Happy Birthday Mick Jagger: Revisiting Rolling Stones 10 Best Songs On His 81st Birthday

Approximately 600 million times have people listened to (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction on Spotify and YouTube, making it the Rolling Stones’ most renowned hit. This iconic tune transcends various genres, eras, and locations, from casual gatherings at dive bars and sports arenas to family barbecues and parties. Its popularity remains undeniable.

The track “The Song” on the Stones’ 1965 album Out of Our Heads reached the top spot in the American charts for the first time for the band. Mick Jagger wrote the lyrics during a vacation in Florida, expressing his frustration and disappointment with the excessive showiness and commercialism of America. Many young Americans shared this sentiment. The memorable riff for this catchy tune, as Richards recalled, came to him unexpectedly in a trance-like state; luckily, he managed to capture it on recording.

Paint It, Black (1966)

In 1966, The Rolling Stones introduced “Aftermath” to American audiences with an opening that combined a heavy beat and hauntingly beautiful, yet ominous and unsettling, guitar notes. Jagger’s forceful melody harmonized perfectly with the song’s enigmatic and mysterious lyrics, leaving listeners both captivated and puzzled.

As a music enthusiast who has been through some tough times in life, I find “Moonlight Mile” by The Rolling Stones to be an exceptional track that resonates deeply with me. Despite its origins as a supposedly introspective composition about depression and loss, the song transcends the emotional narrative and takes hold in the realm of psychedelic music.

Sympathy for the Devil (1968)

At a lively karaoke session, people of all ages enthusiastically belt out the line, “Here I am, permit me to introduce myself, a man with affluence and refined taste!” into the microphone. The song’s playful lyrics tackle every topic that left the band puzzled and queasy, sparing no subject.

In this piece, the topics of lust, violence, police brutality, religion, and war are explored. However, it’s important to note that good versus evil is the underlying theme that connects these elements together. Jagger has been inspired by the writings of Ukrainian author Mikhail Bulgakov, whose satirical works present a pessimistic view on Christian beliefs.

Jumpin’ Jack Flash (1968)

Some of the most renowned songs in history open with a memorable line like Mick Jagger’s provocative statement, “I was born amidst a tempestuous storm.” Scholars argue that the 1968 hit, characterized by its distinctive blues-rock riffs, signaled the start of the Rolling Stones’ most impressive musical era.

Mentioning Jagger, he views the track as a sign of the band’s return to their musical roots after an experimental phase influenced by hallucinogens. The song’s title, derived from Richards’ real gardener named Jack, has gone beyond its original meaning and become a legendary symbol in rock & roll history.

Gimme Shelter (1969)

Listening to the initial notes of “Gimme Shelter” could transport you back in time, evoking memories of a specific era in American history. The harmonies in “Let It Bleed” (1969) have a soothing yet unsettling quality, while the escalating guitar riffs build tension that ultimately resolves.

The song’s lyrics paint a stark and honest picture of a world riddled with pain, violence, and tragedy – war, murder, rape, and suffering are just an arm’s length away. This poignant message, delivered by the powerful vocals of gospel singer Merry Clayton, reflects the disillusionment of America during the Vietnam War. However, Mick Jagger has revealed that his initial inspiration came from observing people scrambling to find shelter from a sudden rainstorm. The group also drew inspiration from the turmoil and heartache of jealousy for the song’s lyrics.

You Can’t Always Get What You Want (1969)

Music holds valuable life lessons that are simple to grasp, and “You Can’t Always Get What You Want” by The Rolling Stones from their 1969 album “Let It Bleed” is an excellent tune for understanding the importance of managing expectations and handling disappointments.

Can’t You Hear Me Knocking (1971)

In my perspective as a devoted fan, I’d argue that although Goats Head Soup is often overshadowed by its predecessor Exile on Main Street, it showcases the Stones at their most intense and brilliant. The chart-topping single “Angie” might be the only thing remembered from this album, but the song itself holds two powerful stories that deserve more recognition. These narratives, which I believe are Jagger and Richards’ finest collaborations, can easily be overlooked due to the seemingly lighthearted title. The first story portrays a heart-wrenching scenario of a 10-year-old girl overdosing on drugs in an alleyway. The second tale revolves around a NYC police officer making a split-second decision to shoot a child he believed was involved in an armed robbery case.

Wild Horses (1971)

In the late 1960s, I came across the captivating melody of “Wild Horses,” which was brought to life at Muscle Shoals studio in Alabama. This enchanting tune holds a unique power only uncovered during the most introspective moments of a rock star’s tumultuous journey. Originally penned by Richards as a heartfelt ode to his newborn baby, whom he longed for while on tour, “Wild Horses” was later added to the Sticky Fingers album in 1971. However, Jagger reimagined the song’s message to align with the narrative of a crumbling romance.

Brown Sugar (1971)

The iconic 1971 hit “Brown Sugar” by the Rolling Stones, which reached No. 1 on the charts, showcases two vital elements that have made the band’s music timeless: Mick Jagger’s notoriously provocative lyrics and Keith Richards’ powerful, commanding guitar riffs. This song has been tagged as controversial due to its explorations of sensitive topics such as slavery, drug use, race relations, and sexuality.

As a lifestyle expert, I’d say: When it comes to sweeteners, there’s a stark difference between the mellow, rural vibes evoked by Wild Horses and the bold, unyielding presence of Brown Sugar. This sweetener doesn’t just bring to mind the tranquil landscapes of horse-drawn carriages; it also echoes the raw intensity and rebellious spirit of the Rolling Stones during the 1960s. Their music was as wild and untamed as this sugar, with an edge that would later be fueled by drugs and anarchy, making Brown Sugar a fitting symbol for their audacious energy.

Angie (1973)

In their 1973 album “Goats Head Soup,” the band added an acoustic track with poignant piano and string accompaniments. Departing from the usual Stones chaos, this composition portrays Mick Jagger as a sorrowful ex-lover seeking comfort in music. In his 2010 memoir, Keith Richards revealed that he composed “Angie” while recovering in a rehab center.