Ranking the Rolling Stones' 12 best albums

Who would have thought back in the early sixties that a group of British blues aficionados would turn out to be one of the best and most influential rock bands out there?

Literally from rags (a shabby group apartment) to incredible riches, and still playing even though those members that are still there are bona fide senior citizens, they have left behind a legacy of 26 albums so far. Sure, there are some duds there, even the best have them, and yet even from these duds, you could always collect a bunch of songs that would give you an incredible playlist.

Yet, there are quite a few the Rolling Stones created that are not only indispensable for any rock fan, but some of these few are definitely some of the best ever recorded in rock music. The dozen albums listed here are certainly those that always have to be by your player, whatever that is.

These albums are the Rolling Stones' 12 best

The Rolling Stones (1964)

Sure, this debut album is a showcase of how much The Stones members loved the blues, but what some might forget is the fact that here the band turned their blues inspirations into something all rock and pop fans would love. In itself, it turned into an inspiration for a multitude of rock bands yet to come in their wake.

Out of Our Heads (1965)

This was the album where The Rolling Stones were turning into the masters of their own game - they were turning into brilliant songwriters, not just interpreters or blues fans. With songs like “The Last Time” and one of the ultimate rock anthems “Satisfaction,” it demands to be in everybody’s collection

Aftermath (1966)

The blues traces are still there somewhere, but the Stones are now one of the best bands in rock and present the songwriting pair of Jagger/Richards that was at the time only comparable to that of Lennon/McCartney, with the power of Brian Jones along with them to boot. Songs like “Paint It Black” and “Under My Thumb” are here to prove it.

Their Satanic Majesties' Request (1967)

Both Jagger and Richards still dislike this one, possibly because their differences with Jones were at their height, but this is an incredible all-psych album that ranks with the best out there, while still retaining that specific Rolling Stones touch. Critics also bashed this one at the time, but its re-assessment is deservedly in full swing.

Beggars Banquet (1968)

Which band has the longest streak of practically perfect albums? The debate might range forever, but The Rolling Stones should certainly qualify, and this album is the one that started their of five absolute greats. What else could you say about the album that includes songs like "Sympathy for the Devil" and "Street Fighting Man."

Let It Bleed (1969)

This is the album that starts the debate which is the greatest Rolling Stones album. you can pick this one or one of the two that followed it, but all three fall into the top rock albums of all time. This also just might be the album that has the best opening song to a rock album ever - “Gimme Shelter.”

Sticky Fingers (1971)

Trying to find a weak or average song here is not even a needle in a haystack - there isn’t one, with “Moonlight Mile” being not just a perfect closer to this album, but a summation of the latest sixties as such. Again, one of the greatest rock albums around.

Exile on Main Street (1972)

With all the chaos and mayhem that surrounded the recording of this double album set, it is almost impossible to find a musical weakness here. Many would place this one as the best double album in rock music, or rock albums as such. The dice are still tumbling here.

Goats Head Soup (1973)

While at the time this album was not greeted with such enthusiasm as the previous four, it still includes a fully strong set of songs that are being re-assessed as we go along. It does though represent the end of the Stones’ perfect album running streak.

Some Girls (1978)

After a run of albums with some great and not some not so great songs, this album sees the Rolling Stones in an excellent form, almost completely restored ones, Its only downside might be that the band had better ones, but that is it.

Tattoo You (1981)

Were the Stones getting tired? Possibly, and this album does include tracks you might skip, but not as many as did the albums that followed, and songs like “Start Me Up” and the brilliant “Waiting on a Friend,” turn it into a standout on their cannon.

Blue and Lonesome (2016)

If there is a great "back to the roots" album out there, then this is it.  It seems that the blues flame never left the band and they prove it here with one of their best albums not only in years, but decades.

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