Brown Sugar Radio

Hear the iconic riff of The Rolling Stones' "Brown Sugar"! This explosive 1971 track masterfully blends Hard Rock, Blues Rock, Rock and Roll, and Boogie Rock energy. Opening their classic Sticky Fingers album, its raw power and unforgettable guitar hook made it a massive #1 hit worldwide.

Kicking off their landmark 1971 album Sticky Fingers, "Brown Sugar" perfectly captured The Rolling Stones' raw, swaggering energy entering the new decade. This Jagger/Richards composition is pure Rock and Roll fire, driven by Keith Richards' legendary opening guitar riff. Its potent mix of Hard Rock attitude, Blues Rock foundation, and infectious Boogie Rock groove defined their hugely influential early 70s sound.

"Brown Sugar" became a US #1 single and one of the Stones' most recognizable signature songs, fueled by its killer riff and Bobby Keys' iconic saxophone solo. A long-time concert staple for decades, its provocative lyrics addressing dark historical themes have drawn increasing criticism in recent years, leading the band to omit it from live setlists, adding complexity to its legacy today, April 12, 2025.

SONG MEANING: The lyrics of "Brown Sugar" are highly controversial and widely considered problematic. They contain explicit references to slavery ("Gold coast slave ship bound for cotton fields"), the sexual exploitation of enslaved Black women, and potentially drug use (with "brown sugar" sometimes interpreted as slang for heroin). While delivered with characteristic rock swagger, the song's provocative themes are rooted in dark and exploitative historical subject matter.