10 Rolling Stones Songs That Even Hardcore Fans Don’t Listen To

The Rolling Stones performing live, with Mick Jagger singing into a microphone in a green jacket, Keith Richards playing guitar in a zebra-striped shirt, and Ronnie Wood in a pink jacket.

via DJ Gerry from Starlight Music / YouTube

The Rolling Stones have an extensive catalog of songs, many of which are celebrated classics. However, some tracks have not resonated as strongly with fans. Here are ten Rolling Stones songs that even some hardcore fans tend to overlook:

1. “Indian Girl”

Featured on the 1980 album Emotional Rescue, “Indian Girl” is a ballad set against the backdrop of political unrest in Latin America. The song narrates the story of a young girl amidst conflict, blending country and Latin musical elements. Despite its storytelling ambition, the track’s slow pace and somber tone have led some fans to skip it, especially when compared to the album’s more upbeat offerings.

2. “Back to Zero”

From the 1986 album Dirty Work, “Back to Zero” reflects the band’s experimentation with the 1980s’ synthesizer-driven sound. The song addresses themes of nuclear annihilation and societal complacency. However, its production style and departure from the Stones’ classic rock roots have made it less popular among traditional fans.

3. “Winning Ugly”

Also on Dirty Work, “Winning Ugly” critiques corporate greed and personal ambition. The track incorporates a polished, contemporary 1980s sound, which some listeners felt lacked the raw energy characteristic of the Stones. This stylistic shift contributed to its lukewarm reception among the fanbase.

4. “Suck on the Jugular”

Included in the 1994 album Voodoo Lounge, “Suck on the Jugular” showcases a funk-inspired approach. The song’s deviation from the band’s established rock style puzzled some fans, leading to its status as one of the less frequently revisited tracks in their discography.

5. “Might as Well Get Juiced”

Featured on the 1997 album Bridges to Babylon, “Might as Well Get Juiced” stands out due to its incorporation of electronic beats and a trip-hop influence. This experimental direction was a significant departure from the Stones’ traditional sound, resulting in mixed reactions from their audience.

6. “Sweet Neo Con”

From the 2005 album A Bigger Bang, “Sweet Neo Con” is a politically charged song criticizing neoconservatism. Its overt political message and the timing of its release led to polarized opinions, causing some fans to distance themselves from the track.

7. “Undercover of the Night”

Released in 1983 on the album Undercover, this song addresses political corruption and violence in Central and South America. Despite its dance-rock rhythm, the track’s heavy political themes and the controversial, violent music video directed by Julien Temple led to mixed reactions among fans. The video’s depiction of political unrest and explicit content resulted in censorship on various platforms.

8. “Continental Drift”

Featured on the 1989 album Steel Wheels, “Continental Drift” incorporates Moroccan musical influences, reflecting the band’s interest in world music. While innovative, its divergence from the Stones’ typical sound made it less accessible to some fans, leading to its status as a lesser-known track.

9. “Sing This All Together (See What Happens)”

From the 1967 album Their Satanic Majesties Request, this track is an experimental piece reflecting the psychedelic era. Its abstract structure and departure from the band’s rhythm and blues roots resulted in mixed reviews, and it remains one of the less celebrated songs among fans.

10. “Gomper”

Also on Their Satanic Majesties Request, “Gomper” continues the band’s exploration into psychedelic sounds. Its unconventional composition and mystical lyrics did not resonate with all listeners, leading to its obscurity in the band’s extensive catalog.

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