- Year: 1969
- Album: Let It Bleed
- Chart Peak: Unreleased as a Single
"Gimme Shelter" by The Rolling Stones is renowned for its haunting atmosphere and urgent social commentary. The song features powerful backing vocals by Merry Clayton. Recorded during a period of political and social turmoil, its themes of war, violence, and fear resonated deeply with listeners. The song's success is tied to its raw emotion, the distinctive guitar riffs by Keith Richards, and the seamless blend of rock and blues elements. Its enduring appeal lies in its ability to capture the zeitgeist of the late 1960s while remaining relevant to contemporary audiences.
- Year: 1968
- Album: Beggars Banquet
- Chart Peak: Unreleased as a Single
"Sympathy for the Devil" by The Rolling Stones is notable for its samba rhythm and provocative lyrics, which explore themes of evil and human nature. Mick Jagger was inspired by Baudelaire and Mikhail Bulgakov's "The Master and Margarita." The song's success was fueled by its daring subject matter, innovative sound, and Jagger's charismatic delivery. Keith Richards's guitar solo and the song's infectious groove also played key roles. Its controversial nature sparked many discussion.
- Year: 1967
- Album: Between the Buttons
- Chart Peak: #55
"Let's Spend the Night Together" was released in 1967 as a double A-side single with "Ruby Tuesday." The song became a hit in the UK reaching number 3, but faced challenges in the U.S. due to its potential suggestiveness. The BBC famously banned the song due to the lyrics, though it still received airplay on pirate radio stations. The song went on to be covered by numerous artists, including David Bowie. The song is a fun and energetic track showcasing the Stones' signature rock and roll sound and became one of the most popular songs during live performances.
- Year: 1969
- Album: Let It Bleed
- Chart Peak: #42
"You Can't Always Get What You Want" appeaed on the Stones' eighth studio album, following up on the well-received Beggars Banquet from 1968. The song marked a return to their bluesy roots after some psychedelic experimentation on earlier albums. Let It Bleed, the album "You Can't Always Get What You Want" appears on, was the first Rolling Stones album featuring Mick Taylor on guitar. He replaced Brian Jones who had left the band shortly before his death.
- Year: 1971
- Album: Sticky Fingers
- Chart Peak: #28
"Wild Horses" is one of the Stones' most beloved and enduring tracks. The song is notable for its introspective lyrics and haunting melody, featuring acoustic guitar work by Keith Richards and a beautiful piano accompaniment by Jim Dickinson. The lyrics of "Wild Horses" are often interpreted as expressing vulnerability and longing, with themes of love, regret, and the passage of time. The song has been covered by numerous artists from various genres, including The Sundays, Alicia Keys, and Susan Boyle, among others.
- Year: 1974
- Album: It's Only Rock 'n Roll
- Chart Peak: #16
"It's Only Rock 'n Roll (But I Like It)" was released as a single in 1974 and also included on the album of the same name. The song was written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, the primary songwriting duo of the Rolling Stones. It features Jagger's distinctive vocals and Richards' unique guitar playing. The chorus, "It's only rock 'n roll, but I like it," suggests a defiance against those who might criticize or dismiss the genre. The track has a driving rhythm and a catchy melody that helped make it a staple of the Rolling Stones' live performances.
- Year: 1978
- Album: Some Girls
- Chart Peak: #8
"Beast of Burden" is a slower bluesy rock song compared to the faster numbers on the Some Girls album. "Beast" features fluid guitar work by both Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood, complementing each other with harmony lines. Jagger's vocals are soulful and yearning. Some of the original lyrics were written before recording, but many verses were improvised by Jagger in the studio to fit the music. The Rolling Stones were banned from playing the song in China in 2003 (their first planned concert there) due to possible drug references.
- Year: 1972
- Album: Exile on Main St.
- Chart Peak: #7
"Tumbling Dice" is known for its infectious rhythm and catchy chorus, which includes the memorable line, "You got to roll me, and call me the tumbling dice." Lyrically, the song explores themes of risk-taking, luck, and the ups and downs of life, with references to gambling and relationships. Written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, the song features Jagger's distinctive vocals and Richards' rough guitar riffs, along with a prominent piano line played by Nicky Hopkins. The track became a major hit for the Rolling Stones, reaching the top 10 on both the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and the UK Singles Chart. It has since become one of the band's signature songs and is frequently performed in their live shows.
- Year: 1966
- Album: Aftermath
- Chart Peak: Unreleased as a Single
"Under My Thumb" features a distinct marimba played by Brian Jones, adding a unique sound to what is typically thought of as a Rolling Stone's song. During this period of time, the Rolling Stones icorporated psycahdelic musical influences and sounds into their songs. Lyrics explore a power struggle within a relationship, with the singer celebrating control over a previously domineering partner. Considered controversial by some feminist groups for its portrayal of female subservience, Mick Jagger has defended the song, claiming it explores a reversal of power dynamics. Despite not being a major chart hit, the song is recognizable and referenced in pop culture.
- Year: 1980
- Album: Emotional Rescue
- Chart Peak: #3
- Year End: #53
"Emotional Rescue" reached #3 on the Billboard chart in the U.S. and #9 in the UK Singles Chart. It is featured on many Rolling Stones compilation albums. Critical reception was mixed during its initial release. Some fans enjoyed the disco and R&B influences, while others felt it was a departure from the Stones' "classic" sound. The song showcases a unique blend of genres: dance-rock, Eurodisco, and R&B. The song features a prominent electric piano and Mick Jagger singing in falsetto in parts, influenced by The Bee Gees.
- Year: 1968
- Album: only released as a single
- Chart Peak: #53
- Year End: #50
"Jumpin' Jack Flash" by The Rolling Stones is known for its iconic riff and gritty, energetic vibe. The song was inspired by the gardener of Keith Richards named Jack Dyer. Richards likened Dyer's heavy footsteps to "jumpin'." Much of its success was from the raw, bluesy sound that marked a return to the band's rock roots after their psychedelic phase. The track's powerful guitar work, driving rhythm, and Mick Jagger's dynamic vocals made it a staple of rock music history.
- Year: 1981
- Album: Tattoo You
- Chart Peak: #2
"Start Me Up" is a classic rock song by the Rolling Stones, released in 1981 as the lead single from their album Tattoo You. It's one of their most popular and known tunes.The song began life as a reggae track called "Never Stop" during recording sessions for an earlier Rolling Stones album, but was reworked and saved for Tattoo You. It reached #1 on the Australian Kent Music Report charts and #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S.
- Year: 1973
- Album: Goats Head Soup
- Chart Peak: #1
- Year End: #85
"Angie" by The Rolling Stones is notable for its haunting piano melody and emotional lyrics, which reflect the end of a romantic relationship. The heartfelt delivery by Mick Jagger and the intricate guitar work of Keith Richards helped this song become a classic. Despite frequent speculation, Richards has stated that the song is not about David Bowie's wife, Angela. "Angie" topped the charts in multiple countries, including the U.S., and remains a staple in the band's live performances.
- Year: 1966
- Album: Aftermath
- Chart Peak: #1
- Year End: #34
"Paint It Black" by The Rolling Stones is notable for its use of a sitar, played by Brian Jones, which added an exotic sound to the rock genre. The song's dark, introspective lyrics and driving rhythm captured the angst of the 1960s. Its success can be attributed to its innovative fusion of rock and Eastern music, as well as its relatable themes of loss and despair. The song topped charts in both the U.S. and UK, becoming a defining track of the band's career and a timeless classic psychedelic rock history.
- Year: 1967
- Album: Between the Buttons
- Chart Peak: #1
- Year End: #24
"Ruby Tuesday" with its haunting melody and lyrics brimming with bittersweet emotion, stands out as a gem in the Rolling Stones' catalog. Credited to both Keith Richards and Brian Jones, the song features a unique touch: Jones' melancholic recorder weaving a baroque pop tapestry. A departure from their signature rock sound, the song's success stemmed from its raw vulnerability and unconventional instrumentation. The track's introspective mood struck a chord with listeners, propelling it to the top of the Billboard Hot 100. "Ruby Tuesday" remains a timeless classic, forever cherished for its blend of emotional honesty and groundbreaking musical exploration.
- Year: 1971
- Album: Sticky Fingers
- Chart Peak: #1
- Year End: #18
"Brown Sugar" by The Rolling Stones is known for its provocative lyrics and infectious riff. Written by Mick Jagger, the song was inspired by his then-girlfriend, Marsha Hunt. Its blend of rock and roll with blues and soul elements made it stand out. The track's highlights are its raw energy, catchy melody, and controversial subject matter, which sparked both intrigue and debate in wider popular culture. Despite—or perhaps because of—its contentious themes, "Brown Sugar" became a defining hit, showcasing the Stones' ability to push boundaries while delivering memorable music. It reached #1 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1971.
- Year: 1978
- Album: Some Girls
- Chart Peak: #1
- Year End: #16
"Miss You" by The Rolling Stones is notable for its blend of rock and disco, a departure from the band's usual style. The song features a distinctive bass line by Bill Wyman and a harmonica solo by Sugar Blue. It was inspired by Mick Jagger's experiences in New York City's club scene. The catchy groove and relatable lyrics helped it top the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Its innovative fusion of genres and danceable beat made it a standout track of the late 1970s.
- Year: 1965
- Album: December's Children (And Everybody's)
- Chart Peak: #1
"Get Off My Cloud" is a driving garage rock song with a prominent, fuzzy guitar riff and a strong backbeat. Mick Jagger's vocals are raw and insistent, reflecting the song's rebellious attitude. The lyrics are short and repetitive, emphasizing the frustration of the singer. It's interpreted as a reaction to the pressures of fame after the band's massive success with "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction." The tune remains a popular and recognizable song for the band.
- Year: 1969
- Album: only released as a single
- Chart Peak: #1
- Year End: #4
"Honky Tonk Women" by The Rolling Stones is unique for its distinctive cowbell intro and gritty, bluesy sound. The song was initially conceived as a country tune but was transformed into a rock anthem. Its infectious groove, Mick Jagger's charismatic vocals, and Keith Richards' iconic guitar riff helped to make this another strandard for the band. The track topped charts worldwide and became a staple of their live concert performances. The lyrics, depicting a wild, carefree lifestyle, reflected the counterculture of the late 1960s.
- Year: 1965
- Album: Out of Our Heads
- Chart Peak: #1
- Year End: #3
"(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction" by The Rolling Stones became an anthem of the 1960s counterculture. Keith Richards famously conceived the iconic riff in his sleep, recording it on a tape recorder. The song's raw, rebellious energy and relatable lyrics about consumerism and frustration resonated with a wide audience. Its fuzz-tone guitar sound, achieved using a Gibson Maestro Fuzz-Tone pedal, was groundbreaking. The song's success was bolstered by its catchy, memorable hook and the band's charismatic performance.
