Mick Jagger is a legendary British musician, singer, songwriter, and actor, best known as the lead vocalist and one of the founding members of the Rolling Stones, one of the greatest and most influential rock bands of all time.
Jagger was born on July 26, 1943, in Dartford, Kent, England. He met Keith Richards in primary school, and their shared love of blues music led them to form a band together in 1962, which would later become the Rolling Stones. With Jagger as the frontman, the Rolling Stones rose to prominence during the British Invasion of the 1960s, alongside bands like the Beatles. Known for their rebellious image and raw, blues-inspired sound, the Rolling Stones became one of the most successful and enduring bands in rock history.
As the lead singer of the Rolling Stones, Mick Jagger is renowned for his charismatic stage presence, distinctive voice, and energetic performance style. He is also a talented songwriter, having co-written many of the band’s greatest hits alongside Keith Richards. Some of the Rolling Stones’ most iconic songs, including “Satisfaction,” “Paint It Black,” “Sympathy for the Devil,” and “Start Me Up,” feature Jagger’s powerful vocals and memorable lyrics.
In addition to his work with the Rolling Stones, Mick Jagger has pursued a successful solo career, releasing several albums and singles. He has also appeared in numerous films, including “Performance,” “Ned Kelly,” and “The Man from Elysian Fields.”
Throughout his career, Mick Jagger has been recognized as one of the greatest frontmen in rock history, with his influence extending far beyond music into fashion, culture, and entertainment. He has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to the music industry and continues to perform and record with the Rolling Stones to this day, solidifying his status as a rock icon.
1. (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction
“(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” is one of the most famous songs by the Rolling Stones, released in 1965. It’s considered one of the greatest rock songs of all time and one of the Rolling Stones’ signature tracks.
The song features a distinctive and instantly recognizable guitar riff played by Keith Richards, which is one of the most iconic riffs in rock music history. Mick Jagger’s vocals are delivered with attitude and frustration, reflecting the song’s theme of dissatisfaction with consumer culture and the pressures of society.
Lyrically, “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” expresses the frustration and disillusionment of a young man who feels constantly bombarded by advertising and unable to find genuine fulfillment. The song’s rebellious lyrics struck a chord with audiences, particularly young people, and it became an anthem of the countercultural movement of the 1960s.
“(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” was a massive commercial success, reaching number one on charts around the world and firmly establishing the Rolling Stones as one of the leading rock bands of the era. Its impact on popular culture cannot be overstated, and it remains one of the most enduring and influential songs in the history of rock music.
2. “Paint It Black”
“Paint It Black” is a song by the Rolling Stones, released in 1966 as a single and later included on their album “Aftermath.” It’s one of the band’s most iconic and recognizable songs.
The song features a distinctive and hypnotic sitar riff, played by multi-instrumentalist Brian Jones, which gives it a unique and Eastern-inspired sound. Mick Jagger’s vocals are haunting and intense, reflecting the song’s dark and introspective lyrics.
“Paint It Black” explores themes of loss, grief, and existential angst, with the narrator expressing a desire to “paint it black” as a metaphor for his emotional state. The song’s lyrics convey a sense of despair and nihilism, but also a yearning for transformation and renewal.
“Paint It Black” was a commercial success, reaching number one on the charts in both the United States and the United Kingdom. Its innovative use of the sitar and its evocative lyrics made it a standout track in the Rolling Stones’ catalog and solidified their reputation as one of the most adventurous and influential bands of the 1960s.
3. “Jumpin’ Jack Flash”
“Jumpin’ Jack Flash” is a song by the Rolling Stones, released as a single in 1968 and later included on their compilation album “Through the Past, Darkly (Big Hits Vol. 2).” It’s one of the band’s most beloved and enduring tracks.
The song is characterized by its driving rhythm, catchy guitar riff, and Mick Jagger’s energetic vocals. Keith Richards’ distinctive guitar playing and Charlie Watts’ solid drumming contribute to the song’s infectious groove.
Lyrically, “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” tells the story of a mythical character named Jack Flash, who overcomes various obstacles and challenges with resilience and determination. The lyrics are cryptic and enigmatic, with Jack Flash symbolizing defiance and rebellion against authority.
“Jumpin’ Jack Flash” was a commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in several countries and becoming one of the Rolling Stones’ signature songs. Its infectious energy and catchy melody have made it a staple of the band’s live performances and a favorite among fans of rock music. The song’s enduring popularity and cultural impact have cemented its status as a classic in the rock genre.
4. “Sympathy for the Devil”
“Sympathy for the Devil” is a song by the Rolling Stones, released on their 1968 album “Beggars Banquet.” It’s one of the band’s most iconic and controversial songs.
The song features a distinctive rhythm driven by congas and maracas, along with a hypnotic guitar riff. Mick Jagger delivers the lyrics in the persona of the devil, recounting various historical events from the devil’s perspective. The lyrics touch upon themes of sin, evil, and the darker aspects of human nature.
“Sympathy for the Devil” is notable for its innovative structure and arrangement, incorporating elements of blues, rock, and Latin music. The song’s dynamic shifts in tempo and instrumentation create a sense of tension and excitement.
Despite its controversial subject matter, “Sympathy for the Devil” was a commercial success, reaching the top 10 on charts around the world. It has since become one of the Rolling Stones’ most enduring and influential songs, acclaimed for its musical innovation and lyrical depth. The song’s provocative themes and powerful imagery have made it a subject of fascination and interpretation for fans and critics alike.
5. “Brown Sugar”
“Brown Sugar” is a song by the Rolling Stones, released in 1971 as the opening track and lead single from their album “Sticky Fingers.” It’s one of the band’s most famous and enduring songs.
The song is characterized by its infectious groove, driven by a gritty guitar riff and a propulsive rhythm section. Mick Jagger’s vocals are energetic and provocative, delivering lyrics that explore themes of lust, desire, and the darker aspects of American history.
“Brown Sugar” has a controversial reputation due to its lyrics, which include references to slavery, interracial relationships, and sexual exploitation. The song’s candid and explicit lyrics caused some controversy upon its release but also contributed to its popularity and notoriety.
Despite its controversial subject matter, “Brown Sugar” was a commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in multiple countries. It has since become one of the Rolling Stones’ most beloved and frequently performed songs, a staple of their live performances and a classic in the rock genre. The song’s infectious energy, catchy melody, and provocative lyrics have cemented its status as an iconic piece of rock music history.
6. “Angie”
“Angie” is a ballad by the Rolling Stones, released in 1973 as a single and later included on their album “Goats Head Soup.” It’s one of the band’s most popular and enduring songs, known for its melancholic melody and heartfelt lyrics.
The song features a tender and introspective arrangement, with acoustic guitar and piano providing a gentle backdrop for Mick Jagger’s emotive vocals. The lyrics of “Angie” are often interpreted as a reflection on lost love and the pain of separation, though the exact inspiration behind the song remains subject to speculation.
“Angie” was a commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in multiple countries and becoming one of the Rolling Stones’ biggest hits. Its haunting melody and poignant lyrics struck a chord with audiences, earning it a permanent place in the band’s repertoire and in the pantheon of classic rock ballads.
Despite its success, “Angie” has remained somewhat enigmatic, with Mick Jagger himself offering varying explanations for the song’s meaning over the years. Regardless of its origins, “Angie” has endured as one of the Rolling Stones’ most beloved and emotionally resonant songs, cherished by fans for its beauty and sincerity.
7. “Miss You”
“Miss You” is a song by the Rolling Stones, released in 1978 on their album “Some Girls.” It’s one of the band’s most successful and recognizable songs from their later period.
“Miss You” is characterized by its disco-influenced groove, featuring a prominent bassline, funky guitar riff, and pulsating rhythm. Mick Jagger’s vocals are soulful and seductive, delivering lyrics that express longing and desire for a distant lover.
The song’s disco-inflected sound was a departure from the Rolling Stones’ traditional rock style, but it proved to be a commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in multiple countries. Its infectious groove and catchy melody made it a favorite on radio stations and dance floors around the world.
“Miss You” remains one of the Rolling Stones’ most popular and enduring songs, a testament to their ability to adapt to changing musical trends while retaining their signature sound. Its blend of rock, funk, and disco elements continues to captivate listeners and make it a staple of the band’s live performances.
8. “Start Me Up”
“Start Me Up” is a song by the Rolling Stones, released in 1981 as the lead single from their album “Tattoo You.” It’s one of the band’s most famous and commercially successful songs.
“Start Me Up” is characterized by its infectious guitar riff, played by Keith Richards, which serves as the song’s driving force. The riff is instantly recognizable and has become one of the most iconic in rock music history. Mick Jagger’s vocals are energetic and dynamic, delivering lyrics that express a sense of urgency and excitement.
The song’s upbeat tempo and catchy melody made it a massive hit, reaching the top of the charts in multiple countries. Its popularity was further boosted by its use in various commercials, films, and sporting events over the years.
“Start Me Up” remains a staple of the Rolling Stones’ live performances and a favorite among fans of the band. Its timeless appeal and infectious energy have solidified its status as one of the band’s signature songs and a classic in the rock genre.
9. “Honky Tonk Women”
“Honky Tonk Women” is a song by the Rolling Stones, released as a single in 1969 and later included on their compilation album “Through the Past, Darkly (Big Hits Vol. 2).” It’s one of the band’s most famous and enduring songs.
The song is characterized by its catchy guitar riff and infectious rhythm, which combine elements of rock and roll, country, and blues. Mick Jagger’s vocals are playful and swaggering, delivering lyrics that depict the adventures of a man encountering various women while traveling through different cities.
“Honky Tonk Women” was a commercial success, reaching number one on charts around the world and becoming one of the Rolling Stones’ biggest hits. Its lively tempo and catchy melody made it a favorite among fans and a staple of the band’s live performances.
The song’s title and lyrics have sometimes been interpreted as a nod to the honky-tonk music genre and the lifestyle associated with it, though the exact meaning remains subject to interpretation. Regardless, “Honky Tonk Women” remains one of the Rolling Stones’ most beloved and iconic songs, a timeless classic in the rock and roll canon.
10. (Ghost) Riders on the Storm
“Riders on the Storm” is a song by The Doors, released in 1971 as the last track on their album “L.A. Woman.” It’s known for its haunting melody, atmospheric sound, and evocative lyrics.
The song features a distinctive keyboard riff played by Ray Manzarek, which sets the mood for the song’s brooding atmosphere. Jim Morrison’s vocals are mesmerizing and contemplative, delivering lyrics that explore themes of isolation, mortality, and the journey of life.
The lyrics of “Riders on the Storm” conjure images of driving through a stormy night, with references to “ghosts” and “riders” adding to the song’s mysterious and surreal vibe. The repeated refrain of “Riders on the storm” serves as a hypnotic mantra, drawing listeners into the song’s dark and introspective world.
“Riders on the Storm” is widely regarded as one of The Doors’ greatest achievements and a masterpiece of psychedelic rock. Its atmospheric sound and poetic lyrics have made it a favorite among fans and critics alike, and it continues to be celebrated as a classic in the rock music canon.