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Exile on Main St.

by The Rolling Stones

Released: May 12, 1972

Rock and roll, hard rock, country blues

musicOnOff editorial

Why This Album Matters

This album matters because its strongest editorial story is: Experimental Album.

The Album

This environment, coupled with personal and professional challenges, contributed to the album's gritty and raw sound. "Exile on Main St." is a double album by the legendary British rock band The Rolling Stones, released in 1972. It captures the essence of rock and roll excess and decadence, with themes of love, addiction, and rebellion permeating the lyrics.

Inside the Recording

The album was recorded in various locations, including Keith Richards' home in France, during a period of tax exile for the band.

Stories and details

Interesting Facts

Tracks like "Tumbling Dice," "Happy," "Rocks Off," and…

Tracks like "Tumbling Dice," "Happy," "Rocks Off," and "Shine a Light" have become iconic staples of The Rolling Stones' catalog.

"Exile on Main St." encompasses a wide range…

"Exile on Main St." encompasses a wide range of musical styles, including blues, country, gospel, and rock, showcasing the band's versatility and musical prowess.

Its enduring popularity and influence have solidified its…

Its enduring popularity and influence have solidified its place in rock music history, with many considering it the pinnacle of The Rolling Stones' creative achievement.

Whether it's the raucous energy, the soulful ballads…

Whether it's the raucous energy, the soulful ballads, or the sheer rock and roll attitude, "Exile on Main St." continues to captivate audiences and inspire generations of musicians.

Start listening here

Essential Tracks

Rocks Off

Tracks like "Tumbling Dice," "Happy," "Rocks Off," and "Shine a Light" have become iconic staples of The Rolling Stones' catalog.

Happy

Tracks like "Tumbling Dice," "Happy," "Rocks Off," and "Shine a Light" have become iconic staples of The Rolling Stones' catalog.

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Explore the Album

The Rolling Stones - Exile on Main St.

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Then

Reception

Despite initially receiving mixed reviews from critics, "Exile on Main St." has since been reevaluated and recognized as a masterpiece.

Now

Legacy

Widely regarded as one of the greatest rock albums of all time, it represents a high point in the band's career and is often cited as their most ambitious and sprawling work.

Full background

The Complete Album Story

"Exile on Main St." is a double album by the legendary British rock band The Rolling Stones, released in 1972. Widely regarded as one of the greatest rock albums of all time, it represents a high point in the band's career and is often cited as their most ambitious and sprawling work.

The album was recorded in various locations, including Keith Richards' home in France, during a period of tax exile for the band. This environment, coupled with personal and professional challenges, contributed to the album's gritty and raw sound. It captures the essence of rock and roll excess and decadence, with themes of love, addiction, and rebellion permeating the lyrics.

"Exile on Main St." encompasses a wide range of musical styles, including blues, country, gospel, and rock, showcasing the band's versatility and musical prowess. Tracks like "Tumbling Dice," "Happy," "Rocks Off," and "Shine a Light" have become iconic staples of The Rolling Stones' catalog.

Despite initially receiving mixed reviews from critics, "Exile on Main St." has since been reevaluated and recognized as a masterpiece. Its enduring popularity and influence have solidified its place in rock music history, with many considering it the pinnacle of The Rolling Stones' creative achievement. Whether it's the raucous energy, the soulful ballads, or the sheer rock and roll attitude, "Exile on Main St." continues to captivate audiences and inspire generations of musicians.