Few bands in history have defined rock and roll quite like The Rolling Stones. With a career spanning over six decades, they’ve delivered some of the most electrifying, rebellious, and unforgettable tracks ever recorded. From gritty blues-infused rock to sweeping ballads, their music has transcended generations, influencing countless artists and captivating millions of fans worldwide.
At the heart of their success lies an unmatched ability to craft songs that resonate—whether it’s the snarling defiance of “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction”, the dark, hypnotic energy of “Gimme Shelter”, or the raw emotion of “Wild Horses”. Each track tells a story, fueled by Mick Jagger’s unmistakable vocals, Keith Richards’ legendary riffs, and the band’s signature swagger.
But which songs stand out as the most iconic of all time? In this list, we dive into the top 10 most popular Rolling Stones songs, exploring the anthems that defined eras, topped charts, and became staples of rock history. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just discovering their magic, these tracks showcase why The Rolling Stones remain the greatest rock and roll band in the world. Buckle up—this is rock at its finest!
1. “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” (1965)
Few songs have captured the rebellious spirit of rock and roll as perfectly as “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction.” Released in 1965, this track became a cultural phenomenon, powered by Keith Richards’ fuzz-drenched guitar riff—one of the most instantly recognizable in music history. Mick Jagger’s raw, sneering vocals voiced the frustrations of a generation, railing against commercialism, conformity, and sexual dissatisfaction. It struck a nerve with young listeners worldwide and catapulted The Rolling Stones to the top of the charts, becoming their first No. 1 hit in the U.S. This electrifying anthem didn’t just define the band’s sound—it cemented their status as the ultimate rock rebels.
2. “Paint It Black” (1966)
Dark, haunting, and unlike anything else at the time, “Paint It Black” took The Rolling Stones into the realm of psychedelia. Driven by Brian Jones’ eerie sitar melody and Jagger’s brooding lyrics, the song explores themes of grief and despair with an intensity that resonated deeply. Released in 1966, it became an instant classic, standing out for its relentless energy and hypnotic Eastern influences. Its ominous, almost trance-like quality still makes it one of the band’s most mesmerizing tracks, proving that the Stones could push musical boundaries while keeping their signature edge.
3. “Gimme Shelter” (1969)
A chilling reflection of the turbulent late ’60s, “Gimme Shelter” is one of The Rolling Stones’ most powerful and politically charged songs. From the opening notes, the track exudes a sense of doom, with Richards’ moody guitar work and Jagger’s urgent vocals painting a picture of impending chaos. But it’s Merry Clayton’s scorching backing vocals—recorded in the middle of the night while she was heavily pregnant—that elevate this song to legendary status. Her gut-wrenching delivery, particularly her near-voice-cracking high notes, adds an almost desperate energy. A song about war, violence, and desperation, “Gimme Shelter” remains one of the most haunting masterpieces in rock history.
4. “Sympathy for the Devil” (1968)
Provocative, sinister, and utterly hypnotic, “Sympathy for the Devil” is a track that only The Rolling Stones could pull off. With a hypnotic Latin groove and eerie “woo-woo” backing vocals, the song transforms Jagger into the voice of Satan himself, recounting history’s darkest atrocities with a devilish charm. Released on Beggars Banquet in 1968, this bold and controversial track was met with shock and intrigue. Over time, it became a defining piece of the Stones’ catalog, showcasing their ability to blend raw rock with theatrical storytelling.
5. “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” (1968)
If one song encapsulates The Rolling Stones’ signature swagger, it’s “Jumpin’ Jack Flash.” With its searing riff and Jagger’s electrifying vocals, this 1968 single marked the band’s return to a grittier, blues-influenced rock sound. Lyrically, it tells the story of resilience and survival, delivered with a rebellious energy that makes it impossible to resist. A staple of their live performances, “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” has been a defining anthem for the band for over five decades, proving that rock and roll is, at its core, about pure, unfiltered attitude.
6. “Angie” (1973)
Amid their hard-hitting rock anthems, “Angie” stands out as one of The Rolling Stones’ most poignant and intimate songs. Released in 1973, this acoustic ballad showcases a rare moment of vulnerability from the band. Jagger’s heartfelt, melancholic vocals and Richards’ delicate guitar work create a deeply emotional track that resonated with fans across the world. The song’s bittersweet lyrics—rumored to be about either David Bowie’s wife, Angela, or Keith Richards’ own personal struggles—add to its mystique. A chart-topping hit, “Angie” proved that the Stones could master ballads just as well as high-energy rockers.
7. “Start Me Up” (1981)
Few opening riffs are as instantly recognizable as the one that kicks off “Start Me Up.” Originally written as a reggae song before being reworked into a high-energy rocker, the track became a stadium anthem upon its release in 1981. With its infectious groove and playful lyrics, “Start Me Up” remains a staple of both sports events and Stones concerts. Even after nearly two decades in the industry, this track proved that The Rolling Stones could still deliver timeless, electrifying rock anthems.
8. “You Can’t Always Get What You Want” (1969)
A sweeping, philosophical epic, “You Can’t Always Get What You Want” starts with a serene choir before evolving into a deeply layered masterpiece. Released on Let It Bleed in 1969, the song explores themes of disappointment, longing, and acceptance. Featuring gospel harmonies, a French horn intro, and rich orchestration, it showcases the Stones’ ability to craft something grand and introspective. Over the years, it has become an enduring anthem, offering wisdom wrapped in one of the band’s most elegant arrangements.
9. “Wild Horses” (1971)
The Rolling Stones may be known for their rebellious energy, but “Wild Horses” reveals their softer, more emotional side. A beautifully melancholic country-rock ballad from Sticky Fingers (1971), the song captures themes of love, loss, and devotion with heartfelt sincerity. Jagger’s tender vocals, paired with Richards’ gentle acoustic strumming, create a song that feels deeply personal yet universally relatable. It’s a track that resonates just as strongly today, proving that the Stones’ music is as much about emotion as it is about attitude.
10. “Brown Sugar” (1971)
Few songs start an album with as much fire as “Brown Sugar.” Kicking off Sticky Fingers with an infectious groove, this raucous rocker became an instant classic upon its release in 1971. With its gritty guitar riff and undeniable energy, the song shot to the top of the charts, showcasing the band’s signature mix of blues, rock, and raw, unfiltered swagger. While its controversial lyrics have sparked debate, there’s no denying the track’s musical brilliance. Decades later, “Brown Sugar” remains one of The Rolling Stones’ most iconic and electrifying songs.
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.
