The Stone Roses, formed in Manchester in 1983, are considered to be one of the pioneers of the ‘Madchester’ movement that took the UK by storm in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The band members include Ian Brown (vocals), John Squire (guitar), Gary ‘Mani’ Mounfield (bass), and Alan ‘Reni’ Wren (drums).
Their eponymous debut album, released in 1989, is regarded as a classic of the era, and their influence can be heard in subsequent British rock bands such as Oasis and Arctic Monkeys. The Stone Roses’ music is a fusion of indie rock, psychedelic rock, and dance, and their lyrics often explore themes of youth, rebellion, and love.
In this list of the 10 Best The Stone Roses Songs of All Time, we will explore some of the band’s most iconic tracks that have stood the test of time and continue to be beloved by fans today.
1. I Wanna Be Adored
“I Wanna Be Adored” is the opening track of The Stone Roses’ self-titled debut album. The song has a hauntingly beautiful melody with an almost hymn-like quality to it. The introduction of the song features a steady drumbeat and guitar riff that creates a sense of anticipation before the vocals come in. Lead singer Ian Brown delivers the lyrics in a slow, deliberate manner that adds to the song’s hypnotic quality. “I Wanna Be Adored” is a statement of the band’s ambition, with the chorus featuring the repeated line “I don’t need to sell my soul, he’s already in me”.
2. Fools Gold
“Fools Gold” is a groovy, danceable song that showcases The Stone Roses’ signature blend of rock and dance music. The song features a funky bassline, psychedelic guitar riffs, and a driving beat that’s impossible not to move to. The lyrics paint a picture of searching for treasure, with the singer proclaiming, “I’m standing alone, you’re weighing the gold, I’m watching you sinking, fool’s gold.” The track’s extended instrumental section adds to the overall hypnotic and mesmerizing effect, making it a fan favorite and one of the band’s most iconic songs.
3. Waterfall
“Waterfall” is a dreamy and ethereal track by British rock band The Stone Roses, featured on their debut album released in 1989. The song opens with the sound of rushing water and a hypnotic bassline that carries throughout. The guitar melodies are intricate and psychedelic, and the vocals are delivered in a delicate and haunting style. The lyrics are abstract and mysterious, touching on themes of nature, dreams, and spirituality.
4. She Bangs the Drums
“She Bangs the Drums” is a song by the British rock band The Stone Roses, released as the second single from their debut album in 1989. It is a classic indie rock song, characterized by its catchy guitar riff and upbeat rhythm. The lyrics of the song are inspired by frontman Ian Brown’s love of music and the power it has to bring people together. The song’s jangly guitars and driving beat have made it a fan favorite and a staple of the band’s live shows.
5. Made of Stone
“Made of Stone” is a song by the British rock band The Stone Roses, released in 1989 as the second single from their self-titled debut album. It’s a classic example of the band’s signature sound, featuring driving drums, jangly guitars, and frontman Ian Brown’s distinctive vocals. The song starts off with a simple bassline and gradually builds into an explosive chorus with Brown’s soaring vocals. Its lyrics describe the feeling of being trapped in a mundane life and yearning for something more.
6. This Is the One
“This Is the One” is a song by The Stone Roses, released as a single in 1989. It features a distinctive jangling guitar riff and frontman Ian Brown’s introspective vocals. The song’s lyrics touch on themes of love and escapism, with lines like “I’d like to leave the country for a month of Sundays, burn the town where I was born” conveying a desire to break free from the mundanity of everyday life. The song became a fan favorite and has been cited as one of the band’s best tracks.
7. Love Spreads
“Love Spreads” is a 1994 song by British rock band The Stone Roses, released as a lead single from their second album “The Second Coming.” The song starts with a riff that showcases the band’s unique blend of rock and funk, before frontman Ian Brown’s vocals come in with a powerful delivery. The song is driven by the band’s tight rhythm section and John Squire’s impressive guitar work, which features a soaring solo towards the end. ”
8. Ten Storey Love Song
Ten Storey Love Song” is a song by British alternative rock band The Stone Roses, released in 1995 as a single from their album “Second Coming.” The track features a slower tempo and more mellow sound than some of the band’s earlier hits, but still showcases the strong guitar work and signature vocals of frontman Ian Brown. The lyrics describe a dreamy, romantic love affair, with Brown’s vocals delivering lines like “Take me to the top floor, then take me down” and “Let the wind blow through your hair.”
9. Elephant Stone
“Elephant Stone” is a song by English rock band The Stone Roses, released in 1988 as their third single. It features a unique blend of psychedelic rock, pop and Indian music. The song starts with a droning tambura and quickly moves into a catchy, upbeat melody with swirling guitars and a groovy bassline. The lyrics describe a mystical experience, with references to Hinduism and eastern spirituality. The song’s instrumental section is particularly noteworthy, with a mesmerizing sitar solo that adds to its exotic feel.
10. Sally Cinnamon
“Sally Cinnamon” is a single by the Stone Roses, released in 1987. It is one of the band’s earliest tracks, and is considered a fan favorite. The song features a catchy, jangly guitar riff and smooth vocals from lead singer Ian Brown. The lyrics are poetic and romantic, with a focus on a girl named Sally Cinnamon who is described as an enigmatic figure. The track was originally released independently on the band’s own label, before being re-released by major label FM Revolver in 1988. It was the band’s first single to chart, peaking at number 46 in the UK
Simon Robinson 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.
