The Rolling Stones arguably did more than any other classic rock band to enforce the image of rock stars as bad boys.
That’s no surprise, as they sang about subjects like sex, drugs, serial killers, and Satan. If their choice of subject matter wasn’t enough, they often wrote about these topics with a stunning vulgarity. Of course, there are exceptions to every rule.
If the Rolling Stones were always intent on shocking people, they would have lost the public interest very quickly. For much of their careers, the group went back and forth between releasing dark, macho songs and tracks that were a little more emotional and revealing. They proved that even the edgiest bands can have a tender side.
The Rolling Stones' softer side is bittersweet and magical
Mick Jagger and company were never a soft rock band, but they knew how to show us the softer side of rock without losing their credibility. Their sonic and lyrical range is part of why they’re still considered one of the best rock ‘n’ roll bands ever. Without further ado, let’s take a look at the times the Rolling Stones didn’t give us what we wanted, but we got what we needed.
"Ruby Tuesday"
The Rolling Stones put out “Let’s Spend the Night Together” as a single, but it was too risque for many American radio stations, so that song floundered on the charts. Many programmers played its B-side “Ruby Tuesday,” instead. That was a happy accident, as “Ruby Tuesday” has some of the most moving lines of the band’s career.
"Wild Horses"
“Wild, wild horses couldn't drag me away” isn’t exactly the most original sentiment. However, Jagger really shows off his vocal chops here. The mixed emotions in his voice make this one of the Rolling Stones’ best ballads, even if it’s not one of their most famous.
"Angie"
It’s a law of nature that every classic rock band has to put out a song with a woman’s first name as its title. The Beatles gave us “Michelle,” Kiss gave us “Beth,” Fleetwood Mac gave us “Rhiannon,” and the Rolling Stones knocked that assignment out of the park with “Angie.” It might be the best country ballad made by a band that wasn’t primarily known for country music.
"Beast of Burden"
“Beast of Burden” mines some of the same sexual frustration as “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction,” but it’s a lot sadder and more desperate. Jagger’s decision to sing about “pretty pretty girls” like a clucking chicken was fascinatingly bizarre. So was Bette Midler’s decision to cover this.
"You Can’t Always Get What You Want"
How could I possibly exclude this song? The Rolling Stones weren’t as good at writing empowering songs as the Fab Four were, but “You Can’t Always Get What You Want” is the closest they ever came to writing “Hey Jude.”
The Rolling Stones often focused on dark themes, and “You Can’t Always Get What You Want” is the best example of them finding a silver lining in the gloomy side of Swinging London.