Few artists in the history of rock ‘n’ roll have achieved the legendary status of Mick Jagger. As the iconic frontman of The Rolling Stones, Jagger has redefined what it means to be a rock star with his electrifying stage presence, unmistakable voice, and larger-than-life charisma. Over the decades, he’s delivered some of the most unforgettable songs in music history—tracks that have become the anthems of rebellion, love, and pure rock energy.
But which of Mick Jagger’s songs truly stand the test of time? From the swaggering hits that defined a generation to the soulful ballads that showed his emotional depth, this list captures the very essence of his genius. Whether you’re a lifelong Stones fan or a newcomer curious to dive into his legendary catalog, these tracks are sure to get your heart racing and your feet moving.
In this article, we’ll take a thrilling journey through the top 10 most popular Mick Jagger songs of all time. Get ready to rediscover timeless classics, uncover hidden gems, and experience the magic that made Mick Jagger a global icon. Turn up the volume and let the music take over—this is a playlist you won’t forget!
1. “Gimme Shelter” (1969)
“Gimme Shelter” isn’t just one of the Rolling Stones’ greatest songs—it’s a haunting snapshot of a world in chaos. Released in 1969 on the album Let It Bleed, the track captures the anxiety and violence that defined the late ’60s. From the first eerie notes of Keith Richards’ guitar intro, the song sets a chilling mood. Mick Jagger’s voice enters with a quiet intensity that builds into an urgent cry for safety, as the lyrics reference war, rape, and murder. The true emotional punch comes from Merry Clayton’s unforgettable backing vocals—her impassioned wails during the chorus are raw, chilling, and unforgettable. The recording session is the stuff of legend: Clayton was called in late at night, heavily pregnant, and nailed the part in just a few takes. Her voice cracked with such force it made Jagger audibly react on the track. More than a protest song, “Gimme Shelter” is a plea for peace and humanity in a world spinning out of control. It has endured because it feels just as relevant now as it did then—an ominous masterpiece that captures the darkness of its time and speaks across generations.
2. “Sympathy for the Devil” (1968)
“Sympathy for the Devil” is one of the Rolling Stones’ most provocative and brilliant creations. Released in 1968 on Beggars Banquet, it blends rock with samba-inspired rhythms to tell the story of Lucifer himself, narrating human history’s most tragic and violent events. But this isn’t just about shock value—Mick Jagger uses the character of the devil to force listeners to reflect on the evil done by mankind. His performance is sly, charismatic, and unsettling, walking a fine line between seductive and sinister. The song builds gradually, powered by hand drums, maracas, and piano, creating an infectious, hypnotic groove. Keith Richards’ guitar solo adds the perfect edge, injecting just enough menace into the song’s festive beat. Lyrically, it references everything from the crucifixion of Christ to the Russian Revolution, reminding us that history’s darkest moments often have human fingerprints all over them. When it was first released, the song stirred controversy for its subject matter, but over time it’s come to be seen as one of the most daring and intelligent pieces in rock music. “Sympathy for the Devil” remains a bold artistic statement—a philosophical dance with darkness that still intrigues and unsettles.
3. “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” (1965)
“(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” is more than just a hit single—it’s the sound of a generation finding its voice. Released in 1965, this track catapulted the Rolling Stones to global superstardom. From the moment Keith Richards laid down that fuzz-toned, now-iconic riff (which famously came to him in a dream), rock music was never the same. Mick Jagger’s vocal performance is full of youthful defiance as he rails against the emptiness of consumer culture, phony advertising, and unfulfilled desires. His delivery is raw, biting, and brilliantly expressive, capturing the frustration that many young people felt in the mid-60s. The lyrics may sound simple, but they struck a deep chord with audiences who were tired of being told what to think, buy, or feel. Musically, the song is pure rock and roll energy—gritty, driving, and irresistibly catchy. It’s been covered countless times, but the original remains unmatched in its urgency and swagger. “Satisfaction” didn’t just give the Stones their first U.S. No. 1 hit—it helped define the attitude and sound of rock for decades to come. Even now, it still feels like a punch to the gut and a rallying cry all in one.
4. “Paint It Black” (1966)
“Paint It Black” is one of the darkest and most innovative tracks in the Rolling Stones’ catalog. Released in 1966 on the album Aftermath, it features a mesmerizing sitar line played by Brian Jones, giving the song a hypnotic, Eastern flavor that set it apart from anything else on the charts at the time. The sitar wasn’t just a gimmick—it became a crucial part of the song’s moody, exotic atmosphere. Mick Jagger’s lyrics reflect a descent into grief and emotional numbness, describing a world drained of color after personal loss. His delivery is urgent and anguished, while the rest of the band supports with a driving rhythm that gives the song a sense of restless movement. Though it touches on themes of mourning and depression, it’s far from passive. The beat pushes forward relentlessly, as if trying to outrun the pain. “Paint It Black” resonated deeply with a generation dealing with war, upheaval, and social change. It was a commercial hit, but also a psychological exploration, showing that rock music could delve into emotional and philosophical depth. Decades later, it remains as striking and powerful as ever—an anthem of darkness that refuses to fade.
5. “Angie” (1973)
“Angie” is a stunning ballad that revealed a more vulnerable side of the Rolling Stones. Released in 1973 on their album Goats Head Soup, the song is driven by a tender acoustic guitar and Nicky Hopkins’ graceful piano, creating a soft, melancholy atmosphere. Mick Jagger’s vocals are unusually delicate and full of emotion, as he sings about a relationship’s quiet, painful end. The lyrics are poetic and sincere, full of heartbreak and bittersweet reflection. There’s been endless speculation about who “Angie” really is—some say it was about David Bowie’s wife, others claim it was inspired by Jagger’s daughter—but the truth is, its power comes from its universality. Anyone who’s experienced love slipping away can feel the ache in every line. Keith Richards later said the name “Angie” was chosen before the lyrics were even written, showing how instinctively the song came together. When it was released, it topped charts in the U.S. and Europe, surprising fans with its softness. “Angie” proved the Stones weren’t just about swagger and rebellion—they could also write tender, emotional music that struck a chord with millions. It remains one of their most beloved ballads, timeless in its sorrow and grace.
6. “Start Me Up” (1981)
“Start Me Up” is a classic example of the Rolling Stones’ ability to reinvent themselves while staying true to their rock roots. Released in 1981 as the lead single from the album Tattoo You, the song exploded onto the airwaves with one of the most instantly recognizable guitar riffs in rock history, courtesy of Keith Richards. Originally conceived as a reggae track during earlier sessions, it took years before the Stones revisited the song and turned it into the high-octane rock anthem it became. Mick Jagger delivers the lyrics with confident swagger and sexual bravado, making lines like “You make a grown man cry” both playful and provocative. The groove is tight, with Charlie Watts’ drumming providing a rock-solid foundation that drives the song forward. “Start Me Up” quickly became a stadium favorite and a mainstay in the band’s live performances, often used to ignite crowds into a frenzy. Its blend of grit, polish, and infectious energy captured the spirit of the early ’80s while reaffirming the Stones’ staying power. Decades later, it remains a go-to track for sports arenas, commercials, and fans alike—proof that sometimes all you need is a riff and a strut to make rock and roll magic.
7. “Beast of Burden” (1978)
“Beast of Burden,” from the 1978 album Some Girls, is a slow-burning groove that shows off the Rolling Stones’ softer, soul-influenced side. With its laid-back rhythm, bluesy guitar work, and heartfelt lyrics, the song feels like a late-night conversation between lovers. Mick Jagger’s vocals are unusually tender as he pleads, reassures, and reflects, repeatedly declaring he won’t be the “beast of burden” in a relationship. His delivery is full of vulnerability, offering a glimpse of emotional depth not always associated with the band’s more rebellious image. Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood’s intertwining guitar lines are subtle but essential, creating a shimmering bed of sound that gives the song its dreamy texture. Lyrically, it’s a song about compromise, loyalty, and fatigue—the kind of love that endures rather than ignites. When performed live, “Beast of Burden” often takes on a looser, more improvisational feel, with Jagger sometimes playing off the crowd or adding new vocal flourishes. It’s become one of the band’s most beloved tracks, not because it rocks hard, but because it speaks softly and truthfully. Few songs better capture the Stones’ ability to blend sincerity with style, making this a timeless gem.
8. “Wild Horses” (1971)
“Wild Horses” stands as one of the Rolling Stones’ most emotionally powerful ballads, blending aching lyrics with gentle instrumentation to stunning effect. Released in 1971 on the album Sticky Fingers, the song is a tender reflection on love, distance, and letting go. The acoustic guitar arrangement, accompanied by a soft piano and subdued rhythm, creates a country-tinged atmosphere that adds to its wistful tone. Mick Jagger sings with remarkable sensitivity, his voice raw and restrained as he delivers the iconic chorus: “Wild horses couldn’t drag me away.” There’s a sense of longing and bittersweet resignation in every word, as if the song is a letter written but never sent. The inspiration behind the lyrics has been widely debated—some say it reflects Keith Richards’ struggle to leave his young son for a tour, others believe it’s about Jagger’s romantic turmoil. Whatever the origin, the emotion is universal and deeply relatable. Over time, “Wild Horses” has become a staple of acoustic sets, often stripped down even further to highlight its lyrical weight. Its enduring beauty lies in its simplicity and honesty—a reminder that even rock icons have tender hearts and stories worth hearing in a whisper.
9. “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” (1968)
“Jumpin’ Jack Flash” signaled a fierce return to the Rolling Stones’ gritty, blues-inspired roots after a brief detour into psychedelia. Released in 1968 as a standalone single, the song kicks off with a thunderous guitar riff from Keith Richards that’s as electrifying today as it was over five decades ago. Mick Jagger’s vocals are sneering and full of attitude, delivering cryptic lyrics that have sparked endless interpretations—some see it as a metaphor for survival, others as a rebirth of the band itself. What’s clear is the sheer power and swagger that define every second of the track. The rhythm section is tight and relentless, with Charlie Watts and Bill Wyman driving the groove home. “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” became an instant favorite and has remained a staple of the Stones’ live performances, often used to ignite crowds with its unrelenting energy. It’s a song that captures the very essence of rock and roll—raw, rebellious, and utterly alive. Its lasting impact is a testament to the band’s ability to craft timeless music with grit and flair. Simply put, “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” isn’t just a song—it’s a shot of adrenaline that never wears off.
10. “Brown Sugar” (1971)
“Brown Sugar,” the explosive opener of Sticky Fingers (1971), is one of the Rolling Stones’ most controversial yet enduring tracks. From the moment Keith Richards’ raw, swaggering riff kicks in, the song barrels forward with unstoppable momentum. Mick Jagger’s vocal performance is equally fiery—his delivery is all grit and gusto, full of attitude and seductive energy. Lyrically, the song has long sparked debate and criticism for its provocative subject matter, which includes references to slavery, sex, and drug use. While some see it as a commentary on exploitation and taboo, others argue it’s more problematic than poetic. Either way, its boldness has kept it in the cultural conversation for decades. Musically, however, “Brown Sugar” is undeniable. The combination of rock, blues, and R&B elements creates a sound that’s both infectious and raucous. The saxophone solo by Bobby Keys adds a burst of soulful energy that perfectly complements the track’s wild, unfiltered feel. “Brown Sugar” remains a staple of the Stones’ live setlists, usually performed with the kind of energy that reminds fans why the band earned its legendary status. It’s messy, loud, and unforgettable—rock and roll in its rawest form.
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.
