When it comes to rock ‘n’ roll royalty, few bands have left a more indelible mark on music history than The Rolling Stones. For over six decades, they’ve been at the forefront of the rock scene, delivering timeless hits that have become the soundtrack to generations of fans. Their music is raw, rebellious, and bursting with energy, blending blues, rock, and a swagger that’s distinctly their own. With a catalog that spans hundreds of songs, it’s no easy task to narrow down their greatest hits. However, some tracks have become legendary, not just for their chart-topping success but for their lasting cultural impact. From rebellious anthems to heart-wrenching ballads, these songs have stood the test of time, cementing The Rolling Stones as one of the most influential bands in history. In this list, we’ll dive into the top 10 most popular Rolling Stones songs of all time, exploring the stories, sounds, and soul behind each iconic track. Whether you’ve been a fan since the start or are just discovering their magic, these songs are a must-listen. Turn up the volume, and let’s take a wild ride through the greatest hits of the legendary Rolling Stones!
1. (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction (1965)
Released in 1965, “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” quickly became a defining anthem of youthful rebellion and frustration, capturing the discontent of a generation fed up with societal expectations and consumerism. Its raw energy is driven by one of the most iconic riffs in rock history, crafted by Keith Richards, and matched by Mick Jagger’s defiant, sneering vocals. The song’s lyrics express a deep dissatisfaction with modern life, resonating with listeners who were questioning authority and searching for more meaning. Topping charts worldwide, this track catapulted The Rolling Stones into rock stardom, cementing their reputation as provocateurs willing to challenge the status quo both musically and culturally. Over the years, “Satisfaction” has maintained its legendary status, and its influence continues to ripple through rock music. It remains one of the most recognized and celebrated songs in the band’s catalog, an enduring symbol of the counterculture movement that swept through the 1960s.
2. Paint It Black (1966)
“Paint It Black,” released in 1966, signaled a darker, more experimental turn for The Rolling Stones. The song’s haunting, Eastern-inspired sitar melody—played by Brian Jones—combined with a driving rhythm and brooding lyrics from Mick Jagger, creates a mood of despair and emotional turmoil. Reflecting on themes of loss, grief, and inner darkness, “Paint It Black” resonated deeply with a world facing the upheaval of the Vietnam War and social unrest. The fusion of traditional rock elements with the exotic sitar gave the song a psychedelic edge, pushing boundaries and showcasing the band’s willingness to evolve their sound. The song hit No. 1 in both the US and UK, becoming one of their most beloved tracks. Its eerie, hypnotic atmosphere, coupled with poignant lyrics, has made “Paint It Black” an enduring classic that continues to captivate listeners decades later.
3. Gimme Shelter (1969)
Released in 1969, “Gimme Shelter” stands as one of The Rolling Stones’ most powerful and chilling songs, capturing the dark undercurrent of the late 1960s. The track opens with an ominous guitar riff from Keith Richards, setting a haunting tone for Mick Jagger’s vocals that speak of war, violence, and desperation. Merry Clayton’s chilling backing vocals, especially her spine-tingling delivery of the line “Rape, murder, it’s just a shot away,” elevate the song into a gripping commentary on the societal chaos of the time. Featured on the Let It Bleed album, “Gimme Shelter” reflects the turbulent atmosphere of the era, when the idealism of peace and love was rapidly unraveling. The song’s intensity and urgency have made it one of the Stones’ most iconic and enduring tracks, often serving as a reminder of the fragility of safety and the ever-present threat of chaos in the world.
4. Sympathy for the Devil (1968)
In 1968, The Rolling Stones unleashed “Sympathy for the Devil,” a daring and provocative track from Beggars Banquet that features Mick Jagger embodying the voice of Satan himself. The song takes listeners on a journey through history’s darkest moments, challenging conventional notions of good and evil. With its hypnotic samba rhythm and electrifying guitar solos from Keith Richards, “Sympathy for the Devil” was as musically daring as it was lyrically provocative. Jagger’s unsettling lyrics, which reference historical atrocities, were controversial at the time, further cementing the Stones’ reputation as rock rebels unafraid to push boundaries. Yet beneath the controversy, the track is a powerful exploration of human nature, forcing listeners to grapple with the complexity of morality. Decades later, “Sympathy for the Devil” remains one of the band’s most thought-provoking and iconic songs, a testament to their bold artistry.
5. Jumpin’ Jack Flash (1968)
“Jumpin’ Jack Flash,” released in 1968, was a thunderous return to form for The Rolling Stones, reintroducing the raw, gritty rock sound that defined the band. After dabbling in psychedelia, this track brought them back to their bluesy, hard-hitting roots, with Keith Richards delivering a fierce guitar riff and Mick Jagger giving a swaggering vocal performance. The song’s lyrics, which celebrate resilience and triumph over adversity, struck a chord with audiences and quickly climbed the charts, reaching No. 1 in the UK and No. 3 in the US. Its energetic, rebellious spirit captured the essence of The Stones’ attitude during this pivotal period in their career. “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” became a staple in their live performances and remains a fan favorite, embodying the raw power and timeless appeal of rock ‘n’ roll.
6. Angie (1973)
“Angie,” released in 1973, is one of The Rolling Stones’ most tender and heartfelt ballads. Stripping away their usual gritty rock sound, the band opted for a softer acoustic and piano arrangement that allowed the emotional weight of the song to shine through. Mick Jagger’s impassioned vocal performance, coupled with the song’s melancholy lyrics about a fading love, resonated with listeners worldwide. The track’s haunting beauty, combined with speculation over its inspiration, only added to its allure. Despite rumors that “Angie” was about a specific person, Jagger has consistently denied it. Nonetheless, the song topped the charts in the US and became a global hit. Its introspective, softer tone showed a different side of the Stones, proving their versatility as songwriters and musicians capable of creating deeply emotional and moving music.
7. Start Me Up (1981)
“Start Me Up,” released in 1981, became one of The Rolling Stones’ most enduring rock anthems, with its infectious energy and instantly recognizable guitar riff. Originally conceived as a reggae track, the band reworked it into the hard-driving rock song that fans know today. Keith Richards’ sharp guitar licks and Mick Jagger’s playful vocals gave the song an undeniable swagger, making it an instant stadium favorite. As the lead single from their Tattoo You album, “Start Me Up” shot up the charts, peaking at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. Its upbeat, celebratory feel, combined with its unforgettable riff, has made it a staple at sporting events and concerts alike. Even decades after its release, “Start Me Up” remains a fan favorite, continuing to energize crowds with its electrifying presence.
8. You Can’t Always Get What You Want (1969)
Released in 1969 as the closing track on Let It Bleed, “You Can’t Always Get What You Want” is a sweeping, genre-defying song that blends rock, gospel, and orchestral elements. The song opens with the harmonious voices of a choir, setting the stage for Mick Jagger’s reflective lyrics about disappointment, love, and life’s inevitable challenges. Despite its somber undertones, the song offers a message of acceptance, reminding listeners that while you may not always get what you desire, sometimes what you get is exactly what you need. Its anthemic chorus has made it a favorite at live performances, uniting audiences in a shared moment of catharsis. Over time, “You Can’t Always Get What You Want” has become one of The Rolling Stones’ most beloved songs, celebrated for its emotional depth and ambitious composition.
9. Wild Horses (1971)
“Wild Horses,” released in 1971 on Sticky Fingers, is one of The Rolling Stones’ most emotionally poignant songs. The tender ballad showcases the band’s softer, more introspective side, with its gentle acoustic guitar melodies and heartfelt lyrics about love and longing. Written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, the song’s emotional depth has been interpreted in various ways, from the pain of separation to the struggle of maintaining love through hardship. Jagger’s vulnerable vocal delivery paired with Richards’ delicate guitar work creates a hauntingly beautiful atmosphere. “Wild Horses” stands out in the band’s catalog for its vulnerability and simplicity, proving that The Rolling Stones could create deeply moving music that transcended their usual rock ‘n’ roll bravado.
10. Brown Sugar (1971)
“Brown Sugar,” released as the lead single from Sticky Fingers in 1971, is one of The Rolling Stones’ most energetic and controversial songs. Its rollicking rhythm, gritty guitar riffs, and honky-tonk piano create an irresistible groove that quickly turned the track into a chart-topping hit. Despite its infectious energy, the song’s lyrics—touching on themes of slavery, race, and sexuality—sparked significant controversy. However, the rebellious spirit and electrifying sound of “Brown Sugar” epitomized the Stones’ fearless approach to rock music. It became a defining track for the band, showcasing their ability to push boundaries while delivering music that was undeniably catchy and full of raw energy. Decades later, “Brown Sugar” remains a high-energy staple in their live shows, symbolizing the band’s unapologetic attitude and unparalleled knack for creating timeless rock anthems.
Samuel Moore 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.
