The Rolling Stones have been producing music albums for longer than many of their dedicated fans have even been alive. This legendary band has a rich history that spans decades, during which they have continually evolved and captivated audiences. However, even seasoned rock legends like them encounter challenges throughout the creative process, which can sometimes be more complex than it appears.

As Mick Jagger once shared with GQ in 2010, “You always reach a moment in the creative process when you absolutely adore what you’re working on, only to suddenly question its value.” He explains that it’s common to feel disheartened, but upon completion, the satisfaction returns. This lengthy and often tumultuous creative journey is essential for artists like the Stones.

A critical step in this artistic process is choosing the perfect song to kick off an album. This choice significantly influences the listening experience, setting the tone and mood for what follows. Over their impressive six-decade career, the Stones have honed this skill, showcasing their ability to captivate listeners from the very first note. Below, we present a comprehensive ranking of every opening track from each of the Stones’ 26 U.S. album releases.

26. “Route 66”
From: England’s Newest Hit Makers (1964)

If you are familiar with the Rolling Stones‘ early catalog, you might know that multiple albums were released differently in the U.S. compared to the U.K. The band’s debut album, titled England’s Newest Hit Makers in America, opens with a cover of the classic “Route 66.” While the choice is certainly fitting for an American audience, it doesn’t stand out as a particularly strong opening track overall, lacking the punch that fans would come to expect from the Stones.

25. “Yesterday’s Papers”
From: Between the Buttons (1967)

“Yesterday’s Papers” showcases a unique blend of instrumentation, featuring a distinctly psychedelic style with Jack Nitzsche on harpsichord and Brian Jones on vibraphone. This track also marks the first occasion when Mick Jagger wrote a complete song on his own for the group, a fact that is quite evident in the song’s execution and feel. Jagger’s individual expression shines through, making it a noteworthy part of the Stones’ diverse repertoire.

24. “Sad Sad Sad”
From: Steel Wheels (1989)

The opening guitar riffs of “Sad Sad Sad” are quintessentially Keith Richards, instantly recognizable to fans. However, the rest of the song tends to remain stagnant, lacking the dynamic movement that is usually expected from a compelling album opener. This stagnation detracts from its effectiveness as a lead track, making it less impactful than many of the Stones’ other famous openings.

23. “Sing This All Together”
From: Their Satanic Majesties Request (1967)

This track seems to bear the influence of the Beatles, who released Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band just a few months prior to the Stones’ own Their Satanic Majesties Request. “Sing This All Together” opens the album with a chaotic and psychedelic feel, perfectly encapsulating the experimental spirit of the era. While it does set an intriguing tone for the album, its trippy nature may leave some listeners bewildered.

22. “Around and Around”
From: 12 x 5 (1964)

According to Keith Richards, all rock ‘n’ roll roads lead back to Chuck Berry. In his own words from Rolling Stone in 2017, “Chuck is the granddaddy of us all.” The Stones chose to open their second U.S. album, 12 X 5, with a lively cover of Berry’s “Around and Around,” which reflects the band’s deep-rooted respect for the rock and roll pioneers who paved the way for their success.

21. “One Hit (To the Body)”
From: Dirty Work (1986)

“One Hit (To the Body)” is notable for being the first track where Ronnie Wood received credit as a co-writer on a Rolling Stones single. The inclusion of legendary guitarist Jimmy Page for the guitar solo also elevates this track, making it a standout moment on the album. This collaboration adds depth and excitement to the opening, drawing listeners into the experience right from the start.

20. “Mother’s Little Helper”
From: Aftermath (1966)

“Mother’s Little Helper” serves as the opening track for both the U.K. and U.S. versions of the iconic 1966 album Aftermath. The song is a fascinating blend of rockabilly, western, and Middle Eastern influences, showcasing the band’s eclectic style. It clearly resonated with audiences, evidenced by its success as a single that climbed to No. 8 on the charts in America, highlighting the Stones’ ability to innovate while still connecting with fans.

19. “Flip the Switch”
From: Bridges to Babylon (1997)

While the ’90s may not be regarded as the pinnacle of the Rolling Stones‘ creativity, “Flip the Switch” undeniably kicks off the 1997 album Bridges to Babylon with energy and enthusiasm. The driving force of Charlie Watts‘ drumming, combined with additional percussion from the legendary Jim Keltner, creates an engaging opening that manages to draw listeners in, setting a lively tempo for the rest of the album.

18. “Hot Stuff”
From: Black and Blue (1976)

In the 1970s, the Rolling Stones boldly embraced experimentation with disco sounds, and “Hot Stuff” is a prime example of their success in this genre. With a solid four-on-the-floor beat from Charlie Watts and a funky bass line from Bill Wyman, the track showcases their versatility. Additionally, the guitar solo by Harvey Mandel and the piano work by Billy Preston add layers of depth, making “Hot Stuff” an unforgettable opener that challenges genre boundaries.

17. “Everybody Needs Somebody to Love”
From: The Rolling Stones, Now! (1965)

It’s difficult to imagine the Rolling Stones achieving the level of rock stardom they did without the influence of American rhythm and blues artists like Solomon Burke, who co-wrote and recorded “Everybody Needs Somebody to Love” in 1964. The Stones’ rendition serves as a heartfelt homage to the original, capturing the spirit of the song while also showcasing their unique style. This track perfectly illustrates the deep connections between rock and blues music.

16. “Undercover of the Night”
From: Undercover (1983)

The Rolling Stones experienced a transitional phase during the 1980s, influenced by new technologies and evolving recording techniques that altered their sound. During this time, relationships within the band, particularly between Jagger and Richards, were strained. Despite these challenges, “Undercover of the Night” emerges as a strong opening track, immediately captivating listeners with its upbeat tempo and attention-grabbing intro, showcasing the band’s resilience and adaptability.

15. “Love Is Strong”
From: Voodoo Lounge (1994)

Mick Jagger‘s vocal prowess shines in “Love Is Strong,” an opening track that showcases both his upper register and a sultry lower range, creating a robust and captivating performance. This song not only served as a powerful introduction to the album but also achieved commercial success, reaching No. 14 on the U.K. charts. The combination of Jagger’s dynamic delivery and the band’s signature sound makes this track a memorable highlight.

14. “If You Can’t Rock Me”
From: It’s Only Rock ‘n Roll (1974)

While many fans are familiar with the title track from the 1974 album It’s Only Rock ‘n Roll, the opening song, “If You Can’t Rock Me,” serves as an excellent introduction to the album’s overall sound. The track is imbued with a sense of urgency and a hint of desperation, perfectly capturing the essence of rock ‘n’ roll. This bold declaration sets the stage for the exhilarating musical journey that follows.

12. “Brown Sugar”
From: Sticky Fingers (1971)

Although the Rolling Stones have retired “Brown Sugar” from their live performances due to controversial lyrics, its impact as an album opener cannot be overstated. The band recorded the track in just two takes—an impressive feat that stands in stark contrast to later recording practices, as Richards noted in his autobiography Life. This efficiency underscores the spontaneity and raw energy that characterize their early work.

11. “Mercy Mercy”
From: Out of Our Heads (1965)

Listening to the early albums of the Rolling Stones reveals the undeniable potential of Mick Jagger as a rock star. The opening track on the American edition of Out of Our Heads, “Mercy Mercy,” is a prime example of his captivating voice and showmanship. This track demonstrates the band’s early ability to connect with listeners and set the stage for their subsequent success. Meanwhile, the U.K. edition featured “She Said Yeah” as its opener, showcasing the band’s versatility.

10. “She Said Yeah”
From: December’s Children (And Everybody’s) (1965)

“She Said Yeah” was reintroduced as the opening track on 1965’s December’s Children (And Everybody’s). This alluring song features a striking guitar intro that warrants a second listen, capturing the essence of the band’s early sound and energy. Its reappearance in the Stones’ catalog highlights the enduring appeal of its infectious groove.

9. “Rough Justice”
From: A Bigger Bang (2005)

According to lore, Richards conceived the riff for “Rough Justice” in a manner reminiscent of how he created “Satisfaction.” The captivating guitar work is only enhanced by provocative lyrics in the opening lines: “One time you were my baby chicken / Now you’ve grown into a fox / Once upon a time I was your little rooster / Am I just one of your cocks?” This playful and cheeky lyricism sets a vibrant tone for the album.

8. “Dancing With Mr. D.”
From: Goats Head Soup (1973)

The Rolling Stones never fail to impress with their slow-burning tracks, and “Dancing With Mr. D.” is no exception. This song’s subtle complexity showcases the intricate bass work of Mick Taylor and the piano contributions of Nicky Hopkins. The atmospheric buildup allows the listener to immerse themselves in the Stones’ signature sound, showcasing their artistic depth.

7. “Angry”
From: Hackney Diamonds (2023)

In a moment of humor, a reporter for Rolling Stone told Jagger in 1985, “There can’t really be a Rolling Stones when you’re all fifty.” To which he responded, “No, I don’t think so either.” Fast forward to 2023, and the band, well past fifty, released Hackney Diamonds, starting with the track “Angry.” This song is a classic-styled piece that reflects a band seasoned in the art of rock music, proving that age is no barrier to creativity.

6. “Dance (Pt.1)”
From: Emotional Rescue (1980)

While many associate 1980’s Emotional Rescue with its title track, the opening number, “Dance Pt. 1,” deserves attention. The song opens with Jagger enthusiastically calling out, “Keith! Whatcha, whatcha doing?” followed by Ronnie Wood‘s infectious, disco-infused bass line and a lively horn section. The eclectic mix of sounds works harmoniously, creating an engaging experience that showcases the Stones’ ability to innovate.

5. “Rocks Off”
From: Exile on Main St. (1972)

With “Rocks Off,” listeners are treated to a dynamic experience that combines fast-paced, traditional rock ‘n’ roll with a trippy bridge that leads to the memorable line: “The sunshine bores the daylights out of me.” This clever juxtaposition exemplifies the band’s ability to merge different musical styles, making it a standout track that captivates audiences from the very first play.

4. “Sympathy for the Devil”
From: Beggars Banquet (1968)

It’s hard to find an opening line that can rival the iconic, “Please allow me to introduce myself, I’m a man of wealth and taste.” The captivating introduction, paired with the rhythmic conga drums, yelps, grunts, and the unforgettable “woo woo!” backing vocals, creates an extraordinary beginning to an album that has left a lasting impact on rock music history.

3. “Gimme Shelter”
From: Let It Bleed (1969)

“Gimme Shelter” unfolds gradually, building layers and intensity over the first thirty seconds. By the time the chorus arrives, listeners are irresistibly drawn into the song and the album as a whole. This masterful construction captures the essence of the band’s sound, creating an unforgettable listening experience that resonates with audiences even decades later.

2. “Miss You”
From: Some Girls (1978)

One of the most recognizable riffs in rock history belongs to “Miss You.” The creation of this iconic bass line was a journey for Bill Wyman, who had to explore various clubs before he perfected it. As noted by Chris Kimsey, the recording engineer, Wyman’s persistence paid off, resulting in a track that remains a classic, showcasing the band’s enduring influence on rock music.

1. “Start Me Up”
From: Tattoo You (1981)

Ultimately, when considering the quintessential album-opening song, “Start Me Up” stands out as a perfect choice. Its infectious energy and compelling rhythm compel listeners to engage and move, making it a timeless anthem that embodies the spirit of the Rolling Stones. The track effectively invites audiences to dive deeper into the album, ensuring that fans remain captivated throughout.