The 10 Greatest Rolling Stones Songs: Legendary Rock Tracks

The Rolling Stones have left an indelible mark on rock music history. With a career spanning over six decades, they’ve produced countless hits that have stood the test of time.

Their songs have touched the hearts of millions and influenced generations of musicians.

The band’s top tracks showcase their musical range and songwriting prowess.

From bluesy rock anthems to tender ballads, the Stones have proven their ability to craft memorable tunes across various styles.

Fans and critics alike have debated which songs deserve the title of “greatest” among their vast catalog.

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1. Gimme Shelter

“Gimme Shelter” is a powerful rock song by The Rolling Stones. It opens their 1969 album “Let It Bleed” with a bang.

The track is known for its intense lyrics and gripping music.

Keith Richards wrote the main guitar riff. Mick Jagger added lyrics about war and violence. Together, they created a song that captures the unrest of the late 1960s.

One of the most memorable parts is the female vocals. Merry Clayton sings the haunting line “Rape, murder” with raw emotion. Her voice cracks during the recording, adding to the song’s intensity.

The Stones have called it an “end-of-the-world song”. Its themes of seeking shelter from chaos still resonate today.

Many fans and critics consider it one of the band’s best works.

“Gimme Shelter” has appeared in several movies. It’s also a favorite at Rolling Stones concerts.

The song’s power and energy make it a standout in their vast catalog.

Billboard Chart Performance:

• Did not chart as a single
• Parent album “Let It Bleed” reached #3 on the Billboard 200

2. Paint It Black

“Paint It Black” is one of the Rolling Stones’ most iconic songs. Released in 1966, it showcases the band’s experimental phase with Eastern influences.

The song’s haunting melody and dark lyrics set it apart from other rock tunes of the era. Its use of sitar, played by Brian Jones, adds a unique sound that captivated listeners.

Mick Jagger’s vocals bring raw emotion to the track. The lyrics express deep grief and a desire to shut out the world.

The song’s driving rhythm, provided by Charlie Watts on drums, gives it an urgent, almost frantic feel. This energy helped make it a fan favorite.

“Paint It Black” has stood the test of time. It continues to be loved by fans and frequently appears in movies and TV shows.

Billboard Information:

• Reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100
• Stayed at #1 for two weeks
• Charted for 11 weeks total

3. Sympathy for the Devil

The Rolling Stones released “Sympathy for the Devil” in 1968 as part of their album “Beggars Banquet”. This song stands out as one of the band’s most iconic tracks.

Mick Jagger and Keith Richards wrote the powerful lyrics that tell a story from the devil’s point of view.

The song takes listeners on a journey through history, mentioning events like the Russian Revolution and World War II.

The music starts with a simple beat and builds into a lively samba rhythm. As the song goes on, it adds more instruments and backing vocals. This creates an exciting and memorable sound.

“Sympathy for the Devil” has become a fan favorite at Rolling Stones concerts. The band often plays it as one of their top hits during live shows.

The song has left a lasting mark on rock music. Many other artists have covered it over the years. It continues to be popular with both old and new fans of the Rolling Stones.

Billboard Chart Performance:

• Peak position on Hot 100: Did not chart
• Weeks on chart: N/A

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4. Angie

“Angie” is a beloved Rolling Stones ballad that showcases the band’s softer side. Released in 1973, it became one of their most popular songs.

The track features a simple yet emotional acoustic guitar melody. Mick Jagger’s raw vocals bring the heartfelt lyrics to life, telling a story of lost love.

Keith Richards and Nicky Hopkins add depth to the song with their piano parts. The melancholic tune resonates with many listeners, making it a fan favorite.

“Angie” stands out in the Stones’ catalog as a departure from their usual rock sound. It shows their range as musicians and songwriters.

The song’s success helped cement the Rolling Stones’ status as one of rock’s greatest bands. It remains a staple of classic rock radio to this day.

Billboard Chart Performance:

• Peaked at #1 on the Hot 100 chart
• Spent 1 week at #1
• Charted for 14 weeks total

5. Jumpin’ Jack Flash

“Jumpin’ Jack Flash” marked a triumphant return to rock for the Rolling Stones. Released in 1968, this energetic track showcased the band’s signature bluesy sound.

The song’s powerful guitar riff and driving rhythm immediately grab listeners’ attention. Mick Jagger’s raw, passionate vocals perfectly complement the music’s intensity.

Keith Richards’ guitar work shines throughout, providing the song’s iconic backbone. The lyrics, while somewhat cryptic, paint vivid images of struggle and perseverance.

“Jumpin’ Jack Flash” became an instant classic and a staple of the Stones’ live shows. Its enduring popularity speaks to its timeless appeal and the band’s musical prowess.

The track’s success helped cement the Rolling Stones’ status as rock legends. It remains a fan favorite and is often cited as one of their greatest songs.

Billboard Hot 100 Peak Position: #3 Weeks on Chart: 13

6. Wild Horses

“Wild Horses” is a beloved ballad by The Rolling Stones. Released in 1971, it showcases the band’s softer side. The song appears on their album “Sticky Fingers.”

Mick Jagger and Keith Richards wrote this emotional tune. Its heartfelt lyrics and gentle melody have touched many listeners over the years.

The song features beautiful acoustic guitar work. It also includes piano parts that add depth to the arrangement. Jagger’s vocals are particularly poignant on this track.

“Wild Horses” has become one of the Stones’ most popular ballads. It often appears on lists of their greatest songs. Many fans consider it a standout in the band’s extensive catalog.

The Rolling Stones have performed “Wild Horses” live many times throughout their career. Its enduring appeal speaks to its quality and emotional resonance.

Billboard Chart Performance: Hot 100: Peak position #28 Adult Contemporary: Peak position #11

7. Start Me Up

“Start Me Up” is one of the Rolling Stones’ most recognizable hits. Released in 1981, it became an instant rock classic. The song’s catchy guitar riff and Mick Jagger’s energetic vocals make it a fan favorite.

The track appears on the album “Tattoo You” and was originally written as a reggae tune. After several attempts, the band reworked it into the rock anthem we know today.

“Start Me Up” showcases the Stones’ ability to create memorable hooks. Keith Richards’ guitar work shines throughout the song, complementing Jagger’s playful lyrics.

The music video for “Start Me Up” helped boost its popularity. It features the band performing against a plain white background, focusing on their raw energy and charisma.

Over the years, “Start Me Up” has been used in various commercials and sports events. Its upbeat tempo and motivational lyrics make it perfect for getting people excited.

Billboard Chart Performance: Peak Position: #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 Weeks on Chart: 20

8. You Can’t Always Get What You Want

The Rolling Stones released this classic tune in 1969 on their album “Let It Bleed”. It’s a song that speaks to life’s disappointments and the wisdom that comes with age.

The track opens with a haunting choir intro, setting the stage for Mick Jagger’s reflective lyrics. The song builds slowly, adding layers of instruments as it progresses.

Keith Richards’ guitar work shines throughout, complementing Jagger’s vocals perfectly. The song’s memorable chorus has become a cultural touchstone, often quoted in various contexts.

“You Can’t Always Get What You Want” blends elements of rock, gospel, and baroque pop. Its rich arrangement includes French horn, piano, and even a bit of maracas.

The song’s message is simple yet profound. It reminds listeners that while they may not always get what they want, they might just get what they need.

Over the years, this song has remained a fan favorite. It’s often played as the encore at Rolling Stones concerts, leaving audiences with its uplifting message.

Billboard Chart Performance: Peak Position: #42 on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart Date: July 4, 1970

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9. Brown Sugar

The Rolling Stones released “Brown Sugar” in 1971 as the first single from their album “Sticky Fingers”. This iconic rock song quickly became one of the band’s biggest hits.

With its catchy guitar riff and upbeat tempo, “Brown Sugar” captivates listeners from the start. Mick Jagger’s energetic vocals add to the song’s infectious energy.

The lyrics touch on controversial themes, blending references to slavery, sex, and drugs. Despite the sensitive subject matter, the song’s popularity has endured over the years.

Keith Richards’ guitar work on “Brown Sugar” is particularly noteworthy. His signature style shines through, contributing to the song’s memorable sound.

The track has been streamed millions of times and remains a staple of classic rock radio.

It’s often featured in the band’s live performances, exciting crowds with its familiar opening notes.

Billboard Chart Performance: Peak Position: #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 Weeks on Chart: 16 Year: 1971

10. (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction

The Rolling Stones hit a goldmine with “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” in 1965. This song became one of their most popular tracks ever, with over 600 million streams to date.

The famous guitar riff came to Keith Richards in a dream. He woke up and quickly recorded it on a cassette before falling back asleep.

The lyrics talk about being frustrated and dealing with too many ads. Mick Jagger’s vocals perfectly capture this feeling of annoyance.

The song’s catchy tune and relatable message struck a chord with listeners. It quickly climbed the charts and became a rock classic.

Even today, “Satisfaction” remains a crowd favorite at Rolling Stones concerts. Its energy and attitude still get fans excited after all these years.

Billboard Chart Performance:

• Reached #1 on the Hot 100 chart
• Stayed at #1 for 4 weeks
• Spent 14 weeks total on the chart

Historical Context

The Rolling Stones emerged during a pivotal time in music history. They shaped the sound of rock and roll and left a lasting mark on popular culture.

Origins of The Rolling Stones

The Rolling Stones formed in London in 1962. Mick Jagger and Keith Richards were childhood friends who shared a love of American blues.

They met Brian Jones, who named the band after a Muddy Waters song.

The group started out playing covers in small clubs. They soon gained a following for their raw, energetic performances.

Their first hit, a cover of Chuck Berry’s “Come On,” came out in 1963.

The Stones’ early sound was heavily influenced by American R&B and blues. They helped introduce this music to British audiences. Their bad-boy image set them apart from other bands of the time.

Impact on Rock Music

The Rolling Stones helped define the sound and attitude of rock music. Their bluesy, guitar-driven style influenced countless artists. They pushed boundaries with their lyrics and stage presence.

The band’s longevity is unmatched in rock history. They’ve been active for over 60 years, adapting to changing trends while keeping their core sound. Songs like “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” became anthems for a generation.

The Stones’ impact goes beyond music. They’ve shaped fashion, politics, and pop culture. Their iconic logo is one of the most recognizable symbols in rock. The band’s rebellious spirit inspired youth movements around the world.

Behind The Lyrics

The Rolling Stones crafted their songs through a unique collaborative process. Their lyrics often contain hidden meanings and social commentary that added depth to their music.

Songwriting Process

Mick Jagger and Keith Richards formed the main songwriting duo for the Rolling Stones. They worked together closely to create the band’s iconic sound.

Jagger typically focused on lyrics while Richards developed melodies and riffs.

The pair often started with a simple idea or phrase. They would then build on it, experimenting with different arrangements.

Other band members sometimes contributed ideas or helped refine songs during rehearsals.

Many Stones classics emerged from jam sessions. The group would play together, finding grooves that sparked inspiration for new tunes.

Hidden Meanings

Rolling Stones lyrics frequently contained deeper meanings beyond their surface-level interpretations. “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” critiqued consumerism and sexual frustration in 1960s society.

“Sympathy for the Devil” used vivid imagery to explore humanity’s dark side. It referenced historical events like World War II and the Russian Revolution.

Some songs incorporated subtle drug references. “Brown Sugar” dealt with taboo subjects like slavery and interracial relationships.

The band often used metaphors and wordplay to add layers of meaning to their songs. This gave listeners room to find their own interpretations in the lyrics.

Musical Influence

The Rolling Stones drew from many musical styles and inspired countless artists. Their unique sound and attitude shaped rock music for decades.

Genres Borrowed From

The Rolling Stones mixed different types of music to create their own style. They took elements from:

• Blues: They loved American blues artists like Muddy Waters and Howlin’ Wolf.
• Rock and roll: Chuck Berry and Little Richard were big influences.
• R&B: The band drew from Motown and other soul music.
• Country: Some songs had a country flavor, like their version of “Country Honk”.

The Stones blended these genres to make a new sound. This mix helped them stand out from other bands of their time.

Artists Inspired By The Rolling Stones

Many musicians looked up to the Rolling Stones. Their music and style touched artists across different genres:

• Rock bands: Groups like Aerosmith and The Black Crowes were inspired by the Stones’ sound.
• Pop stars: Even pop artists like Lady Gaga have talked about the Stones’ influence.
• Punk rockers: The Sex Pistols and other punk bands admired the Stones’ rebellious attitude.

The Rolling Stones’ impact goes beyond just music. Their fashion choices and stage presence influenced popular culture as a whole. They showed other artists how to be bold and push boundaries.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Rolling Stones have created many iconic songs over their long career. Fans often debate which tracks are the best and most impactful. Let’s explore some common questions about the band’s greatest hits.

What are some of the top-rated Rolling Stones songs throughout their career?

Many music critics and fans consider “Gimme Shelter” one of the band’s best songs.

“Paint It Black” and “Sympathy for the Devil” are also highly rated. These tracks showcase the Stones’ musical range and songwriting skills.

“Angie” and “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” round out the top five for many listeners. These songs highlight the band’s ability to create both emotional ballads and energetic rock anthems.

Which Rolling Stones song is frequently cited as their best?

“Gimme Shelter” is often named as the Rolling Stones’ best song.

Its powerful lyrics, strong vocals, and memorable guitar riffs make it a standout track. The song’s themes of war and social unrest still resonate with listeners today.

How many Rolling Stones tracks have achieved top 10 status?

The Rolling Stones have had numerous hits reach the top 10 on music charts.

In the US alone, they’ve had over 30 top 10 singles. This shows their consistent ability to create popular music across different decades.

What Rolling Stones hits are considered classic rock anthems?

“Satisfaction” is one of the most famous Rolling Stones anthems.

“Start Me Up” and “Brown Sugar” are also widely recognized as classic rock staples. These songs are known for their catchy hooks and energetic performances.

Are there any recent songs by the Rolling Stones that have made it to the greatest lists?

The Rolling Stones released “Angry” in 2023 as part of their album “Hackney Diamonds.” This song has been praised by some critics as a return to their classic sound. It shows the band can still create compelling music after decades in the industry.

What are the Rolling Stones’ songs with the most impactful lyrics?

“Gimme Shelter” is known for its powerful lyrics about war and violence.

“Sympathy for the Devil” tells a complex story from an unusual perspective.

“You Can’t Always Get What You Want” offers life wisdom that has resonated with fans for generations.

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