Aftermath cover art

  Studio Album · No. 8

Aftermath Songwriting Credits by The Rolling Stones

1966 Decca Records / London Records 14 tracks 43 min

Produced by Andrew Loog Oldham  ·  Engineered by Dave Hassinger

Decca Records / London Records RockPop RockBlues RockArt Rock
100%
Authorship
Complete Artist

Holds writing credit on 14 of 14 tracks

Authorship Breakdown 14 / 14 documented

Who wrote the songs?

Scored across the 14 tracks with documented writers, by whether The Rolling Stones carries a lyricist or composer credit.

100%
14 trackswritten by The Rolling Stones 0 tracksoutside writers
The Rolling Stones's roles on this album

Share of the 14 tracks where a band member is credited, by role.

Lyricist100%
Composer100%
Producer0%
Performer100%

By the Numbers

14
Tracks
2
Lyricists
1
Producers
1
No.1 Single
1966
Released
Data Insight

Aftermath is the turning point: it is the first Rolling Stones album composed entirely of Jagger/Richards originals, with no covers, ending the band's dependence on interpreting other writers' material. Freed from the covers format, the partnership widens its range across pop, blues, and more ambitious arrangements, from the menace of 'Under My Thumb' to the courtly 'Lady Jane.' Brian Jones is central to its distinctive sound, playing sitar on the US opener 'Paint It Black,' Appalachian dulcimer on 'Lady Jane,' and marimba on 'Under My Thumb.' Produced by Andrew Loog Oldham and engineered by Dave Hassinger at RCA in Hollywood, it established the Stones as album-oriented writers rather than a singles-and-covers act.

A landmark album released in UK (April 1966, Decca) and US (July 1966, London Records) editions with different track listings. Aftermath was the first Rolling Stones album composed entirely of Jagger-Richards originals. The US version adds 'Paint It Black' (a concurrent single) and omits several UK tracks. Track listing here follows the UK edition.

Track Listing & Credits 14 tracks

Written by the artist Written by outside writers
#TitleLyricist(s)Composer(s)Producer(s)Performers
1
Mother's Little Helper #8
Mick JaggerKeith Richards Michael Philip JaggerKeith Richards Andrew Loog Oldham Mick Jagger (Lead Vocals)
2
Stupid Girl
Mick JaggerKeith Richards Michael Philip JaggerKeith Richards Andrew Loog Oldham Mick Jagger (Lead Vocals)
3
Lady Jane
Mick JaggerKeith Richards Michael Philip JaggerKeith Richards Andrew Loog Oldham Mick Jagger (Lead Vocals)
4
Under My Thumb
Mick JaggerKeith Richards Michael Philip JaggerKeith Richards Andrew Loog Oldham Mick Jagger (Lead Vocals)
5
Doncha Bother Me
Mick JaggerKeith Richards Michael Philip JaggerKeith Richards Andrew Loog Oldham Mick Jagger (Lead Vocals)
6
Goin' Home
Mick JaggerKeith Richards Michael Philip JaggerKeith Richards Andrew Loog Oldham Mick Jagger (Lead Vocals)
7
Flight 505
Mick JaggerKeith Richards Michael Philip JaggerKeith Richards Andrew Loog Oldham Mick Jagger (Lead Vocals)
8
High and Dry
Mick JaggerKeith Richards Michael Philip JaggerKeith Richards Andrew Loog Oldham Mick Jagger (Lead Vocals)
9
Out of Time
Mick JaggerKeith Richards Michael Philip JaggerKeith Richards Andrew Loog Oldham Mick Jagger (Lead Vocals)
10
It's Not Easy
Mick JaggerKeith Richards Michael Philip JaggerKeith Richards Andrew Loog Oldham Mick Jagger (Lead Vocals)
11
I Am Waiting
Mick JaggerKeith Richards Michael Philip JaggerKeith Richards Andrew Loog Oldham Mick Jagger (Lead Vocals)
12
Take It or Leave It
Mick JaggerKeith Richards Michael Philip JaggerKeith Richards Andrew Loog Oldham Mick Jagger (Lead Vocals)
13
Think
Mick JaggerKeith Richards Michael Philip JaggerKeith Richards Andrew Loog Oldham Mick Jagger (Lead Vocals)
14
What to Do
Mick JaggerKeith Richards Michael Philip JaggerKeith Richards Andrew Loog Oldham Mick Jagger (Lead Vocals)

Songwriter & Credit Spotlight 4 contributors

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Frequently Asked Questions Aftermath

Why is Aftermath considered a turning point for The Rolling Stones?
Aftermath was the first Rolling Stones album composed entirely of original Jagger/Richards songs, with no covers. Every previous album had relied on interpretations of American blues, soul, and R&B. This shift established the band as self-sufficient songwriters and album artists.
Who wrote the songs on Aftermath?
All of the songs on Aftermath were written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards. It was the first time the band filled an entire album with their own compositions. The achievement marked the maturation of their songwriting partnership.
What instruments did Brian Jones play on Aftermath?
Brian Jones played a wide range of instruments including sitar on 'Paint It Black,' Appalachian dulcimer on 'Lady Jane,' and marimba on 'Under My Thumb,' along with instruments like vibraphone and koto. His textures gave the album much of its distinctive, varied sound. This range set Aftermath apart from the band's earlier guitar-and-harmonica records.
How did Paint It Black chart?
'Paint It Black' reached number one on both the Billboard Hot 100 and the UK Singles Chart in 1966. It was notable as one of the first chart-topping singles to feature the sitar, played by Brian Jones. The song appears on the US edition of Aftermath.
Why do the US and UK versions of Aftermath differ?
The US edition runs about 43 minutes and opens with 'Paint It Black,' which was not on the original UK edition, while the UK edition runs longer with a different tracklist. US labels frequently reworked British albums for the American market at the time. The two versions therefore differ in both running order and contents.
How did Mother's Little Helper perform as a single?
'Mother's Little Helper' reached number 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1966. The Jagger/Richards song addressed the use of prescription tranquilizers among housewives. It was one of the singles drawn from the album in the US.
How did Aftermath perform commercially?
Aftermath topped the UK albums chart for eight weeks and reached number 2 on the US Billboard 200, earning RIAA Platinum certification for one million copies. It was both a critical and commercial success. The album is often cited as the band's first major artistic statement.

Sources