As the following list of Rolling Stones Albums Ranked Worst to Best makes clear, the Stones really are a band of wealth and taste. We’re not talking money or that iconic tongue logo; this is about the group's armload of album releases, dating back to 1964. There are many of them, and the vast majority range from pretty good to phenomenally classic. Even the “bad” Stones records manage to showcase a consistency, drive and tunefulness worthy of their creators.
So how do you go about ranking all of the Stones’ LPs? How do you compare an early record of blazing R&B covers to a late-career attempt to show the band could still play with fire? “Little Red Rooster” is amazing. So is “Sway.” So is “She Was Hot.” So is “Love Is Strong.” The great songs don’t work as a barometer. Do you know what does? Filler. No matter where a Stones album sits on the spectrum, it’s bound to include some filler: jams, goofs, pastiches, bizarre meanderings, etc. Yes, even the hallowedExile on Main St.features some filler, it just happens to be excitingly performed, strangely beguiling … well, junk. If the Stones could create glorious transcendence out of “Monkey Man” or find tattered fun in “Far Away Eyes,” their respective albums only improved. The more killer the filler, the better the record.
Before we begin, we should note that we are using the U.S. editions of the Stones’ albums for this list. Before 1967, the band’s U.K. and U.S. releases differed in track selection, order and number of albums put out. (There are two “extra” U.S. LPs, counterbalanced by non-album singles and EPs in the U.K.) As such, U.S. discography is more comprehensive – although far from perfect – and, regardless, everything fromTheir Satanic Majesties Requestonward is the same.
Ready to journey through the past (darkly)?
Rolling Stones Albums Ranked
Ready to journey through the past (darkly)? Check out Rolling Stones Albums Ranked Worst to Best.
1. Exile on Main St. (1972) This record marks a signature statement by THE rock & roll band of the time, one that never lets up in intensity from beginning to end.
1. Exile on Main St. (1972) This record marks a signature statement by THE rock & roll band of the time, one that never lets up in intensity from beginning to end.
I'd say Dirty Work is the only 'Bad' Stones album. It has good songs (I love Sleep Tonight), but it's also the result of outdated 80's production and the fact that none of the 5 members ever in the same room together while recording.
'(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction' is the band's stand-out song. It's a truly original pop rock number which took The Rolling Stones to the top of the charts around the world, and has remained their signature song ever since.
The Beatles' 1967 album Sgt.Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band topped the list, with Rolling Stone's editors describing it as "the most important rock 'n' roll album ever made". The Beach Boys' Pet Sounds (1966) was ranked second in recognition of its influence on Sgt. Pepper.
Led Zeppelin have sold more records, as they formed in 1968, the year when album sales began to take over singles sales, and took advantage of an expanding market when album sales began its rise in the 1970s.
The Beatles are the top-selling band of all time, with 600 million record sales worldwide—more than lapping the Rolling Stones, who are at only 240 million records. When you consider that the Beatles were only together for ten years, this difference tells you how they rocked the world with their great music.
Upon release, Some Girls received extremely positive reviews from music critics, with many agreeing it was the Stones' best work since Exile on Main St. Music critic Pete Bishop wrote for The Pittsburgh Press that Some Girls was "the best album the Rolling Stones have done for years".
Address: Apt. 171 8116 Bailey Via, Roberthaven, GA 58289
Phone: +2585395768220
Job: Lead Liaison
Hobby: Lockpicking, LARPing, Lego building, Lapidary, Macrame, Book restoration, Bodybuilding
Introduction: My name is Sen. Ignacio Ratke, I am a adventurous, zealous, outstanding, agreeable, precious, excited, gifted person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
We notice you're using an ad blocker
Without advertising income, we can't keep making this site awesome for you.
