Mick Jagger, the iconic frontman of the legendary rock band The Rolling Stones, has enthralled audiences around the globe with his electrifying stage presence, unmatched charisma, and undeniable talent. With a career spanning over six decades, Jagger has established himself as one of the greatest rock ‘n’ roll performers in history. As the driving force behind The Rolling Stones’ enduring success, his influence on the music industry cannot be overstated. From his signature raspy vocals to his captivating dance moves, Jagger’s artistry has left an indelible mark on popular culture.
In this article, we embark on a journey through the musical landscape of Mick Jagger’s extraordinary career, exploring the top 10 best songs that encapsulate his creative genius. This selection represents a blend of timeless classics and hidden gems that showcase the versatility and depth of Jagger’s songwriting abilities. Each track resonates with its unique energy, lyrical prowess, and an undeniable sense of rebellion that has come to define Jagger’s style.
From the rebellious anthems of youth to introspective ballads, Jagger has demonstrated his ability to capture the essence of the human experience and reflect the spirit of the times. We’ll delve into the sonic tapestry of his discography, unearthing unforgettable melodies and exploring the narratives that have captivated audiences for generations.
Whether you’re a lifelong fan or new to the musical legacy of Mick Jagger, this exploration of his top 10 best songs is a tribute to the enduring brilliance of an icon who has shaped the course of rock ‘n’ roll history. Get ready to be transported by the timeless artistry and undeniable magic of Mick Jagger’s music.
1. “Sweet Thing”
Mick Jagger's "Sweet Thing" captivates listeners with its bluesy melody and raw lyrics that perfectly complement Jagger's distinct vocal flavor. This song from his debut solo album showcases the iconic singer's versatility as an artist beyond the Rolling Stones. The heart-wrenching emotions conveyed in the song have made it a timeless classic.
The soulful tone of "Sweet Thing" is emboldened by Mick Jagger's powerful performance, rendering it a prime example of his musical prowess. Flaunting a gritty guitar riff, soulful backing vocals, and emotive piano solos, "Sweet Thing" emphasizes Jagger's ability to take full control over any genre.
"Sweet Thing," with its disarming lyrics about love gone awry, is a unique ballad that highlights Mick Jagger's skills as both a songwriter and close collaborator. The song has left an indelible mark on generations of rock and blues-loving audiences worldwide with its gutsy and authentic feel.
Jagger confessed in his memoir "Life" how he wrote the song during his break up with Marianne Faithfull – The band’s powerful way of transforming pain into art was at the back center stage.
Even Mick Jagger can't help but sing along to his own catchy tune about being 'Lucky in Love' – although with his track record, maybe he's not the best person to take relationship advice from.
2. “Lucky In Love”
This song, featured on Mick Jagger’s 1985 debut solo album She’s the Boss, explores the idea of being fortunate in love. The upbeat tempo is driven by a strong bass line and rhythmic guitar riff, while Jagger’s vocals bring a lighthearted feel to the track. “Lucky In Love” is a perfect showcase of Jagger’s unique ability to blend different genres into his own signature sound.
The lyrics tell a story of someone who has finally found true love after going through many heartbreaks. Jagger sings “I’ve been searching all my life for someone just like you / I’ve been traveling all around the world waiting for you to come through.” The theme of luck and destiny intertwined with romance makes this song relatable to many listeners.
Interestingly, this track was initially shopped around as potential single material for The Rolling Stones before ending up on Jagger’s solo album. It remains one of his most memorable solo efforts.
Pro Tip: If you’re feeling down about your love life, put on “Lucky In Love” and dance away your worries! Get ready to dance like a party doll with Mick Jagger's infectious beat in this classic hit.
3. “Party Doll”
This Mick Jagger classic, known by its popular name Party Doll
, is a fun and upbeat tune that showcases Jagger's vocal range. The song's lyrics revolve around the protagonist, who chooses to hang out with his party doll instead of going to school.
The catchy melody and lively rhythm are sure to make it a favorite among folks who like to dance. In addition, the sensational use of saxophone makes the song even more enjoyable.
It's worth noting that Party Doll
wasn't originally written for Mick Jagger but was first performed in 1957 by Buddy Knox and the Rhythm Orchids. However, Jagger gave the track his own unique flair and created an iconic version that still holds up today. With its infectious energy and memorable hooks, Party Doll
is undoubtedly one of Mick Jagger's best songs.
If you haven't listened to this legendary piece yet, be warned – you're missing out on some seriously good music! So take some time out of your day to listen to this gem from Mick Jagger's catalog and experience its magic for yourself. Trust me; you won't regret it!
Jagger may have been wired all night, but this song will leave you wired all day.
4. “Wired All Night”
This Mick Jagger classic captures the essence of his high-voltage performance that he is known for. The song, which talks about staying up all night while being wired, showcases Jagger's inimitable voice and electrifying energy. "Wired All Night" stands out as a testament to Jagger's ability to entertain and captivate his audience.
The guitar riffs are hard-hitting and compliment Jagger's hypnotic vocals perfectly. The upbeat tempo keeps the listener hooked throughout the song. "Wired All Night" is an unmissable track that encapsulates everything that makes Mick Jagger one of the greatest frontmen of all time.
It is worth mentioning that this song stands out among other classics for its candid portrayal of addiction and party culture in rock music. The lyrics are raw, honest and give listeners a peek into life on the road for a rockstar. The guitar work by Jimmy Rip needs special mention, as it brings out the essence of the song brilliantly.
Pro Tip: To fully appreciate "Wired All Night," we recommend listening to it at full volume for an immersive musical experience.
Mick Jagger sings about being lonely at the top, but let's be real, with hits like these, he's probably got a pretty decent view up there.
5. “Lonely At The Top”
The track 'Lonely At The Top' is one of Mick Jagger's most poignant ballads, showcasing his ability to dive deep into emotions. The song builds upon the theme of a lonely, isolated existence as a result of success and fame, all brought to life through Jagger's emotive vocal range.
As the lyrics unfold, there is an effortless balance between vulnerability and strength in Jagger's voice. He portrays the struggles of fame through vivid imagery and introspection that makes it hard not to empathize with him. In essence, 'Lonely At The Top' is a beautifully crafted masterpiece that establishes Mick Jagger as both an artistic force and a musical genius.
Interestingly, this track was inspired by conversations with Marlon Brando about their experiences dealing with the pressures of stardom. It remains one of the best depictions of how success isn't always accompanied by happiness.
Pro Tip: To truly appreciate 'Lonely At The Top,' take your time to listen closely to Mick Jagger's vocal delivery as he showcases his rawest emotional side. Mick Jagger's old habits may die hard, but his ability to rock our world with unforgettable tunes never fades away.
6. “Old Habits Die Hard”
This classic Mick Jagger track, “Old Habits Die Hard”, stands out for its unforgettable melody and introspective lyrics. The song showcases Jagger's dynamic vocal range and explores the idea that it is difficult to break free from old habits, specifically in regards to love and relationships. Featuring piano and guitar riffs that stay with listeners long after the song has ended, “Old Habits Die Hard” is a must-hear for fans of Jagger's solo work.
Continuing the theme of self-reflection, this track also touches on universal human experiences such as regret and perseverance. Anchored by Jagger's signature rock vocals, “Old Habits Die Hard” is an excellent example of his versatility as an artist. The song was originally written for the soundtrack of the 2004 crime thriller film Alfie, which starred Jude Law in the lead role. However, it quickly became a fan favorite amongst Jagger's own discography thanks to its soaring chorus and heartfelt lyrics.
While “Old Habits Die Hard” may not be as well-known as some of Jagger's Rolling Stones hits like “(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction” or “Paint It Black”, it still holds up as one of the musician's strongest solo offerings. Its introspective nature and catchy melody continue to strike a chord with fans today, proving that Jagger's talent extends far beyond his work with one of the world's most iconic rock bands.
Mick Jagger may have everything, but this song proves that even gods need gifts sometimes.
7. “God Gave Me Everything”
Mick Jagger's "God Gave Me Everything" offers a lively and upbeat tune, driven by Jagger's characteristic vocals. The lyrics of the song speak to the power of personal power and triumph, asserting that the gifts of success come from within oneself rather than outside forces. This track is a testament to Jagger's enduring passion for rock music, cementing his position as an iconic figure in the genre.
The instrumentals in "God Gave Me Everything" strike a satisfying balance between guitar riffs and percussion elements, complementing Jagger's voice throughout the song. Notably, drummer Lenny Kravitz lends his talents to the track, adding an extra layer of energy and verve.
What sets "God Gave Me Everything" apart from other Mick Jagger tracks is its ability to blend accessible melodies with thought-provoking lyrics. While the subject matter may be serious, Jagger infuses each verse with unmistakable charisma and flair.
Pro Tip: For fans who want to hear more from this beloved artist beyond his Rolling Stones discography, "God Gave Me Everything" is a must-listen. Its infectious rhythms will have you hitting repeat in no time.
If this is just another night for Mick Jagger, then my regular evenings of binge-watching Netflix and eating pizza suddenly seem a lot less impressive.
8. “Just Another Night”
This Jagger hit from 1985, “Just Another Night”, showcases the legendary singer’s vocal versatility and dynamic range. The song features an upbeat tempo with synth-pop influences and a catchy chorus that has stood the test of time. Co-written by Dave Stewart of the iconic Eurythmics and produced by Bill Laswell, “Just Another Night” was a commercial success and peaked at #12 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Mick Jagger’s vocals are front-and-center in “Just Another Night”. He effortlessly switches between crooning and belting out powerful lyrics that tell the story of a man trying to forget his lost love. The production is top-notch, showcasing Laswell’s ability to layer synths, drums, guitars, bass, and backing vocals in a way that complements Jagger’s performance without overpowering it.
Unlike some of Jagger’s other hits, “Just Another Night” is often overlooked but it deserves more recognition for its infectious melody, relatable lyrics, and impressive vocals. Its danceable beat and catchy hooks make it a classic ’80s tune that still holds up today.
According to an interview with Mick Jagger himself in Rolling Stone magazine from 1985: "The thing about 'Just Another Night' was using studio techniques to construct something which sounded really spontaneous… It's just straight synthetic rock."
Jagger's heart may be torn up, but this song is sure to tear up the dance floor.
9. “Don’t Tear Me Up”
This track showcases Mick Jagger’s restless, fiery passion and undeniable talent as a songwriter. The lyrics speak of a tumultuous relationship that Jagger insists has been worth the heartbreak.
“Don’t Tear Me Up” was included in his first solo album, “Wandering Spirit,” released in 1993. The rock-infused ballad is elevated by Jagger’s raw, soulful voice as he pleads with his lover to stay.
Interestingly, the music video for the song features British supermodel Kate Moss as Jagger’s leading lady.
Pro Tip: "Don't Tear Me Up" might be one of Jagger’s lesser-known solo hits but it’s still one of his best and worth adding to any classic rock playlist.
Mick Jagger proves that he can make any street a dance floor with this infectious hit.
10. “Dancing In The Streets”
This Mick Jagger hit is a popular classic among rock enthusiasts. The upbeat tune and catchy lyrics make it an iconic anthem that still enjoys airplay today. Mick's distinctive voice is at its best in this song, which makes it one of the most memorable songs of his career.
Apart from its timeless appeal, “Dancing In The Streets” also served as a commentary on the civil rights movement in America during the 1960s. It was one of the few mainstream songs to feature black cultural influences prominently. This made it more than just another dance single but a reflection of the times. As such, it remains an essential record for social historians and music critics alike.
There's more to this classic than meets the eye. Did you know that David Bowie's version of “Dancing in The Streets" peaked at No. 7 on the UK chart? It was a collaboration between Bowie and Jagger, and their chemistry was so intense that they could not help but produce magic together.
“Dancing In The Streets” may be an old classic, but its appeal continues to resonate with modern audiences who flock to dance floors, arms linked, singing along to the iconic chorus. With over half a century since its release, it shows no signs of fading away in popularity anytime soon!
Samuel Moore is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
