"Waiting on a Friend" by The Rolling Stones

Song#:  0845
Date:  12/05/1981
Debut:  70
Peak:  13
Weeks:  15
Genre:  Rock



Pop Bits:  The Stones' "Start Me Up" got their album "Tattoo You" off to a great start when it reached #2, becoming their final Top 3 appearance. This second single did well by making it into the Top 20, but didn't quite have enough power to make it into the Top 10. The backing track was originally recorded around 1972 during the sessions for their "Goats Head Soup" album. Since time was limited to get "Tattoo You" recorded, this track was revived, adjustments made, and lyrics written. Almost 10 years after its initial recording, the song ended up being a hit for the group.

ReduxReview:  I've always liked this song and had the single back in the day. But with a catalog of killer songs, this breezy effort has kind of gotten lost in the shuffle. I admit that I kind of pass it up now and then, but when I do turn it on, I realize it is one of their most charming songs.

ReduxRating:  7/10

Trivia:  Double Shot!  1) The Stones got famous jazz saxophonist Sonny Rollins to come in and do the solo for this song. Rollins also played on two other tracks on the album.  2) The video for this song was popular in the early MTV days. It was filmed in front of the same building that was featured on Led Zeppelin's "Physical Graffiti" LP cover. Reggae artist Peter Tosh appears in the video as well.

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