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For the Larry Norman album, see In Another Land (album).

"In Another Land"
Single by Bill Wyman
from the album Their Satanic Majesties Request
B-side"The Lantern"
Released2 December 1967 (1967-12-02)
RecordedJune/September 1967
StudioOlympic, London
GenrePsychedelic rock
Length2:48
LabelLondon
SongwriterBill Wyman
ProducerThe Rolling Stones
Bill Wyman US singles chronology
"In Another Land"
(1967) 		"White Lightnin'"
(1974)
The Rolling Stones US singles chronology
"Dandelion"
(1967) 		"In Another Land"
(1967) 		"She's a Rainbow"
(1967)
Their Satanic Majesties Request track listing
10 tracks

Side one

  1. "Sing This All Together"
  2. "Citadel"
  3. "In Another Land"
  4. "2000 Man"
  5. "Sing This All Together (See What Happens)"

Side two

  2. "She's a Rainbow"
  3. "The Lantern"
  4. "Gomper"
  5. "2000 Light Years from Home"
  6. "On with the Show"

"In Another Land" is a song by the Rolling Stones, released in December 1967 as the first single from the album Their Satanic Majesties Request, and credited solely to Bill Wyman. In America, London Records released it as a single a week before the album.

Written by bassist Bill Wyman, "In Another Land" is the only Rolling Stones song to feature Wyman on lead vocals, and one of only three Rolling Stones songs he wrote (the others being "Downtown Suzie" and the unreleased "Goodbye Girl"). The single was released on 2 December 1967, credited to Bill Wyman, with the Stones' "The Lantern" as the B-side.[1] It peaked at number 87 on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart[2] and at number 62 on the Cash Box Top 100 singles chart, on which it was credited to Bill Wyman.

Background

[edit]

The song was recorded on a night when Wyman had shown up at the studio and found that the session had been cancelled. Feeling frustrated that he had potentially wasted time in driving there, engineer Glyn Johns asked him if he had anything that he'd like to record. "I'd been messing with this song. It was a bit ... what I thought was kind of spacy, you know ... a bit kind of Satanic Majesties-like. And psychedelic in a way."[attribution needed]

Lyrically, Wyman stated that "The idea for the song is about this guy who wakes up from a dream and finds himself in another dream."[attribution needed] The song describes events that transpire in a dreamlike state:

We walked across the sand
And the sea and the sky and the castles were blue
I stood and held your hand
And the spray flew high and the feathers floated by
I stood and held your hand[3]

Johns showed the song to Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and Brian Jones, who all liked it and decided to include it on the record.

The musicians on the song are Wyman on lead vocals, with both Ronnie Lane and Steve Marriott of the Small Faces on guitar and backing vocals,[4] Nicky Hopkins on keyboards, Charlie Watts on drums, and Jagger adding backing vocals.[1]

At the conclusion of the track as heard on the album, Wyman himself can be heard snoring. He was unaware this had been tagged onto his song until he first played the completed album. He learned later that one night when he had fallen asleep in the studio, Jagger and Richards miked him up and recorded him snoring, and stuck it onto his track as a joke. This does not appear on the single.[citation needed]

Reception

[edit]

Billboard described the single as an "off-beat piece of rock ballad material that should prove a monster" and as "a weirdy that can't miss".[5] Cash Box said that the song enters the "electrical-kaleidoscopic realm" and incorporates "vocal reverb, use of thudding rhythmics and a good melody".[6]

Personnel

[edit]

Source:[7]

The Rolling Stones

Additional musicians

Citations

[edit]
  1. ^ a b Eder 1989, p. 72.
  2. ^ "Bill Wyman | Biography, Music & News". Billboard.
  3. ^ Eder 1989, p. 51.
  4. ^ Hewitt, Paolo; Hellier, John (2004). Steve Marriott - All Too Beautiful... Helter Skelter Publishing. p. 222. ISBN 1-900924-44-7.
  5. ^ "Spotlight Singles" (PDF). Billboard. 2 December 1967. p. 87. Retrieved 23 February 2021.
  6. ^ "CashBox Record Reviews" (PDF). Cash Box. 2 December 1967. p. 22. Retrieved 12 January 2022.
  7. ^ Margotin, Philippe; Guesdon, Jean-Michel (25 October 2016). Rolling Stones All the Songs: The Story Behind Every Track. Hachette Books. pp. 203–237. ISBN 978-0-316-31773-3. Archived from the original on 19 August 2020. Retrieved 24 July 2017.

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

In Another Land

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
"In Another Land" is a song written and sung by 's , released in December 1967 as the B-side to the single "" and as the opening track on the band's sixth studio album, . It marks the only composition in the ' catalog both penned and performed on lead vocals by bassist , showcasing his rare spotlight amid the band's typical Jagger-Richards songwriting dominance. The song originated during a psychedelic experimentation phase for , recorded at Olympic Sound Studios in between June and July 1967 under the band's self-production and chief engineer . Wyman composed it as a solo demo when other members were absent, initially titled "Acid in the Grass," and it evolved into a full band effort with contributions from guests including members on 12-string acoustic guitar and backing vocals, and on backing vocals. Instrumentation features on drums, on acoustic guitar, on , Ian Stewart and Wyman on organs, on , and Wyman also handling piano and bass, with and Richards adding backing vocals; the track concludes with snoring sounds attributed to either Wyman or Jones. Lyrically, "In Another Land" evokes a dreamlike, surreal with imagery of blue flora and high-growing grass, aligning with the album's psychedelic theme influenced by the era's and the band's response to contemporaries like ' Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. Despite the album's mixed critical reception, band members including , and Jones approved its inclusion after hearing a , and it has since been noted for Wyman's understated vocal delivery and the song's whimsical, introspective quality. The track was never performed live by the band.

Background and Composition

Writing Process

"In Another Land" was authored solely by , the ' bassist, representing one of only two songs in the band's catalog credited entirely to him. Wyman composed the song as a solo demo at home, initially titled "Acid in the Grass," during a period when other band members were absent from sessions. This rare songwriting contribution highlighted Wyman's expanding role in the group's creative dynamics during a challenging phase, as he stepped forward amid the distractions plaguing the band's typical process dominated by and . The song's creation stemmed from the psychedelic influences permeating the music scene in , intertwined with Wyman's personal reflections during a time when were grappling with legal troubles, including high-profile drug arrests that disrupted their momentum. These events, such as the February 1967 raid at ' Redlands estate leading to charges against Jagger and Richards, fostered an atmosphere of uncertainty and experimentation, prompting Wyman to channel into his work as the band navigated this transitional period. Wyman's unique position allowed him to develop the piece independently, drawing from the era's hallucinatory vibes and his own introspective experiences to shape its whimsical essence. Lyrically, "In Another Land" delves into themes of and dream-like fantasy, portraying a narrator's flight from reality into a surreal realm. Key lines, such as "In another land / Where the breeze and the trees and the flowers were blue," evoke a vivid, otherworldly that contrasts sharply with the band's real-life pressures. This fantastical escape underscores the song's psychedelic undertones, reflecting the broader cultural shift toward altered states amid the . Wyman structured the narrative as a layered, surreal tale: the drifts into , enters a dream where he meets a girl who leads him to her home, only to fall asleep again and dream of returning to the waking world, blurring the boundaries between slumber and awareness. According to Wyman himself, the song is about "this guy who wakes up from a dream and finds himself in another dream," emphasizing its recursive, mind-bending quality. This development reinforced Wyman's pivotal, albeit infrequent, influence on the band's output during their psychedelic exploration on the album Their Satanic Majesties Request.

Musical Style

"In Another Land" exemplifies , capturing the era's experimental ethos with a dreamlike atmosphere and a moderate of 99 beats per minute. The track incorporates whimsical, narrative elements reminiscent of British music hall traditions, blended with subtle folk influences in its storytelling lyrics and acoustic-leaning arrangement, setting it apart from ' usual blues-rock foundation. This departure aligns with the psychedelic experimentation on their 1967 album , where the band explored surreal soundscapes amid the . The song adheres to a verse-chorus structure, with languid verses building tension into an upbeat chorus, culminating in an extended coda that fades into ambient effects. Ethereal textures are achieved through Brian Jones's swells and Nicky Hopkins's flourishes, which evoke a hazy, otherworldly quality and underscore the track's introspective mood. Bill Wyman's lead vocals deliver the lines in a soft, narrative style, markedly contrasting Mick Jagger's raw, energetic delivery on most Stones tracks, while backing harmonies from and add layered warmth. The arrangement features a prominent descending bass line played by Wyman himself, anchoring the composition's hypnotic flow. The coda incorporates sound effects mimicking , a playful addition recorded after Wyman dozed off during sessions, enhancing the song's surreal close.

Recording and Production

Studio Sessions

The recording of "In Another Land" took place at Olympic Sound Studios in during and July 1967, as part of the broader sessions for the Rolling Stones' album .http://www.timeisonourside.com/SOInAnother.html The track was initially cut on July 13 by bassist and drummer without the other band members present, reflecting the experimental and somewhat disjointed nature of the psychedelic-era sessions.https://americansongwriter.com/a-dream-within-a-dream-the-story-behind-in-another-land-by-the-rolling-stones/ Engineer played a key role in overseeing the sessions, guiding the band toward a psychedelic aesthetic through techniques such as multi-tracking vocals and instruments to layer the dreamy, atmospheric quality.http://www.timeisonourside.com/SOInAnother.html Johns encouraged Wyman to develop the song during a lull, incorporating overdubs that enhanced its otherworldly tone.http://www.timeisonourside.com/SOInAnother.html Specific equipment included a played by for ethereal textures, Wyman's bass providing a steady foundation, and added sound effects like a on vocals and a outro to evoke the song's dream sequence.http://www.timeisonourside.com/SOInAnother.html These choices were made amid significant band tensions, including Brian Jones's growing unreliability and the recent drug-related arrests and trials of and in early to mid-1967, which contributed to the sessions' improvisational and experimental approach.https://americansongwriter.com/a-dream-within-a-dream-the-story-behind-in-another-land-by-the-rolling-stones/

Personnel

"In Another Land" features on lead vocals, his sole lead vocal contribution to a recording. Backing vocals were provided by , , , and . The instrumentation consisted of and played by Wyman, acoustic guitars by and , drums by , by , by , and organs by Ian Stewart and Wyman. Guest musicians included and of the , as well as , underscoring Wyman's central role in its composition and performance as detailed in historical accounts of the sessions. Production was handled by themselves, with credited as engineer and de facto producer during the July 1967 sessions at in . Album liner notes from the original release of do not specify detailed personnel, but subsequent reissues and archival documentation confirm these contributions and Wyman's dominant involvement.

Release and Commercial Performance

Single Release

"In Another Land" was released as a standalone 7-inch vinyl single on December 2, 1967, in the United States by London Records (catalog number 45-907), backed with "The Lantern" as the B-side and credited to with . The picture sleeve featured psychedelic artwork aligning with the visual style of the band's concurrent album . The single received limited radio play, as the Rolling Stones prioritized promotion for their psychedelic album Their Satanic Majesties Request, treating Wyman's lead vocal performance as a novelty spotlight for the longtime . International variations included a release on in markets like (catalog number DEC 439), maintaining the same B-side track but with minor label and pressing differences; notably, the single was not issued in the UK.

Chart Performance

"In Another Land" was released as a single exclusively in the United States on December 2, 1967, backed by "The Lantern" and credited to with . It peaked at number 87 on the during the week of December 16, 1967, marking a brief chart run of five weeks. This represented an underperformance relative to the band's prior singles, such as "Ruby Tuesday," which had reached number 1 earlier in 1967, and reflected the challenges of promoting an experimental track amid the group's evolving sound. The single did not enter the UK Singles Chart, as it was not issued there; "She's a Rainbow" served as the album's lead single in the UK, peaking at number 16 in December 1967. Despite its limited mainstream traction, the song garnered some support in niche psychedelic markets through airplay on US underground radio stations, aligning with the track's dreamy, experimental style. Several factors contributed to the single's modest commercial results, including the Rolling Stones' shift to on Their Satanic Majesties Request, which distanced it from their blues-based hits and faced stiff competition from the Beatles' Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. Additionally, ongoing legal issues—such as the February 1967 drug busts and subsequent trials of and —disrupted the band's promotional activities and public image during this period. The album's release on December 8, 1967, further overshadowed the single, though Their Satanic Majesties Request itself achieved strong sales, peaking at number 3 on the .

Reception and Legacy

Critical Reviews

Upon its release in December 1967 as the B-side to "We Love You," "In Another Land" elicited mixed critical responses amid the broader ambivalence toward Their Satanic Majesties Request. In the original Rolling Stone review, Jon Landau singled out the track as the album's strongest offering, commending Bill Wyman's songwriting and vocals for evoking the band's classic blues-rock roots in a psychedelic context, describing it as "a fine song" that stood apart from the record's excesses. Similarly, Keith Altham in New Musical Express portrayed the album positively, noting "In Another Land" as part of its experimental "trip to infinity" with Mellotron effects. Retrospective assessments have elevated "In Another Land" as an underrated gem within the , often celebrated for its quirky charm and inventiveness. AllMusic's Bruce Eder hailed it as the album's "undeniable classic," a "charming oddity" blending flair with dreamy lyrics and Wyman's humorous delivery, suggesting it could have succeeded as a standalone hit. Critics have noted appreciation for its whimsical take on . The song's reputation evolved significantly in the 2000s through reissues, attaining cult status as a fan-favorite oddball. The 2002 ABKCO remaster and 2017 50th-anniversary edition spotlighted its unique qualities, with expanded liner notes emphasizing Wyman's rare lead role and the track's enduring appeal as a lighthearted counterpoint to the Stones' more bombastic psychedelia. This shift underscores its transformation from perceived album filler to a beloved, if eccentric, entry in the band's canon.

Cultural Impact

"In Another Land" marked a rare spotlight for Rolling Stones bassist Bill Wyman, who wrote, sang lead on, and produced the track, making it the only Stones song featuring his vocals. This opportunity showcased Wyman's songwriting and singing capabilities, elements he expanded upon in his post-Stones solo endeavors, beginning with his 1974 debut album Monkey Grip and continuing through subsequent releases like Stone Alone (1976). The song embodies the Rolling Stones' fleeting venture into during the late , a period of experimentation amid the influence of contemporaries like ' Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. As reflected in the band's 2003 oral history, the recording sessions for involved excessive downtime and drug-fueled creativity, contributing to the album's hazy, immersive sound that "In Another Land" exemplifies through its dreamlike lyrics and effects-laden production. Retrospective analyses have elevated the track's status, praising it as a whimsical highlight of the Stones' psychedelic phase and a precursor to their return to blues-rooted rock. Its cult appeal persists in discussions of the band's evolution, underscoring Wyman's understated contributions to their catalog.

References

  1. https://www.abkco.com/news-feed/satanic-majesties-request-50th-anniversary-special-edition/
  2. http://www.timeisonourside.com/SOInAnother.html
  3. https://americansongwriter.com/4-songs-sung-and-written-by-ex-rolling-stones-bassist-bill-wyman-in-honor-of-his-88th-birthday/
  4. https://www.goldminemag.com/articles/rolling-stones-satanic-psych/
  5. https://songmeanings.com/songs/view/45157/
  6. https://songbpm.com/%40the-rolling-stones/in-another-land---original-single-mono-version
  7. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/review-the-rolling-stones-their-satanic-majesties-request-228972/
  8. https://www.goldminemag.com/news/special-edition-rolling-stones/
  9. https://americansongwriter.com/a-dream-within-a-dream-the-story-behind-in-another-land-by-the-rolling-stones/
  10. https://billwyman.com/rolling-stones/rolling-stones-1960s/
  11. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/inside-allen-kleins-role-in-1967-jagger-richards-drug-bust-43267/
  12. https://genius.com/The-rolling-stones-in-another-land-lyrics
  13. https://www.discogs.com/master/54327-The-Rolling-Stones-Their-Satanic-Majesties-Request
  14. https://www.discogs.com/master/485090-Bill-Wyman-The-Rolling-Stones-In-Another-Land-The-Lantern
  15. https://rateyourmusic.com/release/single/bill-wyman-the-rolling-stones/in-another-land-the-lantern/
  16. https://www.gynrojas.com/the-rolling-stones-bill-wyman-s-in-another-land-picture-sleeve-45rpm-rec-1967-RkFAG1RBX0pXXlJE
  17. https://www.discogs.com/release/13578540-Bill-Wyman-The-Rolling-Stones-In-Another-Land-The-Lantern
  18. https://www.billboard.com/artist/bill-wyman/chart-history/hsi/
  19. https://www.billboard.com/music/rock/rolling-stones-satanic-majesties-request-anniversary-8062736/
  20. https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/june-29/the-stones-fight-the-law-and-the-law-wins
  21. https://www.officialcharts.com/albums/rolling-stones-their-satanic-majesties-request/
  22. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-album-reviews/their-satanic-majesties-request-187464/
  23. https://archive.org/stream/TheHistoryOfRock1967/TheHistoryOfRock1967_djvu.txt
  24. https://www.allmusic.com/album/their-satanic-majesties-request-mw0000650294
  25. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/09/15/arts/music/reissues-rolling-stones-dangelo-neil-young-can.html
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