Keith Richards doesn’t usually come to mind when one thinks of the phrase “guitar hero.” That’s normally reserved for names such as Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page and Edward Van Halen. However, the reality is that Richards has been hugely influential to generations of guitarists, not only for his uncanny ability to create memorable rhythms, riffs and fills, but also for his sense of style and swagger. He is arguably the very definition rock ‘n roll cool. In releasing his 2015 solo album Crosseyed Heart, Richards pays homage to his guitar heroes and influences.
The opening track — the title track — is a classic fingerpicked 40s-style Delta blues that ends abruptly with Richards exclaiming, “That’s all I got.” The next track, “Heartstopper,” is perhaps the most Rolling Stones-like song of the 15-song collection. It’s one of the few tunes that sounds as if it could be an outtake from a Stones recording session. The rest of the album is pure Richards at his bluesy, roots-rock best. “Amnesia” starts with Richards slyly drawling, “I’m just waiting here until this shit kicks in. You understand me? You got it?”
“Robbed Blind” with its acoustic guitar, piano and dreamy pedal steel guitar (as well as a lazy acoustic guitar solo) would fit in nicely on any contemporary country album, as would “Trouble” with its dueling slide guitar solos. Just when you think you’ve got Richards figured out he turns things on upside down on a couple of songs. “Love Overdue” is a reggae cover of a Gregory Isaacs song, complete with a pulsating bass line, female backing vocals and a horn section. The other wild card is “Illusion,” a song co-written (and co-sung) with Norah Jones.
“Blues in the Morning” with its cool 50s style guitar riffs complete with deep reverb has a real rockabilly feel to it. “Suspicious” is perhaps the most heartfelt song in the collection. It’s a melancholic, gut-wrenching song about a lover’s betrayal, with Richard’s emotional singing matching the wailing guitar riffs. While each of the songs on the album could be similarly inspected and dissected, it’s best to view the collection as a whole, for what it is.
Crosseyed Heart is Richards’ first studio solo album is 23 years. A near quarter-century is a very long wait between records, and in that time, countless musical styles and trends have come and gone — and come around again. The great thing about this album is that it isn’t trendy or timely. It’s just a legendary musician doing what he wants to do, for the love of music itself. Bottom line: Crosseyed Heart is a fascinating glimpse into what influences and motivates the man who has influenced and motivated so many others.
~ Richard Rosenthal
