Maroon 5’s “Moves Like Jagger,” featuring Christina Aguilera, dominated charts globally in 2011, becoming an anthem with its catchy tune and whistled hook. But beyond its commercial success, the question remains: does this track truly embody the spirit of a “Like A Jagger Song”? To understand this, we need to delve into Maroon 5’s trajectory, the song’s construction, and the cultural references it employs.
Adam Levine and Christina Aguilera performing "Moves Like Jagger", evoking Mick Jagger's iconic stage presence and style.
Adam Levine’s musical journey began in skate punk with Kara’s Flowers before transitioning to the pop-rock sound of Maroon 5. Initially finding moderate success, their album Songs About Jane gained traction with hits like “This Love” and “She Will Be Loved.” While these early tracks established their presence, Levine’s stage persona hinted at something beyond sensitive ballads. He was arguably more compelling when embracing a more roguish image, a facet that surfaced with 2007’s “Makes Me Wonder.” This track, built on a funk-influenced base, became their first #1 hit, suggesting a shift towards bolder, more assertive pop. Even tracks like “Kiwi” from the same era showcased a playful, slightly edgy side, hinting at a more complex artistic identity.
After a period of relative quiet, Maroon 5 returned with Hands Over You, initially appearing to falter. However, the addition of “Moves Like Jagger” proved to be a turning point. Reportedly conceived as a lighthearted, almost throwaway track, co-written and co-produced by Benny Blanco, Ammar Malik, and Shellback, it unexpectedly exploded. Its global success was undeniable, but the reasons behind its appeal are worth examining.
The song’s catchiness is undeniable. It moves, propelled by a rhythm guitar reminiscent of Kool and the Gang and Nile Rodgers, combined with a driving kick drum. The whistled hook further enhances its earworm quality, a formula often associated with chart-topping hits. Crucially, the song exhibits a confidence, a “will to power,” that many contemporary tracks lack. It’s clear in its intent to be a hit and exudes a conviction that listeners will succumb to its charms.
However, the invocation of Mick Jagger raises critical questions. The music video interweaves footage of a preening, tattoo-clad Levine with classic Mick Jagger performances and imitators, complete with signature Jagger mannerisms. Yet, Levine doesn’t attempt a direct impersonation. Instead, the Jagger reference seems more about bestowing a “cross-generational blessing,” aligning Maroon 5 with iconic figures. It’s a bid for cultural relevance, perhaps aimed at introducing “Jagger” to a younger audience as “the guy mentioned in a Maroon 5 song.”
But is “Moves Like Jagger” truly “like a Jagger song” in any meaningful sense? Musically, the connection is tenuous at best. The song lacks the raw energy, bluesy grit, and rebellious spirit that define Jagger’s work with the Rolling Stones. The arrangement is thinly mixed, almost vacant, with the whistling taking precedence over the rhythm section. While Shellback and Max Martin were producing innovative and impactful tracks for artists like Britney Spears around the same time, “Moves Like Jagger” feels comparatively formulaic.
Christina Aguilera’s feature further underscores the song’s cynical undercurrent. Her vocal contribution feels detached, almost obligatory. Her belting about “sharing my secret” rings hollow, especially considering her history of bolder and more authentic performances. It’s as if she’s been brought in as a perfunctory element, adding star power without genuine artistic synergy.
Ultimately, “Moves Like Jagger” solidified Adam Levine’s position as a 21st-century pop figure, comfortable with a commercially driven, image-conscious approach. He embraces the pursuit of hits, adapting his voice to contemporary production trends, from dubstep to trop house, achieving significant financial success. This song, along with collaborations like “Stereo Hearts” with Gym Class Heroes, cemented his hit-making prowess. While commercially astute and undeniably catchy, “Moves Like Jagger” functions more as a calculated pop product than a genuine embodiment of Jagger’s artistic legacy. It’s a testament to Levine’s savvy in navigating the modern pop landscape, even if it lacks the depth and authenticity of the icon it name-checks.
