What makes Monkey Grip by Bill Wyman notable?

Monkey Grip was notable for its blend of rock and blues influences, receiving positive critical reception that highlighted Wyman's distinct style. The album features the single 'I Wanna Get Me a Gun,' which gained radio play and contributed to Wyman's recognition as a solo artist beyond his work with The Rolling Stones. Released in 1974, Monkey Grip marks Bill Wyman's debut solo album after spending over a decade as the bassist for The Rolling Stones. At this point in his career, Wyman sought to explore his musical identity outside the confines of the iconic rock band, showcasing his songwriting skills and individual artistry.

How many songs are on Monkey Grip?

Monkey Grip has 9 tracks, running approximately 36 minutes.

Monkey Grip

Bill Wyman · 1974

36 min · 9 tracks · rhythm and blues

A fusion of blues rock and rhythm and blues, laced with playful lyrics and a gritty, laid-back groove.

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Top tracks — play these first

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I Wanna Get Me a Gun — This track stands out for its catchy chorus and satirical take on violence, encapsulating Wyman's playful yet critical commentary on society.
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Monkey Grip Glue — The title track showcases a bluesy vibe paired with humorous lyrics, reflecting Wyman's ability to merge fun with musicality effectively.
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What a Blow — With its engaging rhythm and infectious melody, this song highlights Wyman's knack for crafting memorable hooks, making it a key moment on the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

43 /100

Lowland

Higher than 2% of albums we've rated

The album showcases a blend of blues rock and rhythm and blues with playful lyrics, but lacks standout compositions.

What we noticed

The album opens with a strong lead single that sets a mid-tempo groove, followed by tracks that alternate between upbeat rhythms and slower, more reflective moments.
Several tracks feature prominent brass arrangements, adding a layer of texture that complements the rhythm and blues style.
The lyrics often employ playful and humorous themes, contrasting with the gritty instrumentation, which creates an engaging dynamic throughout the record.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 5/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Crazy Woman

The verses shift from light-hearted observations to more intense reflections on relationships without losing their upbeat tempo.

This juxtaposition creates an engaging dynamic that keeps listeners invested while illustrating Wyman's lyrical versatility.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 I Wanna Get Me a Gun 4:59
2 Crazy Woman 2:42
3 Pussy 2:09
4 Mighty Fine Time 3:38
5 Monkey Grip Glue 4:58
6 What a Blow 5:24
7 White Lightnin’ 2:42
8 I’ll Pull You Thro’ 4:25
9 It’s a Wonder 5:35

What to play next

Listen next

Stone Alone

1976

Go back to

In Another Land

1967

Full Bill Wyman discography Artists like Bill Wyman

blues rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata