"It's Only Rock 'N' Roll (But I Like It)" was released in 1974 as the title track of The Rolling Stones' twelfth studio album, becoming one of the band's most enduring anthems and a Top 20 hit on both sides of the Atlantic. The song captures the Stones at their most self-aware and swaggering, cementing their legacy as rock icons during one of the genre's most defining decades.
Charlie Watts delivers a characteristically understated yet rock-solid performance, driving the song with a straightforward backbeat that prioritizes groove and feel over complexity. His economical approach to the kit exemplifies the "less is more" philosophy, keeping the rhythm locked in tightly with the guitar-driven arrangement at a steady 128 BPM.
Unique Drumming Characteristics
- Consistent snare backbeat on beats 2 and 4 throughout the song
- Straightforward kick drum pattern anchoring the quarter-note pulse
- Minimal cymbal variation, favoring a steady hi-hat pattern to maintain momentum
- Restrained use of fills, keeping transitions simple and in service of the song
Skills You'll Develop
- Maintaining a steady, confident backbeat at a moderate rock tempo
- Developing consistent hi-hat control and timing
- Practicing dynamic restraint and purposeful simplicity in rock drumming
- Building groove-focused playing that locks in with guitar and bass
- Strengthening foundational 4/4 rock drumming patterns suitable for beginner drummers
Drumscore
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