11. “Midnight Rambler”
It’s a pretty disturbing set of lyrics that accompany this lengthy track off Let It Bleed, but such violence has been part and parcel of blues songs for as long as they’ve been in existence. In truth, Jagger’s tale of a home-invading miscreant pales in impact next to his breathless harmonica-playing. Meanwhile, the rest of the band handles tempo shifts and loud-to-soft dynamics with virtuosic dexterity and innate feel. Even after almost seven, relentless minutes of playing, the boys seem like they’re just getting warmed up.
More The List
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English musician Brian Jones (1942-1969) of The Rolling Stones plays a sitar during a performance by the band on the set of the Associated Rediffusion Television pop music television show Ready Steady Go! at Wembley Television Studios in London on 27th May 1966. The group would perform three tracks on this edition of the show, 'I Am Waiting', 'Under My Thumb' and 'Paint It Black'. (Photo by Ivan Keeman/Redferns) -
AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS: Jackson Browne performs live on stage in Amsterdam, Holland in 1974 (Photo by vCaem/Hanekroot/Redferns) -
IN CONCERT – Airdate: March 29, 1974. (Photo by ABC Photo Archives/ABC via Getty Images) REDBONE -
Wayne Fontana (white shirt) with his backing group The Mindbenders consisting of left to right: Eric Stewart, Bob Lang and Rick Rothwell, photographed before recording the ABC television show "Thank Your Lucky Stars". 3rd May 1964. (Photo by MSI/Mirrorpix/Mirrorpix via Getty Images) -
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – Megan Moroney performs onstage for the Capital One JamFest during the 2026 NCAA March Madness Music Festival on April 05, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Derek White/Getty Images for TNT Sports) -
QUEENS, NY – August 20: MANDATORY CREDIT Bill Tompkins/Getty Images Joan Jett perfoming at Shea Stadium on August 20, 1983 in Queens. (Photo by Bill Tompkins/Getty Images) -
English rock band The Kinks at London Airport (later Heathrow), UK, 12th January 1965. They are flying to Marseille in France for two concert dates in the city. From left to right, Ray Davies, Dave Davies, Pete Quaife and Mick Avory. (Photo by Evening Standard/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
