The Rolling Stones: Celebrating Their Impact on Music (Despite Some Criticism)

Ah the Rolling Stones, whom many of us older folks still hold near and dear to our hearts. From their earliest days as part of the British Invasion in the 1960s, through their long career spanning almost 60 years, there’s no denying that the Rolling Stones have had a huge impact on popular music—but they certainly haven’t been without criticism along the way too! In this blog post we will take a look at both sides; highlighting some of perhaps less-lauded aspects of The Rolling Stones while paying tribute to all that they’ve achieved throughout such an illustrious career.

When it comes to legendary rock bands, few come to mind quite like The Rolling Stones. These icons of the British Invasion have been making music for almost 60 years now, and they continue to tour and release new music to this day. From Mick Jagger's mesmerizing stage presence to Keith Richards' signature guitar riffs, The Rolling Stones have left an unforgettable mark on popular music. But like any band with such a long and storied career, The Rolling Stones have also faced their fair share of criticism. In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at the impact The Rolling Stones have had on music, and also address some of the common criticisms that have been levied against them.

First and foremost, it's important to acknowledge just how much The Rolling Stones have accomplished in their career. They are one of the best-selling music artists of all time, having sold more than 240 million records worldwide. They've been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and their music has inspired countless other artists to pick up instruments and start making their own unique sounds. The Stones' influence can be heard in everything from indie rock to punk, and even some hip-hop and electronic music.

Of course, a band as popular and long-lived as The Rolling Stones is not without its critics. One common critique leveled against Mick Jagger and company is that they rely too heavily on their past hits when performing live. While it's true that The Rolling Stones' setlists often include classic songs like Satisfaction and Brown Sugar, it's worth noting that the band has continued to release new music throughout their career as well. In fact, their most recent album, Blue & Lonesome, was released in 2016 and received widespread critical acclaim.

Another criticism that has been lobbed at The Rolling Stones over the years is that their music perpetuates misogynistic or racist attitudes. It's true that certain songs in their catalog (such as Under My Thumb and Brown Sugar) contain lyrics that can be interpreted this way. However, it's worth noting that the band has also been vocal about their support for causes like the Civil Rights Movement and LGBT rights. Additionally, many of their songs tackle social issues like poverty and injustice in a thoughtful and nuanced way.

One aspect of The Rolling Stones that is often overlooked in discussions of their music is their visual style. The band's fashion choices throughout the years have been just as iconic as their music, with everything from Mick Jagger's tight-fitting pants to Keith Richards' skull rings becoming cultural touchstones. The Stones' look was part of a broader movement in rock and roll that emphasized individuality and nonconformity, and it's one that has resonated with fans for decades.

Lastly, it's worth mentioning the sheer personality and charisma that The Rolling Stones bring to their performances. For any music lover who has had the chance to see them live, it's clear that there is something truly special about the way that Jagger and company command the stage. The way that they interact with each other and with the audience is something that can't be replicated, and it's a big reason why they continue to be one of the most popular live acts in the world.

At the end of the day, it's impossible to deny the impact that The Rolling Stones have had on popular music. They've inspired countless artists, broken records, and given us some of the most memorable songs in rock and roll history. And while it's important to acknowledge the criticisms that have been leveled against them over the years, it's equally important to remember the many ways that they've pushed the boundaries of what rock and roll can be. So whether you're a diehard fan or simply someone who appreciates good music, it's always worth taking a moment to appreciate all that The Rolling Stones have achieved over the course of their remarkable career.