Mick Jagger, the iconic frontman of The Rolling Stones, has been a defining figure in rock music for over five decades. With his electrifying stage presence and unmistakable voice, Jagger has captivated audiences around the globe, leaving an indelible mark on the music industry. From the raw energy of early hits to the sophisticated sounds of later albums, his songwriting prowess and charismatic performances have birthed a treasure trove of unforgettable songs.
In this article, we dive into the top 10 most popular Mick Jagger songs of all time, showcasing the tracks that have not only defined his career but also shaped the landscape of rock music itself. Each song tells a story, capturing the essence of Jagger’s artistry and the cultural zeitgeist of its time. Whether it’s the rebellious spirit of “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” or the poignant reflection found in “Wild Horses,” these songs resonate with fans old and new. Join us as we celebrate the timeless hits that have solidified Jagger’s legacy as one of music’s greatest icons, revealing the moments that continue to thrill and inspire generations of listeners. Get ready to rock!
1. “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” (1965)
“(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” isn’t just a rock song—it’s a full-blown cultural declaration. Released in 1965, this explosive track captures the restless spirit of a generation fed up with conformity, false advertising, and unfulfilled promises. Keith Richards’ legendary fuzz-toned guitar riff kicks off the song with a sense of urgency that never lets up. Mick Jagger’s vocals brim with frustration and sarcasm as he vents about commercialism and sexual dissatisfaction, voicing thoughts that had rarely been expressed so bluntly in popular music. The chorus, with its defiant repetition of “I can’t get no satisfaction,” became an anthem for youth rebellion across the world. The song’s boldness, raw energy, and unapologetic honesty shocked some and thrilled many, helping to cement The Rolling Stones as a true force in rock ‘n’ roll. Over the years, its impact hasn’t faded; instead, it’s grown into a timeless anthem of resistance and discontent, speaking to anyone who’s ever felt like the world just doesn’t deliver what it promises. Even today, more than half a century later, “Satisfaction” still resonates, still rocks, and still reminds us that the best songs tell uncomfortable truths—and make them unforgettable.
2. “Paint It Black” (1966)
“Paint It Black” is a swirling, darkly hypnotic piece of music that showcases The Rolling Stones’ willingness to experiment and evolve. Released in 1966, the song opens with Brian Jones’s groundbreaking use of the sitar, instantly transporting listeners into a soundscape far removed from standard rock ‘n’ roll. What follows is a raw, emotionally intense descent into grief and despair. Mick Jagger’s voice is mournful and haunted as he expresses the deep desire to turn the whole world black—a metaphor for mourning and inner emptiness following the loss of love or innocence. The song’s Eastern instrumentation and driving rhythm reflected the shifting cultural climate of the 1960s, a time when Western audiences were increasingly fascinated with global sounds and deeper, more introspective themes. “Paint It Black” became a defining track of that psychedelic era, standing out for its originality, emotional depth, and unforgettable melody. It continues to be a powerful reminder that pain and beauty often coexist in music. Whether it’s interpreted as a commentary on personal sorrow or the larger shadows of war and cultural turmoil, this song remains one of the band’s most artistic and enduring achievements.
3. “Angie” (1973)
“Angie” is a tender ballad that reveals the vulnerable side of The Rolling Stones, proving that they could do more than swagger and snarl. Released in 1973, this song is a soft, acoustic-driven reflection on love that’s drifting out of reach. Mick Jagger’s vocals are filled with longing and heartbreak, as he sings to a woman he still loves, even though circumstances are pulling them apart. The lyrics are poetic, rich with emotion, and filled with a sadness that’s deeply relatable. Nicky Hopkins’ gentle piano lines, combined with Keith Richards’ acoustic guitar work, give the song a melancholic beauty that lingers long after it ends. Though the band never officially confirmed who “Angie” was, the mystery only adds to the song’s allure. What makes “Angie” so memorable isn’t just its melody, but the way it captures the complexities of relationships—the hope, the regret, and the aching sense that something beautiful is slipping away. It remains one of The Rolling Stones’ most beloved ballads, cherished by fans for its emotional honesty and timeless resonance.
4. “Sympathy for the Devil” (1968)
“Sympathy for the Devil” is one of the boldest and most provocative songs in The Rolling Stones’ catalog. Released in 1968, it features Mick Jagger adopting the voice of the Devil himself—a literary, charismatic figure who takes credit for humanity’s darkest moments. With its samba-inspired percussion, piano-driven groove, and background chants of “woo woo,” the track blends rhythm and menace in a way that’s both unsettling and addictive. The lyrics reference key moments in history—wars, assassinations, revolutions—not to glorify evil, but to challenge listeners to consider the human role in these atrocities. Jagger’s devil isn’t a cartoon villain but a reflection of mankind’s own capacity for destruction. This controversial narrative, paired with its catchy rhythm and genre-defying instrumentation, caused a stir upon release but has since been hailed as a masterstroke of rock songwriting. “Sympathy for the Devil” forces listeners to confront uncomfortable truths while dancing to an irresistible beat. It’s not just a song—it’s a commentary, a performance, and a challenge. Decades later, it remains one of the most daring and unforgettable songs in rock history.
5. “Wild Horses” (1971)
“Wild Horses” is one of The Rolling Stones’ most heartfelt and introspective ballads. Released in 1971 on the Sticky Fingers album, this tender track trades the band’s usual bravado for a sense of longing, regret, and emotional restraint. Mick Jagger’s vocals are soft and sincere, gently riding atop acoustic guitars and subtle piano lines. The song’s title becomes a powerful metaphor—no matter how strong the pull of freedom or pride, it’s not enough to keep him away from someone he deeply loves. The beauty of “Wild Horses” lies in its simplicity: it doesn’t try to explain love, it just expresses it. The song’s slow pace allows every emotion to linger, every note to settle deep. Whether taken as a goodbye, a vow, or a lament, it touches something universal in anyone who’s ever wrestled with holding on or letting go. Keith Richards has said the song was inspired by his own experiences with fatherhood, adding another layer of meaning. It remains one of the Stones’ most loved and covered songs—a ballad that proves even the world’s greatest rock band can wear their hearts on their sleeves.
6. “You Can’t Always Get What You Want” (1969)
“You Can’t Always Get What You Want” is one of The Rolling Stones’ most philosophical and enduring songs. Released in 1969 on the Let It Bleed album, it begins with a sweeping choral introduction—courtesy of the London Bach Choir—setting the tone for something both grand and introspective. Mick Jagger’s vocals enter with a reflective tone, exploring themes of disappointment, compromise, and eventual hope. The lyrics are a series of vignettes: scenes of youthful longing, missed connections, and life’s unpredictable turns. Yet at the heart of the song lies a timeless truth—while life might not give us what we want, it often gives us what we need. The blend of gospel choir, acoustic guitar, piano, and French horn makes this track a genre-bending masterpiece. It’s as much a soulful lament as it is a celebration of acceptance. Over the decades, the song has become more than just a classic; it’s a comforting mantra for life’s frustrations. Whether heard at the end of a long day or in the middle of a life-changing moment, “You Can’t Always Get What You Want” reminds us to let go, roll with the punches, and trust that something better might be around the corner.
7. “Start Me Up” (1981)
“Start Me Up” is a pure shot of adrenaline—an electrifying anthem that practically demands movement. Released in 1981 on the Tattoo You album, the track is built around one of Keith Richards’ most instantly recognizable guitar riffs. It starts off like a revving engine and never lets up, delivering the kind of unfiltered rock energy that defined an era. Mick Jagger’s vocals are cheeky and charged, mixing suggestive lyrics with infectious swagger. What makes the song timeless is its ability to be both playful and powerful—equal parts stadium rocker and dance-floor igniter. Originally conceived as a reggae tune, it took years and multiple reworkings before the band struck gold with this final version. And once they did, “Start Me Up” became a mainstay of their live performances and a go-to song for sporting events, commercials, and pop culture moments. The lyrics—though famously ambiguous—ooze with confidence and excitement. It’s a celebration of momentum, desire, and pure rock spirit. Decades later, the track still feels as fresh and fiery as ever, a reminder of the Stones’ uncanny knack for creating music that doesn’t age—it just keeps roaring to life.
8. “Gimme Shelter” (1969)
“Gimme Shelter” is one of The Rolling Stones’ most urgent and haunting songs. Released in 1969 at the height of social and political unrest, it serves as a sonic snapshot of a world on the brink. The opening guitar riff, played by Keith Richards, sets a tense, almost apocalyptic mood, like a storm rolling in. Mick Jagger’s vocals are restrained at first, but the real emotional punch comes from guest vocalist Merry Clayton, whose searing performance—especially when her voice cracks—brings raw desperation and humanity to the track. Lyrically, the song confronts violence, war, and fear, but at its core, it’s about the deep human need for protection—for shelter. “It’s just a shot away,” the chorus warns and reassures, over and over. The tension between chaos and comfort makes this one of the band’s most powerful statements. It’s more than a protest song—it’s a cry from the heart, capturing the emotional and societal turbulence of the late 1960s. Even now, decades later, “Gimme Shelter” feels shockingly relevant. It’s a masterpiece of mood and message, proof that rock music can be both thrilling and profoundly meaningful.
9. “Ruby Tuesday” (1967)
“Ruby Tuesday” is one of the gentlest, most wistful songs in The Rolling Stones’ catalog. Released in 1967, this baroque pop ballad departs from the band’s usual rebellious edge and embraces a more delicate, poetic tone. The lyrics tell the story of a free-spirited woman—Ruby Tuesday—who cannot be tamed or held down. She’s a symbol of fleeting beauty, change, and freedom. There’s a sadness beneath the surface, though, as the song mourns the inevitable loss that comes when someone like Ruby drifts away. Mick Jagger’s vocals are tender and introspective, supported by a lush arrangement of piano, recorder, and acoustic guitar that gives the song its dreamy, melancholy texture. Brian Jones’ influence shines here through the use of classical instrumentation, adding to the song’s unique charm. “Ruby Tuesday” became an instant hit and remains a fan favorite for its emotional vulnerability and lyrical depth. It captures the bittersweet nature of love and change, reminding us that not all beautiful things are meant to stay. Sometimes, the most unforgettable people are the ones who pass through our lives like a breeze—and we’re left holding the memory.
10. “Miss You” (1978)
“Miss You” is The Rolling Stones’ bold venture into the world of disco-infused rock, and it works brilliantly. Released in 1978 as the lead single from their album Some Girls, the track marked a new sonic direction for the band, blending their bluesy rock roots with the pulsing groove of late-’70s dance music. From the moment that unmistakable bassline kicks in, courtesy of Bill Wyman, the song builds into a hypnotic rhythm that’s impossible not to move to. Mick Jagger’s vocals are dripping with longing and tension as he sings about aching for a lost love, making the track as emotionally resonant as it is rhythmically infectious.
The lyrics straddle loneliness and desire, capturing a kind of late-night urban melancholy. Jagger reportedly wrote the song while walking around New York City at night, and you can feel that wandering, restless energy in every line. Charlie Watts’ steady drumming and the slick backing vocals round out the track, giving it a polished yet raw edge. “Miss You” became a major hit, topping the Billboard Hot 100, and remains a live favorite. It’s a testament to the band’s versatility—proof they could adapt to the times without losing their distinctive swagger.
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.
