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Rolling Stones unreleased: Dreams

Written by: Jagger/Richards
Recorded: Studio Guillaume Tell, Suresnes, France, May-June 2002 (Forty Licks sessions)
Guest musicians: Chuck Leavell (keyboards), Darryl Jones (bass), Blondie Chaplin (percussion)

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Dreams: An Unreleased Gem from The Rolling Stones

*By Marcelo Sonaglioni

The Context Behind Dreams

Back in 2002, during the recording sessions for Forty Licks, the Rolling Stones were in a creative zone. While working on a collection of their greatest hits, they also recorded fresh material that didn’t quite make it to the final album. One such track is Dreams, an unreleased song that captures the essence of the band’s evolving sound at the time. Recorded at the Studio Guillaume Tell in Suresnes, France, between May and June 2002, the song is a reminder of how even in their later years, the Stones were still full of new ideas and musical experimentation. Dreams may not have made it onto Forty Licks, but it remains a treasure for die-hard fans who love to uncover the band’s hidden gems

The Musicians Who Contributed to the Track

Like many of their best songs, Dreams wasn’t just the work of Jagger and Richards. For this track, the Stones enlisted the talents of a few guest musicians who added their unique touches to the recording. Chuck Leavell, the band’s long-time keyboardist, played a prominent role, adding a smooth, melodic vibe to the track with his keyboards. Darryl Jones, the band’s ever-reliable bassist since the ’90s, laid down the steady rhythm that drives the song. Blondie Chaplin, known for his work with the Beach Boys and his past collaborations with the Stones, added his percussion skills to give the song a deeper groove. This mix of talent brought the song to life in a way that showcased the chemistry the band had built over decades.

A Reflection of Their Evolving Sound

Dreams is a mellow ballad, one that blends the classic Stones’ sound with a modern edge. The relaxed rhythm, combined with rich melodies and intricate instrumentation, is a perfect reflection of where the band was in 2002. It feels like a song that could have been born out of the band’s deep-rooted blues influence but infused with the softer, more reflective tones of the era. While it never made it to the mainstream audience, the song represents an intimate side of the Rolling Stones, a song that exists in the shadows but continues to show just how much they had to offer at the height of their legacy.

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