Few bands have shaped the face of rock and roll quite like The Rolling Stones. With a career spanning over six decades, they’ve become more than just music legends—they’re cultural icons. From gritty blues riffs and electrifying stage presence to provocative lyrics and timeless anthems, the Stones have never stopped pushing boundaries. Their songs have soundtracked revolutions, inspired generations, and stood the test of time like few others in music history. But among their massive catalog of hits, some tracks have risen above the rest—songs that not only defined the band but defined entire eras. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just discovering their music for the first time, this list of the Top 10 Most Popular Rolling Stones Songs of All Time captures the raw energy, emotion, and genius that have kept the band relevant for over 60 years. Each track on this list is a milestone—a moment where The Rolling Stones didn’t just write a song, they made history. So crank up the volume, let the riffs roll, and take a journey through the songs that made the world fall in love with rock’s most enduring rebels. Let’s dive into the soundtrack of rebellion, desire, and pure rock ‘n’ roll.
1. “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” (1965)
When “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” hit the airwaves in 1965, it didn’t just top charts—it captured the growing discontent of a generation. Built around one of the most iconic guitar riffs in rock history—famously dreamt up by Keith Richards in his sleep—the song turned teenage angst and societal frustration into an explosive anthem. Mick Jagger’s swaggering vocal delivery cuts like a knife, channeling the mounting dissatisfaction with consumer culture, media overload, and sexual frustration that simmered beneath the surface of postwar youth. At a time when many pop songs played it safe, “Satisfaction” was brash, confrontational, and undeniably raw. It was both a sonic breakthrough and a cultural statement. Its fuzz-toned riff, distorted through a Gibson Maestro FZ-1 pedal, gave rock music a gritty new edge, influencing countless bands that followed. The single topped charts in both the U.S. and U.K., launching The Rolling Stones from bluesy upstarts to full-blown rock rebels. Decades later, the track still crackles with urgency, its rebellious energy intact. “Satisfaction” didn’t just define the Stones—it helped define an era.
2. “Paint It Black” (1966)
With “Paint It Black,” The Rolling Stones took a daring detour into darker, more experimental territory. Released in 1966, this brooding, genre-blending track stands out not just in the Stones’ catalog, but in rock history. Brian Jones’s swirling sitar riff gives the song a hypnotic, Eastern flavor, introducing many Western listeners to Indian instrumentation for the first time. Paired with Charlie Watts’s relentless drumming and Bill Wyman’s haunting bass line, the result is a sonic landscape that feels both disorienting and entrancing. Lyrically, “Paint It Black” dives deep into themes of mourning, depression, and the bleak aftermath of loss. Mick Jagger’s voice drips with despair as he pleads to blacken the world around him, echoing a character consumed by grief. This wasn’t the Stones celebrating sex, drugs, or rebellion—it was the sound of emotional collapse. The single quickly shot to number one on both sides of the Atlantic and became an enduring favorite in films and television for its eerie, cinematic vibe. “Paint It Black” proved The Rolling Stones could stretch beyond their blues-rock roots and tap into something far more mysterious and emotionally raw.
3. “Sympathy for the Devil” (1968)
“Sympathy for the Devil,” released in 1968 on Beggars Banquet, is a masterclass in provocation and artistry. With samba rhythms, hand percussion, and a rolling piano groove, the Stones boldly defied rock conventions by infusing the devil himself into a danceable beat. But this was no novelty—the song is as intellectually daring as it is musically compelling. Told from the perspective of Lucifer, the lyrics move through centuries of human atrocities, from the crucifixion of Christ to the Russian Revolution and the Kennedy assassinations. Rather than glorifying evil, Mick Jagger’s sly, sophisticated delivery highlights the darker truths of human nature and history. The line between villain and observer blurs, suggesting that the devil’s work is often carried out by people themselves. The recording process was famously chaotic, with spontaneous improvisation shaping the final version. Keith Richards’s scorching guitar solo and the chant-like “woo-woo” backing vocals only add to its devilish charisma. Unsurprisingly, the song sparked controversy, but it has since become one of the Stones’ most respected works—complex, daring, and endlessly fascinating. “Sympathy for the Devil” isn’t just a song—it’s a philosophical statement wrapped in rock and roll.
4. “Gimme Shelter” (1969)
Few songs capture the mood of an era quite like “Gimme Shelter.” Released in 1969 on Let It Bleed, this haunting track is a snapshot of a world teetering on the edge—Vietnam, civil unrest, political assassinations—it’s all baked into the DNA of this song. From the first chilling notes of Keith Richards’ ominous guitar riff, the tension is palpable. Mick Jagger’s vocals are full of unease, but it’s Merry Clayton’s searing guest performance that steals the show. Her powerful voice—especially her heart-stopping scream on the line “Rape, murder, it’s just a shot away”—takes the song to an entirely new level of urgency and emotion. The story behind her contribution is legendary: pregnant and summoned late at night, she delivered a vocal so intense her voice cracked—and the tape kept rolling. The result is one of the most electrifying moments in rock history. “Gimme Shelter” is more than a protest song; it’s a reflection of chaos, a plea for protection, and a warning about the thin line between peace and destruction. Over 50 years later, its message is still chillingly relevant, and its power remains undiminished.
5. “Angie” (1973)
“Angie,” released in 1973, is one of The Rolling Stones’ most tender and introspective moments. Departing from their signature swagger and rock edge, the song is a heart-wrenching ballad built around a delicate acoustic guitar and Nicky Hopkins’ plaintive piano work. Mick Jagger delivers one of his most emotionally raw vocal performances, capturing the bittersweet ache of a relationship unraveling. The lyrics speak of lost love, unfulfilled dreams, and resignation, but they’re delivered with such sincerity that the song never feels melodramatic—just honest. Speculation about who Angie really is has swirled for decades—some say Angie Bowie, others say Richards’ daughter Angela—but the band has always left the answer open-ended, allowing listeners to project their own stories onto the track. It topped charts around the world and proved the Stones could slow things down without losing their emotional punch. “Angie” remains a staple in their ballad catalog, a song that blends vulnerability and beauty in equal measure. It’s a rare glimpse of the band with their guard down—soft, human, and quietly devastating.
6. “Start Me Up” (1981)
When “Start Me Up” kicked off the Tattoo You album in 1981, it was an immediate jolt of adrenaline—a roaring reminder that The Rolling Stones still ruled rock and roll. From the opening riff, Keith Richards’ guitar ignites the track like a spark hitting gasoline. Originally conceived as a reggae song years earlier, it was reworked into a driving, riff-heavy anthem that became one of the band’s biggest hits of the decade. Mick Jagger’s vocals are as playful and suggestive as ever, dripping with innuendo and cheeky swagger. The song’s infectious energy made it a stadium staple, a sports anthem, and a favorite on tour setlists for decades to come. It’s proof that even after nearly 20 years together, the Stones could still deliver raw, powerful, no-frills rock. “Start Me Up” also became part of pop culture thanks to its use in everything from Super Bowl commercials to Microsoft ads. With its unforgettable groove and timeless bravado, the song is a testament to the Stones’ enduring charisma and vitality—and how they could always, always get the crowd going.
7. “Wild Horses” (1971)
“Wild Horses” is one of The Rolling Stones’ most emotionally resonant ballads—a gentle, wistful track that trades loud riffs for aching vulnerability. Released in 1971 on the Sticky Fingers album, the song is rooted in acoustic strumming, tender piano, and harmonized vocals that tug at the heartstrings. Co-written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, it reflects their deepening songwriting maturity, blending country, folk, and rock into something timeless. The lyrics are open-ended yet profoundly moving, often interpreted as a meditation on longing, regret, and love that can’t be tamed. The line “Wild horses couldn’t drag me away” has become iconic in its own right, a symbol of deep emotional bonds and the pain of letting go. Whether inspired by a romantic relationship or Richards’ personal struggles, the song’s beauty lies in its universality. “Wild Horses” isn’t flashy or confrontational—it’s gentle and enduring, the kind of song that grows with you. Decades later, it remains a highlight of their discography and a reminder that even the world’s most rebellious rock band could wear its heart on its sleeve.
8. “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” (1968)
“Jumpin’ Jack Flash” hit like a thunderbolt in 1968—a gritty, blues-soaked return to form that reasserted The Rolling Stones’ place at the forefront of rock. Coming off their psychedelic experimentations, the band stripped things back with this track, digging deep into their roots. The result is pure swagger: a stomping, electrifying anthem built on Keith Richards’ snarling guitar riff and Charlie Watts’ driving rhythm. Mick Jagger’s lyrics are cryptic and cool, kicking off with the immortal line, “I was born in a crossfire hurricane.” That image alone set the tone for the Stones’ new direction—raw, rebellious, and full of fire. The song was inspired, oddly enough, by Richards’ gardener named Jack who stomped past one rainy morning—and from there, the Stones birthed a character and a sound that would become synonymous with their identity. “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” became an immediate concert favorite, often serving as a showstopper or encore. It’s rock and roll at its most primal: loud, dirty, and unforgettable. With this track, the Stones didn’t just reclaim their throne—they kicked the doors off the hinges.
9. “Brown Sugar” (1971)
Few songs kick off with as much raw, raucous energy as “Brown Sugar.” Released in 1971 as the lead single from Sticky Fingers, the track is a gritty, groove-laden explosion of sex, rhythm, and controversy. The opening guitar riff, courtesy of Keith Richards, is instantly recognizable—a dirty, swaggering lick that has become one of rock’s most enduring hooks. Lyrically, the song dives headfirst into taboo territory, mixing themes of race, sexuality, and power in ways that have sparked debate ever since. Jagger’s delivery is unrepentant, provocative, and magnetic. Despite—or perhaps because of—its lyrical edge, “Brown Sugar” shot to number one and became a staple in the Stones’ live shows for decades. It’s a musical powerhouse, driven by Charlie Watts’s pounding drums, Bobby Keys’ scorching saxophone solo, and the band’s loose-but-lethal chemistry. Over time, its controversial content has been increasingly scrutinized, but musically, it remains one of the Stones’ most potent achievements—a track that encapsulates both their genius and their grit in just over three minutes of unrelenting rock.
10. “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 one of The Rolling Stones’ most ambitious and philosophical songs. It opens with the soaring voices of the London Bach Choir, an unexpected touch that sets a grand, almost sacred tone. As the song unfolds, it transitions into a soulful, gospel-tinged rock journey, complete with French horn, piano, and rich vocal harmonies. Mick Jagger’s lyrics explore the tension between expectation and reality, delivering lines that feel like life lessons wrapped in melody: “You can’t always get what you want, but if you try sometimes, you just might find—you get what you need.” It’s a sentiment that hits home for anyone grappling with disappointment or seeking solace in uncertainty. The instrumentation is lush yet organic, and the production captures both the intimacy and the scale of the composition. More than just a closing track, it’s a statement—an emotional and sonic summation of the late ’60s, with all its turbulence, hope, and hard-earned wisdom. Over 50 years later, it still resonates with striking clarity.
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.
