Top Five: Rolling Stones Songs

First, an apology. It's been about a month and a half since I last made a top five. I've been rather busy, what with school and spring break and forgetting, etc. I feel like I've let people down, but I have no idea how many people actually read these, so perhaps I haven't let anyone down. Regardless, I promise to be more consistent now. I'm sorry.

Last night, I went and saw Martin Scorsese’s concert documentary of the Rolling Stones, “Shine A Light.” The footage was from a two-night event the Stones did back in 2006 as a benefit for fighting global warming. All of that is irrelevant. What Scorsese delivers is not merely another concert doc; rather, it is a religious experience. If anyone has ever questioned why the Rolling Stones, with an average age over 63, are still touring, strap them to a seat, force open their eyes “Clockwork Orange”-style and show this film. Yeah, they’re old, but they rock harder and better than anyone ever has and ever will. Mick, Keith, Ronnie and Charlie are at the top of their game, just like they have been for the past 40-odd years. Here are my five favorites of their catalog.


1. “Gimme Shelter” (1969)
Let’s face it: no Rolling Stones song has the sheer fire in its belly that can match “Gimme Shelter.” Mick and Keith wrote this in a period of time that was utter turmoil for the entire world (Kent State shootings, Vietnam War, poverty, etc.), and the song reveals that. From the eerie guitar and ethereal vocals of the opener to the sheer guitar onslaught of the solo section, “Gimme Shelter” is truly a ballad of the apocalypse. But the Stones are optimistic, and with the help of backup singer Merry Clayton they remind everyone of the power of love. Plus, big props to Martin Scorsese for using this song in basically every film he has ever made.

2. “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” (1968)
The song was inspired by Keith Richard’s gardener, but took on a lift of its own. The lyrics are all about escaping the acid cloud that the Stones had been under for several years, but the song finds its voice in the one-two punch of the guitars of Richards and Ronnie Wood. Its been hailed as one of the greatest guitar songs of all time, with an opening segment that rattles your bones and a riff that comes from the straight from the darkest depths of Richards' brain. That, and the harmonies are almost beyond perfect. It remains a staple of their live concerts to this day.

3. “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” (1965)
The most definitive riff of all time. I don’t care what you say, Richard’s immortal riff from “Satisfaction” has a more recognizable sound than any other song ever. Richards conceived of the tune in a dream, woke up, recorded it on his tape player and promptly fell back asleep. He felt it wasn’t worth recording, but was outvoted by the other Stones, and it became a single. Jagger’s lyrics are inspired by the Stones’ recent trip to America, where they saw rampant commercialism. “Satisfaction” is a rejection of what the world was trying to force upon the youth, and an acceptance of individual freedom. All under the wing of that riff.

4. “Sympathy For The Devil” (1968)
Did somebody say samba? The Rolling Stones employed that classic rhythm style in their ode to His Satanic Majesty. The song is, in essence, a critique and a reminder of all the violence that has occurred throughout the span of human history. However, the general public, idiots that we are, saw this song as the ultimate sign of devil worship. No matter. This is Jagger’s anthem, and he knows it. Every line is sung/spat with the intensity of the Devil himself, and it ends with a chilling reminder that the devil is waiting for all evil men. It’s haunting, it’s dark, it’s fantastic. Oh, but don’t ever listen to the Guns N’ Roses cover.

5. “Wild Horses” (1971)
“Wild Horses” finds the Rolling Stones at their most emotionally bare moment. Richards wrote the song after having to leave his wife and newborn son to tour. Jagger was able to get inside the song emotionally due to his recent breakup with a long-time girlfriend. In end, the Stones lay their hearts out on the line, something that is quite rare for them. The song resides in the middle ground between country and rock, a place where few can survive, but the Stones excel. Jagger’s voice is bare and honest, trying to reassure those he loves. Let’s face it, the song is beautiful, and I’m getting emotionally worked up just listening to it.