The Most Popular Rolling Stones Album, Ranked

Choose the album you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 9, 2024 06:49
Fans of the Rolling Stones have long debated which of their albums stands as the pinnacle of their musical achievements. With a career spanning several decades and a catalog brimming with classic records, each fan might point to a different album as 'the best' based on their personal experience and the memories associated with the songs. By participating in a live voting system, fans contribute to a dynamic ranking that reflects the collective opinion of a diverse fan base. This ranking not only serves as a guide for new listeners but also sparks conversation among long-time fans, providing a fresh perspective on the band's extensive body of work.

What Is the Most Popular Rolling Stones Album?

  1. 1
    67
    votes

    Exile on Main St. (1972)

    The Rolling Stones
    "Exile on Main St." - considered by many fans and critics to be their greatest album, featuring classic hits like "Tumbling Dice" and "Happy".
    Exile on Main St. is the tenth studio album by the Rolling Stones, released in 1972. It is widely regarded as one of the greatest rock albums of all time.
    • Release date: May 12, 1972
    • Recorded: June 1969 – March 1972
    • Genre: Rock, blues rock
    • Length: 67:17
    • Label: Rolling Stones
  2. 2
    34
    votes

    Sticky Fingers (1971)

    The Rolling Stones
    "Sticky Fingers" - featuring iconic songs like "Brown Sugar" and "Wild Horses", this album is often cited as one of the Stones' best.
    Sticky Fingers is the ninth studio album by the Rolling Stones. It was released in April 1971 and is considered one of their most popular and critically acclaimed albums. The album features a mix of rock and roll, blues, and country music influences, and showcases the band's versatility and songwriting prowess.
    • Release Date: April 1971
    • Genre: Rock, blues, country
    • Label: Rolling Stones
    • Length: 46:35
    • Number of Tracks: 10
  3. 3
    35
    votes

    Let It Bleed (1969)

    The Rolling Stones
    "Let It Bleed" - featuring the hit song "Gimme Shelter" and other memorable tracks like "You Can't Always Get What You Want".
    Let It Bleed is the eighth studio album by the Rolling Stones, released in 1969. With its mix of rock, blues, and country influences, the album is considered one of the band's most iconic and critically acclaimed works.
    • Release Date: December 5, 1969
    • Genre: Rock
    • Label: Decca (UK) / London (US)
    • Producer: Jimmy Miller
    • Length: 42:38
  4. 4
    15
    votes

    Beggars Banquet (1968)

    The Rolling Stones
    "Beggars Banquet" is considered a turning point for the band, with hits like "Street Fighting Man" and "Sympathy for the Devil".
    Beggars Banquet (1968) is the seventh studio album by the Rolling Stones. It is widely regarded as one of their most significant and influential releases. The album is a mix of blues, rock, and country influences, showcasing the band's evolving sound and their raw and gritty style. Beggars Banquet marked a return to a more traditional sound for the Stones after experimenting with psychedelia on their previous albums.
    • Release Year: 1968
    • Genre: Rock
    • Recorded: March–July 1968
    • Label: Decca (UK), London (US)
    • Producer: Jimmy Miller
  5. 5
    12
    votes

    Some Girls (1978)

    The Rolling Stones
    "Some Girls" is a more punk-inspired album with hits like "Miss You" and "Beast of Burden".
    Some Girls (1978) is the 14th studio album by the Rolling Stones. It is a dynamic rock album that incorporated influences from punk, disco, and country music. With its energetic sound and controversial lyrics, the album came to be regarded as one of the band's greatest works.
    • Release Date: June 9, 1978
    • Genre: Rock
    • Label: Rolling Stones
    • Length: 50:59
    • Producer: The Glimmer Twins
  6. 6
    4
    votes

    Tattoo You (1981)

    The Rolling Stones
    "Tattoo You" is featuring hits like "Start Me Up" and "Waiting on a Friend", this album is often cited as a standout from the band's later years.
    Tattoo You is the 16th studio album by the Rolling Stones, released in 1981. It is a compilation album that features previously unreleased tracks from various sessions over the previous decade. The songs were recorded between 1972 and 1980 and showcase different styles and influences, including rock, blues, reggae, and punk. The album received critical acclaim and was a commercial success for the band, reaching number one on the charts in several countries.
    • Release Date: August 24, 1981
    • Length: 44 minutes and 23 seconds
    • Label: Rolling Stones, Atlantic
    • Producer: The Glimmer Twins (Mick Jagger and Keith Richards)
    • Genre: Rock
  7. 7
    10
    votes

    Goats Head Soup (1973)

    The Rolling Stones
    "Goats Head Soup" - featuring the hit song "Angie" and other tracks like "Doo Doo Doo Doo Doo (Heartbreaker)".
    Goats Head Soup (1973) is the 11th studio album by the Rolling Stones. It was recorded in Jamaica and the United States and released on August 31, 1973. The album features a mix of rock, R&B, and reggae influences, showcasing the band's experimentation with different musical styles. Goats Head Soup received positive reviews from critics and achieved commercial success, reaching number one on the charts in several countries.
    • Release Date: August 31, 1973
    • Recorded In: Jamaica and the United States
    • Genre: Rock, R&B, Reggae
    • Label: Rolling Stones
    • Producer: Jimmy Miller
  8. 8
    7
    votes

    Between the Buttons (1967)

    The Rolling Stones
    "Between the Buttons" - featuring hits like "Let's Spend the Night Together" and "Ruby Tuesday".
    Between the Buttons is the sixth studio album by the Rolling Stones, released in 1967. It marked a transition in the band's sound as they moved towards a more experimental and eclectic style, incorporating elements of psychedelia and baroque pop. The album features a mix of catchy pop-rock songs and introspective, introspective lyrics, creating a cohesive and diverse musical experience.
    • Release Date: January 20, 1967
    • Genre: Rock, Pop, Baroque Pop, Psychedelic Rock
    • Length: 38:28
    • Label: Decca (UK), London (US)
    • Producers: Andrew Loog Oldham
  9. 9
    9
    votes
    "Aftermath" is a groundbreaking album that showcased the band's increasing experimentation with different genres and sounds.
    Aftermath (1966) is the fourth studio album by the Rolling Stones. It was released on 15 April 1966 in the UK by Decca Records and on 20 June 1966 in the US by London Records. The album marked a significant artistic leap for the band, being the first to consist entirely of Mick Jagger and Keith Richards originals. Aftermath incorporates a diverse range of musical styles, including rock, pop, blues, and country influences, showcasing the band's versatility and experimental approach.
    • Release Date: 15 April 1966 (UK), 20 June 1966 (US)
    • Label: UK: Decca Records, US: London Records
    • Genre: Rock
    • Length: 53:20
    • Number of Tracks: 14
  10. 10
    5
    votes
    "Their Satanic Majesties Request" is a psychedelic departure from their usual blues rock sound, featuring songs like "She's a Rainbow" and "2000 Light Years from Home".
    Their Satanic Majesties Request is the sixth studio album by the Rolling Stones, released in 1967. It is a psychedelic rock album that saw the band experimenting with unconventional sounds and incorporating various musical influences.
    • Genre: Psychedelic rock
    • Release Year: 1967
    • Label: Decca (UK), London (US)
    • Producer: The Rolling Stones
    • Length: 45:02

Missing your favorite album?

Graphs
Discussion

Ranking factors for popular album

  1. Sales figures
    The number of copies sold both physically and digitally provides an indication of an album's popularity.
  2. Chart performance
    The peak position and duration on music charts (such as Billboard 200, UK Albums Chart, etc.) can signify an album's success and popularity.
  3. Critical reception
    The reviews and ratings from music journalists and critics contribute to the overall acclaim and reputation of an album.
  4. Awards and nominations
    Accolades, such as Grammy Awards or other music industry recognitions, can indicate the quality and impact of an album.
  5. Cultural impact
    The influence the album has had on the music industry, other artists, and popular culture can also play a role in determining its popularity.
  6. Legacy
    The album's lasting importance or relevance over time, as well as retrospective assessments made by critics and fans, should also be considered.
  7. Fan reception
    The opinions and discussions of the devoted fan base and casual listeners contribute to the popularity and perception of the album.
  8. Tour success
    Concert tours that promote the album provide a platform for songs to be performed live and gauge fan reactions, contributing to the album's overall popularity.
  9. Radio airplay
    The number of plays the album receives on radio stations, as well as the success of its singles, can also contribute to its popularity.
  10. Streaming figures
    In today's digital age, the volume of streams on platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube can also be a measure of an album's popularity.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular Rolling Stones album. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Album is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 1650 views
  • 196 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Album once every 24 hours. The rank of each Album is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

Categories

More information on most popular rolling stones album

The Rolling Stones have been a mainstay in the music industry since the 1960s and have released numerous albums throughout their career. When it comes to determining the most popular Rolling Stones album, opinions can vary greatly depending on personal taste and the era in which one became a fan. However, there are a few albums that consistently rank at the top of the list, including "Exile on Main St.," "Sticky Fingers," and "Let It Bleed." These albums are praised for their musical experimentation, raw energy, and iconic songs that have stood the test of time. Whether you're a die-hard fan or a casual listener, the debate over the most popular Rolling Stones album is sure to ignite passion and discussion among music lovers.

Share this article