Keith Richards songs are the underrated gems in the Stones catalog. Here are five prime examples:

“Before They Make Me Run” (Some Girls) – Keith takes inventory of a life of sex, drugs and rock and roll… as he was facing possible criminal charges for heroin possession. A high point on what may be the Stones’ last true masterpiece.

“Happy” (Exile on Main St.)- The band wrote and recorded this one in four hours; a lesson in not overthinking things.

“Little T&A” (Tattoo You) – Keith’s one-night stand classic was originally written for “Emotional Rescue,” but it fit perfectly on the 1981 release “Tattoo You.”

“You Got the Silver” (Let it Bleed) – The first Stones song to feature Keith on solo lead vocal.

“Salt of the Earth” (Beggars Banquet) – This one’s a bit of a stretch; Keith’s voice is all too brief on this undeniable Stones classic. But his fragile-if-not-broken delivery serves everything up beautifully for Mick.