As one of the richest and most accomplished supporting rock and roll musicians of all time, Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards has mostly been content serving as the quieter artistic partner and foil for the band's frontman, Mick Jagger. However, during one of the pair's least harmonious periods during the late '80s, Richards took the opportunity to record his most ambitious genuine solo album, 1988's Talk Is Cheap. Even better, he presented something that had not been heard much from the Stones in the decade since 1978's revered Some Girls: ballsy, Stonesy guitar riffing as only Richards could deliver it.
Despite the clear fact that Richards has anything but a singing voice well-suited for lead vocals, his compositions and his definite confidence in them help transform the record into an effective, compelling performance. One reason for the album's success, of course, is Richards' foundation of eclectic impulses, which he expertly uses to supplement his distinctive guitar work. "Make No Mistake" stands out as an excellent example of this kind of craftsmanship, weaving tasty horn arrangements with sultry, feminine backing vocals. In fact, the arrangement is just busy enough (while falling short of annoying overproduction) to allow Richards' lead singing to sound more than passable, even delightfully organic and haunting at times.
Album Cover Image Courtesy of Virgin
Comments
Keith had a great voice until 1972-73. Check out the footage from the 1972 US tour or his recording of Gimme Shelter.
That said, no doubt about the fact that talk is cheap was a great album
That’s a good CD! Forgot about it but I used to listen to it a lot in the late 80’s. Funky garage band sound – different than Stones. Keith will always be cool.
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After listening to the re-release of Exile on Main Street, I’m reminded of how great Mick and Keith harmonized in their youth. But unfortunately, time waits for no one.