7 Songs Like Sympathy for the Devil:the Devil’s Playlist

Hey there, fellow groove enthusiasts! It’s your mate, DJ TBone here. We’re embarking on a rock-n-roll journey today. I’ve always been intrigued by the haunting elegance of The Rolling Stones’ ‘Sympathy for the Devil’.

The essence of rock infused with gripping narratives and thought-provoking messages is irresistible, right? So, I decided to compile a list of seven sensational tracks, akin to this timeless masterpiece, for those of you who enjoy this fine line of musicality.

Brace yourselves for a deep dive into the annals of rock, exploring its audacious, profound side. It’s about time we let our playlists get a little wilder, don’t you think?

Here are the songs like szympathy for the Devil that you can check out:

List Of Songs Like Sympathy for the Devil

Songs Like Sympathy for the Devil in a list format:

1. War Pigs by Black Sabbath

From the iconic album “Paranoid” (1970, Vertigo Records), “War Pigs” is a quintessential Black Sabbath piece. This song combines intense rock energy with anti-war sentiments, painting a damning picture of those responsible for war’s atrocities. While not directly parallel to “Sympathy for the Devil”, it engages with dark, introspective themes and societal critiques, somewhat like the Stones’ track. Besides the unforgettable vocals of Ozzy Osbourne, it’s Tony Iommi’s crushing guitar work that lends this song its undying charm. I chose it because it’s not just a song, it’s a strong, vocal statement against a destructive force.

2. Hotel California by The Eagles

Part of their 1976 album “Hotel California” (Asylum Records), this track is a timeless classic. The Eagles weave an enchanting tale of a luxurious, seductive hotel, a metaphor for the American Dream and its darker aspects. Don Felder’s 12-string guitar opening is as compelling as Keith Richards’s marimba in “Sympathy”. The lyrics, performance, and message are so cryptic, drawing us into its world just like ‘Sympathy’ does. Don Henley’s vocals, combined with the brilliant guitar solos by Felder and Joe Walsh, create a dreamy, haunting atmosphere.

3. Gimme Shelter by The Rolling Stones

This gem is from the album “Let It Bleed” (1969, Decca Records). Just like ‘Sympathy’, it showcases the Stones’ ability to combine hard-hitting rock with potent social commentary. This time, it’s a chilling prediction of the impending apocalypse, especially heightened by Merry Clayton’s chilling vocals. The raw intensity of this song is what connects it to ‘Sympathy’. Keith Richards’s opening riff and Mick Jagger’s charged performance make this a must-listen.

4. Stairway to Heaven by Led Zeppelin

“Stairway to Heaven”, a track from “Led Zeppelin IV” (1971, Atlantic Records), is more than just a song; it’s a musical journey. Robert Plant’s mythical lyrics, Jimmy Page’s virtuosic guitar, and the song’s progressive structure all mirror the experimental spirit and narrative depth of ‘Sympathy’. It takes you through a gamut of emotions and ends on a high note, much like the Stones’ track.

5. When The Music’s Over by The Doors

Released in 1967 on the album “Strange Days” (Elektra Records), this song is a sweeping psychedelic epic. Jim Morrison’s evocative poetry and Ray Manzarek’s swirling keyboards are a potent mix that mirrors the devil’s charm in ‘Sympathy’. The way this song broaches the topic of music’s power and its eventual silence connects well with the narrative brilliance of the Stones’ masterpiece.

6. A Day in The Life by The Beatles

A masterpiece from “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” (1967, Parlophone), this song is a testament to The Beatles’ experimental prowess. Like ‘Sympathy’, it tells a gripping story, but through a day’s lens in the life of an ordinary person. It’s the extraordinary composition, featuring an orchestra, Lennon’s haunting vocals, and McCartney’s energetic interlude, that makes it a fitting part of this list.

7. Kashmir by Led Zeppelin

From the album “Physical Graffiti” (1975, Swan Song), “Kashmir” is a song that takes you on a mystical journey. It blends heavy rock withMiddle Eastern melodies, creating a sound that’s both powerful and captivating. The track shares the epic storytelling and musical expansiveness of ‘Sympathy’. Robert Plant’s vocals and Jimmy Page’s driving riff transport you to another place, much like the devil’s narrative in the Stones’ song. The power and the allure of this song come not just from its incredible composition but also the evocative lyrics, creating a captivating musical journey that’s hard to resist. This beautifully experimental spirit is why I couldn’t help but include “Kashmir” on this list.

Fun Facts: Tracks Similar to Sympathy for the Devil

1. War Pigs by Black Sabbath

Did you know that “War Pigs” was originally titled “Walpurgis”, referring to the Witches’ Sabbath, which is essentially a counterpart to the Christian holiday of All Saints Day? It was perceived as too satanic, so they changed the title and some lyrics to the anti-war theme we now know.

2. Hotel California by The Eagles

Contrary to popular belief, ‘Hotel California’ is not a real place. Don Henley, the drummer and co-lead vocalist of The Eagles, stated in an interview that the song was about “a journey from innocence to experience… it’s not really about California; it’s about America”.

3. Gimme Shelter by The Rolling Stones

Astonishingly, the powerful female vocals you hear on this track are by Merry Clayton. She was reportedly brought into the studio late at night, in curlers and pregnant, to sing the iconic line, “rape, murder, it’s just a shot away”. Her performance was so intense that her voice cracked during recording, which they decided to keep in the final version.

4. Stairway to Heaven by Led Zeppelin

“Stairway to Heaven” is famously known as the most requested song on FM radio stations in the United States in the 1970s, despite never being released as a single there.

5. When The Music’s Over by The Doors

Interestingly, the song’s ending verse “Persian Night! See the Light! Save Us! Jesus! Save Us!” was ad-libbed by Jim Morrison during one of their performances, and it eventually stuck to become the standard closing for the song.

6. A Day in The Life by The Beatles

The alarm clock in the song wasn’t planned. It was used to wake up Ringo during the recording sessions, but when it went off during the take, it fit so well that they decided to keep it in.

7. Kashmir by Led Zeppelin

Despite its name, Robert Plant wrote the lyrics for “Kashmir” while he was driving through the Sahara Desert, not Kashmir. The song’s eastern-influenced sound is a result of Page experimenting with an alternate guitar tuning known as DADGAD.

That wraps up our melodious journey! Remember, every song has a story, much like we do. So, keep exploring, keep rocking, and let music narrate the tales untold. This is DJ TBone, signing off until our next musical escapade.

Thanks for reading.

TBone