Few bands have left a mark on music history quite like The Rolling Stones. Since bursting onto the scene in the early 1960s, they’ve become the very embodiment of rock ‘n’ roll — rebellious, electrifying, and unapologetically raw. With a career spanning over six decades, the Stones have crafted anthems that defined generations, set stadiums on fire, and echoed through the halls of pop culture. From searing guitar riffs to swaggering vocals and lyrics that cut straight to the bone, their sound has never lost its edge.
But which songs truly stand above the rest? Which tracks have transcended time, trends, and changing tastes to remain as vital today as when they first exploded onto the airwaves? In this article, we dive deep into the Top 10 Most Popular The Rolling Stones Songs of All Time — the ultimate soundtrack to rebellion, heartbreak, and everything in between. Whether you’re a lifelong fan who knows every riff by heart or a newcomer looking to understand why these legends still reign supreme, get ready to crank up the volume. These are the songs that made the world fall head over heels for the bad boys of rock!
1. “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” (1965)
When The Rolling Stones dropped “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” in 1965, it wasn’t just another hit—it was a seismic shift in music and culture. Keith Richards famously came up with the now-iconic fuzz guitar riff in a dream, and from that moment, the song was destined to be more than just a track on the radio. Mick Jagger’s sneering, frustrated vocals gave voice to a generation tired of empty promises and the hollowness of consumer culture. It tapped into a restless, rebellious spirit, making it an anthem for youth across the globe. With its raw energy and unfiltered emotion, “Satisfaction” didn’t just make The Rolling Stones superstars—it redefined what rock ‘n’ roll could be. Even today, that snarling riff and defiant chorus feel just as electric and essential as they did the first time they blared out of a speaker.
2. “Paint It, Black” (1966)
When “Paint It, Black” burst onto the scene in 1966, it was like nothing anyone had heard before. Driven by Brian Jones’ mesmerizing sitar riff, the song blended the exotic sounds of Eastern music with the raw power of Western rock, creating something truly groundbreaking. Mick Jagger’s lyrics, drenched in grief and despair, captured the sense of mourning and confusion many felt during a tumultuous decade. The track’s dark, swirling atmosphere set it apart from the bright pop dominating the charts and showed that rock could explore deeper, more unsettling emotions. “Paint It, Black” wasn’t just a hit—it was a cultural moment, resonating with listeners on a gut level. Over half a century later, its hypnotic pull remains undiminished, a haunting reminder of both personal sorrow and collective upheaval.
3. “Sympathy for the Devil” (1968)
Released in 1968 on Beggars Banquet, “Sympathy for the Devil” was a daring, theatrical masterpiece that only The Rolling Stones could pull off. Opening with a sinister samba rhythm and those eerie “woo-woo” backing vocals, the song sees Mick Jagger stepping into the role of the Devil himself, recounting humanity’s darkest sins with unsettling charm and wit. It was a bold move that provoked controversy—and cemented the Stones’ reputation as the ultimate rock ‘n’ roll provocateurs. With its relentless groove and chilling narrative, “Sympathy for the Devil” blurred the lines between performer and character, pleasure and menace. More than 50 years later, it still feels audacious and thrilling, proof of the band’s fearless ability to push boundaries and challenge societal norms through music.
4. “Gimme Shelter” (1969)
Few songs capture the feeling of a world falling apart like “Gimme Shelter.” As the opening track to 1969’s Let It Bleed, it immediately plunges the listener into a landscape of war, violence, and chaos. Keith Richards’ ominous guitar riff cuts through the darkness like a warning siren, while Merry Clayton’s soul-shaking vocals lift the track into the realm of the transcendent. Written amid the backdrop of the Vietnam War and political assassinations, “Gimme Shelter” feels less like a song and more like a desperate cry for survival. Its raw urgency, combined with its stunning performances, makes it one of the most powerful songs not just in The Rolling Stones’ catalog but in rock history. Decades later, it still gives goosebumps, a timeless reminder of how fragile everything can be.
5. “Angie” (1973)
When “Angie” was released in 1973, it showed a side of The Rolling Stones that many fans had never seen before. Stripped of their trademark swagger and bravado, the band delivered a tender, heart-wrenching ballad that laid bare feelings of loss and longing. Mick Jagger’s soulful, delicate vocals paired beautifully with Keith Richards’ plaintive acoustic guitar, creating a song steeped in melancholy. Rumors swirled about the inspiration behind “Angie”—was it about David Bowie’s wife, or perhaps a glimpse into Jagger’s own romantic heartbreak? Regardless, its aching vulnerability struck a chord with listeners everywhere. “Angie” proved that The Rolling Stones weren’t just masters of rebellion and excess—they could also capture the quiet devastation of love slipping away. It remains one of their most beloved and emotionally resonant tracks.
6. “Start Me Up” (1981)
“Start Me Up,” released in 1981, was pure lightning in a bottle—a hard-hitting reminder that even after two decades, The Rolling Stones still knew exactly how to ignite a crowd. Originally conceived as a reggae experiment, the song evolved into a relentless, riff-driven rock anthem, thanks to Keith Richards’ razor-sharp guitar work. Mick Jagger’s cheeky, suggestive lyrics added just the right amount of swagger, making it an instant favorite at stadium shows. “Start Me Up” didn’t just kick off the Stones’ Tattoo You album; it kicked off a whole new era for the band, proving they could adapt without losing their essential fire. To this day, that opening riff is enough to send a jolt of excitement through an arena, a testament to a song—and a band—that refuses to slow down.
7. “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” (1968)
With “Jumpin’ Jack Flash,” The Rolling Stones roared back to their bluesy roots, shedding the psychedelic haze that had defined much of their late ’60s work. Released in 1968, the song was a declaration of resilience and defiance, with Mick Jagger’s snarling vocals and Keith Richards’ searing guitar creating a ferocious energy that felt both raw and revitalizing. Its cryptic lyrics hinted at rebirth through hardship, a theme that resonated with a world undergoing rapid, sometimes painful change. “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” became an instant classic, a fixture at live shows where its driving beat and swaggering attitude never fail to electrify the crowd. It’s a song that perfectly captures the Stones’ ability to evolve while staying true to the gritty spirit that made them legends.
8. “You Can’t Always Get What You Want” (1969)
“You Can’t Always Get What You Want” isn’t just a song—it’s an experience. Released in 1969 as part of Let It Bleed, it begins with the majestic tones of the London Bach Choir before evolving into a sweeping, soul-infused meditation on dreams, disillusionment, and acceptance. The Rolling Stones blended rock, gospel, and classical elements into a piece that felt truly epic, yet deeply personal. Mick Jagger’s lyrics capture the bittersweet truth that even in disappointment, there’s beauty and growth. Against a backdrop of political turmoil and cultural shifts, “You Can’t Always Get What You Want” became a kind of anthem for a generation learning that life rarely goes according to plan—but that doesn’t make it any less worth living. Over 50 years later, its message still rings true.
9. “Wild Horses” (1971)
There’s a fragile beauty at the heart of “Wild Horses,” one of The Rolling Stones’ most beloved ballads. Released in 1971 on Sticky Fingers, the song finds Mick Jagger and Keith Richards laying their hearts bare in a way few of their rock contemporaries ever dared. Built around Richards’ gentle, weeping guitar and Jagger’s achingly tender vocals, “Wild Horses” speaks of love, loyalty, and the pain of separation with a simple, devastating honesty. Written during a turbulent time for the band, the song’s emotional vulnerability transcends its era, resonating with anyone who’s ever grappled with saying goodbye. Its stripped-down beauty proves that sometimes, the most powerful moments in rock music come not from volume or attitude, but from sheer, unguarded sincerity.
10. “Brown Sugar” (1971)
Exploding out of the gate with one of the most recognizable riffs in rock history, “Brown Sugar” kicked off Sticky Fingers in 1971 with a bang. Fueled by Keith Richards’ dirty, swaggering guitar and Mick Jagger’s uninhibited vocals, the song captured the hedonistic spirit of the Stones at their peak. Lyrically provocative and musically irresistible, “Brown Sugar” tackled taboo subjects with a reckless abandon that was shocking then—and remains controversial today. Yet, there’s no denying its raw power and infectious energy. It’s a song that pulses with everything that makes rock ‘n’ roll thrilling: danger, excitement, and a refusal to play by the rules. Even after decades, “Brown Sugar” still feels wild and alive, a testament to the fearless creativity that made The Rolling Stones legends.
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.
