The Rolling Stones - Aftermath Album

The Aftermath album reflects a giant leap forward for the Rolling Stones, as Mick Jagger and Keith Richards started to come into their own as songwriters and the Stones' sound started moving away from their early R&B influences. Brian Jones was the founder and spiritual leader of the band during this time and Aftermath contains some of his finest moments with the band. "Paint It Black" was the band's third number one single and it sounded like nothing they had done previously with its sitar work and haunting, apocalyptic sound and harrowing lyrics. "Under My Thumb" is one of the best ever Stones tunes with its samba beats and dominating lyrics. In sum, the album reflects the beginning of an amazing string of successes.