Was 'It's Only Rock 'n Roll' a Step Down for the Rolling Stones in the Mick Taylor Era?

Most critics in 1974 saw “It’s Only Rock ’n Roll” as a solid but slightly diminished follow-up to the band’s early-’70s peak. Coming off “Exile on Main St.” and “Goats Head Soup,” the album lacked the raw urgency of those records, and reviewers noted that Mick Taylor’s guitar contributions—while still present—felt less central than on previous albums. The perceived step-down was mild: the title track was a hit, and the production (overseen by the Glimmer Twins with a little help from a young David Bowie on tambourine) was cleaner, but the critical consensus was that the Stones were in transition.

The album’s reception also reflected growing awareness that Taylor was becoming restless—he left the band shortly after the sessions. While not a fall from grace, “It’s Only Rock ’n Roll” was viewed as a comfortable but slightly less adventurous effort, a safe bet rather than a reinvention. That’s held up over time: it’s often ranked a tier below the classic run but remains a dependable cut in the catalog.