Rolling Stones Drop First Album in 18 Years, "Hackney Diamonds"

Iconic rock n’ roll band The Rolling Stones dropped Friday their 26th studio album, "Hackney Diamonds".

"Hackney Diamonds" consists of 12 songs and marks the iconic rock n’ roll band’s first album with original material since the release of 2005’s "A Bigger Bang" and the first since the death of drummer Charlie Watts.

The album features the previously released collaboration with Lady Gaga and Stevie Wonder, “Sweet Sounds of Heaven,” and tracks like “Bite My Head Off,” with bass from Paul McCartney and “Get Close” and “Live By the Sword,” both of which have piano from Elton John.

Other guest spots on the album include two tracks recorded with the late Watts (“Mess It Up,” “Live By the Sword”); the latter also features an assist from former bassist Bill Wyman. 

The album — which ends with a Jagger/Richards cover of the Muddy Waters song that inspired the band’s name (“Rolling Stone Blues”) — was recorded all around the world, from Henson Recording Studios in Los Angeles to Metropolis Studios in London, Sanctuary Studios in Nassau, Bahamas, and Electric Lady Studios and The Hit Factory/Germano Studios in New York.