Like what you see? Help keep it going! This site runs on the support of readers like you. Your donation helps cover costs and keeps fresh Rolling Stones content coming your way every day. Thank you!
Rolling Stones unreleased:Sanctuary
Written by: Jagger/Richards Recorded: Ocean Way Recording Studios, Los Angeles, March 13-July 1997 (Bridges to Babylon sessions)
Sanctuary is one of those tracks that really showcases the Rolling Stones’ versatility and how they continue to evolve, even in the late ’90s. Recorded between March and July 1997 at the famous Ocean Way Recording Studios in Los Angeles, the track was part of the Bridges to Babylon sessions. This was the album that brought the Stones back to their gritty, rock-rooted sound, while still experimenting with fresh influences.
What’s interesting about Sanctuaryis that, even though it wasn’t one of the first singles released, it holds a special place in the band’s catalog. The track features a hypnotic groove that blends rock with touches of reggae and blues, giving it an almost haunting vibe.
The song’s lyrics are reflective and introspective, with Mick Jagger exploring themes of personal refuge and escape, drawing from his own experiences and observations.
Sanctuary: Another Hidden Gem from the Bridges to Babylon Sessions
The recording sessions for Bridges to Babylon were marked by a unique energy, with the band working in a different studio environment than usual. Ocean Way Studios, with its rich history, provided a warm, intimate atmosphere that added depth to the final product. Sanctuary stands as one of the more fully finished tracks from those sessions, with all the intricate layers of guitar work, bass, and percussion coming together seamlessly. Keith Richards’ signature riffs, alongside Ron Wood’s intricate slide guitar, give the track its signature Rolling Stones sound, while Charlie Watts’ steady drumming anchors it all together.
In the context of Bridges to Babylon, Sanctuary is a perfect example of the Stones balancing the old and new, creating a track that’s both timeless and fresh. Even though it didn’t get the spotlight it deserved, it’s definitely a hidden gem in their discography.
Like what you see? Help keep it going! This site runs on the support of readers like you. Your donation helps cover costs and keeps fresh Rolling Stones content coming your way every day. Thank you!
