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Symphonic Music of The Rolling Stones: Marianne Faithfull, Mick Jagger and Others Reunite in Orchestral Elegance
Marianne Faithfull channeling Melanie Safka, while still being unmistakably herself, is what you get when Mick Jagger’s ex-girlfriend delivers a majestic rendition of Ruby Tuesday backed by the London Symphony Orchestra. This performance, drenched in nostalgia and elegance, is part of a larger symphonic project released on May 24 1994 that also features Mick Jagger’s haunting take on Angie recorded at Ocean Way Studios, Los Angeles, Jan. 1994 and featuring Gilbert Biberian on guitar and the very London Symphony Orchestra (in all other instruments) which boasts richer textures and a more somber mood compared to the original. The collection feels like a symbolic reunion of sorts for Jagger and Faithfull, bringing together past connections in a lush orchestral setting.
More about ‘Symphonic Music of The Rolling Stones’
*By Marcelo Sonaglioni
The album comes as a beautifully crafted package in a sleek black cardboard sleeve with silver ink, complete with six pages of photos and liner notes, making it a notable addition to the Stones’ extended discography. While “symphonic” interpretations of popular music aren’t uncommon—Creed, the Beatles, Depeche Mode, and even Star Trek have undergone this treatment—this release stands out for its ambitious attempt to reinterpret Rolling Stones classics.
Faithfull is undoubtedly the star of the show, her voice elevating the music to something deeply personal and evocative. Her performance is a triumph, capturing both the fragility and resilience that have defined her career. Unfortunately, not all the tracks match her standard. Michael Hutchence’s version of Under My Thumb opens the album but falls short of adding depth or flair. Similarly, the operatic take on As Tears Go By featuring Maire Brennan, feels like a misstep—why not invite Faithfull herself or even Melanie Safka to revisit this classic? The omission of these original voices seems like a missed opportunity for a truly impactful moment.
Orchestral Highs and Lows: Dandelion Soars, Sympathy Stumbles
Some tracks shine despite the challenges of reworking such iconic songs. Dandelion flourishes in the orchestral arrangement, its strength as a composition cutting through the symphonic embellishments. However, Sympathy for the Devil struggles under the weight of a dark and overly dramatic London Children’s Choir and London Voices, which veer into parody territory. Jerry Hadley’s vocal feels out of place, and one wonders if Bryan Ferry—who brilliantly contributed to All This and World War II, an orchestrated Beatles soundtrack—might have brought more gravitas to the piece.
A Polished Tribute That Misses the Grit, but Honors the Legacy
The project, produced by Chris Kimsey, has its moments of grandeur but rarely captures the raw, cutting-edge essence of the Rolling Stones. While it’s undeniably listenable, the album sometimes fades into background music, losing the definition that made these songs iconic. Still, its dedication to Brian Jones adds a poignant touch, reminding listeners of the Stones’ legacy and the power of their music to endure and inspire—even when reimagined in such a dramatically different format.
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