The Rolling Stones

Recorded in Jamaica and released in 1976, Black And Blue is the Stones' first album with new guitar player Ron Wood. Sometimes overlooked, but certainly a must-have for hardcore fans. Expect an unprecedented reggae slant to most of the songs. "Fool To Cry" and "Memory Motel" are of particular interest.

More blatantly imitative of black-music rhythms and styles than any Stones album since December's Children, and also less original (if more humorous) in the transformation, this nevertheless takes genuine risks and suggests a way out of their groove. Lots of good stuff, but the key is "Hot Stuff," pure Ohio-Players-go-to-Kingston and very fine sh*t, and the high point "Fool to Cry," their best track in four years. Diagnosis: not dead by a long shot. (Grade - A-)