My Favorite Rolling Stones Albums: A Deep Listener’s Perspective

As a dedicated 60s Rolling Stones enthusiast, my personal library distinguishes Exile on Main Street as the sole exception from the band#8217;s later works. Sticky Fingers remains my ultimate favorite, with its plethora of outstanding tracks. Let’s delve into my top favorite Rolling Stones albums and the reasoning behind these choices.

Sticky Fingers (1971)

Born in 1971, Sticky Fingers has topped my personal collection for decades now. It features renditions of blues and rock covers alongside original songs, showcasing the band’s versatility and authenticity. Despite the immense critical acclaim accorded to Exile on Main Street, I maintain that Sticky Fingers contains a more diverse array of tracks. My mornings are often accompanied by classics like Brown Sugar and (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction.

Exile on Main Street (1972)

Exile on Main Street, one of the band’s most celebrated albums, radiates with a sound that remains unparalleled. The album is replete with fantastic songs, and numerous listeners would argue that it’s their favorite. While this album is undoubtedly a monumental work, I consider Sticky Fingers as containing better songs.

The Early and Mid-60s: A Golden Era

My adoration for the early and mid-60s albums simply knows no bounds. The Stones’ blend of blues and original material performs a symphony of rock and roll. Highlighting some notable albums:

Aftermath (1966): Considered one of the greatest albums of 1966, Aftermath, along with the concurrent releases from the Beatles, Bob Dylan, Corinne Kaufman, and The Who, contributed significantly to that year’s exceptional music scene. Their Satanic Majesties Request (1967): I hold this album in high regard for its audacity and boundary-pushing nature. It was the last time the band dared to experiment in such an unforgiving context. The album features a blend of experimentation and classic rock, which has resonated with me through the years.

Post-Exile: A Focus Shift

Though I appreciate most of the band’s 1970s catalogue, my level of familiarity with their post-Exile work is somewhat lower. The change in the band’s lineup, especially after the departure of Brian Jones, marks a significant shift in their musical journey.

Select My Favorites

Among all the albums, my favorites include (in no particular order):

It’s Only Rock And Roll (1970) Exile on Main Street Some Girls Flowers Aftermath Out of Their Heads

Besides personal collections, I frequently revisit the compilation packages:

Hot Rocks 1964–1971 More Hot Rocks Metamorphosis

A Deeply Personal Favorite

In the mid-60s, a particular song made a significant impact on my life: Under Assistant West Coast Promo Man. This song, from the album Out of Their Heads, was so compelling that I would often sing it in front of the mirror, fearing the intrusion of those unexpected visitors. If someone happened to peek in, I would run away in embarrassment. That hypothetical scenario led to my early career as a cabinet maker. A testament to the profound, almost magical, power of this song.

Conclusion

Through the years, the Rolling Stones have left an indelible mark on countless music enthusiasts. For me, these albums represent not just music, but a form of expression and identity. Repeated listening has not diminished my affection for them; instead, it has solidified their place in my musical heart.