"Voodoo Lounge" is the 20th studio album by the iconic English rock band The Rolling Stones, released on July 11, 1994. It marked a significant release as the band's first studio album in five years, following "Steel Wheels" in 1989, and their debut under a new contract with Virgin Records.
This album also represented a transitional period for the Stones, being their first without original bassist Bill Wyman, who officially departed the band in 1993 after two years of absence. The core lineup for "Voodoo Lounge" consisted of Mick Jagger (vocals), Keith Richards (guitar), Ronnie Wood (guitar), and Charlie Watts (drums). Darryl Jones, although not an official member, played bass and became a regular collaborator. The album was produced by Don Was, alongside Jagger and Richards, and featured Chuck Leavell on keyboards.
"Voodoo Lounge" received positive reviews and achieved commercial success globally, though it did not yield a top 40 hit in the United States. In the UK, however, singles like "Love Is Strong" and "You Got Me Rocking" performed well on the charts. "You Got Me Rocking" became a staple in the band's live performances for subsequent tours.
One notable aspect of the album is the song "Thru and Thru," written by Keith Richards, which was prominently featured in the second-season finale of the HBO series "The Sopranos," titled "Funhouse." The song's inclusion in the episode's closing sequence and end credits further solidified its impact and association with the show.
Overall, "Voodoo Lounge" marked a successful return for The Rolling Stones in the 1990s, showcasing their enduring musical prowess and maintaining their status as one of the most influential rock bands in history.
