270. Rolling Stones - Exile On Main Street

Release Date: 1972
Label: Rolling Stones

Bought around the same time as all the other Stones albums I've got, I've probably never given this album the attention it fully deserves - but on the other hand it's never grabbed me the way that, say, 'Let it Bleed' has.

Rating: 7/10
Favourite Track: Tumbling Dice

215. The Rolling Stones - Sticky Fingers

Release Date: 1971
Label: Rolling Stones

I already own this album so I don't think it needs to be listened to again. I also own the next one in the list so I'll be skipping immediately to The Beach Boys.

Rating: 8/10
Favourite Track: Brown Sugar

149. The Rolling Stones - Let it Bleed

Release Date: 1969
Label: Decca

I have often wondered if the Stones called this album 'Let it Bleed' in homage to The Beatles 'Let it Be' but I suspect I may be wrong. This is another album I already own so there was no need for me to listen to it again.

Rating: 9/10
Favourite Track: Gimme Shelter

107. The Rolling Stones - Beggars Banquet

Release Date: 1968
Label: Decca

In 1960s UK, there was an established hierarchy in pop-music. The Beatles were the kings of all they surveyed, untouchable and worshiped by most. On the rung below them were The Rolling Stones, led by the twin-talents of Mick Jagger and Keith Richards with support from Brian Jones, Charlie Watts and Bill Wyman.

Just as The Beatles were beginning their downward trajectory, the Rolling Stones were preparing to usurp their northern rivals. Beggars Banquet is the beginning of their golden age and features at least two of their best songs in 'Street Fighting Man' and 'Sympathy For The Devil'

Rating: 9/10
Favourite Track: Street Fighting Man

70. Rolling Stones- Aftermath

Release Date: 1966
Label: Decca

46. The Rolling Stones- The Rolling Stones

Release Date: 1964
Label: Decca

Titled 'England's Newest Hitmakers' in the USA, this is The Rolling Stones debut album and was recorded a year after The Beatles entered the Abbey Road studios to record the remaining tracks for their debut LP. Unfortunately, a year is a long time in pop and by the time the Stones released this, the Beatles were already re-inventing the wheel. Having said that, despite it's flaws, the album goes along way to showing why the Stones were the 2nd biggest band of the decade. What they lack in originality, they make up for in passion and energy. Fun fact: This album peaked at number one in the UK charts, being bookended by 'With the Beatles' and 'A Hard Day's Night'.

Rating: 7/10
Favourite Track: Can I Get A Witness