ROLLING STONES: Jumped to the Top 50 Years Ago

By Chip Nelson
Stones

Earlier this month we reported on Graeme Ross of the UK's Independentnewspaper compiling a list of "The 20 best albums from 1968" -- 50 years ago.

We'll now take at his Top 10 singles from that year, which, like the albums, are still relevant today.

1) The Rolling Stones – "Jumpin’ Jack Flash": "Containing one of the most recognizable and primal riffs in all of rock music... it rivals 'Satisfaction' as the song most readily identifiable with the group..." In a current related side note, the code name for the FBI’s investigation into possible Russian interference in the election of President Trump is "Crossfire Hurricane," which is in the opening line in "Jumpin' Jack Flash," as well as the title of the band's 2012 documentary.

2) Joe Cocker - "With a Little Help From My Friends": "With this one record, Sheffield’s finest exploded onto the scene, illustrating his special talent for making a song his own."

3) The Beatles – "Hey Jude": "At over seven minutes long, with its legendary singalong refrain, [it] broke the accepted status quo of the three-minute single and left even John Lennon himself deeply impressed."

4) James Brown – "Say It Loud – I’m Black and I’m Proud"

5) Sly and The Family Stone - "Dance to the Music"

6) The Moody Blues - "Nights in White Satin": "It surprisingly peaked at a lowly number 19, but has since become an enduring classic, reaching the top ten in 1972 and 1979."

7) Aretha Franklin - "I Say a Little Prayer"

8) Diana Ross & The Supremes - "Love Child"

9) The Lemon Pipers - "Green Tambourine"

10) The Crazy World of Arthur Brown - "Fire"

Keith Richards on how he and Mick Jagger were inspired to write The Rolling Stones’ “Jumpin’ Jack Flash.” :

Keith on Jumpin Jack Flash

Here's 10 top charting songs from 1968 that could have easily made the list:

  • Otis Redding - "(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay"
  • Cream - "Sunshine of Your Love"
  • Simon & Garfunkel - "Mrs. Robinson"
  • The Doors - "Hello, I Love You"
  • Steppenwolf - "Born to Be Wild"
  • The Beatles - "Lady Madonna"
  • Sam & Dave - "I Thank You"
  • Creedence Clearwater Revival - "Suzie Q"
  • Big Brother and the Holding Company - "Piece of My Heart"
  • The Rascals - "People Got to Be Free"

Sponsored Content

Sponsored Content