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Hidden inside the chaotic Dirty Work era, High Temperature reveals a different side of The Rolling Stones—not fractured rock stars, but a band still fluent in the language that built them: the blues. Recorded in France in 1985 and left unreleased, the track burns with smoky intensity, led by Keith Richards’ gritty vocal and razor-edged guitar work. A fierce harmonica nods to Little Walter, while Charlie Watts, Bill Wyman, and Chuck Leavell lock into a deep, unshakable groove. More than an outtake, High Temperature sounds like proof that even in troubled times, the Stones could still summon real fire.
Written by: Jacobs/Cohen Recorded: EMI-Pathé Marconi Studios, Boulogne-Billancourt, France, Apr. 5-June 17 1985 (Dirty Work sessions) Guest musicians: Chuck Leavell (piano)
Rolling Stones Unreleased: The Bluesy Fire of High Temperature
Recorded during the turbulent Dirty Work sessions in France between April and June 1985, High Temperature is a smoldering blues track that never saw an official release. Sung by Keith Richards, the song oozes rawness and grit, drawing deeply from traditional blues roots. With Chuck Leavell on piano and a searing harmonica performance echoing the legacy of Little Walter, the track captures a moody atmosphere that feels both haunting and intimate.
Inspired by the legendary Little Walter, the track pays homage to classic Chicago blues. While credited to writers Jacobs and Cohen, its soul lies in its execution: a schrill harmonica cutting through Keith’s smoky vocals, grounded by expressive bass and lead guitar work. It’s a forgotten gem that reminds us how deep the Stones’ blues devotion runs.
Unearthed Blues: The Rolling Stones’ High Temperature
The song features a strong, tight rhythm section, with Charlie Watts providing steady, no-frills drumming while Bill Wyman’s bass lines add weight and depth to the groove. Keith Richards’ guitar work is one of the track’s biggest strengths, delivering the kind of raw, economical riffing that can drive a song forward without unnecessary flash. Mick Jagger’s vocals cut through the mix with a mix of defiance, urgency, and attitude, sounding fully committed despite the tensions surrounding the band at the time. The result is a track that feels focused, energetic, and surprisingly cohesive. Its relentless rhythm and rough-edged spirit serve as a reminder that The Rolling Stones could still lock into a groove and produce compelling music even when internal relationships were far from harmonious. No matter what was happening behind the scenes, somebody still had to do the Dirty Work—and on this recording, it sounds like everyone showed up for the job.
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