Wiki
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Release Date
14 September 1987
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Length
10 tracks
Primitive Cool is the second solo album by The Rolling Stones lead singer Mick Jagger and was released in 1987. As the follow-up to Jagger's 1985 success She's the Boss, Primitive Cool was another attempt by Mick to make him a solo star, being more ambitious. However, the commercial reaction was cooler than expected.
Following the release of Dirty Work in 1986, relations between Jagger and Keith Richards soured after Jagger decided to not tour the album in favour of starting his second solo project. Richards was vocal about his discontent in the media - which Jagger replied to, also publicly. Undeterred, Jagger promptly began work on Primitive Cool, recording in the Netherlands and Barbados.
Joining up with Eurythmics guitarist and songwriter David A. Stewart and Keith Diamond in the producer's chair, Jagger used Jeff Beck as the regular guitarist for the sessions, seeking to have more uniformity in the recordings.
Released in September 1987 with "Let's Work" as the lead single, the commercial reaction to Primitive Cool - despite its warm reviews - was not as welcoming as the reception for She's the Boss, with the album merely reaching #26 in the UK and #41 in the United States. "Let's Work" and follow-up single "Throwaway" were minor hits, not at all rivaling "Just Another Night" in commercial success. As a result, although Jagger toured Primitive Cool, it was only in Japan and Australia, not feeling confident enough to attempt American or British shows.
Although originally released by CBS, Primitive Cool was acquired and reissued by Atlantic Records in 1993 following the release of Jagger's third album, Wandering Spirit.
In 1999, Mary Chapin Carpenter covered the song "Party Doll" from Primitive Cool, as the title track of her compilation, Party Doll and Other Favorites.
Track listing
All songs by Mick Jagger, except where noted.
"Throwaway" – 5:03
"Let's Work" (Mick Jagger, David A. Stewart) – 4:50
"Radio Control" – 3:56
"Say You Will" (Mick Jagger, David A. Stewart) – 5:07
"Primitive Cool" – 5:50
"Kow Tow" (Mick Jagger, David A. Stewart) – 4:55
A response to Keith Richards' public disparaging remarks about Jagger
"Shoot Off Your Mouth" – 3:35
A response to Keith Richards' public disparaging remarks about Jagger
"Peace For The Wicked" – 4:02
"Party Doll" – 5:20
"War Baby" – 6:39
Musicians
Vocals - Mick Jagger
Background Vocals - Jocelyn Brown, Craig Derry, Brenda King, Cindy Mizelle
Guitar - Jeff Beck, Mick Jagger, G.E. Smith
Rhythm Guitar - Jim Barber, Vernon Reid, Jimmy Ripp, Dave Stewart
Autoharp - Mick Jagger
Bass - Dean Garcia, Doug Wimbish
Keyboards - Phillip Ashley, Richard Cottle, Denzil Miller, Greg Phillinganes, Pat Seymour
Harmonica - Mick Jagger
Whistle - Paddy Maloney
Drums - Omar Hakim, Simon Phillips
Percussion - Mick Jagger
Programming - Keith Diamond
Fiddle - Sean Keáne
Trumpet - Jon Faddis
Saxophone - Bill Evans, David Sanborn
Uillean Pipes - Paddy Maloney
Charts
Album
Year Chart Position
1987 UK Top 100 Albums 26
1987 The Billboard 200 41
1988 The Billboard 200 89
Singles
Year Single Chart Position
1987 "Let's Work" UK Top 100 Singles 31
1987 "Let's Work" Mainstream Rock Tracks 7
1987 "Let's Work" The Billboard Hot 100 39
1987 "Let's Work" Hot Dance Music/Club Play 32
1987 "Let's Work" Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales 48
1987 "Throwaway" Mainstream Rock Tracks 7
1987 "Throwaway" The Billboard Hot 100 67
1987 "Say You Will" Mainstream Rock Tracks 39
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