Mick Jagger, the iconic frontman of the Rolling Stones, has been one of the most influential and enduring figures in rock music history. Over the course of his career, Jagger has written and performed countless hits that have become classics of the genre, and his distinctive voice and electrifying stage presence have made him a beloved and revered figure around the world. From his early days with the Stones to his solo career, Jagger has continued to innovate and push the boundaries of rock and roll, cementing his place as one of the most important and influential artists of his generation.
With so many great songs to choose from, it’s difficult to narrow down Jagger’s best work to just ten. However, the following list represents some of his most enduring and memorable songs, showcasing his talent as a songwriter, performer, and cultural icon. From anthemic rockers to soulful ballads, these ten songs represent the very best of Mick Jagger’s legendary career, and serve as a testament to his continued relevance and impact on the world of music.
1. “Dancing In The Streets”
“Dancing in the Streets” is a classic Motown song, originally recorded by Martha and the Vandellas in 1964. The song’s upbeat tempo, catchy melody, and infectious energy made it an instant hit, and it has since become a beloved anthem of the 1960s and a symbol of the era’s social and cultural upheaval.The song’s lyrics celebrate the joy and excitement of dancing in the streets, a metaphor for the liberation and sense of community that was sweeping across America at the time. The song’s opening lines, “Calling out around the world, are you ready for a brand new beat?” captures the sense of anticipation and excitement that surrounded the changing times.Since its original release, “Dancing in the Streets” has been covered by a wide range of artists, including Mick Jagger and David Bowie, who recorded a memorable version of the song in 1985. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless appeal and its enduring message of hope, unity, and celebration.
2. “Don’t Tear Me Up”
“Don’t Tear Me Up” is a song by Mick Jagger, released in 1993 as a single from his third solo album, “Wandering Spirit.” The song features a driving guitar riff and Jagger’s iconic vocals, as he sings about the pain of a failing relationship. The lyrics are introspective and soulful, with Jagger expressing vulnerability and desperation in the face of uncertainty and doubt. The chorus, which repeats the refrain “Don’t tear me up,” is a plea to the listener to be gentle with his heart. The song is notable for its raw emotional intensity and Jagger’s ability to capture the complexity of human relationships in just a few lines. “Don’t Tear Me Up” is a standout track from Jagger’s solo career, and has become a fan favorite over the years, showcasing his continued relevance and skill as a songwriter and performer.
3. “Just Another Night”
“Just Another Night” is a song by Mick Jagger, released in 1985 as a single from his second solo album, “She’s the Boss.” The song features Jagger’s signature vocals and a catchy synth-pop melody, with a driving beat and memorable chorus. The lyrics explore themes of love and longing, as Jagger sings about trying to escape his loneliness and find someone to share his life with. The song’s upbeat tempo and catchy hook make it an instant dance-floor classic, and it became a hit both in the UK and the US. “Just Another Night” showcases Jagger’s versatility as a songwriter and performer, and his ability to adapt to changing musical trends while still retaining his trademark sound. It remains a beloved track from his solo career, and a testament to his enduring popularity as one of the most iconic figures in rock and roll history.
4. “God Gave Me Everything”
“God Gave Me Everything” is a song by Mick Jagger, released in 2001 as a single from his fourth solo album, “Goddess in the Doorway.” The song features a catchy rock riff, driving drums, and Jagger’s trademark vocals, with a chorus that celebrates the joys of life and the gifts that come with it. The lyrics are uplifting and positive, expressing gratitude for the simple pleasures and experiences that make life worth living. The song’s upbeat energy and memorable hook make it a standout track from Jagger’s solo career, and it became a hit both in the UK and the US. “God Gave Me Everything” is a testament to Jagger’s continued relevance as a songwriter and performer, and his ability to connect with audiences through his music.
5. “Old Habits Die Hard”
“Old Habits Die Hard” is a song by Mick Jagger and Dave Stewart, released in 2004 as a single from the soundtrack to the film “Alfie.” The song features a bluesy rock melody, with Jagger’s distinctive vocals and a soulful guitar riff. The lyrics explore the theme of addiction and the struggle to break free from destructive patterns of behavior. The chorus, which repeats the title phrase “old habits die hard,” is a reminder of how difficult it can be to let go of the past and move on. The song’s emotional depth and Jagger’s impassioned performance make it a standout track, both on the soundtrack and in Jagger’s solo career. “Old Habits Die Hard” is a powerful testament to the enduring themes of rock and roll, and the ability of music to speak to the human experience in profound and meaningful ways.
6. “Lonely At The Top”
“Lonely at the Top” is a song by Mick Jagger, released in 1985 as a single from his second solo album, “She’s the Boss.” The song features a smooth, funky groove, with Jagger’s distinctive vocals and a memorable horn section. The lyrics explore the theme of success and the isolation that can come with it, as Jagger sings about the pressures of fame and the toll it can take on a person’s personal life. The chorus, which repeats the phrase “it’s lonely at the top,” is a reminder of the sacrifices that are often made in pursuit of greatness. The song’s infectious rhythm and Jagger’s soulful performance make it a standout track from his solo career, and a powerful statement about the cost of success. “Lonely at the Top” remains a fan favorite and a testament to Jagger’s enduring popularity as one of rock and roll’s most iconic figures.
7. “Wired All Night”
“Wired All Night” is a song by Mick Jagger, released in 1987 as a single from his third solo album, “Primitive Cool.” The song features a driving rock beat, with Jagger’s trademark vocals and a catchy guitar riff. The lyrics explore the theme of obsession and the power of addiction, as Jagger sings about a character who is “wired all night” and unable to break free from the grip of their desires. The chorus, which repeats the title phrase, is a reminder of the dangers of excess and the need for self-control. The song’s energy and intensity make it a standout track from Jagger’s solo career, and a powerful commentary on the darker side of human nature. “Wired All Night” remains a fan favorite and a testament to Jagger’s continued relevance as a songwriter and performer.
8. “Party Doll”
“Party Doll” is a rock and roll classic by Buddy Knox, released in 1957. The song features a catchy melody, with Knox’s distinctive vocals and a driving guitar riff. The lyrics celebrate the joy and excitement of a party, with Knox singing about dancing and having fun with his “party doll.” The song’s upbeat tempo and infectious energy make it a timeless classic of the rock and roll era, and it remains a popular choice for parties and dance events to this day. “Party Doll” helped to establish Knox as a key figure in the early rock and roll scene, and paved the way for his continued success as a performer and songwriter. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its universal appeal and its ability to capture the spirit of a carefree and joyful time in American culture.
9. “Lucky In Love”
“Lucky in Love” is a pop song by Mick Jagger, released in 1985 as a single from his second solo album, “She’s the Boss.” The song features a lively, upbeat tempo, with Jagger’s distinctive vocals and a catchy keyboard melody. The lyrics explore the theme of love and the feeling of being lucky to have found it, as Jagger sings about the joy and happiness that comes with being in love. The chorus, which repeats the title phrase, is a celebration of the good fortune that can come with finding the right partner. The song’s infectious rhythm and Jagger’s spirited performance make it a standout track from his solo career, and a testament to the enduring power of love and its ability to inspire us all. “Lucky in Love” remains a fan favorite and a testament to Jagger’s skill as a songwriter and performer.
10. “Sweet Thing”
“Sweet Thing” is a soulful ballad by Van Morrison, released in 1968 as part of his album “Astral Weeks.” The song features Morrison’s distinctive vocals, with a hauntingly beautiful melody that showcases his ability to convey raw emotion through music. The lyrics are poetic and introspective, exploring themes of love and loss with a sense of longing and melancholy. The chorus, which repeats the phrase “and I will never grow so old again,” is a reminder of the fleeting nature of time and the need to appreciate life’s precious moments. “Sweet Thing” is a standout track from Morrison’s illustrious career, and remains a beloved classic of the singer-songwriter genre. Its soulful beauty and emotional resonance make it a timeless masterpiece, and a testament to Morrison’s unique and enduring talent as a musician and lyricist.