The Rolling Stones Angry: A High-Voltage Return to Form

The Lead Single from Hackney Diamonds

When the world’s greatest rock and roll band announces their first album of original material in nearly two decades, the lead single has a lot of heavy lifting to do. Released in September 2023, “Angry” served as the explosive opening statement for Hackney Diamonds, proving that even after sixty years, The Rolling Stones haven’t lost their edge.

The track is a masterclass in the classic Stones “crunch” – a driving, mid-tempo rock anthem that feels both fresh and deeply rooted in the band’s legendary DNA. Produced by Andrew Watt, the song captures the band’s transition into a new era following the passing of Charlie Watts, featuring Steve Jordan on drums while maintaining the unmistakable riff-heavy interplay between Mick Jagger and Keith Richards.

“Don’t Get Angry with Me”: The Story Behind the Song

During the official launch of the album at the Hackney Empire, Mick Jagger explained the central theme of the song, noting that the album title and the lead track represent a bit of “slang” and “attitude.” The track originated from a desire to create a record with a unified “mood,” and “Angry” set the pace with its defiant, blues-rock energy.

The recording process for the single was remarkably swift. While some tracks on the album had been in development for years, “Angry” was part of a concentrated burst of creativity in late 2022 and early 2023, where the band recorded the bulk of the new material in just a few months. This urgency translates directly into the track’s high-energy feel, reminiscent of their commercial peak in the early 80s.

Personnel & Gear

To achieve the signature Hackney Diamonds sound, the band collaborated with producer Andrew Watt, who helped bridge the gap between their 1960s blues roots and modern production standards.

• Mick Jagger: Lead Vocals, Backing Vocals
• Keith Richards: Lead and Rhythm Guitar
• Ronnie Wood: Rhythm Guitar
• Steve Jordan: Drums
• Andrew Watt: Producer & Bass

The track features the signature grit of the band’s preferred Gibson and Fender setups, delivering that timeless blues-rock tone that fans have loved since classics like “Paint It Black”.

Chart Performance & Visual Impact

“Angry” was a global success, debuting with significant airplay and helping Hackney Diamonds reach #1 in the UK and numerous other territories. It also made history, contributing to the Stones becoming the first act to have a Billboard 200 Top 10 album in every decade since the 1960s.

The song’s legacy was further cemented by its high-tech music video featuring actress Sydney Sweeney. The video showcased “living” billboards of the band performing throughout their history, from their early 1964 debut to the moody ballads of the 70s—blending the band’s massive history with a sleek, modern aesthetic.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Who plays drums on “Angry”?

While the album features some of the final recordings of Charlie Watts, “Angry” features long-time associate Steve Jordan on the kit.

When was “Angry” released?

The single was officially released on September 8, 2023, as the lead track for the Hackney Diamonds album.

Who produced the song?

The track was produced by Andrew Watt, known for his work with modern pop and rock icons, bringing a contemporary punch to the Stones’ classic sound.

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Sources: Angry – Wikipedia The Rolling Stones – Angry (Official Music Video) The Rolling Stones Biography | AllMusic