Meta Description: Discover how Keith Richards crafted some of the most iconic rock tracks with The Rolling Stones. Explore his unique songwriting process and the timeless hits that define rock and roll.
Keith Richards may not be as profound as Bob Dylan or as poetic as Leonard Cohen, but he is undeniably responsible for writing some of the most iconic rock and roll tracks of the 20th century. Alongside his songwriting partner, Mick Jagger, Richards penned timeless riffs that are forever etched in the rock and roll handbook. Remarkably, Richards never overthought his compositions, often conjuring them on the spot.
Keith Richards’ Iconic Songwriting Process
Every great songwriter has unique methods and secrets when it comes to composition. While some musicians shut themselves away for months, focusing entirely on their work, others draw inspiration from the most mundane situations. Keith Richards, the archetypal rocker, has had enough unique experiences to write a plethora of incredible tracks, and indeed, he has.
In their early period, The Rolling Stones drew heavily from the blues tradition of musical storytelling, unlike other groups at the time who favored short, sharp, often nonsensical rock and pop lyrics. Even when Jagger and Richards took the reins of the group from blues devotee Brian Jones, this storytelling quality remained in The Stones’ discography.
Evolution of The Rolling Stones’ Songwriting
As The Rolling Stones became more deeply entrenched in the rock and roll lifestyle, their songwriting style adapted. Richards shared, “Things like ‘Hand of Fate,’ particularly, we got into a story. Others are just connections, almost stream-of-consciousness. One line doesn’t really connect to what’s gone before.”
Richards elaborated on his songwriting process: “People say they write songs, but in a way, you’re more the medium. I feel like all the songs in the world are just floating around; it’s just a matter of an antenna of whatever you pick up. So many uncanny things have happened,” he added. “A whole song just appears from nowhere in five minutes, the whole structure, and you haven’t worked at all.”
Keith Richards on Crafting Iconic Hits
“You’re playing, and you’re bored stiff, and nothing’s happening,” Richards said. “Oh dear, and you go out and have a joint or something and euhuh! There it is. It’s just like somebody tuned in the radio, and you’ve picked it up. Some people equate good work with being difficult to do, but a lot of the time, it’s the easiest thing. It just sort of flashes by you so quickly that people virtually tell you. You didn’t even see it yourself.”
Not many artists have the gift to pull incredibly successful rock songs out of the ether, let alone tracks as iconic as The Stones’ ‘(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction’. “‘Satisfaction’ was the biggest hit we’ve ever had,” Richards shared. “It just came boing bang crash, and it was on tape before I felt it.” Not bad for a number one single that went on to define the sound of The Stones.
Keith Richards’ unique approach to songwriting has undeniably shaped the sound of rock and roll. His ability to craft iconic tracks effortlessly continues to inspire musicians and captivate audiences worldwide.
By focusing on Keith Richards’ iconic songwriting, this piece aims to highlight the genius behind some of the most timeless rock and roll tracks. His methods, stories, and the evolution of The Rolling Stones’ sound are a testament to his lasting impact on music.
