There are albums that transcend their era, musical works that capture the essence of a generation. “The Rolling Stones' Beggar's Banquet is undoubtedly one of them. Although the band had already made their mark long before the release of this opus in 1968, this album nevertheless represents a turning point, a metamorphosis in their career.

1967 had been a tumultuous year for the Stones. Following the controversy surrounding “Their Satanic Majesties Request”, a psychedelic album that had divided the critics, it was time for the band to reinvent itself. And it was against this backdrop that “Beggar's Banquet” was born. As Keith Richards so aptly put it: “It was a time when we wanted to get rid of all the superfluous stuff and get back to basics”.

If “Their Satanic Majesties Request” flirted with psychedelia, “Beggar's Banquet” is a return to the pure essence of rock'n'roll. The album opens with “Sympathy for the Devil”, a daring track that evokes the socio-political tumult of the time while flirting with occult themes. The song was originally a gentle folk ballad before being transformed into a diabolical rock anthem after numerous jam sessions.

The album is packed with bluesy nuggets like “No Expectations” and “Prodigal Son”. But it's also a tribute to the band's country roots, with tracks like “Dear Doctor”. This balance between rock, blues and country shows the Stones' ability to embrace diverse musical influences while retaining their inimitable signature.

Upon its release, “Beggar's Banquet” received rave reviews. At the time, Rolling Stone magazine described it as “their best work to date”. The album is often cited as the start of the Stones' golden period, which also includes “Let It Bleed”, “Sticky Fingers” and “Exile on Main St.”.

The original album cover, showing a vandalized urinal, was deemed too controversial by their record company. It was initially replaced by a more sober cover, in the form of an invitation card, before reappearing in subsequent reissues, becoming a prized collector's item for fans.

As Mick Jagger so aptly put it: “Rock'n'roll has always been the place to break the rules”. And “Beggar's Banquet” is the perfect illustration.

The song: Sympathy for the Devil

The world of rock'n'roll has seen the birth of many anthems, but few can claim to have as much cultural resonance and intrigue as The Rolling Stones' “Sympathy for the Devil”. The centerpiece of 1968's “Beggar's Banquet” is a captivating mosaic of sound and a profound analysis of humanity's darkness, all wrapped up in an infectious, dance-inducing rhythm.

Although the song is mainly associated with rock, its roots run deep in Brazilian samba. Percussion, piano and guitar intertwine to create an irresistible groove. Keith Richards admitted that the song was influenced by the Brazilian band Jorge Ben Jor, after listening to their music during a visit to São Paulo.

The musical progression is hypnotic, from the almost tribal opening to the electric climax that intensifies with the entrance of Keith Richards' guitar. This gradual rise mirrors the rise of the sins listed in the lyrics.
The genius of “Sympathy for the Devil” lies in its narrator: the Devil himself. However, instead of the traditional representation of a purely evil being, the Stones' Devil is an observer, a chronicler of human history. The lyrics evoke historical events, from the crucifixion of Jesus Christ to the Russian Revolution and the Second World War.

One of the most poignant lines is “I shouted out, ‘Who killed the Kennedys?' When after all, it was you and me.” These words evoke humanity's collective responsibility for the tragedies that punctuate it. The choice of the Devil as narrator, rather than glorifying evil, serves as a mirror to the listener, reminding us that evil can lurk where we least expect it.

The song was not without controversy. Many accused the Stones of glorifying Satan, a criticism Mick Jagger refuted, explaining that the song was an exploration of human nature. Fun fact: during the recording of the song, the studio literally caught fire, an event some took as a diabolical sign, although the band members mostly considered it an ironic coincidence.

“Sympathy for the Devil” is more than just a rock song. It's a work of art that fuses music, poetry and history. It invites introspection while making you dance, a feat that only the greatest can achieve. Through this piece, the Rolling Stones not only offer “sympathy” to the Devil, but also a profound understanding of the complexity of the human condition.

“Sympathy for the Devil” is an iconic song, and like all great songs, it has inspired many covers over the years. Here are a few notable covers that stand out:

Guns N' Roses: Probably the most famous cover of “Sympathy for the Devil”, it features on the soundtrack to the film “Interview with a Vampire” (1994). The hard rock style of Guns N' Roses adds a more aggressive touch to the track, while remaining faithful to the original.

Bryan Ferry: The former leader of Roxy Music recorded a sensual, groovy version of the song for his album “These Foolish Things”.

Motorhead: Although the band is best known for its fast-paced heavy metal, their cover of “Sympathy for the Devil” is surprisingly faithful to the original, while incorporating their signature brutality.

Sandie Shaw: In a very different approach, the '60s British singer offered a gentle, melodic version of the song, giving it an almost dreamlike ambience.

Where to listen to Aftermath?

• Listen to Beggars Banquet on Spotify
• Listen to Beggars Banquet on Deezer
• Listen to Beggars Banquet on Youtube

Useful links for The Rolling Stones

• Rolling Stones official website
• Page Facebook des Rolling Stones
• Rolling Stones Instagram account
• Chaine Youtube des Rolling Stones

Cet article Beggars Banquet – The Rolling Stones est apparu en premier sur 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die.