The Rolling Stones Become The First Band With Top 10 Albums in Each Decade Since The 60s
The Rolling Stones have always been synonymous with rock ‘n’ roll, but their latest achievement shows just how successful they have been over the past decades. With their new album, ‘Hackney Diamonds,’ making a smashing entry at Number Three on the Billboard 200 chart this week, they have secured their position as the first act to have top 10 albums in the United States in every decade since the 1960s.
‘Hackney Diamonds,’ which was released on 20th October, has not only conquered the US charts but also recently reached the top of the UK Albums Chart, marking their 14th Number One album in their home country.
What makes this achievement even more special are the artists who contributed to ‘Hackney Diamonds.’ The album features collaborations with music legends such as Paul McCartney, Stevie Wonder, Elton John, and even Lady Gaga. Speaking of Lady Gaga’s involvement, Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood shared an intriguing behind-the-scenes story. He described the moment when Lady Gaga, in her distinctive style, sat on the floor, singing along with Mick Jagger. The result was the track ‘Sweet Sounds of Heaven.’
Image Courtesy: People
The Stones’ ability to maintain their relevance across the decades is truly remarkable. Not only have they achieved top 10 albums in each of these decades, but they have also earned a total of nine number-one albums in the United States. Some of their most iconic records, like ‘Sticky Fingers,’ ‘Exile on Main St.,’ and ‘Tattoo You,’ have reached the coveted top spot on the charts.
In addition to their latest feat, the Rolling Stones were recently honoured with the British Phonographic Industry’s BRIT Billion Award for achieving one billion careers in UK streams.
While the Rolling Stones have set a new standard with their achievement, it’s worth noting that no other artist has charted in the top 10 for each decade since the ’60s. The closest contender is Barbra Streisand, who has the chance to match this feat if she can secure a top 10 album before the end of the 2020s. Streisand, with 34 top 10 albums, is second only to the Rolling Stones in this impressive category. The Beatles and Frank Sinatra are tied for third place with 32 top 10 albums each.
Image Courtesy: Britannica
The Rolling Stones’ journey through the decades has not been without its share of challenges. They recently experienced the loss of their drummer, Charlie Watts, in 2021. Watts was a crucial member of the band and contributed to the new project. His presence can be felt on two of the album’s songs, ‘Mess It Up’ and ‘Live by the Sword.’
The Rolling Stones’ trajectory on the Billboard 200 chart is a journey through rock history. It all began in 1964 when they achieved their first top 10 album with ‘12 x 5.’ From that point on, they continued to dominate the charts, with 13 top 10 albums in the ’60s, 12 in the ’70s, six in the ’80s, three in the ’90s, two in the 2000s, one in the ’10s, and now, one so far in the ’20s with ‘Hackney Diamonds.’
Image Courtesy: Rolling Stone
As the Rolling Stones extend their record for the most top 10 albums among all artists in the history of the Billboard 200, their legacy as rock icons continues to grow. The Rolling Stones have proven that their music is timeless, and they are the embodiment of a true rock ‘n’ roll legend. If ‘Hackney Diamonds’ does mark the end of the most successful career in rock music ever, it will be a natural end, but definitely not an ordinary one.
-Britney Jones
