21. It’s Only Rock ‘N Roll (1974)

The last record to feature the sublime work of lead guitarist Mick Taylor is a bit of a mixed bag. But the highs on 1974’s It’s Only Rock ‘N Roll are unmistakably high. Their definitive take on The Temptations’ “Ain’t Too Proud To Beg” is one of their best soul covers, with uniformly excellent performances from all and sundry. The title track is the band’s obvious entry into the Mark Bolan glam sweepstakes and works like gangbusters, with lyrics that echo Ziggy’s rock and roll self-immolation: “If I could stick a knife in my heart/ Suicide right on stage/ Would it be enough for your teenage lust?/ Would it help to ease the pain? Ease your brain?” Meanwhile, “Luxury” and “Fingerprint File” are interesting (though not fully successful) explorations into reggae and disco, respectively, suggesting that while the band were hugely successful at this point, they were still creatively restless and not entirely willing to be complacent with their signature sound.