Jagger’s Unchanging Favorite
While many fans might argue about their favorite Stones tracks from these legendary albums, Mick Jagger has been consistently clear about his own pick. Unlike some artists who later try to reassess their work, Jagger has openly praised Exile on Main Street as a pinnacle of their career. Yet, when it comes to a single song that captures his admiration, Jagger’s choice is “Gimme Shelter,” the gripping opener from the Let It Bleed album.
The Essence of “Gimme Shelter
Released in 1969, “Gimme Shelter” embodies the turbulent spirit of its time. The song’s urgent, raw energy perfectly reflects the social and political unrest of the late 1960s. Its iconic riff and powerful vocal performance by Merry Clayton—who recorded her part after a middle-of-the-night call—add to its haunting quality.
Jagger fondly recalls how Clayton, arriving in curlers, delivered her memorable lines in just a few takes, adding a unique and emotional layer to the track.
A Perfect Match for Jagger’s Style