Rock owes its long-lived success to a variety of British bands and solo artists. With dozens of massively successful rock acts like Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin and The Who, the U.K. has basically defined the genre. 

However, amongst these legendary acts, the Rolling Stones are perhaps the most essential British rock band. 

Formed in 1962, the band still tours and records today. The “Stones” have sold over 200 million records, earned well more than a billion dollars from tours alone and are venerated by basically every music critic. They have switched their lineup many times in their 54-year run, but frontman Mick Jagger, lead guitarist Keith Richards and drummer Charlie Watts always stuck around.

No two musicians personified rock culture as well as Jagger and Richards. Between Jagger’s almost uncountable numbers of love interests and Richards’ several arrests, the Stones were the true bad boys of contemporary music. Beyond their personal lives, though, the Rolling Stones were incredible musicians who were able to beautifully draw from their influences while always maintaining unique energy and flair. 

It is a daunting task to choose a starting point among their 29 studio albums, but any of the following four albums would be a great introduction to the larger-than-life group.

1. “Let It Bleed”

This 1969 masterpiece is perhaps the best place to start your Rolling Stones phase. The apocalyptic “Gimme Shelter” kicks off the record on which Richards, Jagger and guest vocalist Merry Clayton deliver the performance of a century. 

The album’s deep cuts are incredible and it closes with the remarkable, choir-infused, “You Can’t Always Get What You Want.” “Let It Bleed” is everything you could want from a rock album, and then some.

2. “Exile on Main St”

Frequently cited as the best Rolling Stones album, “Exile on Main Street” is an absolute must-listen. The band incorporated more acoustic instrumentation and lets their southern blues, gospel and country influences take center stage. “Sweet Virginia,” a country blues track with a Jagger harmonica solo, is a personal highlight for me, but the entire 67 minutes is gold.

3. “Sticky Fingers”

The Stones’ ninth album, “Sticky Fingers,” is one of their most vibrant and upbeat. It packs a bigger punch than most of their early releases; especially the mellow “Exile.”

The opening track, “Brown Sugar,” sets the energetic mood that is carried through the rest of the release. Even the slower tracks — like “Wild Horses” and “Sister Morphine” — are filled with colorful chord progressions and melodic singing.

4. “Some Girls”

The Stones released “Some Girls” in 1978, and it was instantly revered as a classic. Critics praised the album as a return to form and fans lined up in droves to purchase it. 

“Some Girls” has many incredible moments — from the mean harmonica riff and funky baseline on “Miss You” to the blisteringly fast guitar solo Richards lays down for “Respectable.” The most famous and recognizable track is “Beast of Burden” — perhaps the most danceable rock track of all time.

The Rolling Stones are currently on their Latin America tour, America Latina Ole. It kicked off on February 3 in Santiago Chile. It ends March 17 in Mexico City, Mexico. They have performed more than 2,000 concerts.