The Rolling Stones’ ‘Tattoo You’: Bold Comeback, Iconic Album Cover, and Mick Jagger’s Enigmatic Portrait
The Rolling Stones’ Tattoo You: A Bold Comeback and a Defining Album Cover
By the early 1980s, The Rolling Stones were riding a wave of creative resurgence. After a period of relative quiet following their golden era of 1968 to 1972, the band had rekindled their magic with 1978’s Some Girls, a raucous blend of punk energy and disco grooves. The album’s lead single, “Miss You,” became a global hit, setting the stage for their next chapter.
In 1981, the Stones released Tattoo You, their 16th studio album, which would become one of their most iconic works. Anchored by the timeless anthem “Start Me Up,” the record showcased the band’s ability to reinvent themselves while staying true to their rock ‘n’ roll roots. But Tattoo You wasn’t just about the music—it was a visual statement, too, with a cover that remains one of the most striking in their storied career.
The album’s artwork, designed by graphic artist Peter Corriston and illustrator Christian Piper, was a bold departure from their previous covers. Set against a vibrant red background, the black-and-white image of a tattooed face exuded strength and mystery. Corriston drew inspiration from Samurai warriors and sideshow circus art, aiming to capture the Stones’ enduring power. “The strongest of the strong would have tattoos on their face,” he explained, drawing a parallel between the band and the warriors.
But who was the enigmatic figure on the cover? The androgynous beauty staring back at listeners was none other than Mick Jagger himself. Photographer Hubert Kretzschmar captured the frontman in a series of headshots, with Jagger meticulously reviewing each frame to ensure the perfect shot. Keith Richards, on the other hand, arrived late to his session, clutching a bottle of Jack Daniel’s and a joint, and left as quickly as he came. When asked to pick his favorite photo, Richards quipped, “Nah, that’s what Mick’s for, cheers.”
The cover’s striking imagery coincided with the rise of MTV, and Jagger’s playful antics in the “Start Me Up” video ensured heavy rotation on the fledgling network. The album became a cultural touchstone, introducing The Rolling Stones to a new generation of fans.
Behind the scenes, Tattoo You was a patchwork of outtakes and forgotten recordings. Tracks like “Waiting on a Friend” had been sketched nearly a decade earlier during the Goats Head Soup sessions in Jamaica. Yet, the album felt fresh and cohesive, a testament to the band’s ability to breathe new life into old material.
With its electrifying music and unforgettable cover, Tattoo You marked the last time The Rolling Stones radiated the kind of raw, unbridled energy that had defined their early years. It was a fitting capstone to their 1980s resurgence, a decade that saw them reclaim their throne as rock’s greatest survivors.
Conclusion: the Rolling Stones’ Tattoo You: A Bold Comeback and a Defining Album Cover
Released on August 24, 1981, The Rolling Stones’ Tattoo You stands as a testament to the band’s relentless creativity and ability to evolve while remaining true to their roots. Following a period of relative quiet and underwhelming releases in the 1970s, the Stones reasserted their dominance with Some Girls in 1978, a bold blend of punk energy and disco grooves that paved the way for their next groundbreaking album. Tattoo You was not just a comeback but a masterful assembly of unreleased material from various sessions, showcasing the band’s willingness to innovate without compromising their signature sound.
The album’s impact extended beyond it’s musical prowess to its iconic album cover, designed by Peter Corriston. The portrait of Mick Jagger, heavily tattooed, has become one of the moast memorable in the Stones’ discography, encapsulating the band’s enduring spirit and rebellious image.
Tattoo You consolidated the finest elements of The Rolling Stones’ music, producing an album full of energy and boundless creativity. From the infectious opening track “Start Me Up” to the poignant ballad ”Waiting on a Friend,” the album marked an era for the band,solidifying their status as one of the greatest rock bands in history. Its success, both commercially and culturally, underscores the band’s ability to transcend time and trends, a testament to their timeless appeal and enduring legacy in rock music.
In essence, Tattoo You represents not just an album but a defining moment in The Rolling Stones’ discography, celebrating their ability to evolve, innovate, and continue making music that resonates deeply with audiences worldwide. This legacy continues to inspire new generations of artists and fans alike, cementing Tattoo You as a bold comeback that encapsulates the essence of rock ‘n’ roll’s greatest survivors – The Rolling Stones.
Conclusion:
The Rolling Stones’ 1981 album Tattoo You stands as a testament to the band’s enduring legacy and creative prowess. This iconic album marked a bold comeback for the Stones,following a period of relative quiet that followed their golden era. Anchored by the timeless anthem “Start Me Up,” Tattoo You showcased the band’s ability to reinvent themselves while staying true to their rock ‘n’ roll roots.
The album’s artwork,designed by graphic artist Peter Corriston and illustrator Christian Piper,was a visual masterpiece that exuded strength and mystery.The black-and-white image of a tattooed face,set against a vibrant red background,drew inspiration from Samurai warriors and sideshow circus art,perfectly capturing the stones’ enduring power.The enigmatic figure on the cover was none other than Mick Jagger, expertly captured by photographer Hubert Kretzschmar.
Tattoo You also coincided with the rise of MTV,and Jagger’s playful antics in the “Start Me Up” video ensured heavy rotation on the fledgling network. The album became a cultural touchstone, introducing The Rolling Stones to a new generation of fans. Behind the scenes, Tattoo you was a patchwork of outtakes and forgotten recordings, yet it felt fresh and cohesive, a testament to the band’s ability to breathe new life into old material.
“Waiting on a Friend,” the closing track, beautifully underscores the band’s farewell to their most creative period. It stands as one final expression of boyhood love between Jagger and Richards before the years of business-driven bitterness that would follow. With its electrifying music and unforgettable cover, Tattoo You marked the last time The rolling Stones radiated the kind of raw, unbridled energy that defined their early years.
The impact of Tattoo You extends beyond its commercial success; it signifies a poignant end to an era for classic rock. It represents the Stones’ last great album, a farewell nod to their status as one of the world’s greatest rock bands. As they embarked on their biggest tour to date and one that would set records, they concluded a chapter in their history that would remain unmatched. And as they began to face new challenges in the changing musical landscape of the ’80s, Tattoo You remains a triumphant and defining album that encapsulates the essence of The Rolling Stones’ enduring legacy.