Exploring the Rolling Stones Albums in Order

Release Year: 1964

Top Songs: "Route 66", "I Just Want to Make Love to You", "Tell Me"

To kick off our list of the Rolling Stones albums in order, we have their debut self-titled album. Drenched in raw blues and early rock 'n' roll, The Rolling Stones marked the beginning of a monumental journey in 1964. This debut album was a bold statement of the band's roots, heavily influenced by the blues legends they revered. With "Route 66," they took listeners on a rollicking ride through the American landscape, showcasing their adeptness at reinterpreting rhythm and blues for a new audience. "I Just Want to Make Love to You" oozed with the gritty energy of Chicago blues, while "Tell Me" offered a glimpse of the band's burgeoning songwriting prowess, blending heartfelt lyrics with compelling melodies. It wasn't just an album; it was the dawn of a new era in rock, setting the stage for a legendary career.

Release Year: 1964

Top Songs: "Time Is on My Side", "Around and Around", "It's All Over Now"

Just months after their debut, the Rolling Stones released 12 X 5, an album that further cemented their status as rock 'n' roll mavericks. With "Time Is on My Side," the Stones ventured into the realm of soul, delivering a timeless ballad that showcased their versatility. "Around and Around" paid homage to their rock 'n' roll forefathers, capturing the electrifying essence of live performances. "It's All Over Now," with its infectious riff and defiant lyrics, became an anthem of youthful rebellion. This album was a testament to the Stones' ability to blend diverse musical influences, from blues to rock, creating a sound uniquely their own.

Release Year: 1965

Top Songs: "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction", "The Last Time", "Play with Fire"

Out of Our Heads was a turning point for the Rolling Stones, featuring the iconic "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction." This track, with its unmistakable riff and disenchanted lyrics, became a defining anthem of the 1960s. "The Last Time" showcased the band's evolving songwriting, melding catchy melodies with a rock-solid groove. "Play with Fire" was a stark, acoustic departure, revealing a darker, more introspective side of the band. This album not only captured the spirit of the times but also demonstrated the Stones' growing confidence in carving out their own musical identity.

Release Year: 1966

Top Songs: "Paint It, Black", "Under My Thumb", "Lady Jane"

Aftermath marked a significant creative leap for the Rolling Stones, showcasing a broader sonic palette and more complex compositions. "Paint It, Black" was a mesmerizing fusion of Eastern sounds and rock, its haunting sitar intro heralding a bold new direction for the band. "Under My Thumb" and "Lady Jane" delved into relationships with an introspective and sometimes controversial lens, reflecting the changing social dynamics of the era. This album was a daring departure from their earlier blues-based work, illustrating the Stones' willingness to experiment and evolve.

Release Year: 1967

Top Songs: "Let's Spend the Night Together", "Ruby Tuesday", "Yesterday's Papers"

With Between the Buttons, the Rolling Stones ventured further into the realm of baroque pop and psychedelia. "Let's Spend the Night Together" offered an upbeat, piano-driven invitation to escapism, while "Ruby Tuesday" was a melancholic ballad that showcased the band's softer, more poetic side. "Yesterday's Papers" delved into introspective lyricism, set against a backdrop of innovative instrumentation. This album reflected the experimental zeitgeist of the late '60s, with the Stones pushing the boundaries of their sound and lyrical themes.

Release Year: 1967

Top Songs: "She's a Rainbow", "2000 Light Years from Home", "The Lantern"

In the same year, Their Satanic Majesties Request emerged as the Rolling Stones' most ambitious and psychedelic venture. "She's a Rainbow," with its vibrant Mellotron flourishes, was a colorful ode to love and whimsy. "2000 Light Years from Home" transported listeners to the far reaches of space with its eerie synths and cosmic lyrics. "The Lantern" offered a blend of folk and psychedelia, showcasing the band's ability to weave complex narratives with rich musical textures. This album was a daring, albeit polarizing, exploration of psychedelic rock, demonstrating the Stones' fearless experimentation.

Release Year: 1968

Top Songs: "Sympathy for the Devil", "Street Fighting Man", "No Expectations"

Beggars Banquet signaled a return to the Rolling Stones' roots in blues and country, wrapped in a raw, unpolished production. "Sympathy for the Devil," with its samba-inspired percussion and haunting lyrics, was a masterful exploration of evil and decadence. "Street Fighting Man" captured the tumultuous spirit of the era, becoming an anthem of resistance. "No Expectations" was a poignant slide guitar ballad that highlighted the band's emotional depth. This album was a powerful statement of the Stones' enduring relevance and their mastery of blending musical genres to reflect the times.

Release Year: 1969

Top Songs: "Gimme Shelter", "You Can't Always Get What You Want", "Midnight Rambler"

Let It Bleed offered a gritty reflection on a world in turmoil, with the Rolling Stones at their most introspective and foreboding. "Gimme Shelter" was a chilling portrayal of a world on the brink, its haunting chorus and urgent guitar riffs encapsulating the era's anxieties. "You Can't Always Get What You Want" was a sprawling epic, blending a choir with rock instrumentation in a meditation on desire and disillusionment. "Midnight Rambler" was a dark, bluesy narrative that showcased the band's storytelling prowess.

Release Year: 1971

Top Songs: "Brown Sugar", "Wild Horses", "Can't You Hear Me Knocking"

Sticky Fingers broke new ground with its bold subject matter and musical innovation. "Brown Sugar" exploded with its fiery riffs and controversial lyrics, capturing the band's raw energy and willingness to push boundaries. "Wild Horses" offered a stark contrast with its tender, melancholic melody, showcasing the Stones' versatility and emotional depth. The extended jam in "Can't You Hear Me Knocking" was a showcase of the band's instrumental prowess, blending rock, blues, and jazz into a seamless fusion. This album marked the beginning of the band's exploration into more complex arrangements and themes, setting the stage for their next creative phase.

Release Year: 1972

Top Songs: "Tumbling Dice", "Shine a Light", "Happy"

Exile on Main St. is often hailed as the quintessential Rolling Stones album, a sprawling masterpiece that captures the band at its most eclectic. "Tumbling Dice" rolls with the loose, carefree spirit of rock 'n' roll, its lyrics painting a vivid picture of life's gambles. "Shine a Light" is a soulful, gospel-infused testament to the band's musical range, while "Happy" serves as Keith Richards' gritty, jubilant anthem. This double album, recorded in the basement of a villa in France, is a rich tapestry of blues, country, and gospel influences, reflecting the band's nomadic recording process and their mastery of American musical forms.

Release Year: 1973

Top Songs: "Angie", "Doo Doo Doo Doo Doo (Heartbreaker)", "Silver Train"

Goats Head Soup saw the Rolling Stones delving into a more polished sound, with "Angie" leading the charge as a poignant, acoustic ballad that became one of their most beloved tracks. "Doo Doo Doo Doo Doo (Heartbreaker)" combined a funky groove with socially conscious lyrics, reflecting the band's engagement with contemporary issues. "Silver Train" harked back to the Stones' blues roots, showcasing their ability to revisit their musical origins with fresh energy. This album, while more subdued than its predecessors, highlighted the band's ability to evolve and experiment within the rock genre.

Release Year: 1974

Top Songs: "It's Only Rock 'n Roll (But I Like It)", "Time Waits for No One", "Ain't Too Proud to Beg"

It's Only Rock 'n Roll reaffirmed the Rolling Stones' commitment to their core musical identity, with the title track serving as a defiant anthem for rock's enduring spirit. "Time Waits for No One" stood out as a poignant, guitar-driven exploration of the passage of time, featuring one of Mick Taylor's most acclaimed solos. Their cover of "Ain't Too Proud to Beg" highlighted the band's continued reverence for the Motown sound, adding a rock 'n' roll edge to the soul classic. This album encapsulated the essence of rock music, blending bravado with vulnerability in a way that only the Stones could.

Release Year: 1976

Top Songs: "Fool to Cry", "Hot Stuff", "Memory Motel"

Black and Blue marked a period of transition for the Rolling Stones, experimenting with funk and reggae while searching for a new guitarist. "Fool to Cry" tugged at the heartstrings with its falsetto chorus and introspective lyrics, showcasing a softer side of the band. "Hot Stuff" delved into funk, with its infectious grooves demonstrating the Stones' ability to adapt to contemporary musical trends. "Memory Motel" was a melancholic ballad that featured both Jagger and Richards on lead vocals, highlighting their dynamic partnership. This album reflected the band's exploratory spirit, even as they navigated through changes in their lineup and the broader musical landscape.

Release Year: 1978

Top Songs: "Miss You", "Beast of Burden", "Shattered"

Some Girls saw the Rolling Stones making a triumphant return to the forefront of rock, infused with the energy of punk and disco. "Miss You" was a dance-floor filler that combined a disco beat with classic Stones swagger, proving their ability to stay relevant amid changing musical tides. "Beast of Burden" offered a soulful, bluesy respite, its smooth rhythm and emotive lyrics showcasing the band's nuanced songwriting. "Shattered" captured the frenetic pace of life in New York City, with its rapid-fire lyrics and punk-infused energy. This album was a bold statement of resilience and creativity, reaffirming the Stones' place at the pinnacle of rock music.

Release Year: 1980

Top Songs: "Emotional Rescue", "She's So Cold", "Dance (Pt. 1)"

Emotional Rescue found the Rolling Stones embracing the sounds of the late '70s and early '80s, with the title track standing out for its distinctive falsetto by Mick Jagger and its danceable groove. "She's So Cold" is a return to the band's rock roots, with crisp guitars and a catchy chorus that exemplify the Stones' ability to craft hit rock songs even decades into their career. "Dance (Pt. 1)" dives into the world of funk and dance, showcasing the band's willingness to experiment with different sounds and rhythms. This album, while receiving mixed reviews, showcased the Stones' ability to stay current, blending contemporary trends with their unmistakable rock n' roll essence.

Release Year: 1981

Top Songs: "Start Me Up", "Waiting on a Friend", "Hang Fire"

Tattoo You was a commercial triumph, featuring the enduring hit "Start Me Up," with its iconic opening guitar riff becoming one of the band's most recognizable. "Waiting on a Friend" is a reflective piece, highlighting the band's maturity and the depth of their friendships, accompanied by a soulful saxophone solo. "Hang Fire" captures the fast-paced, carefree spirit of rock 'n' roll, making it an instant classic. This album, comprised largely of previously unreleased tracks recorded in the 1970s, demonstrated the Stones' remarkable ability to revisit and revitalize their past work, resulting in a fresh and compelling album.

Release Year: 1983

Top Songs: "Undercover of the Night", "She Was Hot", "Too Much Blood"

Undercover saw the Rolling Stones delving into darker, more politically charged themes, particularly evident in "Undercover of the Night," which tackled political corruption and violence. "She Was Hot" returned to the band's classic rock 'n' roll sound, with its energetic rhythm and catchy lyrics. "Too Much Blood" stood out for its blend of rock and dance, along with Jagger's spoken-word segments that explored the fascination with violence in media. This album reflected the band's engagement with contemporary issues and their experimentation with new musical styles, including reggae and funk, showcasing their versatility and continued relevance in the evolving music scene.

Release Year: 1986

Top Songs: "Harlem Shuffle", "One Hit (To the Body)", "Winning Ugly"

Dirty Work is often noted for its aggressive sound and vibrant cover art, with "Harlem Shuffle" being a cover that brought an R&B classic into the rock realm with the Stones' unique twist. "One Hit (To the Body)" features a powerful opening guitar riff and a dynamic interplay between Jagger and Richards, highlighting the raw energy and tension that often fueled the band's creativity. "Winning Ugly" delves into the competitive nature of success, with its gritty lyrics and driving beat. This album, recorded during a tumultuous period for the band, captures the friction and resilience that have defined the Stones' long-standing career.

Release Year: 1989

Top Songs: "Mixed Emotions", "Rock and a Hard Place", "Almost Hear You Sigh"

Steel Wheels marked a strong comeback for the Rolling Stones after a period of solo projects and band tensions, showcasing a rejuvenated spirit and a return to their classic sound. "Mixed Emotions" captures the complex relationship between Jagger and Richards, with its candid lyrics and infectious melody. "Rock and a Hard Place" addresses societal issues over a hard-rocking beat, reflecting the band's continued engagement with the world around them. "Almost Hear You Sigh" is a soulful ballad that highlights the band's ability to convey emotion and depth. This album was a testament to the Stones' enduring chemistry and their ability to overcome personal differences for the sake of their music.

Release Year: 1994

Top Songs: "Love Is Strong", "You Got Me Rocking", "Out of Tears"

Voodoo Lounge was a return to the Stones' bluesy roots, stripped down from the overproduction of the '80s, with "Love Is Strong" featuring a harmonica-driven hook that harks back to the band's early days. "You Got Me Rocking" is an energetic rocker that became a staple in the band's live performances, showcasing their undiminished power to energize audiences. "Out of Tears" is a beautifully melancholic ballad, demonstrating the band's range and the emotional depth of their songwriting. This album, their first without bassist Bill Wyman, was a critical success, winning a Grammy and proving that the Stones could still deliver powerful, relevant music decades into their career.

Release Year: 1997

Top Songs: "Anybody Seen My Baby?", "Saint of Me", "Out of Control"

Bridges to Babylon showcased the Rolling Stones' willingness to experiment and adapt, blending traditional rock elements with contemporary production techniques. "Anybody Seen My Baby?" featured a catchy chorus and modern sounds, reflecting the band's ability to stay relevant in the rapidly changing music industry of the 1990s. "Saint of Me" delved into electronic influences, with its memorable refrain and introspective lyrics exploring themes of transformation and redemption. "Out of Control" was a bluesy number that harkened back to the band's roots, with its raw energy and emotional depth. This album was a testament to the Stones' ability to bridge the gap between their classic sound and the evolving musical landscape.

Release Year: 2005

Top Songs: "Rough Justice", "Streets of Love", "Rain Fall Down"

A Bigger Bang was a return to form for the Rolling Stones, delivering a powerful blend of rock, blues, and soul. "Rough Justice" kicked off the album with gritty guitars and Jagger's unmistakable vocals, proving that the band had lost none of its edge. "Streets of Love" offered a more introspective ballad, showcasing the band's ability to craft emotionally resonant songs. "Rain Fall Down" was a groovy, funk-infused track that highlighted the Stones' versatility and their knack for creating infectious rhythms. This album was praised for its raw energy and was seen as a return to the band's rock roots, solidifying their status as icons of the genre.

Release Year: 2016

Top Songs: "Just Your Fool", "Ride 'Em on Down", "Hate to See You Go"

Blue & Lonesome marked a full-circle moment for the Rolling Stones, as they returned to their blues roots with a collection of covers that paid homage to the genre that originally inspired them. "Just Your Fool" captures the essence of classic blues with harmonica-laden tracks and gritty vocals, reminding listeners of the Stones' deep connection to blues music. "Ride 'Em on Down" is a high-energy number that showcases the band's ability to breathe new life into old classics, making them resonate with contemporary audiences. "Hate to See You Go" features raw, emotive harmonica work by Jagger, further cementing the band's reputation as master interpreters of the blues. This album, recorded live in the studio with minimal overdubs, was further proof of the band's enduring passion for the blues and their remarkable ability to capture the spontaneous energy of live performance.

Release Year: 2023

Top Songs: "Angry," "Mess It Up," "Whole Wide World"

At the final spot on our list of the Rolling Stones albums in order, we have their 2023 album, Hackney Diamonds. It goes without saying that it was another shining example of their tenacity and passion for music. While die-hard fans are still listening to this and the rest of the work we've mentioned today, we can't help but keep our fingers crossed for even more legendary works from this iconic group of British rockers.