When the gritty guitar notes punch through the speaker everyone knows what song this is. “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” is off The Rolling Stones’ 1965 album “Out of Our Heads.” Written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, this song was The Stones’ fourth number one in Great Britain. It’s easy to see why this song was so successful, and why it’s held up against the test of time.
The lyrics may not as symbolic and well thought-out as other songs that have been highlighted as Jams of the Day. Mick Jagger is no Bob Dylan. But it’s obvious that The Stones have their own finesse. Everyone can sing along to, “I can’t get no satisfaction, I can’t get no satisfaction/’Cause I try and I try and I try and I try/I can’t get no, I can’t get no.”
The beginning lick is classic, but the song really starts to get its groove when the bass kicks in. The four on the floor kick pushes the song along, meshing with the bass to create a heartbeat to the song. Although it’s the smallest detail, the triplet of tambourines on the third beat gives the song life.
All in all, this song is undeniably a classic. The Stones nailed it on this one and it has continued to be a fan favorite for years.
