Rolling Stones return to roots on ‘Blue & Lonesome’

Established decades ago as one of rock history’s most important acts — and still packing stadiums — the Rolling Stones have nothing left to prove. And on “Blue & Lonesome,” out Friday, Mick Jagger and company don’t bother trying.

The first Stones album in 11 years was recorded in just three days. There are no originals here, just covers of songs from Howlin’ Wolf, Willie Dixon and other blues greats who inspired the Stones in the first place.

Despite the lack of ambition, this is no anticlimax. Instead, it’s the album equivalent of the Beatles’ famous final rooftop concert, a special, no-frills affair emboldened by nostalgia, although the band has enough pride to ensure it brings the goods.

Longtime touring bassist Darryl Jones and keyboardist Chuck Leavell lend some support, and Eric Clapton is a guest guitarist on two tracks. But largely the onus is on the core four, who recorded the songs live, without overdubs. It’s an appropriate aesthetic, adding appealing grit and practically no distractions from Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood’s searing guitar licks on Otis Hicks and Jerry West’s “Hoo Doo Blues,” or Charlie Watts’ precision and power on drums, particularly for a raw, rollicking rendition of Little Walter’s “I Gotta Go.”

And unable to rely on his live show stamina and showmanship, Jagger channels his energy into his harmonica and his voice. He wails with aching, almost unhinged gusto on Magic Sam’s “All of Your Love,” and following a glistening harmonica intro on Ewart Abner Jr. and Jimmy Reed’s “Little Rain,” heightens the suspense while bringing his harp bellowing down to a whisper.

Long the target of ageist jokes — founding members Jagger, Richards and Watts are 73, 72 and 75, respectively — the Stones insist the band will continue touring and get around to releasing an album of new originals.

Should biology have other plans, it’s hard to fathom a more proper send-off.