Maroon 5’s “Moves Like Jagger,” featuring Christina Aguilera, soared to #1 in September 2011, becoming an anthem of its time. Fronted by Adam Levine, who transitioned from skate punk roots in Kara’s Flowers to pop stardom, Maroon 5 had already established themselves with hits like “This Love” and “She Will Be Loved.” However, “Moves Like Jagger” marked a significant turning point, cementing their status as global hitmakers.
Adam Levine and Christina Aguilera performing 'Moves Like Jagger', a hit song analysis.
Before the chart-topping success of the “Like Jagger Song,” Maroon 5 navigated a diverse musical landscape. Adam Levine’s initial band, Kara’s Flowers, leaned towards a skate punk sound before he embraced a more commercially viable pop direction. The album Songs About Jane eventually found massive success, propelled by the re-worked “Maneater” track, “This Love,” in 2004 and the subsequent hit “She Will Be Loved.” Despite the band’s ballad-heavy early sound, Levine’s stage presence and persona hinted at a different kind of star – less the sensitive singer-songwriter and more the compelling, if slightly roguish, frontman. This duality was further explored in 2007’s “Makes Me Wonder,” which utilized a funk-infused pop base and became Maroon 5’s first #1 single, broadening their fanbase and solidifying their place in the pop arena.
Maroon 5’s evolution continued with the release of Hands All Over in 2010. After a period of relative quiet, the band, or rather, Adam Levine as the increasingly central figure, shifted gears. Originally conceived as a bonus track, “Moves Like Jagger” emerged as a collaborative effort with Benny Blanco, Ammar Malik, and Shellback. This “like jagger song” was strategically added to later editions of Hands All Over and proved to be the catalyst for the album’s renewed success, exploding onto global charts and becoming a worldwide phenomenon.
The infectious appeal of “Moves Like Jagger” is undeniable. Its driving rhythm, reminiscent of Kool and the Gang and Nile Rodgers, coupled with an ear-catching whistled hook, created an instant earworm. The song possesses a confident energy, a clear intention to captivate listeners. Released at a time when streaming was beginning to reshape the music industry, the “like jagger song” also benefited from a visually striking music video. The video cleverly interwove footage of a preening, tattooed Levine with iconic clips of Mick Jagger, alongside contemporary dancers mimicking Jagger’s signature moves. This visual strategy served to bridge generations, introducing Jagger’s legendary status to a younger audience while aligning Levine with that legacy. Crucially, Levine didn’t attempt a direct Jagger impersonation but rather sought a symbolic passing of the torch, aiming to join the ranks of artists who embody a timeless cool.
Christina Aguilera’s feature on “Moves Like Jagger” added another layer to the song’s dynamic. A pop icon in her own right, Aguilera’s powerful vocals provided a contrasting element to Levine’s smoother delivery. However, the original article critiques Aguilera’s contribution, suggesting a sense of cynicism in her performance, despite her vocal prowess. Regardless of critical nuances, Aguilera’s presence undoubtedly amplified the song’s star power and broadened its appeal, contributing to its widespread success as a definitive “like jagger song.”
Ultimately, “Moves Like Jagger” solidified Adam Levine’s position as a 21st-century pop star, comfortable in his role as a charismatic and ambitious figure. The song’s immense success, along with his collaborations like Gym Class Heroes’ “Stereo Hearts,” underscored his knack for hit-making. While the original article offers a somewhat cynical perspective on Levine’s ambition, it acknowledges his undeniable success in navigating the modern pop landscape. “Moves Like Jagger,” this quintessential “like jagger song,” stands as a testament to his savvy and Maroon 5’s enduring ability to evolve and capture the zeitgeist.
