The Complete Guide to Every Rolling Stones Studio Album
From Blues Rebels to Rock Legends: Every Rolling Stones Album Ranked by History
The Rolling Stones have spent more than six decades redefining rock music. From gritty Chicago blues covers to stadium-filling anthems and late-career reinventions, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Charlie Watts, Ronnie Wood, and Brian Jones created one of the most influential catalogs in music history. This complete guide walks through every major Rolling Stones studio album, covering release dates, chart success, fan reception, standout songs, and the stories behind the records that shaped rock and roll.
The Rolling Stones / England's Newest Hit Makers (1964)
The Rolling Stones debuted in the UK with The Rolling Stones in April 1964, while American audiences received a slightly altered version titled England’s Newest Hit Makers a month later. The album introduced the band as rougher, grittier rivals to The Beatles, leaning heavily into American blues and R&B covers. Fans immediately connected with the rebellious energy, and the record hit No. 1 on the UK Albums Chart. Standout tracks included Route 66,
Carol,
and Tell Me.
One interesting fact is that manager Andrew Loog Oldham deliberately marketed the band as dangerous anti-heroes, helping create the bad boy
image that would define the Rolling Stones for decades.
12 X 5 (1964)
Released in October 1964, 12 X 5 expanded the band’s popularity in the United States and showed the group becoming more confident songwriters. The album reached No. 3 on the Billboard charts and blended blues standards with original material from Jagger and Richards. Songs like Time Is on My Side,
Around and Around,
and Good Times, Bad Times
stood out with swagger and energy. A fascinating detail about the album is that it was partially recorded at the legendary Chess Studios in Chicago, where the Stones met many of their blues heroes.
The Rolling Stones No. 2 / The Rolling Stones, Now! (1965)
The UK release The Rolling Stones No. 2 and the US counterpart The Rolling Stones, Now! arrived during the height of Beatlemania in early 1965. Both albums performed strongly, with the UK version hitting No. 1 and the US version climbing into the Top 5. Fans loved the tougher sound and raw rhythm-and-blues influence. Tracks like Everybody Needs Somebody to Love,
Heart of Stone,
and What a Shame
became fan favorites. These records also captured Brian Jones at his peak as a multi-instrumentalist experimenting with different sounds.
Out of Our Heads (1965)
Out of Our Heads marked a huge turning point for the Rolling Stones when it arrived in 1965. The album topped the US charts and featured the band’s first major international smash hit, (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction.
Public reception was explosive, and the Stones officially became global superstars. Other standout tracks included The Last Time
and Play with Fire.
Interestingly, Keith Richards famously came up with the riff for Satisfaction
in his sleep and recorded it on a tape recorder before falling back asleep.
December's Children (And Everybody's) (1965)
Released in late 1965, December’s Children (And Everybody’s) continued the Stones’ rapid rise in America. The album reached No. 4 on the Billboard chart and mixed live recordings with studio cuts. Get Off of My Cloud
became one of the defining songs of the era, while As Tears Go By
revealed a softer, more reflective side of the band. One notable fact is that As Tears Go By
had originally been written for Marianne Faithfull before the Stones recorded their own version.
Aftermath (1966)
Widely considered the Rolling Stones’ first true artistic masterpiece, Aftermath arrived in 1966 and showcased a full album of original Jagger-Richards compositions. The record topped the UK charts and reached No. 2 in the US. Fans and critics praised its ambitious songwriting and experimental arrangements. Paint It Black,
Under My Thumb,
and Mother’s Little Helper
became classics. Brian Jones played instruments ranging from sitar to marimba, helping expand the band’s sound beyond blues rock.
Between the Buttons (1967)
Released in early 1967, Between the Buttons reflected the growing psychedelic and baroque-pop influences of the era. The album reached the Top 3 in both the UK and US and earned praise for its quirky songwriting and melodic experimentation. Let’s Spend the Night Together
and Ruby Tuesday
became massive hits. The sessions also highlighted increasing tension between Brian Jones and the rest of the band as musical styles rapidly evolved.
Their Satanic Majesties Request (1967)
The Rolling Stones fully embraced psychedelia with Their Satanic Majesties Request in December 1967. Initially, critics and fans were divided, with many comparing it unfavorably to The Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band
. Over time, however, the album gained a cult following. It reached No. 2 in both the UK and US charts. Tracks like She’s a Rainbow
and 2000 Light Years from Home
remain standout moments. The album also featured one of rock’s earliest 3D lenticular cover designs.
Beggars Banquet (1968)
After the psychedelic detour, the Stones returned to gritty blues-rock form with Beggars Banquet in 1968. Critics hailed it as a comeback masterpiece, and it peaked at No. 3 in the UK and No. 5 in the US. Sympathy for the Devil
and Street Fighting Man
became defining songs of the late 1960s. The album is also remembered as the final full studio project featuring Brian Jones before his death in 1969.
Let It Bleed (1969)
Released in December 1969, Let It Bleed is often considered one of the greatest rock albums ever made. The record topped the UK charts and reached No. 3 in America. Fans embraced the dark, apocalyptic atmosphere of songs like Gimme Shelter,
Midnight Rambler,
and You Can’t Always Get What You Want.
The album arrived during a chaotic year that included Brian Jones’ death and the infamous Altamont Free Concert, forever linking the record to the end of the 1960s counterculture era.
Sticky Fingers (1971)
Sticky Fingers launched the Rolling Stones into the 1970s with one of the strongest albums of their career. Released in 1971, it hit No. 1 in both the UK and US and became an instant classic. Brown Sugar,
Wild Horses,
and Can’t You Hear Me Knocking
remain among the band’s most beloved songs. The album’s iconic cover, designed by Andy Warhol, featured a working zipper on the original vinyl sleeve, making it one of the most famous album covers in rock history.
Exile on Main St. (1972)
Recorded in a French villa while the band lived as tax exiles, Exile on Main St. arrived in 1972 with a sprawling double-album format. Initial reviews were mixed, but fans eventually embraced it as one of the greatest rock records ever made. The album topped charts worldwide and featured classics like Tumbling Dice,
Rocks Off,
and Happy.
Keith Richards later described the recording sessions as chaotic and fueled by nonstop partying, adding to the album’s legendary reputation.
Goats Head Soup (1973)
Released in 1973, Goats Head Soup debuted at No. 1 in both the US and UK. While some critics felt it lacked the edge of earlier albums, fans made Angie
a worldwide hit. Other standout tracks included Doo Doo Doo Doo Doo (Heartbreaker)
and Star Star.
Much of the album was recorded in Jamaica, and the tropical atmosphere influenced the laid-back feel of several songs.
It's Only Rock 'n Roll (1974)
The appropriately titled It’s Only Rock ’n Roll arrived in 1974 and continued the Stones’ commercial dominance, reaching No. 1 in the UK and No. 2 in the US. The title track became a fan anthem and remains one of the band’s signature songs. Time Waits for No One
also earned praise for Mick Taylor’s outstanding guitar work. Interestingly, this would be the final Rolling Stones album featuring Taylor before Ronnie Wood joined the group.
Black and Blue (1976)
Released in 1976, Black and Blue showcased a band in transition as Ronnie Wood officially entered the lineup. The album reached No. 1 in the US despite mixed critical reviews. Tracks like Fool to Cry,
Memory Motel,
and Hot Stuff
explored funk, reggae, and dance influences. The recording sessions famously doubled as auditions for several guitarists before Wood secured the role permanently.
Some Girls (1978)
Some Girls became one of the Rolling Stones’ biggest comeback albums when it arrived in 1978. Responding to punk and disco trends, the band delivered a leaner, more aggressive sound that critics loved. The album topped the Billboard chart and sold millions worldwide. Miss You,
Beast of Burden,
and Shattered
became major hits. The record also won praise for proving the Stones could adapt to changing musical trends without losing their identity.
Emotional Rescue (1980)
Released in 1980, Emotional Rescue continued the dance-rock direction introduced on Some Girls
. The album reached No. 1 on both sides of the Atlantic and featured the hit title track alongside She’s So Cold.
Public reception was strong commercially, though critics were somewhat divided. One interesting detail is that several songs originated from the prolific recording sessions for Some Girls
.
Tattoo You (1981)
Tattoo You arrived in 1981 and became another massive success for the Rolling Stones. The album topped charts worldwide and featured one of the band’s biggest hits, Start Me Up.
Other standout tracks included Waiting on a Friend
and Hang Fire.
Much of the album was assembled from previously unreleased recordings dating back years earlier, showing how much quality material the band had stored in their archives.
Undercover (1983)
The Rolling Stones experimented with modern production and political themes on Undercover in 1983. The album reached the Top 5 in both the UK and US, though fan reactions were mixed. Songs like Undercover of the Night
and She Was Hot
blended rock with new wave and dance influences. The music video for Undercover of the Night
was controversial for its graphic violence and political imagery.
Dirty Work (1986)
Released during a difficult period for the band, Dirty Work reflected tensions between Mick Jagger and Keith Richards. The album still managed to reach No. 4 in the US and featured tracks like Harlem Shuffle
and One Hit (to the Body).
Critics were divided, but the record has gained appreciation over time for its hard-edged sound. Notably, Charlie Watts later admitted he struggled personally during the album’s creation.
Steel Wheels (1989)
After years of uncertainty, the Rolling Stones staged a major comeback with Steel Wheels in 1989. The album was warmly received by fans and critics and produced hits like Mixed Emotions
and Rock and a Hard Place.
It reached No. 3 in both the UK and US. The accompanying Steel Wheels tour became one of the highest-grossing concert tours ever at the time and helped redefine the modern stadium-rock tour.
Voodoo Lounge (1994)
Released in 1994, Voodoo Lounge marked the band’s first album without longtime bassist Bill Wyman. The record topped charts internationally and won the Grammy Award for Best Rock Album. Fans responded positively to tracks like Love Is Strong,
You Got Me Rocking,
and Out of Tears.
Producer Don Was helped the band reconnect with a classic Rolling Stones sound after the more polished production of the 1980s.
Bridges to Babylon (1997)
The Rolling Stones embraced modern production trends with Bridges to Babylon in 1997. The album reached No. 6 in the US and featured collaborations with producers associated with contemporary pop and electronic music. Anybody Seen My Baby?
became a major hit, while Saint of Me
earned strong radio play. One memorable fact is that the album included contributions from legendary session musicians and experimental production techniques uncommon for the Stones.
A Bigger Bang (2005)
Released in 2005, A Bigger Bang was praised as the Rolling Stones’ strongest album in years. The record reached No. 2 in both the US and UK and featured energetic tracks like Rough Justice,
Rain Fall Down,
and Streets of Love.
Critics appreciated the return to straightforward rock music. The accompanying world tour became one of the highest-grossing tours in music history.
Blue & Lonesome (2016)
Blue & Lonesome surprised fans in 2016 by returning the Rolling Stones to their blues roots. The album featured mostly blues covers and earned rave reviews from critics who praised its authenticity and energy. It debuted at No. 1 in multiple countries and included standout performances on songs like Just Your Fool
and Ride ’Em on Down.
Eric Clapton also made guest appearances during the recording sessions.
Hackney Diamonds (2023)
Released in 2023, Hackney Diamonds became the Rolling Stones’ first album of original material in nearly two decades. Fans and critics celebrated the record as a triumphant late-career achievement. The album debuted at No. 1 in several countries and featured standout tracks including Angry,
Sweet Sounds of Heaven,
and Mess It Up.
The project also included contributions recorded before Charlie Watts’ death, making it an emotional milestone in the band’s history.
Final Thoughts on the Rolling Stones Albums
The Rolling Stones have managed something almost impossible in rock music: they stayed relevant across generations while maintaining their core identity. From blues covers in smoky London clubs to global stadium tours and chart-topping releases in the 2020s, their discography tells the story of rock and roll itself. Whether you love the raw blues of the early years, the swagger of Sticky Fingers
, the chaos of Exile on Main St.
, or the modern energy of Hackney Diamonds
, there is a Rolling Stones album for every kind of rock fan.
