Image: YouTube / "The Rolling Stones - Start Me Up (Sweet Summer Sun - Hyde Park)"
The Rolling Stones are one of the biggest and most influential rock bands of all time. Since their formation in the early 1960s, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and co. have not only shaped rock music but have also accompanied and influenced multiple generations of music fans and artists alike. Rock ’n’ roll, blues, a touch of rebellion, and plenty of attitude—the ingredients for their success are as simple as they are effective, making them true icons to this day.
Even more than 60 years after their formation, the band isn’t slowing down anytime soon. With their new album Foreign Tongues, set for July 10th, 2026, the Stones are announcing their 25th (!) full-length record—marking yet another chapter in their remarkable career. A perfect reason for us to look back at the songs that turned them into legends over six decades.
(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction (1965)
Probably the band’s most famous song—and one of the most important tracks in rock history. Legend has it that Keith Richards came up with the iconic guitar riff in his sleep. That’s the kind of dream we’d like to have! “Satisfaction” marked the band’s international breakthrough in 1965, reaching No. 1 in both the US and their home country, the UK. The song’s themes—consumerism, advertising, and frustration—are still relevant today.
Paint It Black (1966)
Hypnotic and quite experimental for its time. “Paint It Black” stands out thanks to its use of a sitar, giving the track its distinctive sound. Lyrically, it deals with loss and deep inner emptiness, perfectly reflected in the music. The song became one of the early examples of how music can convey complex emotions.
Sympathy for the Devil (1968)
A provocative and musically unique track told from the perspective of the devil. “Sympathy for the Devil” blends rock structures with Latin rhythms and continuously evolves throughout the song. Lyrically, it references historical events and raises uncomfortable questions about good and evil. The combination of musical innovation and depth makes it one of the band’s most fascinating works.
Gimme Shelter (1969)
For many fans, “Gimme Shelter” is one of the band’s greatest songs—and for good reason. The late ’60s were marked by war, unrest, and social change, and the track captures the mood of the era perfectly. A standout element is Merry Clayton’s haunting backing vocals, which add an extra layer of emotional intensity.
You Can’t Always Get What You Want (1969)
This track shows just how versatile the Stones can be. With its choir intro, softer passages, and epic build-up, it stands apart from the band’s classic rock ’n’ roll sound. As the title suggests, it’s about not always getting what you want—but sometimes getting exactly what you need. Deep—and very, very true.
Brown Sugar (1971)
“Brown Sugar” perfectly represents the Stones’ early ’70s sound: raw, direct, and energetic. The track opens the album Sticky Fingers and remains one of the band’s most frequently played songs. Musically, it stands out with driving riffs and a strong groove, while its lyrics—true to the Stones’ style—have sparked controversy over the years. A true classic that still works incredibly well live.
Angie (1973)
With “Angie,” the Stones show their vulnerable side. The ballad is one of their most well-known softer tracks and achieved high chart positions worldwide. Driven by acoustic guitar and emotional vocals, it tells a story of love and loss. The stripped-down arrangement gives the song a timeless quality that still resonates decades later.
Start Me Up (1981)
A song made for big stages: “Start Me Up” is one of the most recognizable tracks from the band’s ’80s era and remains a staple of their live shows. Interestingly, it was originally intended as a reggae track before evolving into the high-energy rock anthem we know today. Catchy and instantly recognizable, it’s a true crowd favorite.
Miss You (1978)
With “Miss You,” The Rolling Stones proved they could adapt to new trends. The track is heavily influenced by disco, reflecting the sound that dominated clubs at the time. Still, it retains the band’s signature style. The song became a major commercial success and highlights the band’s versatility over the decades.
Wild Horses (1971)
A calm, almost fragile track that stands among the band’s most emotional moments. “Wild Horses” thrives on its simplicity and Mick Jagger’s heartfelt performance. Its origins are closely tied to personal experiences within the band, adding an extra layer of depth. Sometimes, less really is more.
If you dive deeper into The Rolling Stones’ discography, you’ll quickly realize that these ten songs are just the tip of the iceberg. But they do a pretty great job of showing why the band still ranks among the very greatest today.
