Mick Jagger is an English singer-songwriter, musician, and actor who is best known as the lead vocalist and co-founder of the Rolling Stones. Born in 1943 in England, Jagger formed the Rolling Stones in 1962 with guitarist Keith Richards, and the band quickly became one of the most successful and influential rock acts of all time.
Jagger’s music is characterized by his distinctive voice, energetic stage presence, and songwriting skills. He has penned some of the Rolling Stones’ most iconic hits, including “Satisfaction,” “Paint It Black,” and “Sympathy for the Devil.” He has also released several successful solo albums and collaborated with numerous other artists across genres.
In addition to his music career, Jagger has also acted in several films, including “Performance” and “The Man from Elysian Fields.” He has been honored with numerous awards for his music and contributions to the entertainment industry, including induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Jagger’s influence on rock and roll cannot be overstated, and he has inspired countless artists with his unique voice, electrifying stage presence, and songwriting talent. His music continues to be celebrated by fans around the world, and his legacy as a true icon of rock and roll lives on.
1. Shine A Light
This Mick Jagger classic, which features The Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richardson backing vocals, is a soulful ballad that brings out the best of Jagger’s vocal talent. With an inspiring chorus and beautiful instrumentation, "Shine A Light" showcases Jagger’s ability to deliver a powerful performance with incredible range. It was released as part of the album "Exile on Main St." in 1972 and has since become one of Jagger's most beloved tracks.
Continuing with The Rolling Stones theme, this track features an upbeat tempo, catchy hooks and lyrics that are quintessential Jagger. The song, originally released in 1968 as part of their seminal album "Beggars Banquet," showcases his capacity as a lyricist with politically charged verses that urged for social change. Added layers of blues and rock elements make this track one of Jagger’s finest works.
Jagger’s versatility shines through in this acoustic-driven love song that highlights his softer side. Written for Bianca Jagger – whom he was married to at the time – the track features delicate guitars and haunting strings that bring out the emotional depth of his voice. The song was released as part of "Goats Head Soup" (1973) album and is still widely played today.
Pro Tip: Listen to Jagger’s live performances or unreleased tracks for an even deeper insight into his repertoire.
Mick Jagger proves he's not just a rockstar, but a rooster too, with his seductive vocals in "Little Red Rooster".
2. Little Red Rooster
Mick Jagger's rendition of the blues classic 'Little Red Rooster' is a standout track with its haunting harmonica and slide guitar. This song showcases Jagger's vocal range and ability to execute intricate phrasing while maintaining impressive control over the music. It's no surprise that this track has been an enduring fan favorite, especially among those who enjoy early Stones style rhythm and blues.
Get ready for a technicolor trip down memory lane with Mick Jagger's 'She's A Rainbow'.
3. She’s A Rainbow
This iconic song by Mick Jagger is an enchanting masterpiece. 'She's A Rainbow' showcases Jagger's vocal range and his ability to experiment with different musical styles. The song features mesmerizing piano riffs, ethereal vocal harmonies, and a soulful melody that makes it unforgettable. It was released in 1967 as part of the seminal album, Their Satanic Majesties Request, and has since become a cult classic.
Jagger drew inspiration from a friend's girlfriend who wore vibrant colored clothes to lift her spirits during a dark period. The lyrics express gratitude towards this woman who brings joy and positivity to the singer's life. Jagger also experimented with various instruments such as Mellotron, vibraphone, and maracas to give the song its unique sound.
The song was produced by John Paul Jones of Led Zeppelin fame. Interestingly, 'She's A Rainbow' was one of the first songs ever used as background music for a commercial when it played in a 1996 Coca-Cola ad.
Paint it black, more like paint it Mick, because Jagger's vocals on this classic will leave you feeling dark and moody.
4. Paint It Black
This Mick Jagger classic, known as 'Track 4' on their album 'Aftermath,' is a masterpiece of psychedelic rock. The guitar riff and steady drumming create an eerie atmosphere, and the haunting lyrics about death and mourning make it unforgettable. Paint It Black was a groundbreaking song that solidified The Rolling Stones' place in music history. Its use in films and TV shows has ensured that this iconic track will remain relevant for years to come.
Moving forward, the unique addition of sitar in Paint It Black was also an outstanding sound choice by the band. Jagger's vocals were impeccable as always, infusing each line with emotion while still being able to convey the song's underlying message. This song has been covered countless times but never surpassed the original version's impact.
It is worth mentioning that Mick Jagger wrote this song after he had gone through a rough patch emotionally when his former love interest, Marianne Faithfull, had attempted suicide. This tragedy inspired him to pen one of his most famous works.
For fans of The Rolling Stones who want to dive deeper into their catalog, Paint It Black provides an excellent starting point for exploring all that they have achieved over the past six decades. Fans should also take note of other tracks from their legendary album Aftermath like Under my Thumb and Mother's Little Helper for more insights into the band's progressive style.
Listeners should learn how Mick Jagger utilized his unique sense of lyricism and musicality to propel The Rolling Stones to international success with hits like Paint It Black
. Simple yet sophisticated chord progressions coupled with evocative lyrics made them pioneers in their field.
This song is perfect for your next backyard BBQ, as long as your guests aren't bothered by lyrics about underage girls and stray cats.
5. Stray Cat Blues
This Mick Jagger classic showcases his signature falsetto and bluesy croon. The captivating 'Stray Cat Blues' from the iconic Rolling Stones album Beggar's Banquet is a tantalizing story of youthful desire and controversial taboo. Jagger laments over the temptation of an underage girl while Keith Richards delivers a bluesy slide guitar riff, creating a dynamic musical tension. This song is both hauntingly gritty and seductive, further solidifying Jagger's status as one of rock's most provocative frontmen. Any Mick Jagger fan or lover of classic rock will appreciate this notable gem in his vast repertoire.
Taking a moonlit stroll with Mick Jagger is the only time it's socially acceptable to sing 'Hey, you, get off of my cloud' at the top of your lungs.
6. Moonlight Mile
One of the standout tracks from Mick Jagger's discography is a melodious tune that captures the essence of night travel – 'Moonlight Mile'. Jagger's soulful vocals coupled with rich instrumentals evoke a sense of melancholy and longing. Delving into the narrative, we witness a restless traveler struggling to find inner peace while navigating through the dark highways, searching for hope like a ray in the night sky. This poetic representation cements its reputation as one of Jagger's best works.
As a part of The Rolling Stones' 1971 album 'Sticky Fingers', 'Moonlight Mile' was written by Jagger and Keith Richards, who also played acoustic guitar. The song features notable contributions from Mick Taylor on lead guitar, Bill Wyman on bass and Jimmy Miller on percussion.
'The Rolling Stone Album Guide' ranked this track as one of the "three or four truly great Stones ballads" ever recorded. Its emotional depth has made it an all-time classic and a fan favorite during live performances.
Fun fact: 'Moonlight Mile' originally derived its name from the film called 'Performance,' where it was performed by Jagger himself.
Angie may have left Mick Jagger, but this song will never leave our playlists.
7. Angie
One of the top 10 Mick Jagger songs is a powerful and emotional ballad that showcases his versatility as a singer-songwriter. This song, which was written about David Bowie's wife Angela, is known by its memorable title – 'Angie'. With delicate guitar work, heartfelt lyrics and Jagger's soulful crooning, this song has stood the test of time as a classic rock ballad. It was released in 1973 on their album 'Goats Head Soup' and went on to become one of their biggest hits. It's no wonder that 'Angie' has become an enduring favorite among fans.
What sets 'Angie' apart from other Rolling Stones tracks is how personal it feels. Jagger's vocals are raw and emotional throughout, conveying a sense of heartbreak and longing that few other singers can match. The acoustic guitar work adds to the melancholic tone, providing a beautiful counterpoint to Jagger's impassioned singing. The track also showcases the band's ability to tackle different genres; while most of their music tends towards bluesy rock, 'Angie' proves they can do ballads just as well.
It's interesting to note that 'Angie' wasn't initially well-received by critics upon its release. However, it quickly became a fan favorite due to its emotional resonance and catchy melody. Even today, it remains one of the most beloved Rolling Stones songs of all time.
If you haven't heard 'Angie' before or want to revisit this timeless classic, be sure not to miss out on experiencing one of Mick Jagger's greatest works.
Sometimes life is just like a Rolling Stones song: you can't always get what you want, but if you try sometimes, you just might find, you get what you need.
8. You Can’t Always Get What You Want
This classic track from Mick Jagger is a testament to life's unpredictability and the hard-hitting truth that sometimes things don't go as planned, even though we might want them to. The lyrics explore the idea that true happiness isn't always obtained by fulfilling our every heart's desire. Jagger's gravelly voice blends perfectly with the gospel choir and orchestral arrangement, making 'You Can't Always Get What You Want' an all-time favorite. The song possesses a timeless quality that endears both old and young generations alike, reminding us to embrace life's ups and downs with open arms.
Fun fact: The song was featured prominently in the final scene of iconic American television drama "The Sopranos."
Pro Tip: Remember that life doesn't always go according to plan, and sometimes it's better that way – we are forced to grow, evolve, and adapt along the way. As someone once said, Mick Jagger's voice is like a fine wine – it gets better with age. 'Wild Horses' is proof that sometimes, even wild animals need a good slow jam.
9. Wild Horses
This song is not just a classic but also an emotional masterpiece from Mick Jagger. With his heart-wrenching lyrics and soulful voice, '9. Wild Horses' is an ode to love and loss that has touched millions around the world. The melancholic melody of the track combined with Jagger's raw vocals make it one of the best songs he has ever written.
As the song progresses, you can feel the pain and longing in every word he sings. It's a haunting reminder of how love can be both beautiful and devastating at the same time. This is a testament to Jagger's skills as a songwriter and performer, where he conveys powerful emotions with ease.
One unique detail about this piece is that it was initially intended for Gram Parsons to perform, who was a close friend of Jagger's. However, Parsons passed away shortly before its release, so it remained a Rolling Stones classic instead.
'9. Wild Horses' embodies the spirit of Mick Jagger's music – profound lyrics delivered with emotion and depth. It continues to inspire generations of fans worldwide and will remain timeless for years to come.
In fact, rumor has it that when Keith Richards first played the riff on an acoustic guitar for Jagger, he felt goosebumps all over his body – now that's what we call musical magic!
Even Satan himself can't resist grooving to Mick Jagger's 'Sympathy For The Devil'.
10. Sympathy For The Devil
This iconic tune by Mick Jagger showcases the darker side of humanity, exploring themes of corruption and violence. With haunting lyrics and a driving beat, it is one of the Stones' most compelling works. The hypnotic refrain and intense instrumentals build to a climax that leaves an indelible impression on the listener.
The track's inspiration came from Russian author Mikhail Bulgakov's novel "The Master and Margarita," which explores issues of good versus evil. Jagger adapted this concept into a musical narrative, weaving together different historical events to create an eerie portrait of humanity's darker impulses.
One noteworthy aspect of "Sympathy For The Devil" is its use of multiple percussion instruments. Jagger brought in various Latin American musicians to contribute, creating a mesmerizing sound that adds to the song's ominous vibe.
This track remains a staple in the Stones' repertoire, showcasing both their musical prowess and Mick Jagger's exceptional lyricism.
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.
