The Rolling Stones are known as one of the greatest rock bands of all time. Their raw, bluesy sound and rebellious energy defined rock music in the 60s and 70s. But when the 1980s rolled around, things started to change — and not every band member was happy about it.
For guitarist Keith Richards, the 80s were a rocky time. Frontman Mick Jagger was eager to explore new sounds and stay on top of music trends, but Richards felt this move was steering the band away from what made them great. This creative tension would shape some of the Stones’ most debated albums.
Emotional Rescue: The First Warning Sign
Released in 1980, Emotional Rescue marked a shift in The Rolling Stones’ sound. It had elements of disco, pop, and dance music, which felt very different from their gritty blues-rock style. Richards didn’t hold back his thoughts, later saying that many of these songs were “Mick’s calculations about the market.” In other words, Jagger was chasing what was popular at the time, something Richards felt didn’t suit the band.
While Emotional Rescue had hits, it also divided fans. For some, the Stones were experimenting and evolving. For others, they seemed to be losing their edge.
Undercover and Dirty Work: The Low Point
The tension grew worse with the release of Undercover (1983) and Dirty Work (1986). Richards thought these albums were too polished and overproduced. Instead of their signature rock grit, the band was experimenting with flashy sounds and trying to fit into MTV’s new world. Even their style shifted — gone were the leather jackets and bluesy swagger, replaced by colorful, trendy looks”
Richards blamed much of this on Jagger’s desire to stay relevant, saying, “Mick listens to too much bad stuff.” Fans and critics agreed that these albums lacked the magic of classics like Sticky Fingers or Exile on Main St.
Finding Their Way Back
The Rolling Stones didn’t fully find their groove again until the 1990s. Their 1994 album Voodoo Lounge was seen as a return to form. Richards felt the band struck a better balance between experimenting with new ideas and staying true to their roots. Even later records like Bridges to Babylon (1997) showed that they could modernize without losing themselves.
For Richards, the issue wasn’t change — it was chasing trends. The Stones were at their best when they led the way, not when they tried to follow what was popular.
A Lesson in Staying Authentic
The Rolling Stones’ 80s era shows how even the biggest bands can lose their direction when they try too hard to fit in. Richards’ criticisms remind us that authenticity is what fans connect with most. Today, albums like Emotional Rescue and Undercover are interesting snapshots of the band’s journey, but they’ll never outshine their timeless classics.
Even after decades of ups and downs, The Rolling Stones remain a symbol of rock and roll — proving that staying true to your sound is what keeps you legendary.