The Rolling Stones Strike Gold with Some Girls
When The Rolling Stones released Some Girls on June 9, 1978, they were a band with something to prove. Punk rock was challenging the old guard, disco dominated radio, and many critics believed the Stones’ best years were behind them. Instead, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and company responded with one of the strongest albums of their career—an energetic, modern, and commercially successful record that reestablished the band as rock’s premier survivors. It would become their best-selling studio album in the United States and is widely regarded as one of the greatest comeback albums in rock history.
Ronnie Wood Becomes a Full-Fledged Stone
Although guitarist Ronnie Wood had appeared on the Stones’ previous albums It’s Only Rock ‘n Roll and Black and Blue, Some Girls marked the first studio album recorded with Wood as an official member of the band. His loose, gritty guitar style meshed perfectly with Keith Richards’ rhythm playing, creating the “weaving” guitar sound that would define the Stones for decades to come. Wood’s slide guitar work added a fresh edge to the band’s sound at a time when reinvention was essential.
The Album Cover That Sparked a Legal Firestorm
Before listeners even heard the music, Some Girls was making headlines for its controversial packaging.
Designed by Peter Corriston with illustrations by Hubert Kretzschmar, the original album featured an elaborate die-cut cover inspired by a vintage Valmor Products beauty advertisement. The cover displayed the Rolling Stones dressed in exaggerated drag alongside images of female celebrities and lingerie-style advertising graphics. The colorful, playful design was unlike anything else on record store shelves in 1978.
The problem? Nobody had asked permission.
Almost immediately, Lucille Ball, Farrah Fawcett, Raquel Welch, Liza Minnelli (representing her mother Judy Garland), and the estate of Marilyn Monroe threatened legal action over the unauthorized use of their likenesses. Valmor Products also objected to the use of its advertising design. The record company quickly recalled and redesigned the artwork, replacing the celebrity faces with brightly colored blocks carrying the message: “Pardon Our Appearance – Cover Under Re-Construction.” Today, the original uncensored pressing remains one of the most famous album-cover controversies in rock history.
The Songs That Made Some Girls a Classic
“Miss You”
The album’s biggest hit blended rock and disco at a time when many rock bands feared the dance-floor trend. Built around Bill Wyman’s bass line and Charlie Watts’ steady groove, “Miss You” became the Stones’ final No. 1 single in the United States. Blues harmonica player Sugar Blue added the distinctive harmonica solos that helped make the song unforgettable.
“Beast of Burden”
One of the Stones’ most beloved songs, “Beast of Burden” showcased the chemistry between Jagger and Richards. The relaxed groove and emotional lyrics created a timeless rock radio staple that remains a concert favorite.
“Shattered”
Inspired by New York City, “Shattered” captured the energy, chaos, and attitude of late-1970s urban life. Jagger’s rapid-fire vocal delivery gave the track a punk-inspired urgency that reflected the changing musical landscape.
“Respectable”
Fast, aggressive, and packed with attitude, “Respectable” demonstrated the band’s ability to absorb punk influences without abandoning their identity.
“Far Away Eyes”
A humorous country parody complete with a faux-American accent from Jagger, “Far Away Eyes” revealed the Stones’ long-standing affection for country music.
“When the Whip Comes Down”
Driven by Richards and Wood’s guitars, this hard-rocking track reflected the raw energy that characterized much of the album.
“Lies”
One of the album’s fastest songs, “Lies” embraced the stripped-down aggression of punk while remaining unmistakably Stones.
“Just My Imagination (Running Away with Me)”
The band’s interpretation of The Temptations classic transformed the soulful original into a loose, swaggering Stones performance.
“Some Girls”
The title track mixed humor, controversy, and sharp social observations into one of the album’s most talked-about songs.
“Before They Make Me Run”
Keith Richards took lead vocals on this autobiographical rocker, written during a period when he was facing serious legal troubles. It remains one of his signature performances.
A Triumphant Return
At a time when many classic rock bands struggled to remain relevant, Some Girls proved that The Rolling Stones could evolve without losing their identity. Combining rock, punk, country, blues, and disco influences, the album delivered hit singles, critical acclaim, and renewed commercial success.
Nearly five decades later, Some Girls remains one of the defining albums of 1978—a bold statement from a legendary band refusing to fade away. From the chart-topping “Miss You” to the unforgettable cover-art controversy, it stands as one of the most important chapters in the long and remarkable history of The Rolling Stones.
By Paul’s Jukebox
