The Rolling Stones, one of the most iconic and influential rock bands of all time, have left an indelible mark on the music world with their unique blend of blues, rock, and pop. With a career spanning over six decades, the band has produced a vast catalog of classic hits that have become an integral part of the rock ‘n’ roll canon. From gritty, blues-infused rockers to soulful ballads and experimental explorations, The Rolling Stones’ music has always been characterized by its raw energy, rebellious spirit, and timeless appeal. In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 best The Rolling Stones songs of all time, each one a testament to the band’s unparalleled creativity, musicianship, and enduring legacy.
1. (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction
“(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” is a quintessential Rolling Stones song that perfectly encapsulates the band’s rebellious spirit and raw, unfiltered energy. Released in 1965, the song features a driving, fuzz-drenched guitar riff by Keith Richards that has become one of the most recognizable and influential in rock history. Mick Jagger’s sneering, sexually charged vocals, delivered with his signature swagger, perfectly capture the song’s themes of frustration, disillusionment, and youthful angst. The lyrics, which take aim at the commercialization and conformity of modern society, struck a chord with audiences around the world and established The Rolling Stones as a voice for a generation. The song’s infectious, hard-driving groove and memorable chorus have made it a staple of rock radio and a fan favorite for over five decades. “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” is a true masterpiece of rock ‘n’ roll, its raw, unbridled energy and rebellious spirit embodying the very essence of The Rolling Stones’ music and enduring legacy.
2. Jumpin’ Jack Flash
“Jumpin’ Jack Flash” is an explosive, hard-hitting track that showcases The Rolling Stones’ incredible ability to blend elements of blues, rock, and pop into a seamless, electrifying whole. Released in 1968, the song features a driving, distorted guitar riff by Keith Richards that perfectly sets the stage for Mick Jagger’s dynamic, soulful vocals. The lyrics, which tell the story of a man born in a crossfire hurricane and raised by a toothless, bearded hag, are filled with vivid, surreal imagery that adds to the song’s sense of mystery and intrigue. Charlie Watts’ propulsive, hard-hitting drums and Bill Wyman’s pulsing, melodic bassline create a rock-solid foundation for Richards’ searing guitar work and Jagger’s explosive, impassioned vocals. “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” is a true classic of the rock genre, its raw, unbridled energy and electrifying performances cementing its place as one of The Rolling Stones’ most beloved and enduring works. The song’s enduring popularity and its status as a staple of the band’s live shows are a testament to its timeless appeal and the enduring power of The Rolling Stones’ music.
3. Gimme Shelter
“Gimme Shelter” is a powerful, apocalyptic track that showcases The Rolling Stones’ ability to create music that is both socially conscious and emotionally resonant. Released in 1969, the song features a dark, brooding guitar riff by Keith Richards that perfectly captures the sense of impending doom and social upheaval that characterized the late 1960s. Mick Jagger’s vocals, delivered with a mix of urgency and desperation, are perfectly complemented by the soulful, impassioned backing vocals of Merry Clayton, whose spine-chilling performance on the track has become the stuff of legend. The lyrics, which speak to the violence, fear, and uncertainty of the times, are a powerful commentary on the state of the world and a plea for salvation and shelter from the coming storm. “Gimme Shelter” is a true masterpiece of the rock genre, its haunting, apocalyptic sound and powerful, socially conscious lyrics speaking to the enduring relevance and impact of The Rolling Stones’ music. The song’s enduring popularity and its status as a cultural touchstone are a testament to its timeless power and the band’s ability to create music that speaks to the human condition.
4. You Can’t Always Get What You Want
“You Can’t Always Get What You Want” is a sweeping, epic track that showcases The Rolling Stones’ incredible musicianship and their ability to blend different musical styles and influences into a seamless, cohesive whole. Released in 1969, the song features a lush, orchestral arrangement that includes a full choir, French horn, and various other classical elements, creating a sense of grandeur and sophistication that sets it apart from the band’s more straight-ahead rock numbers. Mick Jagger’s vocals, delivered with a mix of wistfulness and resignation, perfectly capture the song’s themes of disappointment, compromise, and the search for meaning in a world that often fails to live up to our expectations. The lyrics, which touch on everything from love and politics to drugs and religion, are a masterclass in storytelling and social commentary, showcasing Jagger’s incredible skill as a lyricist and the band’s willingness to tackle weighty, complex subjects in their music. “You Can’t Always Get What You Want” is a true classic of the rock genre, its sweeping, orchestral sound and poignant, introspective lyrics cementing its place as one of The Rolling Stones’ greatest achievements and a highlight of their legendary catalog.
5. Paint It Black
“Paint It Black” is a haunting, psychedelic track that showcases The Rolling Stones’ willingness to experiment with different sounds and push the boundaries of traditional rock music. Released in 1966, the song features a hypnotic, Middle Eastern-inspired melody played on the sitar by Brian Jones, creating a sense of exotic mystery and intrigue that perfectly complements the dark, brooding lyrics. Mick Jagger’s vocals, delivered with a mix of anger, despair, and resignation, perfectly capture the song’s themes of loss, grief, and the struggle to come to terms with the harsh realities of life. Keith Richards’ driving, distorted guitar work and Charlie Watts’ propulsive, hard-hitting drums create a sense of urgency and intensity that underscores the song’s powerful emotional core. “Paint It Black” is a true masterpiece of the psychedelic rock genre, its innovative use of non-Western instrumentation and its dark, introspective lyrics setting it apart from the more conventional rock songs of the era. The song’s enduring popularity and its status as a classic of the genre are a testament to its timeless power and the enduring influence of The Rolling Stones’ music.
6. Honky Tonk Women
“Honky Tonk Women” is a rollicking, country-influenced track that showcases The Rolling Stones’ ability to infuse their music with elements of different genres and create something entirely unique and unforgettable. Released in 1969, the song features a driving, cowbell-heavy rhythm that perfectly captures the raucous, freewheeling spirit of the honky-tonk scene. Mick Jagger’s vocals, delivered with his signature swagger and charm, are filled with playful, sexually charged lyrics that celebrate the wild, untamed nature of the honky-tonk lifestyle. Keith Richards’ twangy, country-inspired guitar work and Charlie Watts’ steady, propulsive drumming create a rock-solid foundation for the song’s infectious, singalong chorus and memorable, bluesy harmonica solo. “Honky Tonk Women” is a true classic of The Rolling Stones’ catalog, its unique blend of rock, country, and blues influences and its irresistible, party-ready energy making it a fan favorite and a staple of the band’s live shows. The song’s enduring popularity and its status as a defining moment in the band’s career are a testament to their incredible versatility and their ability to create music that transcends genres and generations.
7. Sympathy for the Devil
“Sympathy for the Devil” is a epic, politically charged track that showcases The Rolling Stones’ ability to create music that is both musically ambitious and thematically provocative. Released in 1968, the song features a hypnotic, samba-inspired rhythm that builds in intensity and complexity as the song progresses, creating a sense of drama and urgency that perfectly complements the dark, controversial lyrics. Mick Jagger’s vocals, delivered in character as the Devil himself, are filled with vivid, poetic imagery that touches on everything from the Russian Revolution to the assassination of John F. Kennedy, painting a vivid picture of the evil and violence that has shaped human history. Keith Richards’ dynamic, multi-layered guitar work and the band’s tight, explosive instrumental interplay create a sense of power and energy that drives the song forward and underscores its powerful, unsettling message. “Sympathy for the Devil” is a true masterpiece of the rock genre, its ambitious, genre-bending sound and its dark, provocative lyrics cementing its place as one of The Rolling Stones’ most enduring and influential works. The song’s enduring popularity and its status as a cultural touchstone are a testament to the band’s fearless creativity and their willingness to push the boundaries of what was possible in rock music.
8. Start Me Up
“Start Me Up” is an energetic, hard-rocking track that showcases The Rolling Stones’ incredible ability to create music that is both musically powerful and commercially appealing. Released in 1981, the song features a driving, catchy guitar riff by Keith Richards that perfectly captures the song’s sense of urgency and excitement. Mick Jagger’s vocals, delivered with his signature swagger and attitude, are filled with playful, sexually charged lyrics that celebrate the thrill of new beginnings and the rush of falling in love. Charlie Watts’ propulsive, hard-hitting drums and Ronnie Wood’s dynamic, explosive guitar work create a rock-solid foundation for the song’s irresistible, singalong chorus and memorable, bluesy solo. “Start Me Up” is a true classic of The Rolling Stones’ later career, its infectious, radio-friendly sound and its energetic, uplifting lyrics making it a fan favorite and a staple of the band’s live shows. The song’s enduring popularity and its status as a defining moment in the band’s career are a testament to their incredible longevity and their ability to continue creating vital, relevant music even as they entered their third decade as a band.
9. Wild Horses
“Wild Horses” is a beautiful, acoustic-driven ballad that showcases The Rolling Stones’ ability to create music that is both emotionally powerful and musically understated. Released in 1971, the song features a gentle, fingerpicked guitar melody by Keith Richards that perfectly captures the song’s sense of longing and melancholy. Mick Jagger’s vocals, delivered with a rare vulnerability and tenderness, are filled with poignant, introspective lyrics that speak to the pain of separation and the enduring power of love. The band’s subtle, nuanced instrumental work, including Ronnie Wood’s delicate pedal steel guitar and Charlie Watts’ gentle, brushed drumming, creates a sense of intimacy and warmth that perfectly complements the song’s emotional core. “Wild Horses” is a true gem in The Rolling Stones’ catalog, its raw, unvarnished beauty and its heartfelt, deeply personal lyrics setting it apart from the band’s more bombastic, hard-rocking numbers. The song’s enduring popularity and its status as a fan favorite are a testament to the band’s incredible versatility and their ability to create music that speaks to the deepest, most universal human emotions.
10. Beast of Burden
“Beast of Burden” is a soulful, groove-driven track that showcases The Rolling Stones’ ability to infuse their music with elements of R&B and create something entirely unique and unforgettable. Released in 1978, the song features a smooth, funky guitar riff by Keith Richards that perfectly captures the song’s sense of sensuality and romanticism. Mick Jagger’s vocals, delivered with a mix of tenderness and playfulness, are filled with romantic, pleading lyrics that speak to the challenges and rewards of being in a committed relationship. Ronnie Wood’s dynamic, explosive guitar work and Charlie Watts’ steady, propulsive drumming create a rock-solid foundation for the song’s irresistible, singalong chorus and memorable, soulful piano work. “Beast of Burden” is a true classic of The Rolling Stones’ later career, its unique blend of rock, soul, and funk influences and its heartfelt, emotionally resonant lyrics making it a fan favorite and a staple of the band’s live shows. The song’s enduring popularity and its status as a defining moment in the band’s career are a testament to their incredible versatility and their ability to continue creating vital, relevant music even as they entered their third decade as a band. “Beast of Burden” showcases the depth, complexity, and enduring power of The Rolling Stones’ music, and serves as a fitting capstone to their incredible legacy as one of the greatest rock bands of all time.
Edward Tomlin is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
