Mick Jagger is an English musician, singer, songwriter, and actor born in 1943 in Dartford, Kent. He is best known as the lead vocalist of the Rolling Stones, one of the most successful and influential rock bands in history.
Jagger’s career with the Rolling Stones began in the early 1960s, and the band quickly became known for their blues-based rock and roll and Jagger’s dynamic stage presence. Jagger’s signature moves, including his high-energy dance style and distinctive voice, helped to establish him as one of the greatest frontmen in rock history.
In addition to his work with the Rolling Stones, Jagger has also released several solo albums and collaborated with other artists throughout his career. He has also dabbled in acting, appearing in several films and television shows over the years.
Jagger’s influence on the world of music cannot be overstated. His raw energy and powerful vocals, combined with his showmanship and charisma, have inspired countless other musicians and helped to shape the sound of rock and roll. He has been recognized with multiple Grammy Awards, and in 1989, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the Rolling Stones.
1. Shine A Light
The track that shines the most on this list is a song by Mick Jagger called 'Illuminate'. The lyrics painted with vivid imaginations about illuminating our innermost desires and spirits, accompanied by Jagger's signature groans and voice imprints make this song an iconic classic. It's an unforgettable tune with a powerful message that has continued to stand the test of time. Jagger's clever use of words, metaphors and musical arrangements in this song makes it impossible for listeners not to tap their feet or dance along.
As we continue our exploration of Mick Jagger's best songs, let's take look at another gem – 'Beats Me Up'. This high-octane rock masterpiece showcases Jagger's unique vocal prowess while telling an emotional story about love gone wrong. There are no dull moments in this stunning record as every second is filled with raw energy and passion that can be felt from the first note to the last.
One thing that stands out about Mick Jagger is his ability to create music that tells a story so engaging you never want it to end. 'Jumpin' Jack Flash', one of his biggest hits does just that! The funky riffs, groovy beats, anthemic chorus, all blending together perfectly pull the listener into its world. With never-ending singalong melodies, there's hardly anyone who hasn't fallen in love with this timeless classic.
Pro Tip: To experience the full enchantment of Mick Jagger's music, pair it up with his electrifying live performances for maximum enjoyment.
Even Mick Jagger knows he can't always get what he wants, but with 'Little Red Rooster' on this list, he definitely got what he needed.
2. Little Red Rooster
Mick Jagger's classic 'Little Red Rooster' stands out as one of his greatest songs. Combining blues and rock influences, Jagger's vocals paired with legendary guitarist Keith Richards is a match made in musical heaven. The song tells the story of a woman who strays from her partner with various men, hence the lyrics "I have a little red rooster, too lazy to crow for day". Its raw straightforwardness and powerful delivery made it an instant hit in the UK and US, cementing Jagger's place in music history. It remains a fan favorite and a classic that still gets airplay today.
One unique aspect of 'Little Red Rooster' is its simplicity. The lyrics are easy to follow but still convey a deeper message about infidelity without being too explicit. The melody is catchy yet haunting, providing the perfect backdrop for Jagger's soulful raspy vocals. Its influence on popular culture can be seen in cover versions by artists as diverse as The Rolling Stones themselves and Sam Cooke.
If you haven't listened to 'Little Red Rooster', you risk missing out on one of Mick Jagger's most iconic performances. Listening to it will not only broaden your musical perspective but also give you an insight into the raw power of music at its finest. So don't wait any longer, add this timeless classic to your playlist today!
Rainbow or not, Mick Jagger knows how to paint a colorful picture with his music.
3. She’s A Rainbow
This selection, a well-known hit by Mick Jagger, features playful lyrics and a catchy melody. The chorus, "She comes in colors everywhere," is an ode to the vibrant beauty of the female subject. Jagger's vocals are accompanied by rich instrumentation, including a prominent piano riff and complex percussion. In addition to being featured on several Rolling Stones compilation albums, "She's A Rainbow" has been used in numerous film and television soundtracks.
Notably, the song's opening piano notes were recorded using a modified Mellotron keyboard, an unusual instrument that creates its unique sound through tape loops. Additionally, some speculate that the song was partially inspired by Jagger's then-girlfriend Marianne Faithfull, who is said to have worn colorful clothing reminiscent of a rainbow.
Next up: '4. Start Me Up.'
Mick Jagger turned the darkness of grief into the artistry of 'Paint It Black' – a song that will haunt your dreams and your playlists.
4. Paint It Black
Featuring in the fourth spot of the ‘10 Best Mick Jagger Songs of All Time’, this classic song has an enigmatic title that belies its dark, mysterious theme. ‘Paint It Black’ is a haunting portrayal of mourning and grief, as the lyrics describe the emptiness and loss felt after a loved one's death. With its distinct sitar riff and Jagger's intense vocal performance, this song remains one of the Rolling Stones' most iconic tracks. In addition to its chart-topping success, it has been covered by various artists over the years, cementing its status as a true classic.
Interestingly, Keith Richards did not play guitar on this track; instead, he played bass due to Bill Wyman's absence from the studio recording. This change allowed Richards to experiment with different chord progressions and contribute to the song's final sound.
(Source: UDiscoverMusic)
Jagger's got moves like a stray cat, but the blues in this song will leave you feeling anything but lost.
5. Stray Cat Blues
This Mick Jagger hit from 1968, featuring the Rolling Stones on guitars and harmonica, is a bluesy ode to an underage lover. "Stray Cat Blues" may seem provocative by today's standards, but it spoke to the rebellious spirit of the time. The lyrics are gritty and raw, perfectly matching Jagger's raspy vocal delivery. With its driving rhythm and swaggering attitude, this song remains a classic example of the Stones' signature sound.
In addition to its lyrical content, "Stray Cat Blues" features memorable guitar work by Keith Richards and Brian Jones, who employ a series of riffs that build in intensity throughout the track. Charlie Watts provides rock-solid drumming while Bill Wyman holds down the bass line. The result is a raucous piece of rock and roll that captures the essence of the Stones’ early years.
Interestingly enough, "Stray Cat Blues" was not released as a single in Britain or America, though it did feature prominently on the band’s live setlists for years to come. Perhaps due to its controversial subject matter or its edgy sound, it remains a beloved deep cut among Stones fans.
Pro Tip: Listen closely to how each member of the band contributes to the song's overall impact – from Jagger's vocals to Richards' guitar solos and beyond – in order to fully appreciate all that "Stray Cat Blues" has to offer.
Don't let the title fool you, Moonlight Mile is less romance and more rock 'n' roll marathon.
6. Moonlight Mile
The track that has been classified as number six among the best Mick Jagger songs of all time is one that evokes a sense of nostalgia and tranquillity, with poetic lyrics providing a glimpse into the singer's contemplation. This song using semantic NLP can indicate that it is time to hit the road under the moonlight.
It might suggest that we should get set to embark on an adventure in a dimly lit environment, just like how this song expresses its message.
"Moonlight Mile" was part of The Rolling Stones' critically acclaimed album "Sticky Fingers". Jagger, alongside Keith Richards and producer Jimmy Miller penned down this masterpiece. "Moonlight Mile" is said to be one of Jagger's personal favourites. The song came at a moment where the band was grappling with the loss of their previous member Brian Jones, and there is a possibility that the melancholic tone portrayed in "Moonlight Mile" reflects this moment for the legendary group.
"Angie" may have been Jagger's muse, but let's be real, the real star of that song is Keith Richards' iconic guitar riff.
7. Angie
This song from Mick Jagger's repertoire is an iconic masterpiece that showcases the artist's mastery of melody and lyrics. With its hauntingly beautiful vocals and emotional depth, Angie has cemented its place in music history as one of the greatest ballads ever written. The song's poetic lyrics and Jagger's soulful performance make it a must-listen for any music fan.
Angie was released in 1973 as a single from The Rolling Stones' album "Goats Head Soup". The track features Jagger's signature vocal delivery with Keith Richards on guitars, Charlie Watts on the drums, Bill Wyman on bass, Nicky Hopkins on piano, and Bobby Keys on saxophone. The song explores heartbreak and longing with its poignant lyrics about a love lost but not forgotten.
One interesting fact about Angie is that it was actually inspired by David Bowie's wife at the time, Angela Barnett. Jagger had visited Bowie during his recording sessions for the "Aladdin Sane" album where he met Angela. Soon after that encounter, Jagger wrote Angie as an ode to their brief meeting.
Pro Tip: To truly appreciate the beauty of Angie, listen to it in a quiet place with headphones on and let yourself get lost in the emotion of the song.
Sorry to break it to you, but sometimes even Mick Jagger can't get what he wants. Cue the sad trombone.
8. You Can’t Always Get What You Want
This Mick Jagger classic delivers a catchy pop sound in combination with lyrics that offer life lessons. The song encourages listeners to accept disappointment gracefully and move forward. With its upbeat, almost gospel-like melody, this track made it into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999.
The opening line “I saw her today at the reception” is a nod to one of Jagger’s all-time favorite poets, W.H. Auden. This song signifies a change in direction for the Rolling Stones because it was their first attempt at creating a choral sound on an album. The choir included British fan club members and celebrities like Al Kooper and Merry Clayton.
Jagger's lead vocals are punctuated by Keith Richards's signature guitar riffs giving it an anthemic feel that makes you want to sing along. It's no surprise that "You Can't Always Get What You Want" has become a crowd favorite, energizing audiences at live shows around the world.
Legend has it that Jagger wrote the song as a reflection about the anti-Vietnam War protests happening in America – inspired by his own disillusionment with politics and how things don't always go as planned – but also as an ode to his then-girlfriend Marianne Faithfull who had recently overdosed on drugs. In either case, this timeless tune has transcended time and continues to inspire generations to keep moving forward despite life's setbacks.
Unleash your inner rockstar and gallop along to the soulful melody of Wild Horses.
9. Wild Horses
This iconic song about love and loss holds a special place among Mick Jagger's best works. "Wild Horses" gives listeners a glimpse into the soulful side of the Rolling Stones frontman. With its beautiful melody, heartfelt lyrics, and Jagger's emotional delivery, this timeless classic continues to resonate with audiences today. The song has been covered numerous times by other artists and remains one of the most beloved tracks in the band's catalog.
Jagger co-wrote this song with Keith Richards during a difficult time in their personal lives. The haunting lyrics evoke feelings of longing and sadness while the acoustic guitar arrangement adds to the melancholic atmosphere. Although not originally released as a single, "Wild Horses" became extremely popular among fans and is now considered one of the Stones' greatest hits.
Despite being a slow ballad compared to their more upbeat rock songs, this track still showcases Jagger's powerhouse vocals. His raspy voice blends perfectly with Richards' guitar work and creates an unforgettable sound that has stood the test of time.
Overall, "Wild Horses" is a testament to Jagger's versatility as an artist. It proves that he can excel in any genre, from rock n' roll to soulful ballads. Its poignant lyrics and haunting melody capture a raw emotion that anyone can relate to, making it one of his greatest accomplishments as a songwriter.
Even the devil himself would sway his hips to this Mick Jagger classic.
10. Sympathy For The Devil
This Mick Jagger classic is a standout track that explores humanity's dark side. The composition incorporates ethnic rhythms and bluesy guitar licks, ensuring a unique listening experience. Jagger's devilish vocals combined with Keith Richards' masterful instrumentation make it an iconic song in rock history.
The opening lyrics, "Please allow me to introduce myself," are instantly recognizable. The song has an infectious beat and thought-provoking lyrics that showcase Jagger's skills as a songwriter. Sympathy For The Devil was released in 1968, showcasing the Rolling Stones' ability to create boundary-pushing music. It is no wonder this song has stood the test of time and continues to be performed by tribute bands worldwide.
What makes Sympathy For The Devil stand out is its ability to reimagine traditional genres while incorporating new sounds. It went on to inspire other artists over the years, including Guns N' Roses and Marilyn Manson.
If you're looking for a song that encapsulates the essence of Mick Jagger and the Rolling Stones, look no further than Sympathy For The Devil. Whether you're a long-time fan or new listener, this tune will leave you feeling captivated and mesmerized by its sheer brilliance. Take a moment out of your day to give it a listen; you won't be disappointed!
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.
