Why 'Beggars Banquet' often beats 'Let It Bleed' in Stones album rankings

It sounds crazy at first: Let It Bleed has “Gimme Shelter,” maybe the greatest rock song ever recorded. But album rankings aren’t about one peak — they’re about the whole ride. A lot of fans argue Beggars Banquet hangs together better as a complete statement, no weak spots, just a lean, focused record that announced the Stones had left their pop phase behind.