Written primarily by Mick Jagger, it is the opening track and lead single from their ninth studio album, Sticky Fingers (1971).

[12] "Brown Sugar" was recorded over a three-day period at Muscle Shoals Sound Studio in Sheffield, Alabama, from 2 to 4 December 1969.

At the request of guitarist Mick Taylor (who had joined the band as Brian Jones' replacement in July 1969), the Stones debuted the number live during the infamous concert at the Altamont Speedway on 6 December 1969.

[13] In the liner notes to the compilation album Jump Back (1993), Jagger says, "The lyric was all to do with the dual combination of drugs and girls.

[14] In a December 1995 Rolling Stone interview, Jagger spoke at length about the song, its inspiration, and its success, and credited himself with its lyrics.

'"[15] An alternative version was recorded on 18 December 1970 at Olympic Studios in London during a birthday party for Richards and Bobby Keys.

"Brown Sugar" is also included on the most significant latter-day The Rolling Stones compilations, Jump Back, Forty Licks, and GRRR!.

The song was performed routinely during the Rolling Stones' 1970 European tour, occupying a prominent spot near the end of the set list even though audiences were unfamiliar with it.

[21] Cash Box described the song as returning to "the fresh blues sound of the team's pre-Satanic days" with a "sax break, gritty wailing and the unique stones rhythm work.

"[23] Writing for The Rag, rock critic Mike Saunders found the single to be the "only especially noteworthy" track of Sticky Fingers (1971).

[25] Described by rock critic Robert Christgau as "a rocker so compelling that it discourages exegesis",[26] the song's popularity has often overshadowed its provocative lyrics, which explore a number of controversial subjects, including slavery, interracial sex, cunnilingus, and drug use.