In 1966, the Rolling Stones were teetering on the edge of a precipice. The Beatles had just released "Revolver," a sonic kaleidoscope that redefined the possibilities of pop music. Meanwhile, the Stones were still churning out blues covers and Chuck Berry knock-offs. They needed to evolve, or risk being left behind in the dust of the psychedelic revolution. "Aftermath" was their answer - a defiant declaration of independence, and their first album composed entirely of original material.
Recorded in the hazy, drug-fueled atmosphere of Los Angeles, "Aftermath" was a marked departure from the Stones' earlier work. The bluesy swagger was still there, but it was now infused with a newfound sense of experimentation. Brian Jones, the band's multi-instrumentalist and resident sonic alchemist, was at the peak of his creative powers. He peppered the album with exotic instrumentation - sitar, dulcimer, marimba - creating a soundscape that was both psychedelic and strangely primal.
The album opens with "Mother's Little Helper," a sardonic commentary on the tranquilizer culture of the 1960s. Mick Jagger's sneering vocals are perfectly complemented by Keith Richards' jagged guitar riffs. It's a song that perfectly captures the Stones' cynical worldview - a world where pills are prescribed to numb the pain of everyday life.
"Stupid Girl" follows, a biting critique of a materialistic young woman, showcasing the Stones' knack for social commentary wrapped in a raw, rock and roll package.
Then comes "Lady Jane," a stark contrast to the previous track. It's a gentle, acoustic ballad that showcases Jagger's softer side. The song's lyrics are full of longing and regret, and Jones' dulcimer playing adds a touch of medieval elegance.
"Under My Thumb" is perhaps the album's most controversial track. Jagger's lyrics are unapologetically misogynistic, celebrating the subjugation of a woman. The song sparked outrage among feminists, but it also resonated with a generation of young men who were rebelling against traditional gender roles.
"Doncha Bother Me" and "Goin' Home" showcase the Stones' blues roots. The former is a straightforward rocker while the latter is an epic 11-minute blues jam that's both exhilarating and exhausting. The song is a showcase for the Stones' raw, unadulterated energy. It's a reminder that, beneath all the psychedelic experimentation, the Stones were still a blues band at heart.
"Flight 505," "High and Dry," and "Out of Time" delve further into the Stones' evolving sound. They blend rock, blues, and psychedelia, with Jagger's vocals and Richards' guitar work leading the charge
"It's Not Easy," "I Am Waiting," and "Take It or Leave It" offer a mix of introspection and social commentary, showcasing the band's lyrical depth and musical versatility
"Think" and "What to Do" round out the album with their raw energy and catchy hooks, leaving the listener wanting more
"Aftermath" was a critical and commercial success, reaching number one on the UK charts. It cemented the Stones' reputation as one of the most innovative and exciting bands of the era. It was also a turning point in their career, marking their transition from blues purists to psychedelic pioneers. The album's influence echoes through the decades, inspiring countless musicians across a wide range of genres.
Produced by Andrew Loog Oldham, the Stones' longtime manager and Svengali, "Aftermath" was recorded at RCA Studios in Hollywood. The album's sound is raw and unpolished, capturing the band's energy and spontaneity. It's proof of the Stones' ability to create great music even under the most chaotic of circumstances.
"Aftermath" is a landmark album, not just for the Rolling Stones, but for rock music as a whole. It's a monument to the power of creative evolution, and a reminder that even the most iconic bands can reinvent themselves. It's an album that demands to be heard by anyone who wants to understand the history of rock and roll.
