Sounding anomalous yet utterly striking among this collection’s more lustrous material are two tracks dating back to 1968 and 1973, respectively. Jagger’s very first solo recording, “Memo From Turner,” originally tapped for the film, Performance, finds the rocker in his inimitable salacious form. Likewise, on the previously unreleased nugget, “Too Many Cooks (Spoil The Soup)”, which John Lennon produced, Jagger sounds downright raw and malicious.
Ironically (and perhaps much to Keith Richards’ chagrin), Jagger’s most successful solo efforts, to be precise, have consisted of collaborations. “Old Habits Die Hard,” the theme from the 2004 remake of the film, Alfie, saw Jagger writing with Dave Stewart of the Eurythmics. Their composition ultimately won a Golden Globe award. Contrasting with such critical acclaim, “Dancing In The Streets,” the 1985 duet with David Bowie, ranks as the most successful song of Jagger's solo career.
The Very Best of Mick Jagger certainly isn’t the best music Mick Jagger has ever made. However, some of the better music Mick Jagger has made without the Rolling Stones, much of it included here, still makes for a great listen. So, have a bit of sympathy for the old devil and give this album a chance.
Article comments
1 - Andrew
I always thought that Mick sounded great doing Country songs yet Country is supposed to be Keith's thing. Anyway this "Very Best" of Mick Jagger really isn't his best or his finest - he did that with the Stones. But all that said there are some interesting tracks here. 'Evening Gown' has some Jagger truculence which I like ans 'Sweet Thing' is not too bad at all at all. Yeah the 'Wandering Spirit' album is one I turn to most often, though not as often as I'd turn to a Stones song. It's actually quite a commercial album possibly because he's freed from the Stones 'ethos' whatever they are. I'll buy this CD just for 'Memo' and 'Too Many Cooks'.