Charlie Watts was the steady heartbeat of The Rolling Stones, providing a distinctive, jazz-influenced drumming style that elevated the band’s sound. For fans, musicians, or anyone interested in rock history, exploring Watts’s best work offers insight into his subtle yet powerful contribution. This list highlights ten of his most iconic and influential songs, showcasing his skill and the timeless quality of his drumming.
1. “Start Me Up” (1981)
While often celebrated for its catchy guitar riff, Watts’s drumming in “Start Me Up” anchors the song with a crisp, driving rhythm. His steady beat complements Keith Richards’ riff and Mick Jagger’s vocals, creating an energetic track that became one of the band’s signature anthems. Watts’s precise timing ensures the song’s infectious groove remains tight and compelling.
2. “Brown Sugar” (1971)
One of The Rolling Stones’ most controversial hits, “Brown Sugar” features Watts’s dynamic drumming that combines a shuffle rhythm with a punchy backbeat. His use of accents and subtle fills injects raw energy into the track, helping it to stand out despite its provocative lyrics. Watts’s performance highlights his ability to blend groove with the song’s rebellious attitude.
3. “Gimme Shelter” (1969)
In “Gimme Shelter,” Watts’s understated yet powerful drumming provides a haunting, ominous foundation for the song’s dark themes. His restrained approach allows the song’s tension to build, emphasizing the sense of foreboding. Watts’s subtle cymbal work and precise snare hits contribute significantly to the song’s emotional impact.
4. “Miss You” (1978)
This disco-inflected hit showcases Watts’s versatility as a drummer. His funky, danceable groove drives the track, demonstrating his ability to adapt to different styles beyond rock and jazz. Watts’s tight hi-hat pattern and syncopated snare accents keep the rhythm infectious and compelling, making “Miss You” a dancefloor staple.
5. “Honky Tonk Women” (1969)
Watts’s drumming on “Honky Tonk Women” is characterized by a simple yet effective beat that captures the song’s country-rock vibe. His use of a tambourine along with the snare adds a distinctive texture, giving the track its lively, foot-tapping feel. This performance exemplifies Watts’s knack for enhancing a song’s mood with subtle percussive choices.
6. “Tumbling Dice” (1972)
The relaxed, shuffle feel of “Tumbling Dice” is driven by Watts’s laid-back yet precise drumming. His use of ghost notes and light hi-hat work creates a groove that perfectly complements the song’s bluesy tone. Watts’s restraint allows the vocals and guitar to shine while maintaining a solid rhythmic foundation.
7. “Sympathy for the Devil” (1968)
In this iconic track, Watts’s jazz-influenced drumming offers a subtle swing that underpins the song’s storytelling. His use of brushes and delicate cymbal work adds a smoky, rhythmic texture that enhances the song’s sinister mood. Watts’s performance is a masterclass in restraint and groove, supporting the narrative without overpowering it.
8. “You Can’t Always Get What You Want” (1969)
While primarily driven by the choir and Mick Jagger’s vocals, Watts’s subtle percussion work provides a gentle, steady pulse throughout the track. His restrained drumming ensures that the song maintains its reflective tone, allowing the layered instrumentation to breathe. Watts’s touch exemplifies how less can be more in creating emotional depth.
9. “Under My Thumb” (1966)
Watts’s precise, almost military-style drumming in “Under My Thumb” underscores the song’s commanding, hypnotic groove. His use of a simple but effective snare pattern, combined with tight hi-hat work, creates a sense of control and dominance fitting the song’s lyrics. This performance showcases Watts’s ability to craft a compelling rhythmic foundation that enhances storytelling.
10. “Waiting on a Friend” (1981)
This mellow, soulful track features Watts’s relaxed, jazz-inflected drumming that perfectly complements the reflective mood. His use of brushes and subtle cymbal accents creates a smooth, laid-back groove. Watts’s understated performance helps evoke a sense of nostalgia and ease, making it one of the band’s most beloved late-era songs.
How to Choose
When selecting the best Charlie Watts songs, consider what aspects of his drumming resonate most with you. Are you drawn to his jazz influences, his ability to anchor a song with subtlety, or his capacity to energize tracks with punchy beats? Listening for Watts’s signature style—his precise timing, tasteful fills, and understated elegance—can help you appreciate his unique contribution to each song. Additionally, think about the song’s overall impact and how Watts’s drumming elevates it beyond just a background rhythm.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What made Charlie Watts’s drumming style unique?
Charlie Watts’s style was characterized by his jazz-influenced approach, emphasizing swing, subtlety, and impeccable timing, which provided a sophisticated backbone to The Rolling Stones’ raw energy.
2. Did Watts ever experiment with different drumming styles?
Yes, Watts incorporated elements of jazz, swing, and even disco into his playing, demonstrating his versatility and willingness to adapt to various musical genres.
3. Which song showcases Watts’s jazz influences best?
“Sympathy for the Devil” is a prime example, where Watts’s brushwork and swing feel add a smoky, jazz-like texture to the song.
4. How did Watts’s drumming influence other drummers?
His understated yet precise style set a standard for subtlety and taste in rock drumming, inspiring countless drummers to focus on groove and musicality over flashiness.
5. Are there any live recordings that highlight Watts’s drumming?
Yes, performances like the 1982 Live at Leeds and the 2006 A Bigger Bang Tour showcase Watts’s dynamic live drumming, emphasizing his ability to adapt and maintain energy on stage.
Final Thoughts
Charlie Watts’s legacy as the quintessential drummer of The Rolling Stones endures through his timeless recordings. His subtle yet impactful style provided the perfect rhythmic foundation for some of rock’s greatest hits. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to his work, exploring these songs offers a deep appreciation for his artistry and the essential role he played in shaping the band’s sound. Watts’s drumming remains a masterclass in restraint, groove, and musical sophistication that continues to influence musicians worldwide.
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