Top 10 Rolling Stones Love Songs

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The Rolling Stones are synonymous with rock and roll rebellion, but their music also delves deeply into the complexities of love and relationships. Across decades of legendary songwriting, they’ve explored every facet of the subject, from infatuation and longing to heartbreak and bittersweet goodbyes. While their reputation often leans on their edgier, love-adjacent themes, this list highlights the band’s ability to craft some of the most compelling love songs in rock history. These tracks showcase the depth of their artistry, blending emotional storytelling with the unmistakable swagger that defines their sound.

From tender ballads like “Memory Motel,” where Billy Preston’s piano lays the foundation for Mick Jagger’s career-defining vocal, to the haunting devotion of “Lady Jane,” accented by Brian Jones’ dulcimer, these songs display the Stones’ versatility. Tracks like “Wild Horses” capture love’s bittersweet duality, while “Angie” channels heartbreak through Richards’ poignant melodies and Jagger’s raw emotion. Meanwhile, “Moonlight Mile” offers a deeply introspective take on love and longing, balancing the band’s powerful instrumentation with lyrical vulnerability.

Whether it’s the upbeat rebellion of “Let’s Spend the Night Together” or the quiet yearning of “As Tears Go By,” each song on this list reflects the multifaceted nature of love. From clandestine relationships in “Till the Next Goodbye” to the vibrant psychedelia of “She’s A Rainbow,” the Rolling Stones’ love songs prove their ability to innovate within every musical phase. As we revisit these unforgettable tracks, their timeless appeal reminds us why the Rolling Stones remain one of the greatest bands of all time, capturing love in all its messy, beautiful forms.

Top 10 Rolling Stones Love Songs

#10 – That’s How Strong My Love Is

Roosevelt Jamison’s “That’s How Strong My Love Is” is a soul classic that countless artists have embraced since its inception in 1964. The song’s evocative nature metaphors—comparing love to vast, enduring elements like rivers, mountains, and the sun—immediately resonated with audiences, creating an enduring appeal. O.V. Wright’s original recording introduced the song’s emotional depth with his deeply felt delivery, setting the bar high for subsequent interpretations. His version became a touchstone of Southern soul, radiating vulnerability and passion.

In 1965, The Rolling Stones recorded their rendition of “That’s How Strong My Love Is” for their second U.S. album, The Rolling Stones, Now! The band’s version, featuring Mick Jagger’s impassioned vocal performance, infused the song with a raw, bluesy energy while retaining its tender essence. Brian Jones’ ethereal guitar work and the band’s rhythm section gave the track a distinctive edge, bridging the worlds of soul and rock in a way that only the Stones could achieve. Their interpretation showcased the band’s deep appreciation for American soul music and demonstrated their ability to reinterpret it with their own gritty style.

Over the decades, “That’s How Strong My Love Is” has remained a favorite in The Rolling Stones’ catalog, often cited as one of their most moving ballads. While the song has been covered by numerous artists across genres, including the Hollies and Otis Redding, The Rolling Stones’ version holds a unique place in rock history. It reflects the band’s early dedication to honoring and reimagining the music that inspired them while carving out their own path. This track serves as a reminder of the universality of love, proving its timeless relevance through its emotional sincerity and unforgettable delivery.

#9 – Let’s Spend the Night Together

“Let’s Spend the Night Together,” released in 1967, is one of The Rolling Stones’ most iconic tracks, emblematic of the cultural tensions and evolving attitudes of its era. Featured on the album Between the Buttons, the song’s bold invitation was a daring statement at a time when the idea of casual romance was still considered taboo. Written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, the track’s energetic piano-driven rhythm and suggestive lyrics pushed boundaries, cementing the band’s reputation as provocateurs who weren’t afraid to challenge societal norms.

The controversy surrounding the song reached its peak during The Rolling Stones’ infamous performance on The Ed Sullivan Show. The show’s producers demanded the band alter the lyrics from “let’s spend the night together” to the tamer “let’s spend some time together” to avoid offending viewers. Mick Jagger complied but did so with a theatrical eye-roll, a gesture that symbolized the band’s rebellious spirit. Ed Sullivan, unimpressed by the stunt, declared the band banned from his show—a ban that, true to rock and roll’s unpredictable nature, was overturned within a couple of years. The incident epitomized the push and pull between traditional values and the burgeoning counterculture of the 1960s.

Musically, “Let’s Spend the Night Together” is a testament to The Rolling Stones’ ability to craft infectious, dynamic songs that capture the spirit of their time. The vibrant piano work by Jack Nitzsche drives the melody, while Jagger’s vocals and the band’s harmonies bring an undeniable energy to the track. Though the song was considered scandalous upon its release, its playful and spirited nature feels almost quaint in today’s context. Over time, “Let’s Spend the Night Together” has become more than a provocative statement—it’s a celebration of youthful exuberance and the freedom to love on one’s own terms.

#8 – As Tears Go By

“As Tears Go By” is one of the Rolling Stones’ first original songs. Supposedly, the band’s manager, Andrew Loog Oldham, locked Jagger and Keith Richards in a kitchen to force them to write something together. The result was surprisingly good, so much so that Oldham gave it to the singer Marianne Faithfull. It became a hit in her hands. Eventually, The Rolling Stones recorded their own version, which became a hit in their hands. “As Tears Go By” is remarkably open to interpretation. As a result, it isn’t hard to read themes of love and loss in its lyrics.

#7 – Moonlight Mile

Generally speaking, people interpret “Moonlight Mile” as a reflection of the inner weariness that presumably exists beneath Mick Jagger’s public persona. True or not, it is quite good as a highly emotional song about returning to one’s significant other. Amusingly, some people interpret the song in a much more metaphorical light. In their opinion, it describes cocaine use rather than an actual homecoming, though Jagger has always denied this. Either way, “Moonlight Mile” remains as evocative as ever.

#6 – She’s A Rainbow

Psychedelic rock was prominent in the late 1960s. In those times, there were two main branches. One was the American West Coast’s more challenging and heavier acid rock. The other was the more surreal stuff coming out of the United Kingdom. Like everyone else from the era, the Rolling Stones had a psychedelic rock phase. “She’s A Rainbow” is an excellent reminder of that. Strictly speaking, the song isn’t necessarily a love song. Still, it is effortless to interpret it that way, mainly since its lyrics clearly show that the titular woman is quite attractive from the singer’s perspective.

#5 – Till the Next Goodbye

“Till the Next Goodbye” is a love song. Even so, it is packed with roiling emotions, with love being one of them. The context makes it clear there are two lovers whose relationship must remain clandestine for some reason. After all, a coffee shop on Manhattan’s 42nd Street would not have been a good place to meet up in the 1970s. If anything, it would have been quite disreputable, which rather limits the range of possible interpretations. There is a powerful draw between the two lovers. Simultaneously, the nature of their relationship is putting enormous stress on them. That narrative pairing gives this song the sense of tension that it needs to be great.

#4 – Angie

“Angie” was the lead single for 1973’s Goats Head Soup. Its credits mention both Jagger and Richards, but it is well-known to be a Richards song for the most part. Unsurprisingly, people have puzzled over who “Angie” refers to. Richards once claimed that it referred to his daughter. In 2010, he stated that he had chosen the name at random before he knew that his daughter was even going to be a daughter, meaning that particular answer can’t be the right one. As for Jagger, his contributions supposedly referenced the breakdown of his relationship with Faithfull.

# 3 – Wild Horses

“Wild Horses” is one of The Rolling Stones’ most enduring love songs, cherished for its emotional depth and delicate balance of sweetness and sorrow. Featured on their 1971 album Sticky Fingers, the song marked a departure from the band’s signature swagger, revealing a softer, more introspective side. Written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, the track is often associated with Gram Parsons, a close friend of the band who influenced their exploration of country music at the time. While Parsons didn’t contribute directly to the song, his presence and the era’s country-rock movement undoubtedly left an imprint on its sound.

Musically, “Wild Horses” blends acoustic guitars, tender piano lines by Jim Dickinson, and a plaintive vocal delivery from Jagger. Richards’ 12-string guitar adds a shimmering texture, while Charlie Watts and Bill Wyman provide a restrained yet steady rhythm section. The arrangement’s simplicity underscores the song’s poignant lyrics, allowing the raw emotion of the piece to take center stage. Its blend of country and rock elements gives the track a timeless quality, setting it apart from the rest of Sticky Fingers’ more rugged offerings.

Lyrically, “Wild Horses” is a bittersweet ode to love’s endurance and the pain of separation. Lines like “Wild horses couldn’t drag me away” express an unyielding devotion, while the underlying regret hints at the complexities of real-life relationships. The song’s melancholic tone echoes themes found in other Rolling Stones love songs, such as the heartbreak of “Angie” and the nostalgic yearning of “Memory Motel.” However, its subdued elegance makes it uniquely powerful. The interplay of sorrow and sweetness amplifies the emotional resonance, solidifying “Wild Horses” as one of The Rolling Stones’ greatest and most beloved love songs.

#2 – Lady Jane

“Lady Jane” is a delicate and refined pledge of devotion that marked a turning point in The Rolling Stones’ musical evolution. Featured on the 1966 album Aftermath, the song showcases Mick Jagger and Keith Richards’ growing dominance as the band’s primary songwriters. Unlike the blues-heavy tracks that had defined their earlier work, “Lady Jane” reveals a more nuanced, experimental side of the band. The song’s elegance is underscored by Brian Jones’ instrumental versatility, most notably his use of the dulcimer, a traditional Appalachian instrument rarely associated with rock music.

The dulcimer’s presence is key to the song’s unique character, lending it an almost medieval quality that sets it apart from other tracks on Aftermath. Jones’ ability to incorporate new and unexpected textures into the band’s repertoire is evident here, even as his influence within the group began to wane. Combined with Jack Nitzsche’s harpsichord embellishments, the track takes on a baroque sensibility that beautifully complements Jagger’s lyrical ode to devotion and longing.

Lyrically, “Lady Jane” is a poetic vow of loyalty, capturing the timeless themes of love and commitment. Jagger’s subdued vocal delivery enhances the song’s romantic atmosphere, contrasting with the raw passion found in tracks like “Wild Horses.” While “Lady Jane” reflects an air of refinement and restraint, it is no less moving, serving as a testament to The Rolling Stones’ ability to explore the full spectrum of love in their music. Its intricate arrangement and heartfelt lyrics make it one of the most captivating entries in their catalog.

#1 – Memory Motel

One cannot compile a list of the best Rolling Stones love songs without including “Memory Motel,” a hauntingly beautiful ballad from their 1976 album Black and Blue. As the album’s penultimate track, “Memory Motel” showcases the band’s ability to slow things down while delivering a deeply emotional and evocative narrative. Recorded in various locations, including Munich, Montreux, and Rotterdam, the song features the collaborative genius of Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, with Billy Preston’s piano chords opening the track and setting the mood with a cinematic elegance. The soothing piano immediately transports listeners to the titular motel in Montauk, New York, capturing the wistful, timeless essence of the song. It even conjures the feeling of being stuck in that infamous Long Island traffic, where the journey to Montauk feels endless, yet somehow worth it.

Lyrically, “Memory Motel” stands out as a poignant ode to a fleeting love affair, tinged with longing and regret. The line “She got a mind of her own and she use it well” captures the admiration and independence of the song’s mysterious subject, while the references to places like Montauk give it a grounded, personal feel. Jagger’s vocal performance is among his finest, balancing vulnerability and reflection with a powerful emotional resonance. Richards joins him on vocals, creating a heartfelt duet that enhances the track’s introspective tone, making it one of the rare Stones songs where their vocal interplay takes center stage.

Billy Preston’s contributions on piano and synthesizer elevate the track, blending seamlessly with Richards’ acoustic guitar and the understated rhythm section. The song’s layered arrangement and sprawling six-and-a-half-minute runtime allow the narrative to breathe, building a connection with listeners as it unfolds. Compared to tracks like “Wild Horses,” which conveys bittersweet longing, “Memory Motel” offers a more cinematic and narrative-driven exploration of love. It is a fitting conclusion to this list, and the reference to Long Island traffic is apt—it’s a slow, winding journey to get there, but once you arrive, the destination is unforgettable, just like this song.