Moves like Jagger
"Moves like Jagger" is an electropop song by American band Maroon 5 featuring singer Christina Aguilera, released on June 21, 2011, as the lead single from the reissue of their third studio album, Hands All Over.[1][2] The track, produced by Benny Blanco and Shellback, draws inspiration from the charismatic and seductive stage movements of Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger, with lyrics encouraging confident, flirtatious dance moves to captivate a romantic interest.[2][3] The song achieved massive commercial success, debuting at number eight on the Billboard Hot 100 and climbing to number one for four consecutive weeks starting September 10, 2011, marking Maroon 5's second US chart-topper and Aguilera's third.[4] Internationally, "Moves like Jagger" topped charts in more than 15 countries, including Australia, Canada, France, and Spain, while peaking at number two in the UK.[5] By 2021, it had sold over 10 million units in the United States alone, earning a Diamond certification from the RIAA.[6] "Moves like Jagger" received critical acclaim for its catchy hook and danceable rhythm, introducing a more electronic sound to Maroon 5's catalog and revitalizing their career trajectory.[2] The song earned a Grammy Award nomination for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance at the 54th Annual Grammy Awards in 2012 and several other accolades, including a nomination for MTV Video Music Awards Japan for Best Group Video.[7][8] Its official music video, directed by Jonas Åkerlund and released on August 8, 2011, features surreal black-and-white visuals and has amassed over 850 million views on YouTube as of November 2025.[9] The track's enduring popularity is evident in its streaming success, with over 1.93 billion plays on Spotify as of November 2025.[10]Production and Development
Background
Following the release of Maroon 5's third studio album Hands All Over in 2010, which achieved moderate commercial success but underperformed relative to the band's prior efforts like It Won't Be Soon Before Long, the group sought to craft a more upbeat, dance-oriented track to revitalize their sound.[11] This shift aimed at producing a high-energy pop single capable of broad radio and club appeal, marking a deliberate pivot toward electropop influences.[12] The song "Moves like Jagger" was written by Maroon 5 frontman Adam Levine, producer Benny Blanco (real name Benjamin Levin), songwriter Ammar Malik, and Swedish producer Shellback (Johan Schuster).[13] The core hook referencing Mick Jagger's iconic stage presence, including the characteristic whistle, originated as an ad-lib from Shellback during early development sessions focused on building around a simple beat and bass line.[2] These writing efforts took place in late 2010 and early 2011, emphasizing catchy, repetitive lyrics to evoke Jagger's charismatic dance moves from The Rolling Stones' performances.[14] Recording occurred primarily in May 2011 in Los Angeles, with Benny Blanco and Shellback overseeing production and engineering contributions from Noah Passovoy and others. The sessions emphasized a minimalist, groove-driven arrangement to highlight Levine's vocals, incorporating subtle disco elements for rhythmic drive. To enhance the track's vocal dynamics, the team decided to include a guest feature from Christina Aguilera, selected for her powerful range and stylistic synergy with Levine, stemming from their recent partnership as coaches on the debut season of The Voice.[15] Aguilera recorded her parts shortly after, adding layered harmonies that complemented the song's playful energy.[16]Composition
"Moves like Jagger" is classified as a disco-pop track incorporating funk and new wave elements, characterized by its upbeat, synth-driven sound and danceable rhythm.[17] The song is composed in B minor, with a tempo of 128 beats per minute, which contributes to its energetic, club-ready feel.[18] It follows a verse-chorus structure typical of pop songs, featuring pre-chorus builds that heighten tension before the explosive choruses, along with an intro hook, verses, choruses, bridge, and outro, clocking in at a concise length of 3:21.[2] The lyrics revolve around the singer's admiration for Mick Jagger's legendary stage presence and dance moves, using them as a metaphor for seductive confidence on the dance floor. Lines like "Take me by the tongue and I'll know you / Kiss me 'til you're drunk and I'll show you" employ playful innuendo to blend themes of rhythm, attraction, and physical intimacy, creating a lighthearted yet flirtatious narrative.[2][19] Instrumentally, the track relies on a prominent synth bass line that drives the bass riff, complemented by handclaps and electronic drums for a minimalist, percussive groove. Adam Levine delivers the verses and choruses in his signature falsetto, adding a soaring, ethereal quality, while Christina Aguilera provides layered harmonies in the chorus and bridge, enhancing the song's anthemic pop appeal with her powerful vocals.[2][20]Release and Formats
Track Listings
| No. | Title | Artist | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Moves like Jagger | Maroon 5 feat. Christina Aguilera | 3:21 |
Standard Digital Download
The primary digital download release of "Moves like Jagger" is a single track featuring Maroon 5 and Christina Aguilera, with a duration of 3:21.[21] This version is available on platforms such as Spotify and Apple Music, presented in both explicit and clean lyric variants to suit different broadcasting standards.[22]CD Single Variants
Physical CD singles were issued in several markets, often pairing the original track with additional content like B-sides or remixes. For instance, the German CD single includes the following tracks:| No. | Title | Artist | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Moves like Jagger | Maroon 5 feat. Christina Aguilera | 3:21 |
| 2 | Moves like Jagger (Soul Seekerz Radio Edit) | Maroon 5 feat. Christina Aguilera | 3:25 |
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Moves like Jagger (Cutmore Club Mix) | 6:24 |
| 2 | Moves like Jagger (Cutmore Dub Mix) | 6:24 |
| 3 | Moves like Jagger (Cutmore Radio Edit - Clean) | 3:40 |