The VIBE is SO damn heavy on this one, it just grabs you and refuses to let go! From the very first note, and when Merry lets it rip - dear god the mountains bow down. A classic among classics. "What a fuckin' song" indeed! Great reaction!

This, to me, is one of the ten greatest rock songs ever recorded.

When Merry breaks her voice on the last "murder," if you listen closely you can hear Mick go "whooooo". He appreciated it a lot!

I've heard this song probably 10,000 times and it still gives me goosebumps on every single listen.

Favorite Stones song ever. Well done. And yes, Merry Clayton owns this.

One of the best rock songs ever recorded.

The song was written as an anti-war 'protest' song during the Vietnam war back in the '60's (1969 I think). This is an absolute classic rock song.

This cat analyzes music to a tee!! Love it.

I’m only 25 but somehow this song always puts me straight back into the late 60s America. I don’t know how they do it; how they make you picture a scene in your mind - but they do. All the percussion and soulfulness just transforms me back to a time I wasn’t alive for; it really puts you in that world of anti-Vietnam War late 60s America. Amazing track. Definitely the best Stones song and maybe in my personal top 10 ever!

When Mary Clayton's voice cracks as she's belting that line, you hear a distant "whoo!" in the background. I can imagine everyone in the studio that day getting goosebumps at that moment. One of those perfect imperfections!

Merry Clayton was one of the backing singers on "Sweet Home Alabama" by Lynyrd Skynyrd. She killed it there, too.

This song is one of the most used pieces of music ever. Numerous movies, especially Martin Scorseses have used it!

For the remarkable story of Merry Clayton's incredible vocal on this track, you must see the Oscar winning music doco "20 Feet From Stardom." So many familiar voices whose names so few people knew.

Merry Clayton still sings to this day. She was critically injured in a car wreck, and lost both of her legs. Her life story is amazing.

Impending doom is a perfect way to describe the beginning of this song and what it’s leading to. War. It’s very haunting and chilling. Clayton’s voice cracking at “murder” is chilling! You can never unhear it!

It's been said when in the studio recording this they decided it could use a background singer. They called a couple singers to come in that evening and both refused. Then one of the producers remembered Merry Clayton and he called her. They woke her up from her sleep because it was late evening, but she agreed to come in. She arrived at the studio near midnight. Everyone (but Merry) was very surprised to find her very pregnant. Apparently she put all she could into belting out her vocals and did it in one take in the wee hours of the morning. Sadly, the next day (or very soon after) she suffered a miscarriage. It's been suggested the miscarriage was a result of her over-exerting herself in that performance.

Yeah that voice crack is one of the greatest moments in rock and roll.

The whole Stones/ Beatles rivalry was mostly press hype, they were friends. Lennon & McCartney even wrote The Stones second single hit. Clearly both bands were talented and competitive, and they would rib each other, it made for good publicity.

When you said " cool sounding guitar" , there was also a harmonica being played by Mick. Keith rarely praised Mick, but he did often brag up his harmonica (harp) playing.

The ultimate “make love, not war” song. It’s been blowing’ my mind for 55 yrs with no sign of quittin’…one of the greatest R&R songs of all time. Great reaction!

Great song, but Merry Clayton's background vocal knocks it out of the park

The great Nicky Hopkins plays piano on this.

Truly something else. It really doesn't get any better than that. A masterpiece from beginning to end.

You got the exact vibe of this song before Mick even started singing, great reaction 👍🙂. The opening sequence is so atmospheric and sinister and haunting, superb song 👍. Great to see you appreciating the old classics 🙂

Great review! This tune made me want to pick up a guitar in the garage. Walked down the street and walked up this dudes house (Billy), I knocked on his door and I said, you and some other guy were playing a Zombies tune. A few tunes. "She's Not There" . And the other guy went off to Cali. And I asked him if he could show me how to play another Stone's tune, "Angie" We became fast friends and made other musical friends. A lot of which we knew already. Just an excuse to high on a Saturday. Great friends for 20 years. Thousands of dollars on music equipment. Emslie and myself were just working together. Thick as thieves LOL, He ended up with my GF when I was in jail. I was mad for a few years, but I love them for a few years. But I do love the both of them dearly. I hear they have a child together. Very happy for them. Billy and Krista really deserve that happiness. I put them both through hell with the drinking. I have no excuses other than being selfish. Things in life you just have to own up to. Great review again, sorry to get lost in memories..

Best rock INTRO in rock history. ONE note says it all.

If there is one thing we can thank Covid for it's for introducing younger generations to some of the best music ever recorded.

This is the music of my youth and my love and appreciation of it goes without saying. What I really want to say is that I absolutely love your reviews. You are the only person reviewing music (I've seen thus far), who actually takes the time to do a bit of research prior to listening to the music and I can see in your face and your reactions that you are not simply hearing the music, but deeply invested in the listening aspect of it, which I so appreciate as both are of great importance when I watch a review. Not to be negative, but I just watched a couple of college kids attempt to review Robin Trower's "To Rolling Stoned" (an incredible song you might want to consider reviewing) and I left that review knowing they didn't have a clue. You provide all your followers with intelligent, insightful and thoughtful reviews and the joy and appreciation that you reflect is wonderul!! I thank you and keep up the great work!! Sending my best from Oregon, US.

You're so natural at this. Analytical, very descriptive, inquisitive and pleasant voice.

Merry added so much to this song. First got hooked on the Stones in about 64 or 65 when first saw them on the Ed Sullivan show. My parents would let my sister and me stay up late to watch the show. Never forget his intro. We have a really big show tonight…and yes he did. He was the king. So many great bands of the time.👍

I don't find it fair comparing the two. The Beatles have opened the door for rock n roll and I personally love both.

Omg!!! You killed it again DAMN your awesome! This is one of my favorite stones songs - you are the best reactionist I've ever heard - man man - im watching your channel like a hawk - try the studio version of Jumping Jack Flash! Man you are beyond amazing 👏 keep up the great work!

For me, this song has always felt like one gigantic guitar solo in the best way possible. The guitar grabs you at the beginning of the song and it never lets you go.

Keith Richards is one of the more economical players ever. Great sense of what makes a riff work and extremely creative at it. A signature of the Stones.

Few songs in rock have an intro with this much atmosphere. Dear Mr Fantasy, maybe? So dark and ominous, full of foreboding. The perfect sound to fit the lyrics. One of the greatest rock songs ever. Shows why Keef is actually the real heart and soul of the Stones. 🎸💥 Btw, the part you said has the cool sounding guitar right before the main solo: there are some tasty Keith riffs in there before the solo starts, but I think the sound you’re noticing is in fact Mick’s bluesy, overdriven harp lick, which he repeats to great effect after the guitar solo. He’s a very under-appreciated blues harmonica player. So, good on you for comparing it to When The Levee Breaks- same exact type of harp sound. Also, you commented about how Mick’s voice sounded like that of a much older man, even though he was a mere 26 years. I think that was true of many musicians back then: they looked, talked and sang like people much older than they really were. Today’s 26-year-old stars look and sound like children by comparison. I think it’s partly because they idolized old blues and folk singers and tried to emulate them to a degree (Dylan famously did this, for example), but it’s also because they actually had already experienced so many years worth of intense and hard living packed into a short span. They weren’t so much like the instant, manufactured, pre-packaged pop idols of today, but had actually had to fight and claw their way up to fame through years of hard work honing their craft and tough living on the road.

'Let it Bleed' is one of my favourite albums from the Stones, not a weak track on it, and this track in particular totally rips me up. I mean Mary just freakin' slays this sucker, far better than Mick could have done on his own, and brilliant arrangement and choice of instrument effects, ie maracas and harmonica . The rhythm guitar sound was created using a tremolo effect, which was a mainstay of Fender amps. But a bold choice as the rate of wave of sound is set to a certain pace and the drummer cannot speed up or slow down. I just think its a masterpiece by them. Cheers to the Stones..

The Greatest Rock & Roll Band in The World!

Keith Richards played both rhythm and lead guitar, great solo. Always gives me chills.

Merry Clayton on that backup vocal; amazing. Mick Taylor took over lead guitar when Brian Jones died; in '75 Ronnie Wood joined and took his place.

My favorite Stones song. Also suggest Sympathy for the Devil, Can't You Hear Me Knockin'?, Paint It Black, Under My Thumb.

That wasn't a 'cool sounding guitar', it was Jagger on harmonica! Great reviews, love your posts. :)

OK FUN FACT, DURING THE FEMALE VOCALIST SOLO, WHEN HER VOICE CRACKS (IN MY OPINION, FROM PURE PASSION ABOUT WHAT SHE WAS SINGING) YOU CAN HEAR JAGGER GO "WOO!" THERE IS ACTUALLY A KZfaq VIDEO SOMEWHERE THAT ISOLATES IT REALLY WELL!! ALSO, THERE IS A DOCUMENTARY RELEASED IN 1970 BY THE SAME NAME, "GIMME SHELTER" WHICH IS ABOUT THE CIRCUMSTANCES AND EVENTS LEADING UP TO THE STONES' FREE CONCERT IN DECEMBER OF 1969 AT ALTAMONTE SPEEDWAY, NEAR SAN FRANCISCO!! GREAT FILM!!!

Mary Clayton's voice cracked during her solo bridge section, and she looked over at Jagger because she thought she ruined the take, but Mick just yelled "Yeah!" and they kept recording. You can hear it. Such a brilliantly raw and vulnerable point, it made the song.

There is a famous version of this song filmed at Eidenbourogh (I think) where the back-up singer Lisa Fisher was so inspired she took over center stage from Jagger and killed it.

The intro, even after all these years, is still spine-tingling..... And we still have to get to Merry Clayton Wow Greatest Stones song ever? Definitely in the argument.

Zeppelin and the Stones in one week! You're on a roll! 😃

Great reaction, great comments! As you alluded, context is everything and current events often inspire music and lyrics. In 1969 when this tune was released hundreds of people were dying daily in Vietnam. When it comes to war and peace back then we actually knew how many people were being killed and wounded and where it was happening...not anymore.

its amazing when young people hear real music for the first time!!

Big props to you for the best reaction/analysis (that I've seen) of this fantastic song. And this is definitely the best guest vocal/accompanying vocal that I've heard. The entire song is so tight in every respect. I believe it was written by Keith Richard when he was in a somewhat depressed state. Anyway, very well done. So many reactors are clueless to what they are listening to or the quality of the musicianship required.

This song has put me on edge since I was 4 years old, but I absolutely love it.

Again, your initial take, just on the intro, is effing spot on!! Then there was a harmonica that you seemed to identify as a guitar, notwithstanding the Led Zep reference.. Most of my blues-harp(harmonica) playing friends use a bullet mic and a guitar amp, some utilizing feedback too. In this period and on albums following, I thought Keith Richards' wailing harmonies with Jagger were non-pareil, eh? lol. Merry Clayton's contribution is rightly seen as absolutely iconic, and I'm saddened to be reminded by another commenter here that she lost the baby she was carrying soon after this session. The Stones also had a friend, a blues and boogie-woogie pianist from the early days named Ian Stewart, who Andrew Loog-Oldham, their first manager, deemed too "unattractive" to appear onstage with them, often playing shows from the wings or behind a curtain...wtf, right? He played on many recordings with them prior to his passing. I think this features Nicky Hopkins on piano, fresh perhaps from his stint with the Jeff Beck Group Mk. I, featuring Rod Stewart(vocals) and Ron Wood(bass!). Keith completely reinvented his playing style during this period, switching to an open G-tuning, minus the low E-string, iirc. Also, Charlie Watts' drumming ALWAYS maintained that essential swing that is so central, critical to rock'n'roll. "Don't forget to roll", as my late pal always put it. Charlie was essentially a jazz drummer, and there are videos available of his outside excursions in that arena. Great reaction, Syed, I hope that's a proper/acceptable address.This and the Beatles' 'While My Guitar Gently Weeps' were my two guaranteed chills and goosebumps songs in the 70s, despite my deep love for Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Wonder and a host of others. Should you do a reaction to the Beatles' tune at some point, PLEASE use the original studio cut, or the one from 'Concert for George', a year after Harrison's passing, NOT the vastly over-hyped(imo) one with Prince. He came with a point to make and it shows, to the detriment of the spirit of the affair, again, imo. Dhani, George's son, plays acoustic on both of the last two and visibly enjoys the later one, but the earlier tribute show slays me start to finish, well worth the couple hours required to take in and reflect on the contributions of "the quiet Beatle." Also from the Beatles, another personal fave rocker 'Revolution'. Always despised 'Helter-Skelter', partly Paul trying too hard, partly the Charles Manson association. Cheers, mate, ttyl8r.

The Stones never shied away from a topic. Try Brown Sugar and you'll see what I mean.

Beatles fan since I was 7, Stones fan since I was 7...I'm 54 and both those bands complete my world. They're the best of music in my ears!!!

Charlie Watts was an amazing and often overlooked drummer. Honky Tonk Women ( Definitely give it a listen) features some of Charlies funkiest and yet sophisticated drumming and The Stones overall in their absolute prime. I love your reactions. Your attention to details and well thought out analysis is fantastic. I play percussion (25+ yrs) and can tell you not all reactors are the same. For example, Jamel AKA Jamal has a great appreciation and enthusiasm for new music. However he is limited in his knowledge of music theory . Very fun to watch. Whereas, Andy & Alex are both musicians so along with all that Jamel brings they often school me. Alex in particular is a music writer/producer and often goes into theory. i feel like you are a little closer to the A&A side. Love your vibes and intellect. Your Hip Hop cross recommendation is something I didn't even know I wanted, so keep that going! If you keep this up you are going to blow up! Good luck Syed!

The Beatles were much more innovative, breaking new ground, while The Stones were much more straight ahead blues driven rock. Mick wrote the lyrics, and Keith came up with great driving guitar riffs. Classic! Love them both forever!

This is one of the great rock songs of all time. With THE greatest guitar intro of all time I believe. And Merry's vocals....fabulous contribution.

Yes The Stones definitely coming into their own but had been building up to this for a while with Jumping Jack Flash Honkytonk women etc and they kept this going well into the mid 70s . One of the great London bands of this era along with The Who ,the Kinks and The Small Faces .

When you recall the period in which the Stones were writing their songs- this us epic and brilliant. Surrounded by war in Vietnam, riots in Paris, Watts etc, the upheaval in America - the genius of this band was to take in all that was going on around them and create unforgettable so gs which encapsulated all these experiences.

I saw an odd - yet interesting - documentary about back-up singers, and when the Stones woke them up in the middle of the night to do the "Rape! Murder!" Is a great story as they are in the studio w/ bathrobes and curlers...

Always thought the Beatles opened up rock/pop artistic liberation, and the Stones brought a basic f**k you attitude. However, the Beatles had some really in-your-face songs, and the Stones had some truly creative and unique tunes. Music is seldom cut-and- dry like that. So glad to have both of them!

Man, if you keep up these kinds of reactions i will subscribe for life. Keep it up. You're great.

Try She's A Rainbow, my favorite Stones song. It was written very early in their careers. On the album Their Satanic Majesty's Request.

Masterpiece on every level !

After Mary’s voice cracks you can hear Mick Jagger yell “Whoo!” as in “Damn! That was crazy!”

The guitar work and vocals are just impeccable in this song. I agree this is one of the greatest Rock songs ever. Saw them several times in the70's and it's even more powerful.

This song simply takes me back to the mid 70s like few other songs, A teenager, listening to music and hanging out.

Timely choice. This is a great album. Good job.

Pure Stones .... they had so many great tunes but this one is pure Stones, a signature piece.

When Merry goes solo with "rape, murder it's just a shot away, it's just a shot away" I love that squeaky break in her voice when she's singing as hard as she can

Her voice did crack. She apologized profusely and offered to retake but Mick said hell no . He loved it. Maybe you didn't recognize the harmonica in this. Apparently it's one of the few instruments Mick can do.

Hands down, #1 Stones' track! Just dive into the vibe, every time!! Pure perfection.

ROLLING STONES "ANGIE" & "PLAY WITH FIRE"...acoustic gold. 🇨🇦🇨🇦

Murray Clayton was about six months pregnant and they got her out of bed to come in and sing this song at about 4 AM. She said she still had her housecoat on and her rollers and they made a fucking class. This is one of the greatest rock songs ever made.

Man. Your reactions are brilliant. Rage Against The Machine are going to blow your mind.

The best reaction channel I’ve seen, by far. Keep it up!

"20 feet from stardom" interviews with Merry Clayton are really awesome

The absolute greatest song of all time, IMO. The Stones aren't exactly my favorite group, but they nailed it here. And the insane pipes of Merry Clayton is the icing. It's just perfect.

One bullet can start a war One kiss could lead to love.

I love how we can hear every instrument 💯👍

This original version is considered to be the greatest song recorded in history...❤❤

I've listened to this song a million times but I never thought about the ALTRO until now! Youve made me think of the "kiss away part" in a whole new way now, yes! It makes sense after you've explained it Syed. It's like war is coming but if you want the girl, if you want love, if you want peace, you have to kiss and make up or stop war and then you can settle down with your girl.

Keith Richards is known as the Riff Master

Merry Clayton is still active! Nice reaction / review. Keep going man!! Be safe.

It's like the love decade- the 60's- was so interspersed with violence that you couldn't ignore the violence but then still there was always a way out of it - simply love.

Keith is the star of the track. The beginning is incredible.

I like how you dissect songs-very introspective.-- Keep up the good work. As to the song-Keith Richards was a genius on coming up with fantastic riffs-his best of course was satisfaction but there are many more-the opening for this one is very unique.

Best intro of all time genuinely

I was heavily into The Stones in HS. Love every album up to Some Girls.

Regarding the Beatles, their style was so incredibly varied, just keep listening and you'll find a song that will absolutely blow you away. But I don't compare. I love the Stones too.

My fav RS songs ever!! Mary Clayton made this song what it is now!!! She and other famous back up singers are featured in a docu called “2O feet from stardom”. This docu is a must see to any music fan and gives you an up close view of the iconic bands and their golden girls making the hits A HIT!!! Great reaction man ✌🏼❤️

I love it when Charlie kicks in with the drums.

The idea behind the song started when Keith was looking out of the window in his friends flat on a very dull overcast day.He saw people running for shelter from the weather.

Saw them three times live (I'm 68), this is one of my fave tracks for me

I just came across your channel. I just have to say - I really like your generation. I don't know your age exactly but I am guessing you are a millennial. You guys are so open minded and you've just got heart and aren't afraid to explore. I was born in the mid seventies so am GenX. This music (The Stones) is my parent's music. One nice thing about growing up in the 80s was that music cost money back then. So of course I listened to the music of the day on the radio (free), but I also had all of my parent's records of sixties/seventies rock and folk music to listen to to my heart's content. I think what is exciting is that you're really at the beginnng of listening to two of the best bands of all time. And that's just two bands - there are so many more! Don't let the two Beatles songs you've listened to fool you - one of the best things about them is that literally every song had it's own excellent vibe and was just so different from the last one. And every record had it's own theme or feel as a collection of songs. They were just virtuosos. So if heavy is your vibe, you've got a lot of great Beatles songs ahead to listen to. I would try "Come Together" or "Don't let me down" or "I want you (She's so heavy)" or "Something in the Way She Moves". If you want something hopeful and gratifying, "Here Comes the Sun". Something avant garde but genious, "A Day in the Life". Something psychedelic "Strawberry Fields Forever" or "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds". Something moving and affecting, "Hey Jude" or "Let it Be" or "Yesterday". Anyways, enough said! I also can't tell you how many great Stones songs there are as well - you should probably do "Sympathy for the Devil" next if you haven't already. They had a narrower range than the Beatles imho but were so so great in that range. I'd really hate to have to choose actually.

This is one of the Stones best songs! They make you feel it! I loved your reaction and analysis! Dynamite!

Merry was 8 mos pregnant when she recorded this song..she lost the baby...later in life, she was in a horrible car accident and lost both legs..

Greatest song ever recorded

Great analysis... you're one of my favorites

The Stones will make you a rocker because they got it ALL 😎❤‍🔥

You really can't choose between Beatles & Rolling Stones, in regards to who is best rock n roll band. Apples & oranges. Not the same but highly complentary in an era where they drove each other to new hights. Also the Beatles music is so varied & diverse it defies catagorization & you haven't heard nearly enough yet. They are both great on their own way. I prefer the Beatles if asked to choose but I know both bands complete catalogs in saying that. But I love the Stones none the less. Great review. You are interesting to listen to.