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Rolling Stones unreleased: It Should Be You (version 1)

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In the early days of The Rolling Stones, before global fame and iconic riffs, there were experiments like It Should Be You —raw, uncertain, and full of lessons. Recorded in 1963 at Regent Sound Studios, this early track shows a band still searching for its identity, testing pop formulas that didn’t quite fit. Written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, the song was originally intended for another artist, but its simplicity exposed the gap between imitation and true artistic voice. Rather than a misstep, it marks a turning point—one where the Stones began embracing raw rhythm and blues energy over polished pop, setting the stage for the sound that would soon redefine rock music.

Written by: Jagger/Richard
Recorded: Regent IBC Studios, London, England, November 20 and 21-December 7 1963

From Martin Elliott’s book The Rolling Stones Complete Recording Sessions 1962-2012:
Another track recorded for the late George Bean, but he was unable to bring any credibility to it, the lyrics being repetitive and the tune very basic. It was obvious that their creativity lay in R&B and not contemporary pop songs. The ultimate aim, of course, was to mould the two.

Rolling Stones Unreleased: Rediscovering It Should Be You (Version 1)

*By Marcelo Sonaglioni

In late 1963, deep inside Regent IBC Studios in London, the Rolling Stones were experimenting with their musical identity. Among the tracks they laid down was It Should Be You, penned by the young team of Jagger and Richard. The song was intended for singer George Bean, who unfortunately couldn’t inject the necessary spark to lift the tune. Despite his effort, the track suffered from a repetitive lyric and a very basic melody, revealing the limitations of trying to force pop sensibilities onto a band whose heart was already in rhythm and blues. Still, these early recordings are important—they show a pivotal moment where the Stones began realizing that simply mimicking contemporary pop wasn’t their future. Instead, their path would come from blending raw R&B passion with sharper songwriting instincts, a fusion that would soon redefine rock music.

Finding Their Voice Beyond Basic Pop

While It Should Be You never became a cornerstone of the Rolling Stones’ catalog, it captures a critical lesson for the band. The song’s shortcomings made it obvious: their creativity wasn’t meant for polished pop formulas. What the Stones needed—and soon perfected—was the gritty spirit of R&B combined with their rebellious energy. Efforts like this, while rough around the edges, helped set the foundation for the bold and authentic sound that would make them legends. Looking back, It Should Be You feels less like a failure and more like a stepping stone toward musical greatness.

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