Like "Beggars Banquet" before it, "Let it Bleed" contains a mix of lighter songs alongside some much darker tracks. Musically, there is a lot more electric guitar than on the largely acoustic-based "Beggars", and almost all these guitars are layed by Keith Richards. Brian Jones only recorded on two tracks, before his dismissal from the band, and late recruit Mick Taylor contributed guitar on just two other tracks.
The album opens with one of the Stones all time classics, "Gimme Shelter". A dark, weighty piece conjures up by Richards while watching people running for "shelter" from a storm. It's a hauntingly beautiful track with Richards pouring emotion into every lick. The song quickly becoming a live show staple and fan favourite even though it was never released as a single
From there, the band use their knowledge of the Blues and extend into a slightly more Hard-Rock territory. Taking what they've learnt from past Blues masters and revamping it for a new generation. Tracks like "Monkey Man" and the harmonica driven "Midnight Rambler" are perfect examples.
Their cover of Robert Johnson's "Love in Vein" isn't just a simple cover either. The rearrange the song adding some chords and give it more of a Country feel, with Richards adding some incredible slide guitar. And while it's exactly a happy song, the Stones version definitely comes across as less doom and gloom then Johnson's original.
Closing the album with what is considered to be their true epic, "You Can't Always Get What You Want" clocks in at around seven and a half minutes and is full of plenty of twists and turns. Starting with the London Bach Choir singing the chorus, it's then followed by a French horn section just before Jagger swings in with the first verse. The instrumentals slowly build and build until, just before the end, the temp changes and leads us to a thrilling, and breathless conclusion.
The only downside to an otherwise near perfect album, is the Country version of "Honky Tonk Women" (Labelled as "Country Tonk"). I understand that was how it was meant to initially sound, but lets face it, the Blues-Rock single version of "Honky" Tonk is far superior.
Apart from that, "Let it Bleed" really is one of the best albums ever recorded. Its a snapshot of the Stones at their absolute peak, encapsulating everything that made them one of the most beloved bands of all time.
As always, check it out and have yourself a listen.
Enjoy and cheers to you 🥃
E.M.
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