10 Best Songs That Feature The Word 'Stone' In The Title

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Sometimes when we begin these articles that focus on certain words in song titles, we don’t always expect to find as many as we do. As we get older, our memories grow a little shorter, and we tend to forget a lot of songs. There are always the classics that come to mind right away, but once we start digging, suddenly all the other great songs pop up, including the deep tracks we fell in love with. The word “stone” is one of those words, and we were genuinely surprised at how many fantastic songs feature it in the title. Of course, “stone” can have different meanings in rock and roll, which makes it even more interesting. Still, we didn’t go too far down that path. We just picked out the classics, our favorites, and a few deeper tracks. What would be your picks?

# 10 – (I’m Not Your) Steppin’ Stone – Monkees

Launching this list of the best songs with “stone” in the title, “(I’m Not Your) Steppin’ Stone” by the Monkees epitomizes rebellion against manipulation and self-centered ambition. Originally written by Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart, it was released by the Monkees in November 1966 as the B-side to “I’m a Believer” and soon made its own impact, reaching No. 20 on the Billboard Hot 100. Though the song wasn’t initially intended to be a primary hit, it became one of the Monkees’ iconic tracks, capturing the edgy sentiments of the 1960s and establishing the band’s presence beyond their television personas.

Musically, the track is marked by Micky Dolenz’s lead vocals. Supporting him are musicians Tommy Boyce on backing vocals, Wayne Erwin and Gerry McGee on rhythm guitars, Louis Shelton on lead guitar, Bobby Hart on the Vox Continental organ, Larry Taylor on bass, Billy Lewis on drums, and Henry Lewy on percussion. The song’s rebellious spirit was visually amplified through appearances in the Monkees’ television show, where it became a fitting soundtrack for the playful, sometimes chaotic, “romp” scenes.

Read More: Top 10 Songs From The Monkees

# 9 – Stone In Love – Journey

Opening with an electrifying guitar riff by the great Neal Schon, Journey’s “Stone in Love” from their 1981 album Escape channels the yearning and passion of young romance. You remember those days right? Written by guitarist Neal Schon and lead vocalist Steve Perry, this song stands out easily as one of our favorite Journey songs. Although it was not released as a single, “Stone in Love” has remained a concert staple.

“Stone in Love” explores the theme of looking back on past love with a sense of longing and appreciation. Unlike the rebellious tone of “(I’m Not Your) Steppin’ Stone” by the Monkees, this song leans into sentimentality rather than defiance, adding a romantic contrast to the list.

Read More: 10 Most Underrated Journey Songs

# 8 – Heart Of Stone – Southside Johnny And The Asbury Jukes

The title track from Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes’ 1977 album Heart of Stone remains one of the band’s most beloved songs. Written by his good friend Bruce Springsteen, with whom he worked and grew up on the shorelines of New Jersey, it’s a testament to their musical camaraderie. Springsteen penned many songs for Southside Johnny on his first three albums, but this one stands out, arguably alongside “The Fever.” Heart of Stone is a powerful rock and roll ballad with a soaring chorus, showcasing Southside Johnny’s vocal chops—the very talent that made him a legend on the Jersey Shore and earned him a devoted fan base over the years. I saw him a few years back opening for Little Feat, and he absolutely blew away the audience.

# 7 – Stone Cold – Rainbow

I’ve always thought that Joe Lynn Turner never really got the credit he deserved as lead singer of Rainbow during his time with the band. The man had a phenomenal voice and brought so much to the group. However, of course, when you have Ritchie Blackmore fronting the band, one can easily get lost in the shadows. “Stone Cold” showcases Joe Lynn Turner at his best. The song was released in 1982 on their album Straight Between the Eyes. The lineup for this recording included Ritchie Blackmore on guitar, Joe Lynn Turner on vocals, Roger Glover on bass, Bobby Rondinelli on drums, and David Rosenthal on keyboards. The song charted impressively, reaching number 40 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking one of Rainbow’s highest-charting singles in the United States.

# 6 – Turn To Stone – Electric Light Orchestra

Jeff Lynne and Electric Light Orchestra were doing incredible work in the 1970s. I first became a fan when Face the Music was released; the album blew me away. The band’s next release, A New World Record, impressed me even more—I thought it was one of the strongest albums of 1976. However, after releasing these two fantastic albums back-to-back, Jeff Lynne and his bandmates in ELO created an even more epic record with the double album Out of the Blue. Filled with some of the band’s greatest songs, this list is represented by one of its outstanding tracks, “Turn to Stone.”

The track was recorded at Musicland Studios in Munich, Germany, produced by Jeff Lynne himself, with the full ensemble of the band, including Bev Bevan on drums, Richard Tandy on keyboards, Kelly Groucutt on bass, and of course, Lynne on lead vocals and guitar.

# 5 – Roll Away The Stone – Mott The Hoople

Close rock fans who follow this page would never argue against the fact that Ian Hunter is a true treasure. As one of rock’s all-time great vocalists and songwriters, he began his career with the fabulous band Mott the Hoople. After leaving that group, he went on to establish an incredible solo career that’s still thriving to this day, with Hunter continuing to release new music. Nonetheless, in this article, we pay tribute to Ian Hunter and Mott the Hoople with the classic song “Roll Away the Stone.”

“Roll Away the Stone.” was featured on their 1974 album The Hoople. Written by Hunter, the song was released as a single and became a hit in the UK, reaching number eight on the UK Singles Chart. Its infectious rhythm, memorable chorus, and strong hooks quickly made it a fan favorite, contributing to Mott the Hoople’s legacy as one of glam rock’s most beloved bands.

# 4 – Stone Cold Crazy – Queen

I remember it was 1974, eighth grade, and I was riding my bike with a friend. We had one of those radios attached to the bike, and “Stone Cold Crazy” by Queen came on the radio. I had never heard anything like that before. I turned to my friend and said, “Who is this?” It would be days later before we figured it out, and I became an instant fan, running out to buy the album Sheer Heart Attack, which features “Stone Cold Crazy.” It still remains one of my favorite Queen albums. I’ve always felt that Queen’s first three albums were some of their best. Of course, we all love A Night at the Opera, A Day at the Races, News of the World, and pretty much everything else they ever did. But those first three albums are just scorchers. If there was a quintessential “killer” Queen song (pun intended), “Stone Cold Crazy” would take that title—it’s the one.

# 3 – Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone – The Temptations

“Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone” remains one of The Temptations’ most iconic songs, blending soul, funk, and an ominous sense of storytelling that was groundbreaking for the era. Written by Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong, the song was recorded at Motown’s Hitsville U.S.A. studios in Detroit in 1972 and released as a single in September of that year. With Whitfield as the producer, “Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone” introduced an innovative style of production and a style that defined the psychedelic soul genre that Whitfield was pioneering with The Temptations. Too many people just remember the Temptations as a soul man but the truth is he’s this group was releasing music that was very Innovative and reflective of the times.

“Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone” soared to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 and the R&B charts, and its acclaim extended beyond commercial success. It won three Grammy Awards in 1973, including Best R&B Vocal Performance by a Duo, Group or Chorus, and Best R&B Instrumental Performance, solidifying its place in music history.

# 2 – Stone Free / Third Stone From The Sun – Jimi Hendrix

As we get close to the end of this list, it’s only fitting to have a tie from the legendary Jimi Hendrix, whose groundbreaking approach to guitar and songwriting changed rock music forever. “Stone Free,” originally released as the B-side to his first single “Hey Joe” in 1966 and later included on reissues of Are You Experienced, captures Hendrix’s fierce independence and his rejection of societal expectations. With its killer riff and defiant lyrics—“Stone free to do what I please”—the track became an anthem for individuality and freedom, resonating with fans as a bold expression of Hendrix’s personal philosophy. Its influence can’t be understated.

On the other hand, “Third Stone from the Sun” from his debut album Are You Experienced (1967) takes listeners on a cosmic journey, blending psychedelic rock and jazz with avant-garde soundscapes. Known for its innovative use of guitar effects and surreal spoken-word elements, “Third Stone from the Sun” highlights Hendrix’s fascination with outer space and his desire to push musical boundaries beyond what was typical in rock at the time. The track’s swirling guitar work and experimental tones established Hendrix as a musician unafraid to explore new sonic territories, influencing a wide range of artists who followed.

# 1 – Like A Rolling Stone – Bob Dylan

Closing this list with Bob Dylan’s “Like a Rolling Stone” is as fitting as it gets. Released in 1965 on the album Highway 61 Revisited, this track is often hailed as one of the greatest songs in rock history. Dylan’s defiant lyrics and searing delivery revolutionized songwriting, capturing the spirit of a generation breaking away from convention and yearning for authenticity. Clocking in at over six minutes—a rarity for its time—the song broke traditional boundaries in both length and lyrical complexity, setting a new standard for what popular music could be.

Musically, “Like a Rolling Stone” combines Dylan’s folk roots with a raw rock edge, driven by Al Kooper’s iconic organ riff and Mike Bloomfield’s bluesy guitar licks. The song’s refrain—“How does it feel?”—sweeps listeners into a cathartic exploration of loss, disillusionment, and freedom, capturing a spirit of upheaval that resonates even today.

As the final entry on this list, Dylan’s classic encapsulates everything that’s been celebrated here: a song that doesn’t just use the word “stone” in its title but transforms it into an unforgettable symbol of resilience, defiance, and soul-searching. “Like a Rolling Stone” remains a timeless anthem, concluding this journey through music history on an undeniably powerful note.