"Aftermath" by The Rolling Stones

"Aftermath" was a significant milestone in The Rolling Stones' career, marking their transition from a blues cover band to accomplished songwriters.

"Aftermath" by The Rolling Stones

"Aftermath" was released on April 15, 1966, in the United Kingdom and June 20, 1966, in the United States.

The album was recorded at RCA Studios in Hollywood, California.

The album was produced by Andrew Loog Oldham.

Historical Context

"Aftermath" was a significant milestone in The Rolling Stones' career, marking their transition from a blues cover band to accomplished songwriters. The mid-1960s were a period of musical experimentation and innovation, with the British Invasion bringing UK bands to the forefront of the American music scene. The Rolling Stones were among the leaders of this movement, and "Aftermath" was their first album to consist entirely of original compositions by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards. This album also saw the band exploring a wider range of musical styles and incorporating various instruments beyond their standard rock setup.

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You can listen to this album on YouTube.

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Musicians on the Album

The primary musicians on the album were:

- Mick Jagger: lead vocals, harmonica

- Keith Richards: guitar, backing vocals

- Brian Jones: guitar, sitar, dulcimer, marimbas, harmonica, keyboards

- Bill Wyman: bass guitar

- Charlie Watts: drums, percussion

Additional musicians included:

- Jack Nitzsche: piano, organ, harpsichord

Track Listing and Descriptions

Side One:

1. "Mother's Little Helper"

- Opening the album with a distinctive guitar riff and a driving rhythm, "Mother's Little Helper" addresses the growing reliance on prescription drugs, particularly among housewives. The song's lyrics are a darkly humorous commentary on societal pressures and the pursuit of escapism.

2. "Stupid Girl"

- A gritty rock track with a biting edge, "Stupid Girl" features sharp lyrics critiquing superficial and materialistic women. The song's raw energy is amplified by Brian Jones' vibrant keyboard work and the band's tight instrumentation.

3. "Lady Jane"

- This baroque pop ballad showcases the band's softer side, with Brian Jones' dulcimer adding a Renaissance feel to the track. The lyrics are poetic and romantic, reflecting a departure from the band's usual rock sound. Mick Jagger's gentle vocal delivery complements the delicate instrumentation.

4. "Under My Thumb"

- One of the standout tracks on the album, "Under My Thumb" features a marimba riff played by Brian Jones, giving the song a unique and exotic sound. The lyrics discuss a shift in power dynamics in a relationship, with Jagger's vocal performance capturing a mix of control and swagger.

5. "Doncha Bother Me"

- A bluesy number with a driving beat, "Doncha Bother Me" highlights the band's roots in American blues music. The track features gritty guitar riffs and harmonica, creating a raw and energetic sound.

6. "Think"

- With its upbeat tempo and catchy chorus, "Think" addresses themes of love and relationships. The song's lively arrangement and infectious melody make it a memorable track, showcasing the band's ability to craft pop-oriented rock songs.

7. "Flight 505"

- This track tells the story of a man taking a fateful flight to escape his troubles. The song's driving rhythm and bluesy piano riffs create a sense of urgency and adventure, while the lyrics convey a narrative of escape and consequence.

Side Two:

1. "High and Dry"

- A country-influenced track, "High and Dry" features twangy guitar riffs and a laid-back rhythm. The lyrics tell the story of a man left heartbroken and alone, with Jagger's vocal delivery capturing the song's melancholic mood.

2. "Out of Time"

- With its lush orchestration and catchy melody, "Out of Time" is a standout pop track on the album. The lyrics discuss a relationship where one person feels left behind and out of sync. The song's arrangement, featuring strings and percussion, adds to its rich, layered sound.

3. "It's Not Easy"

- A rock track with a driving beat and gritty guitar riffs, "It's Not Easy" addresses the challenges and struggles of life and relationships. The song's raw energy and straightforward lyrics reflect the band's blues roots and rock sensibility.

4. "I Am Waiting"

- This track features a gentle, folk-inspired melody and introspective lyrics. The song's reflective tone is complemented by its delicate acoustic arrangement and Brian Jones' dulcimer, creating a sense of anticipation and introspection.

5. "Going Home"

- Closing the UK version of the album, "Going Home" is an 11-minute blues jam that showcases the band's improvisational skills and raw energy. The extended track features repetitive guitar riffs, harmonica solos, and Jagger's impassioned vocals, capturing the spirit of a live performance.

6. "What to Do" (UK Version)

- This upbeat track addresses the confusion and indecision that often accompany romantic relationships. The song's catchy melody and lively rhythm make it a fitting conclusion to the UK version of the album.

US Version Only Tracks:

1. "Paint It, Black"

- This iconic track opens the US version of the album with its dark, hypnotic melody and driving rhythm. The song features Brian Jones on sitar, adding an Eastern influence to the track. The lyrics convey a sense of despair and longing, making it one of the band's most memorable songs.

2. "Take It or Leave It"

- This track features a folk-inspired melody and contemplative lyrics about the complexities of relationships. The song's gentle arrangement and harmonies create a reflective, introspective mood.

3. "Think"

- As in the UK version, "Think" is an upbeat track with a catchy chorus and lively arrangement, addressing themes of love and relationships.

4. "Goin' Home"

- Similar to the UK version, "Goin' Home" closes the album with an extended blues jam that showcases the band's improvisational skills and raw energy.

"Aftermath" marked a pivotal moment in The Rolling Stones' career, showcasing their evolution as songwriters and musicians. The album's diverse range of styles, from blues and rock to baroque pop and folk, reflects the band's willingness to experiment and push boundaries. Brian Jones' contributions on various instruments added new dimensions to the band's sound, while Mick Jagger and Keith Richards' songwriting partnership reached new heights. "Aftermath" remains a landmark album in rock history, capturing The Rolling Stones at a crucial point in their artistic development.