The Rolling Stones, Living in a Ghost Town | Track Review 🎵

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The Rolling Stones deliver a surefire hit with “Living in a Ghost Town,” a song not inspired by the COVID-19 pandemic yet captures it.

“Once this place was hummin’ / And the air was full of drummin’ / The sound of cymbals crashin’ / Glasses were all smashin’.” The key takeaway from the chorus of “Living in a Ghost Town” is that now everything is literally dead.  Honestly, this ghost town that The Rolling Stones describe via “Living in a Ghost Town” perfectly captures the way life feels during the coronavirus pandemic. While Mick Jagger makes it clear “Living in a Ghost Town” wasn’t inspired by the coronavirus pandemic, it feels appropriate for times such as those. He told Apple Music, “It was written about being in a place which was full of life but is now bereft of life so to speak.”

“Living in a Ghost Town” has ample pros.  First and foremost, the lyrics, though not inspired by COVID-19, perfectly capture how the world feels and what they’ve experienced.  “Life was so beautiful / Then we all got liked down,” Jagger sings on the first verse, continuing, “Feel like a ghost / Living in a ghost town.” The second verse is also very representative of the times, with Jagger adding, “So much time to lose / Just starin’ at my phone / Every night I am dreamin’ that you’ll come and creep in my bed / Please let this be over, not stuck in a world without end, my friend.” Lyrically and thematically is where The Rolling Stones’ bread is buttered.

Final Thoughts

Lyrics and theme are the crowning achievements.  But, there’s even more excellence! Mick Jagger is very much, well, Mick Jagger!  He sings well, infusing plenty of personality.  The instrumental is incredible, with ripe guitars, a robust bass line, and groovy drums. Throw in harmonica, and the musical sickness is undeniable.  This is old school, bluesy, traditional rock-n-roll, yet it sounds so incredibly refreshing.  In a time where the ‘old stuff’ is winning, The Rolling Stones’ “Living in a Ghost Town” is just what the doctor ordered.

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The Rolling Stones • “Living in a Ghost Town” • Promotone B.V. • Release: 4.23.20

Photo Credit: Promotone B.V.