“Lady Jane” is a nice balled for Jagger, but I would have rather had “Mother’s Little Helper.” Brian Jones dulcimer gives the song a stately presence.
“Under My Thumb” is a classic up tempo rocker for the Stones with a creative fuzz guitar holding the sound together. “Under My Thumb” exploited sexual exploitation which was part of the Stones persona at the time. “Stupid Girl” explored the same theme but in a more immature way.
“Goin Home” is an eleven minute blues opus that closed side one of the American release. I think it is the longest Stones song on record. Most people either love or hate this song and since it takes up so much time, liking it is crucial to a positive opinion of Aftermath. “Goin’Home” is basically guitars and harp building upon each other while Mick Jagger’s vocals float in and out of the mix.
“High and Dry” features some fine acoustic guitar and harmonica that takes this song in a country direction.
Aftermath was an instant commercial success in the United States, rising to number 2 on the Billboard chats and selling over one million copies. It would remain on the charts for 50 weeks.
Aftermath is not only an excellent album is its own right but is a sampler of what was to come in the future for the Rolling Stones.
Article comments
1 - Ken
I have the vinyl, American version, of this album. I always enjoyed it. When it came out on CD, I bought the British version and it is sooo good.. The songs are in different order and Mothers Little Helper is on instead of Paint it Black. Get this and enjoy! It is the way the album should be and flows much better.