Image: The Rolling Stones Logo
The Rolling Stones are undoubtedly one of the most influential and successful rock bands of all time. From the early days of blues rock to their later experiments with different genres, the Rolling Stones have released a large number of albums that have become classics. In this article we introduce you to the 10 best records of the band!
Since the birth of the British rock band The Rolling Stones in 1962, they have influenced the music world with their unique sound and rebellious attitude. With Mick Jagger as a charismatic frontman, Keith Richards as a brilliant guitarist, Charlie Watts on drums and Ron Wood on guitar, the Rolling Stones have had an impressive career. So let's dive into the world of rock n' roll and indulge in their masterpieces!
1. Out of Our Heads (1965)
We start our list with the album that contains the most famous of all Stones songs. The US version of Out Of Our Heads featured the hit song "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction". However, the other single "The Last Time" was also extremely successful, reaching #1 in the charts in both Germany and the UK. Although the album as a whole had to settle for #2 in the charts behind The Beatles with Help!, it contributed enormously to the future growth of the band and marked an important milestone in their history.
2. Aftermath (1966)
Another of the band's most famous albums, Aftermath, follows. It features a variety of musical influences, including rock, blues, country and even psychedelic elements. The record features some of the band's best-known tracks, with hits like "Paint It Black" (US version) and "Mother's Little Helper" (UK version). A variety of topics are covered in the lyrics, including love and drug use. Typical for the Stones, the lyrics were very provocative, especially in the 60s, and helped them gain their rebellious reputation. Commercially, the album was very successful, reaching #1 on the British charts. The record was very successful in the U.S. as well. It was also produced there, directly in Hollywood.
3. Beggars Banquet (1968)
With the album Beggars Banquet the Stones recorded one of the best rock n' roll albums of all time. In 2004 the record made it to number 21 of the 500 Best Albums Of All Time in the German edition of the Rolling Stone Magazine. And in 2023, the album still lands at #58! The tracklist features ten tracks, including the hits "Sympathy for the Devil" and "Street Fighting Man." The latter track was written in response to the youth rebellion of the time and was often rejected by radio stations because they interpreted it as a call for violence. The original idea for the cover is easily available today, although the photo of the toilet with the graffiti painted above it was too tricky for the record company to publish at the time.
4. Let It Bleed (1969)
Let It Bleed is the last album of the Stones that was released in the 60s and also the last production in which the guitarist Brian Jones was involved. He left the band as a result of disagreements with the rest of the band members in June 1969 before the completion of the recordings and died shortly after. The Rolling Stones finished recording with their new guitarist Mick Taylor. The incidents affected the mood and sound of the band at that time. Nevertheless, the album is considered one of the best by the Stones and songs like "Gimme Shelter" and "You Can't Always Get What You Want" became famous tracks worldwide.
5. Get Yer Ya-Ya's Out! (1970)
A live album titled Get Yer Ya-Ya's Out! followed in 1970. It was recorded during a series of concerts at Madison Square Garden in New York and in Baltimore. This tour in the USA was the Stones' first in years. Therefore, the record features almost all of the band's greatest hits, both old and new tracks that continue to excite audiences to this day.
6. Sticky Fingers (1971)
This iconic album also made it into the 500 Greatest Albums Of All Time in 2023, coming in at #51. Sticky Fingers received outstanding reviews and tracks like "Brown Sugar" and "Sister Morphine" continue to inspire fans of rock n' roll to this day. Content-wise, the tracks deal with much-discussed topics of the time, including slavery and drug use. The album was the band's first release on their own label, called Rolling Stones Records. It was also the first appearance of the tongue logo, which now decorates merchandise all over the world. The cover of the record was designed by none other than Andy Warhol, the famous American artist. In many cases, this album is considered the best of the band.
7. Exile on Main Street (1972)
Exile on Main St is a double album and at the same time the tenth studio album of the Stones. It was not particularly praised after its release, because the style of production is much rougher than fans were used to before. But today the record is highly regarded in the rock world and also made it into the Top 500 Albums Of All Time at number 59. The single "Happy" was sung by Keith Richards and became a trademark of the musician. Thus, it is impossible to imagine the group's setlists without it.
8. Goats Head Soup (1973)
Everyone should know the famous song "Angie" from this album. Written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, it is an emotional farewell song addressing the person Angie. There was much speculation about her identity. The ballad reached the first place in the charts in the U.S. and is also one of the most commercially successful songs of the band. But hits like "Doo Doo Doo Doo (Heartbreaker)" also achieved great popularity. The album Goats Head Soup reached #1 in the charts in several countries.
9. Some Girls (1978)
At the end of the 70s, Some Girls was released, an album that contained influences from disco music, punk and even country. Although the Stones had been in the business for quite a while, their popularity still continued with this album. However, the title "Some Girls" was criticized a lot, because the lyrics of the song were perceived as sexist. This and other aspects of the album caused some controversial reactions. Nevertheless, the album is one of the most commercially successful of the Stones and shows the band in its full musical range. The cover design was done by artist Peter Corriston, who has already won a Grammy and designed the covers of many famous rock bands.
10. Tattoo You (1981)
Our Top 10 end with the album Tattoo You, which was released at the beginning of the 80s and since then has also been one of the best-selling albums of the Rolling Stones. The opening track "Start Me Up" is one of the most listened songs of the band. The remastered version has over 540 million clicks on Spotify. And that despite the fact that the track was actually written for the album Some Girls and then didn't end up on the record. Without the contribution of producer Chris Kimsey, fans would probably have been robbed of the song forever! In fact, this is the case with several songs on the album, as many ideas from the old days were dug out again for this one. It just goes to show how much it is worth keeping recordings like this!
Shop Rolling Stones Merch At Impericon
You too can show your passion for rock n' roll with our The Rolling Stones Merch at Impericon. We offer a wide variety of items, featuring the iconic logo of the rock band. Our comfortable band shirts made of cotton and the cozy hoodies are perfect for your everyday life. If you want to create your own individual style, there are patches and buttons that you can attach to your own clothing and bags. In addition, numerous albums of the band are available in our online store. Just have a look around our Rock Merch, listen to your favorite Stones album and get your favorites now!
