Aftermath shows a tremendous leap for the band. Mick Jagger & Keith Richards were starting to bloom as songwriters and the band started to step away from the heavy R&B sounds of their earlier albums. Brian Jones was the founder and spiritual leader of the band 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 it's sitar work and eerie, apocalyptic sound and doomsday lyrics. "Stupid Girl" has the lowdown, dirty vibe that would permeate alot of their future records. "Under My Thumb" is one of the all-time best Stones songs and the samba beats and controlling lyrics. "Lady Jane" sounds stately with the harpsichord, "High & Dry" moves along smoothly and the "Going Home" closes the album on a strong note.