The Beatles Vs The Rolling Stones
How They Measure Up!
Okay, I know there are going to be very strong and opposing views on this. It’s a great conversation starter. I mean seriously, the obvious answer is… Well, what is it? In my opinion it is entirely subjective.
The question was first Started haunting me as I listed to and loved the song “Gimme Sympathy” by Metric. “Who’d you rather be, the Beatles or the Rolling Stones?”
So to my girlfriend at the time I posed the question. Her immediate response “The Rolling Stones”. I paused on her answer. I had expected it to be the Beatles. Not because that was my answer, but because in my mind everyone chooses the Beatles. I mean wait, what? No! Of course not all of you would. Some of you would choose the Rolling Stones.
At the time, I was confident in my answer. For me it was the Beatles. I just always remember loving their upbeat happy, sounding melodies and lyrics. When they went pure hard rock with screeching guitars like in “Helter Skelter“ or Revolution. Listening to the Beatles had always been apart of my musical history since my cousin John married his wife. In fact there are two very defining points in my musical development. The boys from my fathers pipe and drum band and my cousins 8 track collection. Yeah I said It. 8 track!
The Beatles
My Top 5 Beatles Songs
1. "Come Together":
- Released: September 1969
- Album: "Abbey Road"
- Written by: John Lennon
Notable Features:
This Beatles song has always been one of my favs. It features a distinctive, funky deep bass line and a memorable, cryptic lyrical style. As the opening track for the "Abbey Road" album it has grown to be one of the bands most memorable songs. Written by John Lennon it is credited to Lennon and McCartney. Come Together reached the top of the charts in the US and Australia and peaked at number 4 in the UK.
2. "Something":
- Released: October 1969
- Album: "Abbey Road"
- Written by: George Harrison
Notable Features:
"Something" is a beautiful ballad and one of Harrison's most celebrated compositions. In fact this was the song we walked down the aisle to at my one and only wedding.The song showcases Georges growth as a songwriter. The heartfelt lyrics and a memorable melody turned this song into one of the Beatles' most popular tracks.
3. "Revolution":
- Released: August 1968
- Album: "The Beatles" (also known as "The White Album")
- Written by: John Lennon
Notable Features: "Revolution" is a politically charged rock song with a raw and aggressive sound. It exists in two versions: the slower and more introspective "Revolution 1" and the faster, more energetic "Revolution." The song reflects Lennon's views on social and political change. He was visionary.
4. "Here Comes the Sun":
- Released: September 1969
- Album: "Abbey Road"
- Written by: George Harrison
Notable Features: "Here Comes the Sun" is a joyous and uplifting song with a catchy melody. It features Harrison's intricate guitar work and harmonies. The song is known for its optimistic lyrics and has become one of the Beatles' most beloved tracks.
5. "Get Back":
- Released: April 1969
- Album: Originally released as a single, later included in the "Let It Be" album
- Written by: Paul McCartney (credited to Lennon-McCartney)
Notable Features: "Get Back" is a lively rock song with a catchy chorus. It has a bluesy influence and a straightforward, driving rhythm. The lyrics tell a story about Jojo, a fictional character, and the song showcases the Beatles' energy and tight musical chemistry.
These songs represent my top 5 Beatles songs. They are a strong representation of what it was I first wanted in the music I was seeking. Their diverse songwriting styles and their ability to create timeless and memorable music that fit many different genres.
Top 5 All Time Songs
The Beatles have had numerous successful songs throughout their career, but here are five of their most widely recognized and commercially successful tracks:
1. "Hey Jude":
The song spent nine weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States.
2. "Yesterday":
"Yesterday" is a timeless and beautifully melancholic ballad written and sung by Paul McCartney.
3. "Let It Be":
The song became an anthem for many and reached No. 1 on various charts worldwide.
4. "I Want to Hold Your Hand":
The song topped the charts in multiple countries and ignited Beatlemania in the US, propelling them to global fame.
5. "She Loves You":
The song reached No. 1 in the UK and played a crucial role in establishing the Beatles' popularity early in their career.
These songs represent some of the Beatles' most successful and enduring hits, showcasing their songwriting prowess, musical innovation, and cultural impact. There are many other favorites, please post in the comments some of yours. Include the link to the video please I love music that is shared.
The Rolling Stones
My Top 5 Rolling Stones Songs
1. "Wild Horses":
- Released: April 1971
- Album: "Sticky Fingers"
- Written by: Mick Jagger and Keith Richards
Notable Features: "Wild Horses" is a poignant and incredibly melodic acoustical ballad. It features introspective lyrics, exploring themes of love and deep longing. The song is considered one of the Rolling Stones' most beloved and enduring tracks. For me in particular is scream of the type of love lost when that connection was just incredibly right and maybe a little wrong at the same time.
2. "Paint It Black":
- Released: May 1966
- Album: "Aftermath"
- Written by: Mick Jagger and Keith Richards
Notable Features: "Paint It Black" is a dark and dramatic song characterized by its distinctive sitar riff and driving rhythm. The lyrics convey a sense of despair and introspection. The song's unique sound and powerful atmosphere contributed to its success.
3. "Sympathy for the Devil":
- Released: December 1968
- Album: "Beggars Banquet"
= Written by: Mick Jagger and Keith Richards
Notable Features: "Sympathy for the Devil" is a provocative and bluesy rock song that features a hypnotic rhythm, strong percussion, and Jagger's charismatic vocals. The lyrics present Satan's perspective throughout different historical events. The song is considered one of the Rolling Stones' signature tracks.
4. "Satisfaction":
- Released: June 1965
- Album: "Out of Our Heads" (US version)
- Written by: Mick Jagger and Keith Richards
Notable Features: "Satisfaction" is one of the Rolling Stones' most iconic and recognizable songs. It opens with one of the most famous guitar riffs in rock history. The lyrics express frustration and longing for fulfillment, capturing the spirit of the rebellious rock 'n' roll era.
5. "Let's Spend the Night Together":
- Released: January 1967
- Album: "Between the Buttons"
- Written by: Mick Jagger and Keith Richards
Notable Features: "Let's Spend the Night Together" is an upbeat and energetic rock song with catchy hooks and a lively melody. The lyrics hint at a desire for a romantic intimate encounter. The song generated some controversy at the time due to its suggestive nature.
These Rolling Stones songs showcase my favorites. I definitely like the earlier Stones songs. Hear we can get an idea of band's range, from heartfelt ballads to gritty rock and roll anthems. Each song has contributed to the Rolling Stones' legacy and their reputation as one of the greatest rock bands of all time.
Top 5 All Time Songs
The Rolling Stones have had numerous successful songs throughout their career. Below are five of their most widely recognized and commercially successful tracks:
1. "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction":
The song's rebellious spirit and catchy chorus made it a massive hit worldwide.
2. "Paint It Black"
This song reached No. 1 on the charts in various countries. It was also a feature in the into to the show China Beach.
3. "Start Me Up":
"Start Me Up" is a rock anthem characterized by its infectious guitar riff and energetic groove. The song became one of the Rolling Stones' signature tracks
4. "Brown Sugar":
The song became a hit, reaching high positions on the charts in several countries.
5. "Angie":
"Angie" is a heartfelt and melodic ballad that displays a softer side of the Rolling Stones' repertoire.
