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Rolling Stones songs: Thru and Thru
Well I’m in the yellow pages/ You just take a look/ Look me up under services/ You know it’s just an open book…
Written by: Jagger/Richards Recorded: Blue Wave Studios, Barbados, Apr-May 1994; Ronnie Wood’s Sandymount Studios, Kildare, Ireland, July 9-Aug. 6 and Sept. 1993; Windmill Lane Studios, Dublin, Ireland, Nov. 3-Dec. 10 1993; Don Was’ Studio and A&M Studios, Los Angeles, USA, Jan. 15-Apr. 1994 Guest musicians: Darryl Jones (bass), Pierre de Beauport (acoustic guitar), Ivan Neville and Bernard Fowler (backing vocals) *Data taken from Martin Elliott’s book THE ROLLING STONES COMPLETE RECORDING SESSIONS 1962-2012
Keith Richards composed Thru and Thru during a trip to Barbados with Mick Jagger and his guitar technician Pierre de Beauport. He described the moment to Jas Obrecht as a burst of inspiration that struck one morning after a night out in Bridgetown. They returned to Eddy Grant’s studio around 5 a.m., and as he stumbled inside, he urged Pierre to start the equipment. Richards felt a surge of creativity and recorded the entire song in one take.
The track captures the mood of a sultry Barbadian night, perfect for reflection. The protagonist appears to be waiting for a call from a loved one, but the outcome isn’t bright. He expresses his frustration with lines like, “I only found out yesterday/I heard it on the news/What I heard really pissed me off”, revealing a sense of loss and disillusionment, suggesting that his partner has left him.
Thru and Thru stands out as one of the most ambitious tracks on Voodoo Lounge. Keith showcases a remarkable vocal range filled with deep sensitivity. His emotional delivery and the harmonic complexity of his chords greatly surpass the relatively simplistic lyrics. Likely performed on one of his Telecasters, the ballad blends elements of rock, blues, and folk. The sound of his guitar is exceptional, with each note rich in emotion, and he employs his raw vocal quality to create a performance that feels both delicate and intricate.
The song’s structure also enhances its emotional impact, as it transitions between dreamy, introspective sections and more robust, driving passages. This dynamic range allows Keith to express vulnerability while simultaneously embodying strength, making it a memorable and essential track in the album’s lineup. Overall, the combination of his expressive guitar work and heartfelt vocals elevates this piece, solidifying its place as a highlight in both the album and his body of work.
The song is structured in two distinct sections that create a compelling musical experience. The first section immerses listeners in an almost dreamlike atmosphere, enhanced by the use of reverse reverb. Here, a synthesizer produces crystalline sound pads that evoke a sense of ethereal beauty. This ambient introduction sets a reflective tone, drawing the audience into a tranquil state.
Then the song transitions into a powerful rock section, marked by an exhilarating drum performance from Charlie, recorded in the stairwell of the studio (“The stairwell was concrete and it had tremendous echo,” said) Don Was. This choice of location contributes to a robust echo, reminiscent of the legendary sound of John Bonham. Don Was confirms that the concrete stairwell added a tremendous depth to the drum sound, further enriching the track.
Complementing Charlie’s drumming is Darryl Jones’ impressive bass work, which provides a solid foundation for the song’s energy. Additionally, Pierre de Beauport’s acoustic guitar adds texture and warmth, creating a beautiful contrast to the more aggressive rock elements. The backing vocals, featuring the talents of Mick, Ivan Neville and Bernard Fowler elevate the overall sound, adding layers of harmony that enhance the emotional impact.
As the song approaches its conclusion, a successful sound collage emerges in the coda, weaving together the various musical elements into a cohesive and powerful finale. This innovative layering of sounds showcases the band’s creativity and contributes to the song’s richness. All of these components come together to make Thru and Thru one of the key tracks on the album, showcasing the band’s versatility and depth in songwriting.
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