An “underrated” album should be considered an “all-time classic” of The Rolling Stones‘ discography, according to fans.
The Mick Jagger-fronted group are not in short supply of great albums, but listeners believe one of their later releases should be highly regarded. A fan who has listened to Bridges to Babylon several times suggested to r/RollingStones subreddit users that it is more deserving of praise. They wrote: “Bridges to Babylon underrated? I have recently listened to Bridges to Babylon again several times and I really feel like it never got the appreciation it deserves! Does anyone else feel the same way?” Fans believe a “curse” for both Bridges to Babylon and Voodoo Lounge prevented both albums from becoming classics. One person suggested they were “victims” of the “’90s album curse”.
That same fan claimed both albums could be tightened up and made to sound a whole lot better if they trimmed some songs. Another fan believes Bridges to Babylon has an “all-time classic” on it that doesn’t get the appreciation it deserves.
The fan wrote: “Saint Of Me is an all-time classic that doesn’t get enough recognition.” Another fan agreed, adding: “Absolutely. Saint of Me would definitely have a spot in my Top 10 post-Tattoo You Rolling Stones tracks. It’s the one place where the samples and loops really work in the context of a Rolling Stones song. It’s also great live.
“Out of Control, Out of Our Heads, was a fine/good/solid studio track that turned into a monster when they took it to the stage. The quiet/loud/quiet thing may be a rock music cliche, but that shit works like a magic spell on a stadium crowd. I definitely love it live.”
A third fan has praised guitarist Keith Richards for his contributions to Bridges to Babylon. A listener said his three songs on Bridges to Babylon are “the best Rolling Stones songs of that era.” Another agreed, adding: “Yeah. If nothing else, Bridges to Babylon earns credit for being The Rolling Stones album featuring Wayne Shorter.
“I agree with Keith that How Can I Stop might have been a good final song for the band (even though 99% of casual fans probably would have recoiled and/or laughed at the Stones’ final song being a Keef song featuring a Wayne Shorter sax solo).”
Though there was plenty of love for the album and its songs, the artwork was roundly criticised by fans. One person wrote: “Putting aside the music, I find it hard to imagine how the artwork could have been worse.”
Another added: “What was the last good Rolling Stones cover art? I think it was Some Girls.” A third replied: “I sorta like Hackney Diamonds‘ artwork. It’s no worse than anything else they’ve done since Tattoo You (their last great cover). Bridges to Babylon, though, is just bizarre and ugly. I can’t conceive of anyone wanting to wear a shirt with that oddly-proportioned lion thing on it.”
