Rolling Stones Sticky Fingers
For over six decades, The Rolling Stones have been the embodiment of rock ‘n’ roll, leaving an indelible mark on music history with their raw energy, bluesy riffs, and iconic songwriting. From their early days as London’s bad boys to their status as rock legends, the Stones have produced an impressive catalog of albums that have defined generations. In this article, we are exploring the Rolling Stones’ best albums of all time. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a curious newcomer, join us as we journey through the band’s illustrious discography, highlighting the albums that showcase Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and company at the pinnacle of their creative powers. As always, weโd like to see your own recommendations in the comments below!
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Best Rolling Stones Albums, Ranked
1. “Exile On Main St.” (1972)
This double album, for many, is the quintessential Rolling Stones record and features the hit song “Tumbling Dice.” This album is like a wild roller coaster ride through the gritty underbelly of rock ‘n’ roll. Ultimate Classic Rock nails it when they call it “a masterpiece of strung-out soul, grinding guitars, soothing highs and punishing lows.” It’s not your typical easy-listening album; it’s more like a musical journey that demands your attention and rewards repeated listens.
Now, imagine recording an album in Keith Richards’ swanky French villa. Sounds glamorous, right? Well, it was more like a beautiful mess. Far Out Magazine paints a picture of a revolving door of musicians and guests, creating an atmosphere as unpredictable as the weather. This chaotic energy seeped into the music, giving “Exile” a raw, loose feel that was new for the Stones. It’s like they bottled lightning – dangerous and irresistible all at once.
But it’s not all party vibes and guitar riffs. Stereogum digs deeper, pointing out the album’s emotional range. You’ve got tracks like “Ventilator Blues” hitting you with harsh realities, while “Happy” and “All Down The Line” lift your spirits. And then there’s “Shine A Light,” a soulful number that Mick Jagger poured his heart into, inspired by the tumultuous life of Brian Jones. It’s this mix of grit and grace, of earthly struggles and spiritual yearning, that makes “Exile on Main St” more than just an album – it’s a testament to the human experience, all wrapped up in some of the most electrifying rock ‘n’ roll ever recorded.
2. “Sticky Fingers” (1971)
Sticky Fingers” is guitarist Mick Taylorโs first full studio album with The Rolling Stones. Louder Sound nails it when they call this track the Stones’ “ultimate defining moment.” It’s like they distilled the essence of rock ‘n’ roll into one perfect song. But don’t think for a second that the album peaks there – oh no, it’s just getting started.
This bad boy has serious range. You’ve got the country-tinged “Wild Horses” that’ll tug at your heartstrings, and then there’s “Can’t You Hear Me Knocking” that’ll have your body moving before you even realize it. Esquire puts it perfectly – Charlie Watts’ snare drum and Keith’s guitar work together like some kind of voodoo magic that makes resistance futile.
The Guardian says this album takes you on a journey, from the raw energy of “Brown Sugar” all the way to the haunting, string-laden “Moonlight Mile.” In just 46 minutes, they take you on a ride through the highs and lows of rock, leaving you breathless and hitting that replay button before the last notes even fade out. “Sticky Fingers” isn’t just an album; it’s a masterclass in what rock ‘n’ roll can be when it’s firing on all cylinders.
3. “Let It Bleed” (1969)
“Let It Bleed” features the late Brian Jones on guitar, as well as Mick Taylor on separate songs.ย Rock & Blues Muse describes it as an “all killer, no filler collection.” It’s like the Stones bottled the essence of an entire era and poured it into one album.
This album is where Keith Richards steps up to the mic for the first time, taking the lead on “You Got The Silver.” And let’s not forget how they’re expanding their musical palette. Ultimate Classic Rock points out how they’re building on their country leanings from “Beggars Banquet,” but now they’re taking it to new heights. Take “Love in Vain” – it’s like they took a midnight blues jam, threw in some slide guitar, sprinkled some mandolin courtesy of Ry Cooder, and created pure magic.
Now, if you need any more proof of this album’s greatness, consider this: The Stones still play all nine of these tracks in their live shows today. That’s right, over 50 years later, and these songs still resonate. As Louder Sound puts it, “Let It Bleed” cemented the Stones’ reputation as the “deliciously diabolic harbingers of counter-cultural doom.” Released in the final month of the ’60s, it’s like they knew the party was ending and decided to throw one last epic bash. This isn’t just an album; it’s a time capsule of a band at the height of their powers, capturing the spirit of an era while somehow remaining timeless.
4. “Beggars Banquet” (1968)
“Beggars Banquet” features the unforgettable hits “Sympathy For The Devil” and “Street Fighting Man.” Itโs also the last full Rolling Stones album with guitarist Brian Jones.
This album marked a pivotal moment for the Rolling Stones. As NME points out, it’s like the songs can barely contain its own excitement. But don’t let that upbeat opening fool you – this album is about to take you on a journey through the gritty underbelly of the late ’60s.
Now, Rolling Stone says this album is a return to the Stones’ seedy roots. It’s like they looked at the psychedelic scene around them and said, “Nah, we’re going back to basics.” You’ve got tracks like “Street Fighting Man” and “Stray Cat Blues” that ooze with that raw, rebellious energy the Stones are known for. And let’s not forget “Sympathy for the Devil” – it’s not just a song, it’s a statement.
But this album wasn’t made under the easiest circumstances. Louder Sound gives us the behind-the-scenes scoop: The band was down one member, with Brian Jones barely contributing due to his personal struggles. It could have been a disaster, right? But no, this is where Keith Richards steps up to the plate. With new producer Jimmy Miller in tow, Keith helps steer the ship, resulting in what many consider one of their best albums. It’s like the Stones took all the chaos and uncertainty swirling around them and channeled it into pure rock ‘n’ roll magic.
5. “Some Girls” (1978)
This album features the hit “Miss You.” Plus, itโs guitarist Ronnie Woodโs first full record with the Stones. This album proved the Rolling Stones could still set the world on fire even as they approached their second decade as a band. Entertainment Weekly points out how the Stones were fully aware of their place in the music world at this point. Picture this: it’s the late ’70s, disco is king, and what do the Stones do? They don’t fight it – they embrace it, but in their own deliciously dirty way. It’s like they took their blues roots, threw in some disco beats, and topped it off with a healthy dose of rock ‘n’ roll attitude. The result? Pure magic.
Now, Rolling Stone reminds us that this isn’t just any album – it’s a New York album through and through. Imagine Mick Jagger strutting down a grimy Manhattan street, singing about the rising crime rate with the same urgency as if his own leather pants were ablaze. It’s the Stones holding up a mirror to the gritty reality of late ’70s New York, all set to a beat you can’t help but move to.
But let’s not forget about the guitar work. Rock & Blues Muse rightfully points out the crown jewel of the album: “Beast of Burden.” This track isn’t just a song; it’s a showcase of the budding bromance between Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood. Their guitar interplay is like watching two master fencers at work – graceful, precise, and utterly captivating. And the kicker? That musical partnership they forged on this track is still going strong over four decades later.
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Compiled by experts ?
And what makes you an expert above others when ranking a list of the Rolling Stones albums may i ask.
Great selection but I thin the overlooked masterpieces in their discography are
Aftermath and Between the Buttons but yeah that’s when you’re really digging and to be honest all these 5 albums i actually hated them on my first like 3 listens of each one which took like a 9-10 years to happen but then I listened to them again and WOW…!!!
I first loved Let it bleed
Then Sticky fingers
Finally understood Exile (is basically the story of rock and roll through decades)
Then I found out that beggars is actually quite good because its different
But the hardest to appreciate was somegirls but man is good
Very solid album besides
All 4 singles from somegirls are some different but awesome and that’s what clues you into it’s greatness
Miss you
Respectable
Beast of burden
Shattered
Some girls should be Number one !!!
I still put Tattoo You at #5. Sequenced perfectly and eminently listenable.
Of, not on. Sorry.
You should P.S. and suggest that real fans can buy the ‘Some Girls Deluxe’ version. The band was so musically fertile at that time that a 2nd album’s worth of amazing songs were recorded and not released with the album in 1978. Plus, and someone can correct if I’m wrong but I believe ‘Tattoo You’ was mostly songs leftover from ‘Some Girls’. The Stones were song writing fools in that amazing period. Thank you boys for over 60 yrs of joy to my ears.
The Stones are the greatest band of all-time, and it’s really not even close in terms on next greatest. Choosing their greatest albums, however, is quite a challenge. But the offered list is certainly solid.
Tattoo You has to be in the top 5. Side B of that album is perfection. The only thing probably keeping it out of the #1 spot are the songs “Neighbors” and “Black Limousine”. Lose those 2 songs and add the song “She’s So Cold” which was recorded around the same time and a case for #1 is pretty strong.
Ron Woods first studio album was black and blue not some girls.My favorite is tattoo you side 2 Take you to the top, waiting on a friend, worried abt u.
Tattoo you side two Ronnie Wood first studio album was black and blue not some girls.
Black and Blue was Ronnie Woods first studio album not some girls tattoo you is a great album side two.
Would put Goat’s Head Soup ahead of Some Girls. Mick Taylor playing albums were the best.
To me the best Stones album is from 1969 and is called Get Yer Ya-yas Out. Maybe because it’s a live album it is not considered as a valid selection but to me it’s the Stones at their finest.
Whatever
Good list! The Taylor years were hands down the most deep and soulful, but I’d put Some Girls ahead of where it is on here. That was a big transitional point, and they did a wonderful job with it. I know a lot of people want to say it’s “predictable”, or whatever, but good is good. The Brian Jones years were key, but still so young sounding to be genuinely considered as top contenders to me.
This is a very predictable list. Great albums all, of course. But any top album lists for the Stones that does not include Between the Buttons or anything pre-1968 is not comprehensive or (in effect) legit.
These are the albums that sold the most, get the majority of acclaim, but sales and popularity do not always equal the best. And that is certainly the case here.
I’d replace “Some Girls” with “Aftermath” or “12×5,” but otherwise this pretty-impossible-to-get-wrong list is solid enough. Can’t tell the history of the Stones without Brian Jones.
Elenor Rigby was the first rock song to incorporate strings. The cellos and violin elevate Elenor Rigby to a new level and maturity The Beatles were striving for.
They fully arrived with the release of Revolver. The lyrics we haunting and melancholy. A sublime wonder