Ooh, a storm is threatening,
The Rolling Stones (music and lyrics by Mick Jagger & Keith Richards)
My very life today.
If I don’t get some shelter,
Ooh yeah, I’m gonna fade away.
The Rolling Stones, one of the most iconic rock bands in music history, originated in London, England in 1962. The band was formed by Brian Jones, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Ian Stewart, Dick Taylor, and Tony Chapman, with Charlie Watts joining shortly after. Influenced by blues and rock and roll, the Rolling Stones quickly gained popularity with their distinctive sound and stage presence. Over the years, the band has had a significant impact on the music industry, making them enduring and influential figures in the world of rock music.
LET IT BLEED
“Let It Bleed” is a timeless album by The Rolling Stones, released in 1969. It marked a significant shift in the band’s sound, blending rock, blues, and country influences to create a raw and powerful musical experience. The album includes iconic tracks including our today’s reaction to “Gimme Shelter,” as well as “You Can’t Always Get What You Want,” and the title track “Let It Bleed,” showcasing the band’s versatility and musical prowess. With its evocative lyrics and soul-stirring melodies, “Let It Bleed” remains a classic and essential listen for any rock music enthusiast.
The album achieved significant success on the music charts. Upon its release, the album reached #1 on the UK Albums Chart, showcasing its popularity and commercial impact. In the United States, “Let It Bleed” peaked at #3 on the Billboard 200 chart, further solidifying its position as a commercially successful and influential album.
TODAY’S MOTEVENTUROUS REACTION
With my older brothers being big Stones fans while growing up, I naturally knew most of their hits, with “Gimme Shelter” being the exception. The single “Gimme Shelter” was released in early December of 1969 and quickly became an iconic and influential track in the realm of rock music. Its haunting and powerful musical composition, coupled with the soul-stirring vocals of Merry Clayton, made “Gimme Shelter” a standout piece in the band’s discography. The song’s lyrics reflect the turbulent sociopolitical climate of the late 1960s, capturing the essence of uncertainty and unrest.
The performance of “Gimme Shelter” has been consistently captivating, with its inclusion in numerous Rolling Stones concerts over the years. The band’s live renditions of the song showcase their mastery of stage presence and musical dynamism, eliciting powerful emotions from audiences.
“Gimme Shelter” continues to resonate with audiences and is celebrated as a timeless classic, affirming the Rolling Stones’ enduring impact on the music industry.
TRENDING IN LATE ’69
First, let’s take a look at the music that was making waves in December of 1969, when “Gimme Shelter” first hit the airwaves. Here are the top 5 singles from the Billboard Hot 100 chart at the time in the U.S.
AWARDS AND THEIR LEGACY
The Rolling Stones have earned numerous accolades, including induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (1989) and a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award (1987). They have sold over 240 million records worldwide, making them one of the best-selling music artists of all time.
MERRY CLAYTON & MORE
“Gimme Shelter” expresses a sense of impending doom and the quest for refuge in tumultuous times. Its haunting vocals and powerful lyrics convey a plea for safety and protection in a world wrought with instability. As a single, “Gimme Shelter” charted moderately well, reaching #42 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States, and also receiving acclaim for its cultural impact and enduring relevance.
“I’m wearing these beautiful pink pajamas; my hair was up in rollers. But I took this Chanel scarf, wrapped it round the rollers so it looked really cute, went to the bathroom and put on a little lip blush – ’cos there’s no way I’m going to the studio other than beautiful!” Throwing a fur coat around her shoulders, she turned up at the studio “ready to work”. She admits to being somewhat nonplussed when she read the lyrics Jagger handed to her.
Merry Clayton, on getting the call to sing on the classic tune
NOW IT’S YOUR TURN
Do you have a favorite song by The Rolling Stones? Feel free to share yours in the comments below!
Subscribe below to be notified when we post new content. You’ll receive an email asking to verify your request. Once that is done, you’re all set. Welcome to Moteventure!
Listen, Like & Tell Us What You Think
With that being said, let’s jump over to our YOUTUBE CHANNEL, check out our video, hit the bell icon and subscribe to our channel. Feel free to drop a comment or suggestion for our next reaction video (you can also comment here if that’s more convenient)!
CHECK OUT PAST BLOG ENTRIES BELOW FOR MORE GREAT ARTICLES AND INFORMATION:
MOTEVENTURE 