# Primitive Cool

Primitive Cool is the second solo album by English singer Mick Jagger, released in 1987. As the follow-up to Jagger's 1985 album She's the Boss, Primitive Cool was another attempt by Jagger to become a solo star.

## Background

Following the release of the Rolling Stones album Dirty Work in 1986, relations between Jagger and Keith Richards soured after Jagger decided to not tour to promote the album in favour of starting his second solo project. Richards was vocal about his discontent in the media—which Jagger replied to, also publicly; "Kow Tow" and "Shoot Off Your Mouth" were reportedly written in response to disparaging remarks made about Jagger by Keith Richards. Undeterred, Jagger promptly began work on Primitive Cool, recording in the Netherlands and Barbados.
Joining up with David A. Stewart and Keith Diamond in the producer's chair, Jagger used Jeff Beck as the regular guitarist for the sessions, seeking to have more uniformity in the recordings.

## Reception

Professional ratings :
| Review scores ||
| Source | Rating |
| AllMusic | |
| Robert Christgau | B− |
| Number One | |
| Rolling Stone | favourable |
Released in September 1987 with "Let's Work" as the lead single, the commercial reaction to Primitive Cool was not as welcoming as the reception for She's the Boss, with the album merely reaching No. 26 in the UK and No. 41 in the United States with "Let's Work" and follow-ups singles "Throwaway" and "Say You Will" were minor hits, not at all rivalling "Just Another Night" in commercial success. As a result, although Jagger toured Primitive Cool, it was only in Japan, Australia & New Zealand, not feeling confident enough to attempt American or British shows.

## Reissue

Although originally released by Columbia Records, Primitive Cool was acquired and reissued by Atlantic Records in 1993, following the release of Jagger's third album, Wandering Spirit, which was issued by Atlantic.

## Track listing

All tracks are written by Mick Jagger, except where noted

## Personnel

* Mick Jagger – vocals, guitars, autoharp, harmonica, percussion
* Phil Ashley – keyboards
* Richard Cottle – keyboards
* Jeff Beck – lead guitar
* G. E. Smith – guitars
* Doug Wimbish – bass
* Simon Phillips – drums
Additional musicians
* Denzil Miller – keyboards
* Greg Phillinganes – keyboards
* Patrick Seymour – keyboards
* Keith Diamond – programming
* Olle Romo – programming
* Jim Barber – rhythm guitar
* Vernon Reid – rhythm guitar
* Jimmy Rip – rhythm guitar
* David A. Stewart – rhythm guitar
* Dean Garcia – bass
* Omar Hakim – drums
* Ernst Hanes – gamelan
* David Sanborn – saxophone
* Jon Faddis – trumpet
* Paddy Moloney – whistle, Uilleann pipes
* Seán Keane – fiddle
* Jocelyn Brown – backing vocals
* Craig Derry – backing vocals
* Cindy Mizelle – backing vocals
* Brenda White King – backing vocals
* Harrison College Choir, Barbados – backing vocals

### Production

* Mick Jagger – producer
* David A. Stewart – producer (1, 2, 4, 6)
* Keith Diamond – producer (3, 5, 7, 8, 10)
* Jon Bavin – engineer
* Manu Guiot – engineer
* Bob Rosa – engineer
* Ed Stasium – engineer, mixing (1, 3-10)
* Michael Barbiero – mixing (2)
* Steve Thompson – mixing (2)
* Albert Bucholz – assistant engineer
* Michiel Hoogenboezem – assistant engineer
* Glen Johansen – assistant engineer
* Scott Mabuchi – assistant engineer
* Moira Marquis – assistant engineer
* Danny Mormando – assistant engineer
* Paul Hamingson – mix assistant (1, 3-10)
* Rhonda Schoen – digital editing
* Greg Calbi – mastering at Sterling Sound (New York, NY)
* Tony King – album coordinator
* Roger Davies – creative consultant
* Christopher Austopchuk – package design
* Francesco Clemente – package concept, illustration

## Charts

| Chart (1987) | Peak position |
| Australian Albums (Kent Music Report) | 25 |
| UK Top 100 Albums | 26 |
| US Billboard 200 | 41 |

## Certifications and sales

| Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
| Canada (Music Canada) | Gold | 50,000$^^$ |
| $^^$ Shipments figures based on certification alone. |||

## Singles

| Year | Single | List | Position |
| 1987 | "Let's Work" | UK Top 100 Singles | 31 |
| 1987 | "Let's Work" | Mainstream Rock Tracks | 7 |
| 1987 | "Let's Work" | Billboard Hot 100 | 39 |
| 1987 | "Let's Work" | Hot Dance Music/Club Play | 32 |
| 1987 | "Let's Work" | Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales | 48 |
| 1987 | "Throwaway" | Mainstream Rock Tracks | 7 |
| 1987 | "Throwaway" | Billboard Hot 100 | 67 |
| 1987 | "Say You Will" | Mainstream Rock Tracks | 39 |