The new Rolling Stones album actually sounds like the Rolling Stones

“Hackney Diamonds” might start in a defensive crouch — Mick Jagger, hands up, wailing: “Don’t get angry with me!” — but then the music pounces to life with an elasticity no Rolling Stones album has possessed since the big ba-boing of “Tattoo You” circa A.D. 1981.

Who could be angry with that? Maybe those who find it sacrilegious that one of the most singular bands ever produced by civilization decided to continue on after the 2021 death of its inimitable drummer, Charlie Watts. And, hey, fair. But in the heat of this moment, Jagger isn’t having it. In the outro of that hot-brained, full-blooded leadoff track, “Angry,” he finds a way to storm out of his own tantrum, reminding us that he’s still alive, still hungry, still testy, still funny: “I’m still taking the pills and I’m off to Brazil!”