The journey continues through the mid-70s, a period often maligned by critics but beloved by fans. The singles from Goats Head Soup and It's Only Rock 'n Roll are presented with fidelity that highlights the band's shift toward a glossier, American-influenced sound. "Angie" remains a towering ballad, but hearing it in this sequence reminds the listener of the band's versatility. The B-sides from this era,
The Ultimate Archive: The Rolling Stones Singles Collection (1971–2006) Released in April 2011, The Rolling Stones – The Singles: 1971–2006
In the age of streaming, why buy a 14-year-old box set (released in ) for a period ending in 2006 ? The journey continues through the mid-70s, a period
Hearing “Brown Sugar” (1971) bleed into “Wild Horses” (UK single 1971) then jump to “Happy” (1972) reveals a band still deeply in their creative golden hour. By the time you hit “Fool to Cry” (1976) and “Respectable” (1978), you feel the hangover of the ’70s and the punk-spiked revival.
For a set priced at premium level, the liner notes are disappointingly brief. A few paragraphs per era and no session details. Hardcore fans will want the out-of-print Rolling Stones: The Singles book instead. The B-sides from this era, The Ultimate Archive:
Critics noted that while the set is a "beautiful object" for completists, its sheer volume—45 discs for roughly 173 songs—makes it a lavish collector's piece rather than a casual listening experience. The Rolling Stones Singles Box Set (1971-2006): Amazon.de
This era is characterized by the twin pillars of Sticky Fingers and Exile on Main St. The singles from this period—"Brown Sugar," "Tumbling Dice," and "Happy"—represent the Stones at their most ragged and glorious. The remastering on the 2011 box set is particularly effective here. The low end is punchier, the guitars slice through the mix with renewed vigor, and Charlie Watts’ snare drum has a crack that feels immediate and live. For a set priced at premium level, the
The collection kicks off in 1971, a pivotal year for the Stones. They had just fired Allen Klein, extricated themselves from their Decca contract, and formed their own label, Rolling Stones Records. The first disc in the set is the legendary "Brown Sugar" / "Bitch" / "Let It Rock." Right out of the gate, the listener is hit with the swagger of the band's prime.
Like many 2010s-era Stones reissues, the audio sources are inconsistent. Some tracks sound like fresh remasters; others (especially early ’80s singles) seem pulled from older, compressed CD masters. “Undercover of the Night” lacks the vinyl’s low-end punch.
The elder-statesmen polish of the 90s and 2000s (Love Is Strong, Rough Justice). Why the 2011 Box Set Matters