A few weeks ago, a friend of mine posted a photo album on Facebook titled “you want the moves like Jagger.” While I was thrilled to see a college-aged girl reference one of Rock’s most iconic performers (and one of my favorite musicians), I was inclined to believe that she and the people tagged in her photos had little idea of who Mick Jagger even is, let alone what moves he has.
Sure enough, a quick Google search revealed that Maroon 5 had released a song with Christina Aguilera titled “Moves like Jagger” in June. After studying the lyrics, giving the music video several plays, and re-watching some of my favorite Stones’ live clips, I have my official reaction to the chart-topper from Maroon 5:
The song and the subject matter clash horribly. Sure, you can argue that it makes sense to have a dance beat to match the title claim. But we’re talking about moves like Jagger. Not moves like Justin, or Britney. The Rolling Stones saturated the rock music world for four decades with rough, blues-driven rhythms – led by the herking, jerking voice and moves of Mick Jagger. An odd contrast with the smooth (and in-tune!) croonings of Adam Levine, backed by a guitar part that could have been stripped straight from an old Doobie Brothers track no less.
The video, at least, was pretty spot on. I appreciate the efforts of whoever was in charge of wardrobe. Dancers in the video sported ensembles inspired by some of the most memorable pieces that Jagger wore. Feather boas and tight pants were of course present, but the best outfit was a replica of the football uniform Mick wore on stage in Seattle during the Stones’ 1981 tour. All the classic moves, too, were represented – from strutting to wiggling, from hands on the hips to arms flailing wide. Yes, the “Moves like Jagger” video is a treat to watch, with a cool mix of these Jagger tributes and just enough original Stones’ footage. The only thing that lacks is movement from the singing artists themselves – Levine and Aguilera stand behind their respective microphones throughout the song – I can hardly recall a time when Mick Jagger allowed a standing microphone to confine him to one spot on the stage.
After concluding that the song itself had little to do with Mick Jagger but the video made for a nice tribute to his antics, I wonder what other songs might have made for a good video? “Moves like Jackie Wilson” or “Moves like Soul Brother Number One” might not impress as much (former case) or roll off the tongue as well (latter case), but would honor other deserving candidates. Here’s my list of performers that Maroon 5 should consider if they ever need a follow-up to “Moves like Jagger,” many of whom have already found mention in later artists’ songs:
James Brown - An unsurprising choice, given that JB is pretty universally recognized as the greatest dancer of all time.
Jackie Wilson – Known as “Mr. Excitement,” JDub always gave his all when he sang. Unfortunately that led to an on-stage collapse in 1975.
Elvis Presley – I don’t feel that I need to point out that Elvis’ hip-shaking was quite popular.
Michael Jackson – Another pretty good dancer.
Tom Jones – Finest dancing Welshman this world has ever seen.
The O’Jays – I was always partial to the Temptations’ choreography growing up, but these guys are SOLID.
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Note: Entry title lyrics, “I got the moves like Jagger” from “Moves like Jagger” – Maroon 5 ft. Christina Aguilera (2011)
Tags: Adam Levine, Blues, Christina Aguilera, Dance, Dancing, Elvis, elvis presley, Jackie Wilson, Jagger, James Brown, Maroon 5, Michael Jackson, Mick Jagger, Moves like Jagger, O'Jays, Performers, Pop, R&B, Rock, Rolling Stones, Tom Jones
