“Satisfaction” hands down. It may not be their best but it is probably their signature tune. Signature songs usually are born out of an artist’s heyday or prime. This makes sense for the Rolling Stones, though they would have a lengthy career.
The Beatles don’t have one particular signature song, too many. Same with Elton John, Madonna or Michael Jackson.
Some artists have an easy signature song to identify, others don’t. Nothing wrong with either case.
This is absolutely spot on. A signature song is one that is widely recognizable by the average person, even those who are not fans or don’t listen to that particular artists’ discography.
Deep album cuts or songs that were not a hit can’t be signature songs. Take Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody”, must be their their signature song. A runner up would be “We Will Rock You/We Are The Champions”. I or other Queen fans may not think those are Queen’s best songs, they sound overplayed and tired. I like “The Prophet’s Song” from their album “A Nighht At The Opera”, but I can’t seriously say that is the band’s signature song.
I think most people would say “Satisfaction.” A good argument could be made for “Money” as well. But the last time I saw them, there was a three-story blow-up Honky Tonk Woman perched on the edge of the arena, with a cigarette dangling from her hand, and a red stiletto pump dangling from her toe.
Sure looked to me like they were trying to make that their signature song.
Rolling Stones - “Gimme Shelter”
Bruce Springsteen - “Born To Run” (How is this even a question?)
Renaissance - “Can You Hear Me?” or “Ashes Are Burning”
Beatles - a Day in the Life"
Fleetwood Mac - “Go Your Own Way” or “Rhiannon”