The 10 Rolling Stones Songs That Charlie Watts Made Better

It has been over a year since the death of Rolling Stones’ drummer Charlie Watts, and it’s only fair to pay tribute to one of the greats. Over the course of his impressive 58-year career streak with the Rolling Stones, Watts was instrumental in developing the band’s signature heavy sound. He was an integral cog in the wheel of Stones’ style of music, providing a steady beat and a driving pulse that only he could provide. That’s not to mention that he had to put up a whole lot of recklessness and patience to deal with the likes of Mick Jagger or Keith Richards. But we’re here to pay respects to the legend; with that, we have these 10 Rolling Stones songs to prove that the late Charlie Watts deserves all the praise he could get for his superb drumming skills.

 

“Get Off of My Cloud” (1965)

The drums became the center of attention as soon as the music starts. By then, the effectiveness of the song can be attributed to the fact that its 4/4 pattern remains unchanged throughout its entirety.

“(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” (1965)

The song’s beat became a standard, thanks to its massive popularity that catapulted the Stones to rocket heights of fame. Charlie Watts made sure that everyone would be hooked on the song’s entire structure.

“Sympathy for the Devil” (1968)

“We had a go at loads of different ways of playing it,” Watts said about the song. “In the end, I just played a jazz Latin feel.” The Stones are extremely lucky to have this kind of a talented drummer to lead them the way.

“Gimme Shelter” (1969)

Inside the song “Gimme Shelter,” Watts comes in with a bang. While the song itself is eerily beautiful, Watts brings it to life with each rhythmic pulse.

“Monkey Man” (1969)

Watts’s rumbles are incredibly impactful amidst the song’s tinkling keyboards and persistent bass thumps.

“If You Can’t Rock Me” (1974)

You could hear oh-so-clearly the booming drums for this song. Charlie Watts gave the banger for this gem, no doubt.

“Honky Tonk Women” (1978)

Watt’s drumming is at its finest on the instantly famous “Honky Tonk Women,” which, surprisingly, has a cowbell lick as its beginning. Watts drums the whole tune, a jangly beat, on his own.

“Miss You” (1978)

In this beat-driven song, the drums and bass appear to parade together. That familiar four-to-the-floor beat can be heard throughout “Miss You,” a song Watts has stated was inspired by his time spent at discos.

“Undercover Of The Night” (1983)

When it came to the 80s trend of using electronic drums and gated snares that sounded commercial, Watts looked unfazed. For this song, he was accompanied by four other percussionists, although he was still the focal point of the arrangement.

“Moon Is Up” (1994)

Sounding full, warm, and brilliant with every drum beat, Watts’ masterful drumming shines through on “Moon Is Up,” which features a more subdued sound and sparse accompaniment.