1. Gimme Shelter
It’s “Gimme Shelter,” the opening tune from The Rolling Stones’ legendary 1969 album “Let It Bleed,” which was a massive worldwide hit at the time. In terms of songwriting, “Gimme Shelter” is unique in that it largely revolves around a single three-chord pattern that is repeated over and over, with the exception of the verse, which stays on the first chord of the pattern.
2. Sympathy for the Devil
It is regarded as one of the best popular music songs of all time. It has a hypnotic groove, like a samba, with a lot of hypnotic power, similar to good dance music. It does not accelerate or decelerate. It maintains a consistent rhythm.
3. Paint It, Black
This song highlights grief and loss. It’s a fast-paced song featuring influences from India, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe.
4. (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction
This song is a work of art. Its guitar riff is instantly recognizable and amazing, the vocals and lyrics are fantastic, and the production is flawless.
5. Wild Horses
This is a song not only about the bittersweetness of mortal life with the ones we love but about the mistakes we make, the time we take for granted, the innocence of imperfection, the strength and depth of hope in the face of a life bound to test us. It’s a song about the things that remain, even after desecration, separation, and death. Immortality, and mortality, are woven together in this beautiful song. It gently speaks of the bonds of love that stay, even though time together will end. It seems to talk about the whole world, yet always feels so profoundly personal to whoever listens to it.
The Rolling Stones got us with some overwhelming tunes to dive in.