Why The Rolling Stones' 48-Year Album Revival Conquered UK Charts Again

When a legendary rock band rereleases a classic album from nearly five decades ago, it takes more than nostalgia to crack the top 10. The Rolling Stones just proved that with their freshly repackaged version of Black and Blue, which stormed into the upper echelons of multiple UK rankings this week—a remarkable feat considering the record last charted in August 1976.

A Deluxe Package That Resonated Across Multiple Formats

The super deluxe reissue of Black and Blue didn’t just score once. It simultaneously arrived on four different UK charts, demonstrating the album’s broad appeal across various listening formats. On the Official Physical Albums and Official Vinyl Albums listings, the reissue started at No. 8, capturing the vinyl renaissance that’s currently reshaping music consumption. The album also broke into the Official Albums Sales chart at No. 9—a particularly impressive showing given that this ranking measures pure purchases across all formats and genres.

What made this reissue special wasn’t just the original recordings. The package features a complete remix of the album alongside previously unreleased tracks, substantially expanding its average album length and enriching the listening experience for both longtime devotees and newcomers. Notably included is a live performance from 1976 and a striking cover of “Shame, Shame, Shame” by Shirley and Company that has become a highlight of the release.

The Stones’ Commanding Chart Legacy Grows

With Black and Blue now securing a top 10 position on the Official Albums Sales chart, the Rolling Stones have accumulated nine top 10 entries on that specific ranking alone. Their overall chart dominance is staggering: the band commands 18 top 10 placements on the Official Physical Albums roster and a remarkable 20 on the Official Vinyl Albums list. Across all three major UK charts, the group has positioned more than 40 projects on the rankings, with over 50 now appearing on the physical sales tally—a testament to their unmatched longevity in the industry.

The One Chart That Nearly Got Away

While the reissue succeeded almost everywhere, it narrowly missed the Official Album Downloads list, entering at No. 15. On the Official Albums chart—which incorporates streaming data alongside sales—Black and Blue managed to reenter the top 40 at No. 40, though this represented the first appearance on this particular ranking since August 1976, when the album originally peaked at No. 2.

A Turning Point Album Returns

Originally released in May 1976, Black and Blue marked a pivotal moment in the Rolling Stones’ trajectory. As the band’s thirteenth full-length, it captured them during a period of significant transition. Guitarist Mick Taylor had departed before recording began, and the sessions featured contributions from multiple guitarists before Ronnie Wood eventually became a permanent member. Despite these changes, the album climbed to the No. 2 position in its second week and remained there for two consecutive chart cycles before gradually fading from view.

The resurgence of Black and Blue this week signals that the Stones’ ability to captivate audiences hasn’t diminished. Following the success of Hackney Diamonds—their first album of original material in two decades, which won a Grammy for Best Rock Album—the band continues demonstrating why strategic reissues of their catalog remain commercially viable. With a follow-up already in development, the Rolling Stones show no signs of slowing down their reign over multiple chart formats across the UK and beyond.