The Rolling Stones: All Number 1 Songs Ranked Worst To Best
9. Brown Sugar
US #1, UK #2, 1971
Brown Sugar was recently removed from the Rolling Stones' touring setlists due to its offensive content, a laudable decision on the band's part in our current, more conscientious climate.
But with its racist (and racy) lyrics about slavery and rape, Brown Sugar is messed up even from a 'product of its time' standpoint. Some argue that the song is actually about heroin use, but if so, that still doesn't justify the imagery. Simply put, it is impossible to wrap your head around just what the hell Jagger and the Stones were thinking with this one. The best possible acception is that it's a satirical commentary piece on the casualness with which society disregards racism in all its forms. But that's a long and generous stretch.
And the worst thing about Brown Sugar? It's an absolute monster of a banger. You don't want to, but you can't help rocking out to it.
Fun Fact: This song is controversial enough as it is without us revealing what its originally intended title was. You can look it up at your own risk, but be prepared for your jaw to drop.