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Blue & Lonesome

by The Rolling Stones

Released: December 02, 2016

Electric blues, Chicago blues, blues rock

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Why This Album Matters

This album matters because its strongest editorial story is: Award.

The Album

"Blue & Lonesome" is a cover album by the Rolling Stones their 23rd British and 25th American studio album released on 2 December 2016. It is the band's first album to feature only cover songs, and their first studio release since 2005's "A Bigger Bang," marking the longest gap between two albums from the band. Despite its simplicity, "Blue & Lonesome" has been noted for its rawness and authenticity, a stark difference to the hyper-produced material the Rolling Stones are generally known for.

Inside the Recording

The album was recorded in just three days at British Grove Studios in West London, where the Stones opted for live recording to capture the essence of the blues.

Stories and details

Interesting Facts

Including songs by artists that the Stones have…

Including songs by artists that the Stones have not previously covered, the album features tracks originally performed by blues greats like Jimmy Reed, Willie Dixon, Eddie Taylor, and Howlin' Wolf.

Watch and listen

Explore the Album

The Rolling Stones - Blue & Lonesome

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Reception

"Blue & Lonesome" received generally positive reviews from critics and was seen as a return to the band's roots in blues music. Despite the largely traditional line-up of songs, it sold well and even won a Grammy Award for Best Traditional Blues Album.

Full background

The Complete Album Story

The album was recorded in just three days at British Grove Studios in West London, where the Stones opted for live recording to capture the essence of the blues. Including songs by artists that the Stones have not previously covered, the album features tracks originally performed by blues greats like Jimmy Reed, Willie Dixon, Eddie Taylor, and Howlin' Wolf.

Despite its simplicity, "Blue & Lonesome" has been noted for its rawness and authenticity, a stark difference to the hyper-produced material the Rolling Stones are generally known for.