The Rolling Stones are a legendary English rock band formed in London in 1962. The core lineup consists of Mick Jagger (vocals), Keith Richards (guitar), Charlie Watts (drums), and Ronnie Wood (guitar). The band’s early members also included Brian Jones (guitar) and Bill Wyman (bass).
The Rolling Stones rose to prominence during the 1960s as part of the British Invasion, alongside bands like The Beatles. They quickly became known for their rebellious image, distinctive sound, and charismatic stage presence. The band’s music draws from a variety of genres, including rock and roll, blues, R&B, and later incorporating elements of country, funk, and reggae.
Some of The Rolling Stones’ most iconic albums include “Let It Bleed,” “Sticky Fingers,” and “Exile on Main St.” They are celebrated for classic hits such as “Satisfaction,” “Paint It Black,” “Jumpin’ Jack Flash,” “Angie,” and “Start Me Up.”
The Rolling Stones have earned a reputation as one of the greatest and longest-lasting rock bands in history. Their influence on rock music and popular culture is immeasurable, and they continue to tour and record new music well into their sixth decade as a band. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1989, The Rolling Stones’ legacy endures as a testament to their enduring impact on the world of rock and roll.
1. Gimme Shelter
“Gimme Shelter” is one of The Rolling Stones’ most iconic and powerful songs, released in 1969 on their album “Let It Bleed.” The song is notable for its haunting vocals, gritty guitar work, and intense lyrics, capturing the turbulent social and political climate of the late 1960s.
The song features a prominent vocal duet between Mick Jagger and Merry Clayton. Jagger’s lead vocals convey a sense of urgency, while Clayton’s powerful and soulful singing adds a layer of intensity to the chorus. The lyrics touch on themes of war, violence, and social unrest, making “Gimme Shelter” a reflection of the era’s cultural and political upheavals.
The distinctive guitar riff, played by Keith Richards, contributes to the song’s gritty and ominous atmosphere. The use of a female voice in the chorus, especially Merry Clayton’s dramatic performance, elevates the emotional impact of the song.
“Gimme Shelter” has been widely praised for its musical and lyrical brilliance. It remains a staple of The Rolling Stones’ live performances and has been featured in various films, TV shows, and commercials over the years. The song’s enduring relevance and impact have solidified its place as one of the band’s signature tracks and as a classic in the rock genre.
2. Paint It Black
“Paint It Black” is a classic song by The Rolling Stones, released in 1966 as a single and later included on their album “Aftermath.” The song is notable for its distinctive sitar riff, evocative lyrics, and moody atmosphere.
Written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, “Paint It Black” features a prominent sitar part played by Brian Jones, contributing to the song’s Eastern-influenced sound. The lyrics convey a sense of despair and darkness, with the narrator expressing a desire to “paint it all black” as a response to personal or emotional turmoil.
The song’s driving rhythm, provided by Charlie Watts on drums and Bill Wyman on bass, adds to its intensity. Mick Jagger’s vocals, full of raw emotion, deliver the brooding lyrics with conviction. The combination of these elements makes “Paint It Black” a unique and powerful track in The Rolling Stones’ catalog.
“Paint It Black” became a commercial success, reaching the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States. Its memorable sound and introspective lyrics have made it one of The Rolling Stones’ most enduring and recognizable songs. Over the years, the song has been featured in numerous films, TV shows, and commercials, further cementing its status as a classic in rock history.
3. Sympathy for the Devil
“Sympathy for the Devil” is a landmark song by The Rolling Stones, released in 1968 on their album “Beggars Banquet.” Written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, the song is a significant departure from the band’s earlier sound, incorporating elements of rock, blues, and Latin music.
The lyrics of “Sympathy for the Devil” are narrated from the perspective of Lucifer, exploring historical events and human nature from a devilish point of view. The song’s verses recount various moments in history, including the Russian Revolution and the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, and emphasize the darker aspects of humanity.
Musically, the song features a prominent percussion section, including congas and maracas, which contributes to its distinctive and hypnotic rhythm. Jagger’s vocal performance is charismatic and theatrical, capturing the essence of the devilish character portrayed in the lyrics. Keith Richards’ guitar work, particularly the memorable samba-influenced riff, adds to the song’s overall impact.
“Sympathy for the Devil” has become one of The Rolling Stones’ signature songs, known for its provocative lyrics and infectious groove. It remains a classic in rock music and has been covered and referenced by numerous artists across various genres. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its cultural significance and its place in the evolution of The Rolling Stones’ sound.
4. (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction
“(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” is one of The Rolling Stones’ most famous and enduring songs, released in 1965 as a single and later included on their album “Out of Our Heads.” Written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, the song is characterized by its iconic guitar riff and its rebellious and anti-establishment lyrics.
The distinctive guitar riff, played by Keith Richards, is one of the most recognizable in rock history. The riff, combined with the catchy melody and Jagger’s energetic vocal delivery, contributed to the song’s immediate and widespread popularity. The lyrics express frustration and dissatisfaction with commercialism, advertising, and the pressures of modern life.
“(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” became a massive hit, reaching the number one spot on the charts in both the United States and the United Kingdom. Its success marked a turning point in The Rolling Stones’ career, propelling them to international stardom and establishing them as one of the leading bands of the 1960s rock scene.
The song’s rebellious and anti-establishment sentiments resonated with the counterculture of the time, making it an anthem for a generation. Its enduring popularity has solidified “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” as one of The Rolling Stones’ signature songs and a classic in the history of rock music.
5. You Can’t Always Get What You Want
“You Can’t Always Get What You Want” is a classic song by The Rolling Stones, released in 1969 as the closing track on their album “Let It Bleed.” The song is notable for its poignant lyrics, soulful melody, and diverse musical arrangement.
Written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, the lyrics of “You Can’t Always Get What You Want” convey a message of acceptance and resilience in the face of life’s challenges. The song reflects on the idea that, while we may not always get what we desire, we can still find contentment and fulfillment in unexpected ways.
Musically, the song is characterized by its rich and varied instrumentation, including a choir, brass section, and a prominent organ part played by Al Kooper. The combination of these elements creates a soulful and uplifting atmosphere that complements the song’s themes.
“You Can’t Always Get What You Want” has become one of The Rolling Stones’ most beloved and enduring tracks. Its timeless message and melodic beauty have resonated with audiences over the years, and the song continues to be a staple in the band’s live performances. It has also been featured in various films, TV shows, and commercials, further cementing its status as a classic in the rock canon.
6. Tumbling Dice
“Tumbling Dice” is a rock song by The Rolling Stones, released in 1972 on their critically acclaimed album “Exile on Main St.” Written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, the song is known for its infectious groove, bluesy feel, and Jagger’s distinctive vocal delivery.
The lyrics of “Tumbling Dice” touch on themes of love, gambling, and the unpredictable nature of life. The title phrase “tumbling dice” is used metaphorically to convey the idea of taking chances and dealing with the uncertainties of romantic relationships.
Musically, the song features a prominent riff played by Richards, and the rhythm section, including Charlie Watts on drums and Bill Wyman on bass, contributes to the song’s rhythmic drive. The use of background vocals adds depth to the chorus, creating a memorable and catchy tune.
“Tumbling Dice” was a commercial success, reaching the top ten on both sides of the Atlantic. It has since become one of The Rolling Stones’ signature songs and is often included in their live performances. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless appeal and its place in the rich catalog of The Rolling Stones’ rock and blues-infused repertoire.
7. Jumpin’ Jack Flash
“Jumpin’ Jack Flash” is a classic rock song by The Rolling Stones, released as a single in 1968. Written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, the song is known for its energetic and raw sound, combining rock and blues elements.
The inspiration for “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” reportedly came from a garden encounter between Jagger and Richards. The song’s lyrics feature cryptic and enigmatic imagery, with the repeated refrain of “It’s a gas, gas, gas” becoming iconic. The phrase “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” itself is said to be a reference to a gardener named Jack Dyer.
Musically, the song is driven by a memorable guitar riff played by Richards, and Jagger’s dynamic vocal performance adds to the song’s intensity. Charlie Watts’s drumming and Bill Wyman’s bass contribute to the rhythmic force of the track.
“Jumpin’ Jack Flash” was a commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in multiple countries. It has since become one of The Rolling Stones’ most well-known and enduring songs. The song’s rebellious spirit, infectious energy, and memorable lyrics have solidified its status as a classic in the rock and roll canon.
8. Honky Tonk Women
“Honky Tonk Women” is a classic rock and roll song by The Rolling Stones, released as a single in 1969. Written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, the song is known for its infectious rhythm, catchy chorus, and its blend of rock, country, and blues influences.
The lyrics of “Honky Tonk Women” tell the story of a man’s encounters with various women, particularly those he meets in honky-tonk bars. The song’s chorus features the iconic line “It’s the honky-tonk women, give me, give me, give me the honky-tonk blues,” emphasizing the carefree and rebellious spirit of the narrative.
Musically, the song is driven by a memorable guitar riff played by Richards and features a distinctive slide guitar solo. Charlie Watts’s drumming and Bill Wyman’s bass contribute to the song’s infectious groove. The use of a cowbell in the opening adds to the overall energy of the track.
“Honky Tonk Women” was a commercial success, topping the charts in multiple countries. Its popularity has endured over the years, and the song remains one of The Rolling Stones’ most recognizable and frequently performed tracks. With its lively and danceable vibe, “Honky Tonk Women” is a classic example of The Rolling Stones’ ability to fuse various musical styles into a cohesive and memorable sound.
9. Start Me Up
“Start Me Up” is a rock song by The Rolling Stones, released in 1981 on their album “Tattoo You.” The song became one of The Rolling Stones’ most successful and enduring tracks, known for its energetic riff and catchy chorus.
The opening riff of “Start Me Up,” played by Keith Richards, is instantly recognizable and has become one of the most iconic guitar riffs in rock music. The song’s upbeat and infectious energy, combined with Mick Jagger’s charismatic vocals, contributed to its commercial success.
Originally recorded during the “Tattoo You” sessions, “Start Me Up” had its roots in a reggae-influenced track before evolving into the rock anthem that was eventually released. The lyrics convey themes of desire and anticipation.
“Start Me Up” became a chart-topping hit, reaching the top 10 in multiple countries. It has since been featured in numerous commercials, films, and sporting events, further solidifying its place in popular culture. The song remains a staple in The Rolling Stones’ live performances, showcasing its enduring popularity and impact on the band’s legacy.
10. Brown Sugar
“Brown Sugar” is a rock and roll song by The Rolling Stones, released in 1971 as the lead single from their album “Sticky Fingers.” Written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, the song is known for its provocative lyrics, catchy riff, and energetic performance.
The lyrics of “Brown Sugar” address themes of slavery, racism, and the exploitation of African Americans. The controversial nature of the lyrics, combined with the song’s upbeat and danceable melody, sparked discussions and debates upon its release.
Musically, the song is driven by a distinctive and memorable guitar riff played by Keith Richards. Charlie Watts’s drumming, Bill Wyman’s bassline, and Mick Jagger’s energetic vocals contribute to the overall dynamism of the track. The horn section, featuring saxophonist Bobby Keys and trumpeter Jim Price, adds a lively and soulful element to the song.
“Brown Sugar” became a commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in multiple countries. It remains one of The Rolling Stones’ signature songs, often performed in their live shows. While the song’s lyrics have been criticized for their controversial content, “Brown Sugar” is undeniably a classic rock and roll track that has left a lasting impact on the music landscape.
