. I'm generally into bluesy stuff, but this I just don't like. The mixing seems to be a bit off, and the songs don't sound like the Rolling Stones at all. I generally preach the message of "Innovate on every album", but this just sounds like Bob Dylan and the Rolling Stones having a fight to the death in an Irish pub. And that does not sound good at all. Never thought I'd be one of those people who say: "Screw the critics!", but, well.

    It's still not all that horrible as an album, but expectations can ruin something. Just like Star Wars episodes 1-3.    … Full Review »
  2. jasharkowalski
    Dec 8, 2016
    10
    Just for "I Gotta Go" i give it 10 out of 10 ! That's what rock and roll should be, loud, quick and bluesy piece of parents' worst nightmareJust for "I Gotta Go" i give it 10 out of 10 ! That's what rock and roll should be, loud, quick and bluesy piece of parents' worst nightmare that no Rihana - Justin - Guetta - anyone from major **** lists would ever sound like !… Full Review »
  3. BillyB95
    Dec 3, 2016
    8
    Their Satanic Majesties have been able to capture that blues freshness to create "Blue & Lonesome". Yesterday, when I first heard it, remindedTheir Satanic Majesties have been able to capture that blues freshness to create "Blue & Lonesome". Yesterday, when I first heard it, reminded me of Muddy Water's "Hard Again" (1977). So, we can say that the Stones had really put their soul and joy when they covered "Just your fool", "Hate to see you go" and Memphis Slim's eponymous song from the album. Moreover, Eric Clapton and his slowhand joined the show performing "Everybody knows about my good thing" and "I can't quit you, baby". Anyway, I must admit it's a pity that they have not recorded any own song. Despite this, I consider "Blue & Lonesome" as a perfect farewell (if this is really their final album) of a legendary band who have been living in this world for more than fifty years.… Full Review »
See all user reviews »