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 Denzil Miller – keyboards Greg Phillinganes – keyboards Patrick Seymour – keyboards Keith Diamond – programming Olle Romo – programming Jim Barber – rhythm guitar Vernon Reid – rhythm guitar Jimmy Rip – rhythm guitar David A. Stewart – rhythm guitar Dean Garcia – bass guitar Omar Hakim – drums Ernst Hanes – gamelan David Sanborn – saxophone Jon Faddis – trumpet Paddy Moloney – whistle, Uilleann pipes Seán Keane – fiddle Jocelyn Brown – backing vocals Craig Derry – backing vocals Cindy Mizelle – backing vocals Brenda White King – backing vocals Harrison College Choir, Barbados – backing vocals
Production 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 Chart (1987) Peakposition Australian Albums (Kent Music Report) 25 UK Top 100 Albums26 US Billboard 20041
Certifications and sales
Singles YearSingleListPosition1987"Let's Work"UK Top 100 Singles31Mainstream Rock Tracks7Billboard Hot 10039Hot Dance Music/Club Play32Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales48"Throwaway"Mainstream Rock Tracks7Billboard Hot 10067"Say You Will"Mainstream Rock Tracks39
References
External links Miami Herald article Mick Jagger at Todomusica.org