Like what you see? Help keep it going! This site runs on the support of readers like you. Your donation helps cover costs and keeps fresh Rolling Stones content coming your way every day. Thank you!
Rolling Stones unreleased: Love is a Test
Written by: Jagger/Richard Recorded: Studio Guillaume Tell, Suresnes, France, May 13-June 7 2002 (Forty Licks sessions) Guest musicians: Darryl Jones (bass), Chuck Leavell (keyboards), Blondie Chaplin (percussion)
Another Rolling Stones unreleased song: Love Is a Test
Buried in the vaults of the Forty Licks sessions, Love Is a Test stands as one of the Rolling Stones’ most intriguing unreleased tracks. Recorded between May 13 and June 7, 2002, at Studio Guillaume Tell in Suresnes, France, the song carries the unmistakable mark of the Jagger/Richards songwriting duo. With its polished groove and moody undertones, the track bridges classic Stones swagger with a more introspective tone, hinting at emotional vulnerability beneath the surface. The chemistry is tight—anchored by Darryl Jones on bass, with Chuck Leavell lending rich textures on keyboards, and Blondie Chaplin adding nuanced percussion that elevates the rhythm. Though never officially released, the song lingers in the shadows of Stones lore, whispered about by fans who know there’s more to the band’s legacy than their greatest hits. Love Is a Testis a secret sonic postcard from a band still evolving deep into their career.
The Studio Alchemy Behind the Sound
While the Stones were compiling material for Forty Licks, this overlooked track showcased a moment of genuine creativity and reflection. The recording session at Studio Guillaume Tell captured a band experimenting with sonic layers, blending familiarity with fresh ideas. Leavell’s keyboard work weaves a soulful thread through the mix, while Chaplin’s percussion adds a global flair, proving how the Stones’ collaborators brought new depth to their sound. Even in an era dominated by retrospection, Love Is a Testfeels forward-facing—melodically rich, lyrically raw, and unmistakably Rolling Stones. Though it never made the final cut, the song remains a compelling piece of the band’s studio history, worthy of attention from die-hard fans and curious listeners alike. (Ref. Rolling Stones unreleased song)
Like what you see? Help keep it going! This site runs on the support of readers like you. Your donation helps cover costs and keeps fresh Rolling Stones content coming your way every day. Thank you!
Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here:
Cookie Policy
Subscribe to the Stones Data newsletter and get all daily posts delivered to you for free. Everybody got to go! *Support the site and help me keep sharing great content. Thanks in advance!
