Mick Jagger is an English singer, songwriter, actor, and producer, best known as the lead vocalist and co-founder of the Rolling Stones. Born Michael Philip Jagger on July 26, 1943, in Dartford, Kent, England, he became one of the most influential and iconic figures in the history of rock music.
Jagger, along with guitarist Keith Richards, formed the Rolling Stones in 1962. The band quickly rose to prominence with their energetic performances, rebellious image, and a string of hit songs that included “Satisfaction,” “Paint It Black,” “Jumpin’ Jack Flash,” and many others. Mick Jagger’s dynamic stage presence, distinctive voice, and charismatic persona contributed significantly to the band’s success.
Apart from his work with the Rolling Stones, Jagger has pursued a solo career, releasing albums such as “She’s the Boss” (1985) and “Wandering Spirit” (1993). He has also explored acting, with notable roles in films like “Performance” (1970) and “The Man from Elysian Fields” (2001).
Mick Jagger’s impact on the music industry has earned him numerous accolades, including induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with the Rolling Stones. His enduring influence extends beyond music, making him a cultural and fashion icon. Despite decades in the spotlight, Jagger continues to be an influential force in rock and remains an integral part of the Rolling Stones’ ongoing legacy.
1. Gimme Shelter (with The Rolling Stones)
“Gimme Shelter” is a iconic rock song by The Rolling Stones, released in 1969 on their album “Let It Bleed.” The song features Mick Jagger on lead vocals, and it is known for its powerful and haunting atmosphere.
“Gimme Shelter” was written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, and it reflects the social and political turbulence of the late 1960s. The lyrics convey a sense of impending danger and chaos, and the song’s title itself suggests a plea for shelter or protection. The apocalyptic tone is heightened by the intense and soulful vocals of Merry Clayton, who provided backing vocals on the track.
The song’s instrumentation is distinctive, featuring a prominent guitar riff by Keith Richards and a memorable use of the 12-string guitar by session musician Al Kooper. The inclusion of a haunting background choir adds to the song’s atmospheric and foreboding quality.
“Gimme Shelter” has been widely praised for its musical and lyrical impact. It has been featured in numerous films, TV shows, and commercials, solidifying its place as one of The Rolling Stones’ most enduring and influential tracks. The song captures the spirit of its time and continues to resonate with listeners for its evocative and timeless qualities.
2. Brown Sugar (with The Rolling Stones)
“Brown Sugar” is a classic rock song by The Rolling Stones, released in 1971 as the lead single from their album “Sticky Fingers.” The song is known for its distinctive guitar riff, provocative lyrics, and energetic rock and roll sound.
Written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, “Brown Sugar” explores themes of slavery, racism, and sexual exploitation. The lyrics are controversial and have been a subject of discussion since the song’s release. Musically, the track features a memorable guitar riff played by Richards and Jagger’s distinctive vocals.
“Brown Sugar” became a major hit, reaching the top of the charts in the United States and several other countries. It remains one of The Rolling Stones’ most recognizable and frequently performed songs.
The song’s success is also attributed to its catchy and infectious nature. Its impact on popular culture is evident, with “Brown Sugar” being featured in various films, commercials, and sporting events. Despite the controversy surrounding its lyrics, the song remains a staple in The Rolling Stones’ live performances and a significant part of their extensive catalog.
3. Miss You (with The Rolling Stones)
“Miss You” is a disco-influenced rock song by The Rolling Stones, released in 1978 as the lead single from their album “Some Girls.” The song was written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards and became one of The Rolling Stones’ most successful and enduring tracks.
“Miss You” marked a departure from the band’s traditional rock sound, incorporating elements of disco, funk, and R&B. The song features a prominent bassline, funky guitar riffs, and a danceable groove. Mick Jagger’s vocals, along with the harmonica playing by him, contribute to the song’s distinctive sound.
The lyrics of “Miss You” explore themes of loneliness and yearning for a loved one. The chorus features the iconic line “Ooh, ooh, miss you,” which became a memorable hook of the song.
“Miss You” received widespread acclaim and became a commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in the United States and several other countries. Its crossover appeal to both rock and disco audiences showcased The Rolling Stones’ ability to adapt to changing musical trends.
The song remains a fan favorite and a testament to The Rolling Stones’ versatility in exploring different genres while maintaining their signature style. Its impact on popular culture endures, and “Miss You” continues to be a celebrated and frequently played track in the band’s live performances.
4. Sympathy for the Devil (with The Rolling Stones)
“Sympathy for the Devil” is a classic rock song by The Rolling Stones, released in 1968 as the opening track of their album “Beggars Banquet.” Written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, the song is known for its distinctive rhythm, provocative lyrics, and eclectic musical elements.
The lyrics of “Sympathy for the Devil” are narrated from the perspective of Satan, presenting historical and cultural events as instances of the devil’s influence. The song explores themes of evil, chaos, and the darker aspects of human history. Mick Jagger’s vocal delivery, combined with the hypnotic percussion and rhythmic elements, adds to the song’s ominous and seductive atmosphere.
Musically, “Sympathy for the Devil” draws inspiration from various genres, including rock, blues, and Latin music. The percussion, featuring congas and other exotic instruments, gives the song a distinctive and infectious groove.
Despite its controversial subject matter, “Sympathy for the Devil” became a critical and commercial success. It has since become one of The Rolling Stones’ signature songs and is often regarded as one of the greatest rock songs of all time. The song’s enduring popularity is evident in its frequent use in films, TV shows, and commercials, showcasing its cultural impact over the decades.
5. Start Me Up (with The Rolling Stones)
“Start Me Up” is a rock song by The Rolling Stones, released in 1981 as the lead single from their album “Tattoo You.” The song was written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards and became one of The Rolling Stones’ most recognizable and commercially successful tracks.
“Start Me Up” is characterized by its infectious guitar riff, played by Keith Richards, and its upbeat and energetic rock sound. The song’s driving rhythm and catchy chorus contributed to its widespread popularity. The lyrics suggest themes of romantic desire and anticipation.
Despite being released in the early 1980s, “Start Me Up” retained the classic rock feel that defined The Rolling Stones’ earlier work. The song’s success was propelled by its use in various commercials and promotional campaigns, further cementing its place in popular culture.
“Start Me Up” became a major hit, reaching the top of the charts in the United States and several other countries. It remains a staple in The Rolling Stones’ live performances and is often associated with their enduring legacy in the rock music landscape. The song’s timeless appeal continues to resonate with fans and new generations of music enthusiasts.
6. Dancing in the Street (with David Bowie)
“Dancing in the Street” is a classic song originally recorded by Martha and the Vandellas in 1964. However, you mentioned a version with David Bowie, so it’s likely you’re referring to the collaborative cover recorded by David Bowie and Mick Jagger. This cover was released in 1985 and was part of the Live Aid charity event.
David Bowie and Mick Jagger’s version of “Dancing in the Street” was a charity single recorded to raise funds for the Live Aid famine relief effort. The song is an energetic and updated take on the original Motown classic. The collaboration brought together two iconic figures in rock and pop music, creating a memorable rendition of the song.
The music video for their cover is notable for featuring Bowie and Jagger energetically performing the song in various locations, capturing a sense of joy and celebration. While the cover received mixed reviews, it became a commercial success and achieved chart success in multiple countries.
Despite its charitable purpose, the cover has been both praised for its entertainment value and criticized for its perceived over-the-top enthusiasm. Nevertheless, it remains a notable moment in the careers of both Bowie and Jagger and a unique take on a timeless classic.
7. Just Another Night (solo)
“Just Another Night” is a song by Mick Jagger, released as the lead single from his debut solo album, “She’s the Boss,” in 1985. The album marked Jagger’s first solo venture apart from his work with The Rolling Stones.
“Just Another Night” is a rock-pop track with elements of dance and new wave. The song features Jagger’s distinctive vocals and a blend of electronic and traditional rock instrumentation. Lyrically, it explores themes of nightlife, love, and the transient nature of relationships.
The music video for “Just Another Night” received significant attention due to its visually striking and avant-garde style. Directed by Godley & Creme, the video features innovative use of technology and effects for its time.
While “Just Another Night” wasn’t as commercially successful as some of Jagger’s other solo endeavors, the song received positive reviews for its catchy melody and Jagger’s charismatic performance. The “She’s the Boss” album showcased Jagger’s willingness to experiment with different musical styles outside the context of The Rolling Stones.
8. Don’t Tear Me Up (solo)
“Don’t Tear Me Up” is a song by Mick Jagger, released as a single from his third solo album, “Wandering Spirit,” in 1993. “Wandering Spirit” marked Jagger’s return to a more straightforward rock sound after experimenting with different genres in his previous solo releases.
“Don’t Tear Me Up” is a bluesy and soulful rock ballad. The song features Jagger’s distinctive vocals, heartfelt lyrics, and a musical arrangement that incorporates elements of blues and rock. The lyrics express vulnerability and plea for understanding in the face of emotional turmoil.
The track received positive reviews for its emotional depth and Jagger’s soulful delivery. While “Wandering Spirit” may not have achieved the commercial success of some of Jagger’s earlier work, it was well-received by critics and showcased his continued relevance as a solo artist.
“Don’t Tear Me Up” is an example of Jagger’s ability to convey personal and introspective themes through his solo work, offering listeners a glimpse into a different facet of his artistic expression outside the context of The Rolling Stones.
9. Lucky in Love (solo)
“Lucky in Love” is a song by Mick Jagger, released as a single from his debut solo album, “She’s the Boss,” in 1985. The album marked Jagger’s first foray into solo work while still an active member of The Rolling Stones.
“Lucky in Love” is a pop-oriented track with elements of dance and new wave, characteristic of the mid-1980s music scene. The song features Jagger’s distinctive vocals and incorporates synthesizers and electronic elements, reflecting the contemporary production styles of the time.
While “Lucky in Love” didn’t achieve the same level of commercial success as some of Jagger’s other solo singles, it received attention for its catchy and upbeat nature. The accompanying music video, directed by Brian Grant, added to the song’s appeal with its vibrant and visually striking scenes.
“She’s the Boss” showcased Jagger’s willingness to experiment with different musical styles outside the context of The Rolling Stones. While opinions on the album were mixed, “Lucky in Love” and other tracks from the album demonstrated Jagger’s ability to adapt to the evolving sounds of the 1980s music landscape.
10. Memo from Turner (solo)
“Memo from Turner” is a solo song by Mick Jagger, released as a single in 1970. The song was written for the soundtrack of the film “Performance,” in which Jagger also starred alongside James Fox. While “Memo from Turner” was released as a solo single, it features contributions from members of The Rolling Stones, making it a transitional piece between Jagger’s solo work and the band’s output.
The song has a bluesy and rock-oriented sound, featuring Jagger’s distinctive vocals and a slide guitar performance by Ry Cooder. The lyrics of “Memo from Turner” are enigmatic and allude to various themes, fitting the mysterious and psychedelic atmosphere of the film “Performance.”
The track showcases Jagger’s ability to adopt different personas and musical styles, a trait that would become more evident in his later solo career. “Memo from Turner” remains a unique entry in Jagger’s discography, capturing a moment in time when he was exploring individual artistic expressions alongside his continued collaboration with The Rolling Stones.
Edward Tomlin 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.
