Primitive Cool is the second solo studio album by the English singer Mick Jagger, released in 1987. As the follow-up to Jagger's 1985 album She's the Boss, Primitive Cool was another attempt by Jagger to become a solo star.
Background
Following the release of the
Rolling Stones album
Dirty Work in 1986, relations between Jagger and
Keith Richards soured after Jagger decided to not tour to promote 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; "Kow Tow" and "Shoot Off Your Mouth" were reportedly written in response to disparaging remarks made about Jagger by Keith Richards. Undeterred, Jagger promptly began work on
Primitive Cool, recording in the Netherlands and Barbados.
Joining up with 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.
Reception
Released in September 1987 with "Let's Work" as the lead single, the commercial reaction to
Primitive Cool was not as welcoming as the reception for
She's the Boss, with the album merely reaching No. 26 in the UK and No. 41 in the United States with "Let's Work" and follow-ups singles "Throwaway" and "Say You Will" were minor hits, not at all rivalling "Just Another Night" in commercial success. As a result, although Jagger toured
Primitive Cool, it was only in Japan, Australia & New Zealand, not feeling confident enough to attempt American or British shows.
Reissue
Although originally released by
Columbia Records,
Primitive Cool was acquired and reissued by
Atlantic Records in 1993, following the release of Jagger's third album,
Wandering Spirit, which was issued by Atlantic.
Track listing
Personnel
-
Mick Jagger – vocals, guitars, autoharp, harmonica, percussion
-
Phil Ashley – keyboards
-
Richard Cottle – keyboards
-
Jeff Beck – lead guitar
-
G. E. Smith – guitars
-
Doug Wimbish – bass guitar
-
Simon Phillips – drums
Additional musicians
Production
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Mick Jagger – producer
-
David A. Stewart – producer (1, 2, 4, 6)
-
Keith Diamond – producer (3, 5, 7, 8, 10)
-
Jon Bavin – engineer
-
Manu Guiot – engineer
-
Bob Rosa – engineer
-
Ed Stasium – engineer, mixing (1, 3–10)
-
Michael Barbiero – mixing (2)
-
Steve Thompson – mixing (2)
-
Albert Bucholz – assistant engineer
-
Michiel Hoogenboezem – assistant engineer
-
Glen Johansen – assistant engineer
-
Scott Mabuchi – assistant engineer
-
Moira Marquis – assistant engineer
-
Danny Mormando – assistant engineer
-
Paul Hamingson – mix assistant (1, 3–10)
-
Rhonda Schoen – digital editing
-
Greg Calbi – mastering at Sterling Sound (New York, NY)
-
Tony King – album coordinator
-
Roger Davies – creative consultant
-
Christopher Austopchuk – package design
-
Francesco Clemente – package concept, illustration
Charts
|
|
Australian Albums (Kent Music Report) | 25 |
| UK Top 100 Albums | 26 |
| US Billboard 200 | 41 |
Certifications and sales
Singles
|
| 1987 | "Let's Work" | UK Top 100 Singles | 31 |
| Mainstream Rock Tracks | 7 |
| Billboard Hot 100 | 39 |
| Hot Dance Music/Club Play | 32 |
| Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales | 48 |
| "Throwaway" | Mainstream Rock Tracks | 7 |
| Billboard Hot 100 | 67 |
| "Say You Will" | Mainstream Rock Tracks | 39 |
External links
