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Rolling Stones songs: Talkin’ About You

Let me tell you ’bout a girl I know/ Help me know she looks so good…

Written by: Chuck Berry
Recorded: RCA Studios, Hollywood, USA, July 2-12, Sept. 6-7 1965
*Data taken from Martin Elliott’s book THE ROLLING STONES COMPLETE RECORDING SESSIONS 1962-2012

*Click for MORE ROLLING STONES SONGS 1962-PRESENT

More about ‘Talkin’ About You’ by The Rolling Stones

A Rock ’n’ Roll Love Letter with Hollywood Dreams

With a rhythm straight out of Chuck Berry’s playbook, this early ’60s rocker bursts with affection and swagger. Released in 1961 alongside Little Star as the B-side, the song is a lively, heartfelt declaration of love set to a classic rock ’n’ roll beat. But what gives it its charm isn’t just the music—it’s the clever twist in the lyrics.

At first, the narrator gushes about spotting a stunning girl uptown, someone so dazzling she belongs in the bright lights of Hollywood. But then, the story takes a warm turn: the girl he’s been raving about is actually sitting right next to him. That reveal adds a playful and romantic spark to the tune (it’s important not to confuse this track with Ray Charles’ Talkin’ About You from 1958—this version tells its own sweet and stylish story with a rock edge and youthful charm)

The Rolling Stones Talkin’: Chuck Berry’s Groove Reimagined

Before The Rolling Stones laid down their version of Talkin’ About You in 1965 The Beatles had already made the Chuck Berry tune a staple of their Star Club sets in Hamburg as early as 1962. While both bands owed much to Berry’s revolutionary rock ’n’ roll blueprint, the Stones took a different route when it came time to record the track.

Instead of racing through it at the original tempo they slowed it down, opting for a heavier, funk-infused groove. This creative shift wasn’t just a tempo change—it gave bassist Bill Wyman space to shine with a rich, fat tone from his Framus Humbug and Fender Bassman setup. Charlie Watts, ever tasteful, held back on the beat, letting the song breathe with his airy, subtly funky drumming.

Keith Richards, faithful to Berry’s essence, kicks things off with a classic intro before easing into rhythm duties and later delivering a solo that’s raw and respectful. Ironically, while the Stones were in top form during this era—evolving with each show and recording—their take on Talkin’ About You might not be their strongest Chuck Berry cover. Still, it stands as a creative reinterpretation, brimming with style and swagger.

A Gritty R&B Spin on a Rock ’n’ Roll Classic

The Rolling Stones gave Talkin’ About You a rhythm and blues edge, trading Chuck Berry’s fiery rock ‘n’ roll energy for something slower and groovier. Mick Jagger leads with a confident vocal, complemented by Keith Richards’ backing harmonies. A subtle but solid piano—likely played by either Ian Stewart or Jack Nitzsche—adds texture beneath the surface. Brian Jones supports the groove with understated rhythm guitar, using power chords on his Gibson Firebird VII. Though the band’s arrangement is tight and thoughtful, their rendition feels more like a reinterpretation than a knockout punch—stylish, yes, but still in Berry’s long shadow.

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