Expediently trailing the end of the Rolling Stones' North American Zip Code Tour, Keith Richards has uncovered "Trouble," the first single off of his upcoming solo album, Crosseyed Heart.

Richards debuted the track today (July 16) via iHeartRadio.

The stripped down track was created around a horde of Keef riffs, wandering across the fret board with a slightly tattered sound. Richards seems to relinquish his inner Lou Reed lyricist, releasing weary and cynical thoughts in every breath. "Just because I can't see ya, see ya anymore / That's because, honey, you're doing two to four," he sings before launching into, "I could get you off the hook / but I know when I get you out, I won't get a second look."

Following Richards debut 1992 solo album Main Offender, his sophomore LP Crosseyed Heart is due out on Sept. 18. Drummer Steve Jordan assisted Richards with writing and producing across the album that includes contributions from Rolling Stones backup singer Bernard Fowler and guitarist Waddy Wachtel.

"I had a ball making this new record and working with [drummer] Steve Jordan and [guitarist] Waddy Wachtel again," Richards said. "There's nothing like walking into a studio and having absolutely no idea what you're going to come out with on the other end."

A Norah Jones duet is featured on the upcoming album with a ballad titled "Illusion," also containing Aaron Neville on "Nothing on Me," Spooner Oldham on "Lovers Plea," and celebrated instrumentalist Larry Campbell on "Robbed Blind." Bobby Keys, the late Stones saxophonist can't be missed on two cuts of "Blues in the Morning" and "Amnesia."

Richards told Rolling Stone in April that he was entertaining the idea of a Crosseyed Heart supporting tour, but was focused on preparing for the Zip Code Tour which saw alternative releases of fan favorite tracks and later saw a surprise performance by Ed Sheeran. The 71-year-old guitarist continued to boast that he's captivated with heading back to the studio for a follow up to the Rolling Stone's 2005 LP, A Bigger Bang.

"I'd like to see just how far they can evolve," Richards said of the Stones. "I have no demands or particular visions for them, but you're just part of this thing and I want to see how far it will go."

Join the Discussion