Beggars Banquet (1968) - The Rolling Stones

9/10

Image credit: Album cover for Beggars Banquet by The Rolling Stones. © Decca Records and London Records. Used under fair use for review and commentary purposes.

The Rolling Stones are an English rock band formed in London in 1962. More than sixty years later, they remain one of the greatest rock bands to ever walk the earth. The current lineup features Mick Jagger on vocals, Keith Richards on lead guitar, Ronnie Wood on rhythm guitar, Darryl Jones on bass, and Steve Jordan on drums. For much of the band's history—and during the height of their success—Charlie Watts held down the drums until his passing in 2021, and Bill Wyman served as bassist until his departure in 1993.

The group helped define the sound and attitude of rock ’n’ roll throughout the 1960s and beyond. Known for their blues-infused sound, rebellious image, and iconic hits like “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction,” “Paint It Black,” and “Sympathy for the Devil,” the Stones quickly rose to global stardom. Over the decades, they’ve released dozens of albums, sold hundreds of millions of records, and performed on some of the highest-grossing tours in history. Despite lineup changes and the loss of Watts, The Rolling Stones continue to perform and release new music, maintaining their legacy as one of the most celebrated rock bands of all time.

Their 1968 album “Beggars Banquet” was the band’s seventh British and ninth American studio release, issued in the U.S. under London Records. The album marked a bold return to their blues and rock roots, stepping away from the psychedelic experiments of the previous year. The original Beggars Banquet album cover, featuring a graffiti-covered bathroom wall, was rejected by the label for being too offensive, leading the band to reluctantly release it with a plain white "invitation-style" design instead. It opens with the legendary anthem “Sympathy for the Devil”—a track as iconic as it is controversial. Sung from the perspective of Lucifer, the lyrics explore the devil’s presence throughout human history, from the crucifixion of Jesus to World War II. It’s a powerful reflection on the duality of human nature and collective guilt, challenging listeners to consider that evil isn’t just external—it often comes from within. Musically, the song is driven by pulsating conga drums, a haunting piano riff, and Keith Richards’ searing guitar solo. While the song faced accusations of satanism, Mick Jagger explained its inspiration came from Baudelaire and Russian literature, not devil worship.

Another standout track is “Street Fighting Man,” one of the band’s most overtly political songs. Inspired by global protest movements and civil unrest, particularly the anti-Vietnam War sentiment of the time, Jagger shouts the now-famous line:

“Everywhere I hear the sound of marching, charging feet, boy / 'Cause summer’s here and the time is right for fighting in the street, boy.”

Though revolutionary in message, the song’s sound is built from acoustic instrumentation, with Richards manipulating the guitars to emulate a gritty, electric tone. It’s a raw and urgent track—impossible to describe fully until you hear it, but impossible to ignore once you do.

Check out the Stones perform “Street Fighting Man” live in 2003 at Madison Square Gardens:

The album also features blues-driven gems like “No Expectations,” “Parachute Woman,” and “Stray Cat Blues.” These tracks reflect the Stones’ deep admiration for American blues artists, especially Chicago legends like Muddy Waters and Howlin’ Wolf. Beggars Banquet was their declaration that they were returning to their roots—and they did so with style, grit, and reverence.

The Rolling Stones are an anomaly in the best sense—whether it’s the ongoing legend of how Keith Richards survived decades of hard living, or the sheer improbability of a band lasting more than six decades, they continue to defy expectations. Their most recent album, “Hackney Diamonds,” was released in the fall of 2023—their first collection of original material in 17 years. In the summer of 2024, they hit the road for a U.S. tour, including two packed shows at Chicago’s Soldier Field.

Now, they’re back in the studio working on another record with Hackney Diamonds producer Andrew Watt, and reports suggest a December 2025 release with a possible 2026 tour to follow. The Rolling Stones truly are the gift that keeps on giving—and we’re lucky to live in a time where we can continue to hear new and timeless music from one of the greatest bands in rock history.