The Rolling Stones are undoubtedly one of the most influential bands in the history of the music industry. Established in the early 1960s, the band quickly rose to prominence as a result of their unique style and rebellious attitude.
The Rolling Stones have been a mainstay in the industry for over five decades, producing hit after hit and selling millions of records worldwide. In this article, we’re going to delve deeper into their legacy and highlight some of the Playlists ever produced by The Rolling Stones.
Band’s History and Legacy
The story of The Rolling Stones begins in 1960 when a group of young musicians came together to form a blues band. The original members included Brian Jones, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Ian Stewart, Bill Wyman, and Charlie Watts.
The band’s early years were characterized by a series of performances in small clubs and pubs in London. However, their success skyrocketed after the release of their first hit single, “I Can’t Get No Satisfaction.”
Over the years, The Rolling Stones evolved their sound to incorporate elements of rock, blues, and even country music.
They produced iconic hits like “Paint It Black,” “Gimme Shelter,” and “Sympathy for the Devil,” which have stood the test of time and continue to be popular with fans worldwide. The band’s influence stretches far beyond their music, with their rebellious attitude and unique style making them trendsetters in the fashion industry.
From their iconic lips and tongue logo to the androgynous outfits worn by Mick Jagger, The Rolling Stones continue to serve as an inspiration to many.
Top 10 Best Rolling Stones Songs of all Time
The Rolling Stones have produced countless hits throughout their career. However, we’ve whittled down our list to the top 10 Playlists of all time, based on their commercial success and critical acclaim.
1. “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” – Released in 1965, this iconic song became the band’s first hit single, charting at number one in both the UK and US charts.
Known for its catchy guitar riff and memorable lyrics, it remains one of the most recognized songs of all time. 2.
“Gimme Shelter” – This song, released in 1969, is renowned for its haunting melody and powerful vocals. It has been used in several films, including Martin Scorsese’s “Goodfellas” and “The Departed.”
3.
“Sympathy for the Devil” – Another iconic song from The Rolling Stones, “Sympathy for the Devil” showcases the band’s experimental and eclectic style. Released in 1968, it remains a popular song among fans.
4. “Paint It Black” – This song, released in 1966, is notable for its use of sitar and its dark, brooding lyrics.
It remains a popular song to this day and has been used in films like “Full Metal Jacket” and “The Devil’s Advocate.”
5. “Brown Sugar” – This song, released in 1971, is known for its raunchy lyrics and catchy melody.
It became a chart-topping hit and has remained popular with fans ever since. 6.
“Jumpin’ Jack Flash” – This song, released in 1968, showcases the band’s raw and energetic style. It features one of Keith Richards’ most recognizable guitar riffs and has been featured in several films and TV shows.
7. “Miss You” – This song, released in 1978, shows The Rolling Stones’ ability to incorporate elements of disco into their music.
It became a commercial hit and remains a popular dance song to this day. 8.
“Honky Tonk Women” – This song, released in 1969, features a catchy guitar riff and a memorable chorus. It became a hit for the band and has been covered by several artists over the years.
9. “Start Me Up” – This song, released in 1981, became one of The Rolling Stones’ biggest commercial hits.
It features a catchy guitar riff and memorable lyrics. 10.
“Beast of Burden” – This song, released in 1978, is known for its soulful melody and introspective lyrics. It remains a popular song among fans and has been featured in several films and TV shows.
Conclusion
The Rolling Stones continue to be an influential force in the music industry, thanks to their unique style, rebellious attitude, and timeless music. Their legacy lives on, as their music continues to inspire generations of musicians, fashion designers, and artists.
We hope this list of the top 10 best Rolling Stones songs of all time has provided insight into the band’s success and their impact on the industry. 3) Can’t You Hear Me Knocking
“Can’t You Hear Me Knocking” is one of The Rolling Stones’ most popular songs, released in 1971, as part of their “Sticky Fingers” album.
The song starts off with a distinctive guitar riff from Keith Richards, and Mick Jagger’s raspy vocals soon follow. The song’s lyrics are brash and confrontational, showcasing the band’s rebellious attitude.
The song’s uniqueness comes in the form of a lengthy instrumental break, featuring a saxophone solo from Bobby Keys. The solo is one of the most recognizable in rock music and lasts for over three minutes.
Keys’ performance during the solo is electrifying, elevating the song to legendary status. The closing lyrics, “Can’t you hear me knocking, down the gaslight street” are repeated, bringing the song to a rousing conclusion.
“Can’t You Hear Me Knocking” was a critical success, and its popularity continues to this day. The song highlights The Rolling Stones’ ability to bring elements of jazz and blues into their music, while still staying true to their rock ‘n’ roll roots.
4) Wild Horses
“Wild Horses” is one of The Rolling Stones’ most iconic and emotional ballads. The song was released in 1971 as part of their “Sticky Fingers” album and was written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards.
The song’s lyrics are full of heartache, pain, and loss, with Jagger’s vocals showcasing his range as a singer. The song is told from the perspective of someone who has lost a lover and is struggling to come to terms with their departure.
The line “Wild horses couldn’t drag me away” has become synonymous with the song, and it remains one of the band’s most iconic lines. The song’s acoustic guitar melody is simple yet beautiful, providing the perfect foundation for Jagger’s emotional lyrics.
The incorporation of a pedal steel guitar adds a melancholic country-western flair to the song, showcasing The Rolling Stones’ ability to blend different genres into their music. “Wild Horses” was originally written for Gram Parsons, a close friend of the band, who tragically passed away before he was able to record it.
The Rolling Stones decided to record the song themselves, and it became a commercial and critical success. The song’s popularity has endured, with several cover versions produced over the years by artists such as The Sundays, Alicia Keys, and Susan Boyle.
“Wild Horses” remains one of The Rolling Stones’ most poignant and heartfelt songs, showcasing their exceptional ability to tap into the emotions of their listeners.
Conclusion
“Can’t You Hear Me Knocking” and “Wild Horses” are two of The Rolling Stones’ most iconic songs, showcasing the band’s ability to produce a wide range of musical styles. “Can’t You Hear Me Knocking” takes listeners on a musical journey, with an electrifying saxophone solo that remains one of rock music’s most iconic moments.
“Wild Horses,” on the other hand, is a heartfelt ballad that remains a timeless classic, showcasing the band’s ability to tap into the emotions of their audience. Both songs continue to be popular and loved by fans worldwide, cementing The Rolling Stones’ place as one of the greatest and most influential bands of all time.
5) Jumpin’ Jack Flash
“Jumpin’ Jack Flash” is one of The Rolling Stones’ most popular and recognizable songs. Released in 1968, the song is widely regarded as a classic rock anthem.
The song starts with an iconic guitar riff from Keith Richards, and Mick Jagger’s vocals soon follow. The lyrics of “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” are full of metaphor and symbolism, with Jagger’s vocals adding an extra layer of intensity to the song.
The song’s lyrics are about the struggles that Jagger faced when writing the song, with the line “I was born in a crossfire hurricane” becoming one of the most iconic in rock music. Jagger later revealed that he came up with the term “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” on a morning train ride and used it as a metaphor for the difficulties he faced.
The guitar riff from Keith Richards is regarded as one of the most recognizable in rock music, and the song’s popularity has endured for over five decades. The Rolling Stones’ ability to blend genres is showcased in “Jumpin’ Jack Flash,” with elements of blues, rock, and even psychedelia present in the song.
The song remains a classic, and its popularity has cemented The Rolling Stones’ place in the annals of rock history.
6) Angie
“Angie” is another emotional ballad from The Rolling Stones, released in 1973. The song was written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards and is rumored to be about Richards’ relationship with his then-girlfriend, Anita Pallenberg.
The song’s opening acoustic guitar riff is gentle and melodic, setting the tone for Jagger’s heartbreaking vocals. The lyrics of the song are about the end of a relationship, with Jagger’s vocals conveying a sense of despair and heartache.
The line “Angie, angie, when will those clouds all disappear?” has become synonymous with the song and is one of The Rolling Stones’ most iconic lines. The song’s popularity has endured, with cover versions produced by artists such as Tori Amos, The Wallflowers, and Rod Stewart.
The Rolling Stones’ ability to produce emotionally-loaded ballads, as well as their infectious rock anthems, has made them one of the most beloved bands in music history.
Conclusion
“Jumpin’ Jack Flash” and “Angie” are two of The Rolling Stones’ most beloved and iconic songs. “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” is a classic rock anthem, full of metaphor and symbolism, showcasing The Rolling Stones’ ability to blend genres into their music.
“Angie,” on the other hand, is an emotional ballad, showcasing the band’s ability to convey a range of emotions through their music. Both songs continue to be loved by fans worldwide, cementing The Rolling Stones’ place as one of the greatest bands of all time.
7) Paint It, Black
“Paint It, Black” is one of the most distinctive songs in The Rolling Stones’ catalog. Released in 1966, the song is notable for its dark, brooding lyrics and its use of the sitar, an Indian stringed instrument.
The song starts with a menacing guitar riff, followed by Mick Jagger’s haunting vocals. The song’s lyrics are about someone who is grieving and struggling to come to terms with the loss of a loved one, with the line “I see a red door and I want it painted black” becoming one of the band’s most iconic lines.
The sitar riff adds a unique and eerie quality to the song, making it one of The Rolling Stones’ most memorable tracks. “Paint It, Black” remains a fan favorite, with its dark and moody soundscapes resonating with listeners all over the world.
The song’s success has cemented The Rolling Stones’ place in the annals of rock history.
8) Gimme Shelter
“Gimme Shelter” is one of the most powerful and intense songs ever produced by The Rolling Stones. Released in 1969, the song features soulful vocals from Merry Clayton, adding an extra layer of intensity to the song.
The song is known for its social commentary and its political undertones, with Jagger’s lyrics addressing the ongoing Vietnam War and the sense of unease at the time. The opening guitar riff is abrasive and urgent, setting the tone for the rest of the song.
The lyrics are full of despair and uncertainty, with the line “War, children, it’s just a shot away” becoming one of the band’s most iconic lines. The song’s popularity has endured, with cover versions produced by several artists, including The Sisters of Mercy and Patti Smith.
The Rolling Stones’ ability to produce socially conscious music with a powerful message has made them one of the most revered bands in music history.
Conclusion
“Paint It, Black” and “Gimme Shelter” are two of The Rolling Stones’ most iconic and powerful songs. “Paint It, Black” showcases the band’s versatility, with its use of the sitar and its dark, brooding lyrics setting it apart from their other tracks.
“Gimme Shelter,” on the other hand, is a social commentary that still resonates today, with its powerful vocals and intense guitar riffs. Both songs represent the best of The Rolling Stones, with their ability to produce music that is memorable, enduring, and thought-provoking.
9) Tumbling Dice
“Tumbling Dice” is one of The Rolling Stones’ most popular and catchy songs, released in 1972 as part of their “Exile on Main St.” album. The song’s opening guitar riff is instantly recognizable and has become a classic in the rock genre.
The lyrics of the song are about gambling, with Jagger’s vocals adding an extra layer of swagger to the song. The lyrics of “Tumbling Dice” are filled with metaphor and double entendre, with phrases like “women think I’m tasty, but they’re always tryin’ to waste me,” adding a sense of danger to the song.
The chorus is catchy and upbeat, with the line “Good luck never stays a day, my hands are tied to fate” becoming one of The Rolling Stones’ most iconic lines. “Tumbling Dice” remains a fan favorite, with its infectious melody and upbeat rhythm resonating with music lovers all over the world.
The song’s popularity has endured for over five decades, cementing The Rolling Stones’ place as one of the greatest and most influential rock bands of all time.
10) Sympathy for the Devil
“Sympathy for the Devil” is one of The Rolling Stones’ most provocative and powerful songs. The song was released in 1968 and is notable for its social commentary and its political undertones.
The song’s lyrics are told from the perspective of the devil, with Jagger’s vocals exuding a sense of danger and menace. The song’s lyrics touch on the complexities of human nature and its darker side, with references to the atrocities of history like the assassination of John F.
Kennedy. The song’s opening guitar riff is instantly recognizable, and the use of percussion and backing vocals adds an extra layer of intensity to the song.
The line “Pleased to meet you, hope you guessed my name” has become one of The Rolling Stones’ most iconic lines, showcasing the band’s ability to delve into darkness and bring it to the forefront of their music. “Sympathy for the Devil” remains a powerful song and a testament
to The Rolling Stones’ ability to produce music that not only entertains but also provides social commentary.
The song has been covered by several artists over the years, including Guns N’ Roses and Jane’s Addiction.
Conclusion
“Tumbling Dice” and “Sympathy for the Devil” are two of The Rolling Stones’ most iconic and enduring songs. “Tumbling Dice” showcases the band’s ability to produce catchy and upbeat rock ‘n’ roll, while “Sympathy for the Devil” is an example of their ability to produce music that is thought-provoking and socially conscious.
Both songs remain fan favorites, with their lyrics and iconic lines resonating with audiences to this day. The Rolling Stones’ legacy as one of the greatest and most influential bands of all time is firmly established by these two classic tracks.
