Mick Jagger and Ronnie Wood reveal their top 10 favorite songs

The iconic duo of Mick Jagger and Ronnie Wood from The Rolling Stones recently delved into the soundtrack of their lives by selecting ten songs that hold special significance for them. As they prepared for their upcoming album release, Foreign Tongues, the pair sat down with Vernon Kay on BBC Radio 2 for the segment Tracks of My Years.

They began their journey through time by reflecting on their debut album in 1964 and choosing ‘Tell Me’ as the first song. Jagger reminisced about the early days of their career, recalling the modest studio on Denmark Street where they recorded with live vocals and minimal equipment. Despite the limited resources, the song came together beautifully, capturing the essence of that era.

Continuing their musical journey, Jagger picked ‘Mannish Boy’ by Muddy Waters as his next selection, followed by Wood’s choice of ‘It’s Only Rock ‘n’ Roll (But I Like It)’ by The Stones and ‘Johnny B Goode’ by Chuck Berry. The selections from the 1960s carried a sense of nostalgia and inspiration for the duo, linking back to their musical roots and influences.

One noteworthy moment came when Jagger shared the story behind ‘I Wanna Be Your Man’ by The Beatles, a song that The Rolling Stones covered and transformed into their first hit record. Reflecting on the collaborative spirit of that era, Jagger spoke about meeting The Beatles at a jazz club and the culture of sharing songs among musicians.

The conversation also touched on the collaboration with Paul McCartney on their new album, a first-time musical partnership that brought excitement and fresh energy to their music. Wood expressed his joy at playing alongside McCartney, praising his quick learning and musical prowess.

Wood’s selection of The Rolling Stones’ ‘Dance (Pt 1)’ led to a heartfelt reflection on his passion for music and the joy it brings him. He emphasized that when you love what you do, it never feels like work, showcasing his dedication and enthusiasm for his craft.

The discussion transitioned to the emotional inspiration behind ‘Back In Your Life’, a track from their new album that Wood wrote in honor of fallen music legends Brian Wilson and Sly Stone. The poignant lyrics and melodious riff pay tribute to the impact these musicians had on Wood’s life and creativity.

Wrapping up their journey through music, Wood mentioned his admiration for Brian Wilson’s Pet Sounds album, particularly highlighting the song ‘Wouldn’t It Be Nice’. Finally, they concluded with the selection of ‘My Baby Gives It Away’ by Pete Townshend and Ronnie Lane, featuring the late Charlie Watts on drums, symbolizing the interconnected web of musical talent and collaboration.

Overall, the selection of these ten songs provided a glimpse into the musical evolution and personal connections that Mick Jagger and Ronnie Wood have experienced throughout their illustrious careers. Each track represents a chapter in their lives, woven together with memories, influences, and creative collaborations that have shaped their musical legacy.