The Rolling Stones – Hackney Diamonds : A Modern Classic in the Iconic Albums Series After an eighteen-year studio silence, the world’s greatest rock and roll band came roaring back with Hackney Diamonds —a bold, electrifying album that defied expectations and reaffirmed their place at the top. In this in-depth and richly detailed book, acclaimed music historian Richard Ward takes readers deep inside the making, meaning, and legacy of Hackney Diamonds , exploring every track, every riff, and every emotion that pulses through this late-career triumph. From the swaggering opener “Angry” to the gospel-soaked grandeur of “Sweet Sounds of Heaven,” this book offers a track-by-track breakdown of the entire album—unpacking lyrics, musical choices, guest appearances by Paul McCartney, Elton John, and Lady Gaga, and the lingering spirit of Charlie Watts. With behind-the-scenes stories, analysis of unreleased material, and a close look at how the Stones adapted to the streaming era without losing their edge, this book goes beyond the music to explore the cultural moment that gave birth to Hackney Diamonds . Discover how Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and Ronnie Wood created a modern rock record that is both a tribute to their legacy and a refusal to fade away. Explore themes of grief, rebellion, aging, joy, and resilience as the Stones turn loss into art and nostalgia into relevance. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or new to the band, this book will make you hear Hackney Diamonds —and the Rolling Stones themselves—in a whole new way. Part biography, part studio diary, part cultural commentary— Iconic Albums: Hackney Diamonds is essential reading for anyone who still believes rock and roll has something left to say.