In an age of pre-fabs, readymades and wannabes, it's a gas gas gas to hear the truth, the guts of rock and roll peek through the curtains of time. VOODOO LOUNGE is a remarkable experience, the most visceral, daring Rolling Stones album since... who knows when.

Without seeking to alter their basic approach, producer Don Was has given this classic band a contemporary perspective. VOODOO LOUNGE proves that the Stones are still hard after 30 years on the world stage. There's an edge and a sense of danger to VOODOO LOUNGE that is palpable from the reassuring crunch of Richards and Wood on the opening "Love Is Strong," through the honky tonk bump of "Baby Break It Down" and the blue suede groove of "Mean Disposition."

The departure of bassist Bill Wyman has forced the Stones to dig deep, and the arrival of Darryl Jones has given drummer Charlie Watts, if not a new lease on life, a different point of view. Watts and Wyman were like the Benny Benjamin and James Jamerson of rock'n'roll, and without his trusted rhythm mate, the drummer has to listen like his life depended on it. less