In some ways, The Rolling Stones are just like any other band. They're defined by the biggest songs that have brought them to prominence. This criterion is no different for a fellow Rock and Roll Hall of Fame band like Spiritbox. The great tunes are what attract fans. They help a band achieve longevity and success. For The Rolling Stones, this is true; the band has risen to being the best of the best.
First, consider the longevity of the band. Their first album debuted in 1964, and with the band still active, it means they have been around for over six decades. A run like that is unbelievable, yet they've made it work with an album arriving as recently as 2023. With the 2023 record added to the list, it brings the band to an astonishing 31 studio albums. If you start to include live albums and compilations, the band has well over 100 works released. Their career is impeccable and one of a kind. With hit after hit, they are in the conversation as the greatest musical talents ever.
10 19th Nervous Breakdown
Album: Got Live If You Want It! (1966)
"19th Nervous Breakdown" appeared on the B-side of Got Live If You Want It!, and the almost four-minute track was a masterclass of The Rolling Stones' talent. The way Keith Richards and Brian Jones played guitar on the song was incredible. For Jones, he was able to incorporate a sound similar to Bo Diddley's "Diddly Daddy," which stands out. Additionally, Bill Wyman's bass line at the end truly took the song over the top.

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It is an incredibly catchy tune that famously reached number two on the US Billboard Hot 100. The lyrics of the tune, written by Mick Jagger, are quite raw too. Beyond the rawness, they're simply catchy in general, which helped the song achieve the heights it did. The band even performed the track on the Ed Sullivan Show, helping this fast bluesy track become a hit. It should always be ed for showcasing the great qualities the band possessed at a younger stage.
9 She's A Rainbow
Album: Their Satanic Majesties Request (1967)
To truly understand a band, you must try to grasp the full scope of their musical abilities. The Rolling Stones may often be characterized by their rugged rock and roll prowess, but there was a softer side to the band as shown by "She's a Rainbow." The song may be uncharacteristic of them, but it is considered one of the "prettiest" tunes they ever produced. Its poppy nature makes this a track that could hold up in any era.
The song is even more special when you consider the fact that Nicky Hopkins played piano on it. Hopkins was a legendary studio pianist who played with the likes of The Beatles, The Who, and Paul McCartney. Additionally, this was another track that showcased the brilliance of Brian Jones as he was able to incorporate the use of a Mellotron. Finally, the lyrics are crafted so well the song feels more like poetry than mere songwriting.
8 You Can't Always Get What You Want
Album: Let It Bleed (1969)
Throughout all the songs in the catalog of The Rolling Stones, "You Can't Always Get What You Want" may have one of the toughest jobs of any. It was the closing track of the famed Let It Bleed album, and it left a lasting impression. There was something truly special about the way the London Bach Choir opened the track. They created an unforgettable harmony, and a musical choice that stands out almost 60 years later.
Throughout all the songs in the catalog of The Rolling Stones, "You Can't Always Get What You Want" may have one of the toughest jobs of any.
The song's greatness has even been honored by Rolling Stone as it was named in their list of the "500 Greatest Songs of All Time." Even though the vibe of the track is meant to be a "doomy" ballad, it never quite feels that way. Instead, what really stands out is the way the band was able to incorporate a plethora of amazing instruments. From a French horn to maracas to a tambourine, and more, it was an instrumental triumph.
7 Beast Of Burden
Album: Some Girls (1978)
In 1978, The Rolling Stones returned to the basics with a central focus on rock and roll in their album, Some Girls. A perfect example of the overall tone the band was trying to convey at that time is the song "Beast of Burden." It's a straightforward blues-rock tune with a touch of groove to it. There is a simplistic nature to the lyrics, which has made it one of the catchiest tunes the band has ever released.
This was yet another track to be recognized by Rolling Stone as one of the "500 Greatest Songs of All Time." One of the main aspects that stands out is the fact that this song features fantastic guitars from Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood. It was only a few years prior to the album that Wood began playing with them, but the impact he had was immediately felt. The way these two could riff together showcased a key strength of the band.
6 Start Me Up
Album: Tattoo You (1981)
Two main goals of any song produced are to achieve critical and commercial success. Over the years, The Rolling Stones accomplished so much musically, but the song "Start Me Up" brought the band more than just praise. Immediately after its release, it was off to a great start as it reached number two on the US Billboard Hot 100. However, that early success in 1981 was only the beginning of what the song would do for the band.
In a surprising move, unlike what they had done before, the band allowed this song to be used by Microsoft for a Windows 95 campaign.
In a surprising move, unlike what they had done before, the band allowed this song to be used by Microsoft for a Windows 95 campaign, which earned them millions. The usage didn't stop there as an ment for the 2012 Olympics featured the song, putting the track back in the spotlight over 30 years later. The song now ranks as one of their top three most streamed tracks on Spotify, further extending the longevity of this song's legacy.
5 Jumpin' Jack Flash
Single Release: Jumpin' Jack Flash / Child of the Moon (1968)
For a band that has been around over six decades, it takes a very special song to be the one that has been played most. According to Setlist.fm, that distinct honor goes to "Jumpin' Jack Flash." The track has been performed by The Rolling Stones over 1,200 times. Furthermore, it has been covered by other legendary artists such as Tina Turner, Peter Frampton, and Johnny Winter, which added to the allure of the song.

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The usage of the track didn't just stop with those covers, as it was also featured in the 1986 Whoopi Goldberg film also titled Jumpin' Jack Flash. Not only was the version by The Rolling Stones included, but also one by another legend, Aretha Franklin. At its core, this song was a single release in the midst of albums during the '60s that saw the band return to their blues roots, but it became so much more than that.
4 Paint It Black
Album: Aftermath (1966)
With over one billion streams, "Paint It Black" is The Rolling Stones' most streamed song on Spotify. It can also be argued that the track is the most legendary one to be produced by Andrew Loog Oldham, who worked with the band for a few years in the mid '60s. The track heavily mixes psychedelic and raga rock elements. It was also another masterful performance by Brian Jones, who played the sitar in the song.
The song experienced a resurgence in 2015 when Call of Duty used it to promote their game Black Ops III.
Though they came close many times, this song was one of the tracks that ended up at number one on the US Billboard Top 100. Famously, the song has been featured in the movies Full Metal Jacket and Black Adam. Additionally, the song experienced a resurgence in 2015 when Call of Duty used it to promote their game Black Ops III. It's hard to discuss The Rolling Stones without mentioning this track. It has become a legendary piece for the band.
3 Sympathy For The Devil
Album: Beggars Banquet (1968)
At over six minutes long, "Sympathy For The Devil" is a true work of art. In a classic case of good and evil, this is considered to be a lyrical feat by Mick Jagger, and regarded as one of his greatest vocal performances. The song also features Keith Richards completely shredding, and showcasing his solo talent. The band's vision of the song having hypnotic power worked, as the samba rhythm shines through.
To make the song even more iconic, The Rolling Stones actually allowed for filming to take place during its recording. The film was titled One Plus One and gave fans a special behind-the-scenes look at the band, at a time when it was not very common to do so. Twenty-five years after its release, the song became a dance hit on the US Billboard charts, which not only gave the song a revitalization, but also a further purpose.
2 Gimmie Shelter
Album: Let It Bleed (1969)
The Rolling Stones' album Let It Bleed not only features "You Can't Always Get What You Want," but also the massive hit "Gimme Shelter." This song has been regarded by Rolling Stone as the 13th "Greatest Song of All Time." The publication also ranked it The Rolling Stones best song ever, and it's hard to argue. It's a tune that Mick Jagger put countless hours into, and ultimately the frontman was pleased with the results.
The song is explosive and emotional. It serves a deep purpose as it covers the brutalities of war. It acts as a timepiece, and helps listeners understand the horrors. Another key feature of the song is the vocals of Merry Clayton. Her voice is so vibrant that you can literally hear the singer giving everything she has. Her addition to the song may have been at the last minute, but it illustrates exactly why The Rolling Stones are so legendary. The band never stopped until they had everything perfect.
1 (I Can't Get No) Satisfaction
Album: Out Of Our Heads (1965)
"(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction" is arguably the most important song for The Rolling Stones as it truly turned the band into household names. Released only a few years after their debut, this song was game-changing and proved they were on their way to becoming one of the greatest bands of their time. The song would end up as the number one song on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, and number three overall for the year.
"(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction" is arguably the most important song for The Rolling Stones as it truly turned the band into household names.
The song features another masterful performance by Keith Richards with one of the most renowned guitar riffs. The track has gone down in music history, as it has been added to the Grammy Hall of Fame. It has also been placed in the National Recording Registry of the Library of Congress in 2006, and labeled as the 31st "Greatest Song of All Time" by Rolling Stone. The tune set a high bar for The Rolling Stones to live up to, but six decades later, the band can confidently say they achieved it.