Mick Jagger is one of the most iconic figures in the history of rock and roll. He has been the lead singer and frontman of the Rolling Stones since their formation in 1962 and has become known for his distinctive voice, dynamic stage presence, and flamboyant fashion sense. Throughout his career, Jagger has also proved himself to be a prolific songwriter, with a vast catalog of classic songs that have helped define the sound of rock music.
In this article, we will be exploring the 10 best Mick Jagger songs of all time. From early hits like “Satisfaction” and “Paint It Black” to later classics like “Start Me Up” and “Brown Sugar,” Jagger’s music has left an indelible mark on the world of rock and roll. We will be examining the stories behind these songs, the inspiration behind their creation, and the impact they had on the cultural landscape. Whether you’re a die-hard Rolling Stones fan or just a casual listener, this article will give you a deeper appreciation for the artistry of Mick Jagger and his enduring legacy in music.
1. Paint It Black
“Paint It Black” is a classic rock song by the Rolling Stones, led by the unmistakable vocals of Mick Jagger. The song was released in 1966 and quickly became one of the band’s most iconic tracks, with its haunting melody, driving rhythm, and introspective lyrics. The song’s distinctive sitar riff was a departure from the Stones’ earlier blues-inspired sound and helped to cement their reputation as innovators in the rock genre.
Lyrically, “Paint It Black” explores themes of loss, grief, and the darker aspects of the human experience. Jagger’s emotive vocals perfectly capture the song’s brooding, melancholic mood, while the pulsing beat and jagged guitar riffs give it a sense of urgency and intensity. Over the years, “Paint It Black” has become a cultural touchstone, appearing in numerous films, television shows, and commercials, and remains a beloved classic of the rock canon.
2. Angie
“Angie” is a poignant and emotional ballad by the Rolling Stones, featuring the soulful and tender vocals of Mick Jagger. The song was released in 1973 and quickly became one of the band’s most popular tracks, showcasing a softer, more vulnerable side of their music.
Lyrically, “Angie” is a heartfelt ode to a lost love, with Jagger’s lyrics conveying a sense of longing and regret. The song’s gentle acoustic guitar chords and restrained orchestration add to the melancholic mood, while Jagger’s vocals imbue the track with a sense of yearning and pathos.
Over the years, “Angie” has become a beloved classic of the Rolling Stones’ discography, and remains a staple of their live shows. Its timeless melody and heartfelt lyrics have resonated with listeners of all ages, making it one of Mick Jagger’s most enduring and beloved songs.
3. Stray Cat Blues
“Stray Cat Blues” is a gritty and edgy rock song by the Rolling Stones, featuring the raw and powerful vocals of Mick Jagger. The song was released in 1968 and has become one of the most controversial and provocative tracks in the band’s discography, with its risqué lyrics and hard-hitting sound.
Lyrically, “Stray Cat Blues” tells the story of a young girl caught up in a seedy and dangerous world of drugs, sex, and rock and roll. Jagger’s vocals are urgent and urgent, conveying a sense of desperation and danger. The track’s bluesy guitar riffs and pounding rhythm section give it a rough and raw edge, making it a classic of the Stones’ early sound.
Despite its controversial lyrics and subject matter, “Stray Cat Blues” has become a fan favorite and remains a powerful showcase of Mick Jagger’s dynamic vocal range and the Rolling Stones’ raw, gritty sound.
4. Wild Horses
“Wild Horses” is a hauntingly beautiful ballad by the Rolling Stones, featuring the soulful and emotive vocals of Mick Jagger. The song was released in 1971 and quickly became one of the band’s most beloved and enduring tracks, with its timeless melody and poignant lyrics.
Lyrically, “Wild Horses” is a heartfelt reflection on love, loss, and the passage of time. Jagger’s vocals are tender and vulnerable, conveying a sense of longing and nostalgia. The song’s sparse arrangement, with its gentle acoustic guitar and restrained piano, add to its melancholic mood.
Over the years, “Wild Horses” has become a staple of the Stones’ live shows and has been covered by numerous artists, cementing its status as a classic of the rock genre. Its timeless melody and emotive lyrics continue to resonate with listeners of all ages, making it one of Mick Jagger’s most beloved songs.
5. Little Red Rooster
“Little Red Rooster” is a classic blues song originally recorded by Howlin’ Wolf, but famously covered by the Rolling Stones with Mick Jagger on vocals. The song was released in 1964 and quickly became one of the band’s most iconic tracks, with its gritty and soulful sound.
Lyrically, “Little Red Rooster” tells the story of a man who wakes up to find his lover gone, with Jagger’s vocals conveying a sense of heartbreak and despair. The song’s slow and sultry tempo, with its bluesy guitar riffs and moody harmonica, adds to its melancholic and atmospheric mood.
Over the years, “Little Red Rooster” has become a fan favorite and remains a powerful showcase of Mick Jagger’s dynamic vocal range and the Rolling Stones’ ability to capture the spirit and sound of classic blues. Its timeless melody and emotive lyrics continue to resonate with listeners of all ages, making it one of Jagger’s most enduring and beloved songs.
6. You Can’t Always Get What You Want
“You Can’t Always Get What You Want” is a timeless classic by the Rolling Stones, featuring the dynamic and powerful vocals of Mick Jagger. The song was released in 1969 and quickly became one of the band’s most iconic tracks, with its soaring chorus, memorable melody, and memorable lyrics.
Lyrically, “You Can’t Always Get What You Want” is a poignant and uplifting anthem, encouraging listeners to embrace life’s challenges and setbacks with grace and resilience. Jagger’s vocals are electrifying and passionate, conveying a sense of urgency and determination. The song’s sweeping orchestration, with its soaring choir and majestic horns, add to its epic scale and grandeur.
Over the years, “You Can’t Always Get What You Want” has become a cultural touchstone, appearing in numerous films, television shows, and commercials, and remains a beloved classic of the rock canon. Its inspiring lyrics and unforgettable melody have resonated with listeners of all ages, making it one of Mick Jagger’s most enduring and beloved songs.
7. Shine A Light
“Shine A Light” is a powerful and uplifting rock song by the Rolling Stones, featuring the soulful and passionate vocals of Mick Jagger. The song was released in 1972 and has become one of the band’s most beloved and enduring tracks, with its timeless melody and inspiring lyrics.
Lyrically, “Shine A Light” is a tribute to the transformative power of music, with Jagger’s vocals exhorting listeners to find hope and inspiration in the rhythms and melodies of rock and roll. The song’s soaring chorus, backed by a choir of gospel singers, adds to its uplifting and triumphant mood.
Over the years, “Shine A Light” has become a fan favorite and remains a powerful showcase of Mick Jagger’s dynamic vocal range and the Rolling Stones’ ability to capture the spirit and energy of rock and roll.
8. She’s A Rainbow
“She’s A Rainbow” is a psychedelic and whimsical pop song by the Rolling Stones, featuring the distinctive and playful vocals of Mick Jagger. The song was released in 1967 and has become one of the band’s most beloved and memorable tracks, with its catchy melody and colorful lyrics.
Lyrically, “She’s A Rainbow” is a celebration of individuality and creativity, with Jagger’s vocals describing a colorful and free-spirited woman who defies conventions and embraces her own unique style. The song’s upbeat and cheerful tone, with its swirling strings and infectious chorus, adds to its whimsical and carefree mood.
Over the years, “She’s A Rainbow” has become a cult classic and remains a beloved favorite of the Rolling Stones’ early sound. Its catchy melody and playful lyrics continue to resonate with listeners of all ages, making it one of Mick Jagger’s most endearing and enduring songs.
9. Sympathy For The Devil
“Sympathy For The Devil” is an iconic and controversial rock song by the Rolling Stones, featuring the dynamic and enigmatic vocals of Mick Jagger. The song was released in 1968 and has become one of the band’s most enduring and celebrated tracks, with its ominous groove and provocative lyrics.
Lyrically, “Sympathy For The Devil” is a dark and surreal meditation on the nature of evil, with Jagger’s vocals taking on the persona of Lucifer himself. The song’s hypnotic rhythm and driving percussion, along with its haunting backing vocals and blistering guitar solo, add to its menacing and foreboding mood.
Over the years, “Sympathy For The Devil” has sparked controversy and debate, but remains a powerful and influential work of art. Its innovative sound and provocative lyrics have inspired countless artists in the decades since its release, making it one of Mick Jagger’s most daring and enduring songs.
10. Moonlight Mile
“Moonlight Mile” is a haunting and ethereal ballad by the Rolling Stones, featuring the soulful and emotive vocals of Mick Jagger. The song was released in 1971 and has become one of the band’s most beloved and enduring tracks, with its dreamy melody and introspective lyrics.
Lyrically, “Moonlight Mile” is a meditation on loneliness and isolation, with Jagger’s vocals conveying a sense of longing and vulnerability. The song’s gentle piano and shimmering guitars, along with its subtle orchestration, add to its melancholic and atmospheric mood.
Over the years, “Moonlight Mile” has become a fan favorite and remains a powerful showcase of Mick Jagger’s dynamic vocal range and the Rolling Stones’ ability to create beautiful and introspective music. Its timeless melody and emotive lyrics continue to resonate with listeners of all ages, making it one of Jagger’s most beloved and poignant songs.