Released 1976
Rolling Stones Records (originally)
Virgin Records (remastered)

Track Listing:

Hot Stuff
Hand Of Fate
Cherry Oh Baby
Memory Motel
Hey Negrita
Melody
Fool To Cry
Crazy Mama

Review:

- 2 1/2 (out of five)

"Black and Blue" marked the arrival of Ronnie Wood as an official member of the Stones. Having toured with them on the 1974 world tour to replace the recently departed Mick Taylor, the boys invited him to stay on permanently in 1975.

Although it was recorded in Europe, the music reflects the styles of the Carribbean Islands, where most of the Stones had relocated during the 1970's. The result is a mixture of reggae and the Stones' bluesy rock 'n roll. It really clicks on songs like the piano driven shuffle "Melody," the soaring rocker "Crazy Mama," and the album's centerpiece, the epic ballad "Memory Motel."

Elsewhere, it comes off pretty silly. "Hey Negrita" and "Cherry oh Baby" are straight ahead reggae, and they simply don't sound like Stones songs. "Fool to Cry" is such a syrupy ballad, you can get diabetis just listening to it. On the whole, "Black and Blue" is a forgettable album, but a few tracks, notably "Memory Motel," make it worth a listen. For completists only.