Wandering Spirit was released in 1993. As I had never bought any Rolling Stones albums before, what possessed me to buy Mick’s album is a mystery. It’s the kind of sleeper music that takes a few listens before it hits you in the feels. There are several good tunes on this one. I like this one because it sounds like The Rolling Stones and because it has such good lyrics. Taking a look at who backed Mick up, I was impressed:
Mick Jagger – vocals, guitar, clavinet, harmonica, percussion
David Bianco – synthesizer
Curt Bisquera – drums
Lenny Castro – percussion
Matt Clifford – virginal, harpsichord
Flea – bass guitar on “Out of Focus”, “Use Me” and “I’ve Been Lonely for So Long”
Lynn Davis – backing vocals
Jim Keltner – drums on “Evening Gown”
Lenny Kravitz – vocals on “Use Me”
JayDee Maness – pedal steel guitar
Jean McClain – backing vocals
Pamela Quinlan – backing vocals
Robin McKidd – fiddle
Brendan O’Brien – guitar
Jeff Pescetto – backing vocals
John Pierce – bass guitar (tracks: 1, 4, 5, 7 to 11, 13, 14)
Courtney Pine – saxophone
Billy Preston – piano, Hammond organ, clavinet
Jimmy Rip – lead guitar, percussion
Frank Simes – guitar
Benmont Tench – piano, Hammond organ
Doug Wimbish – bass guitar on “Sweet Thing”
Annie Leibovitz – photography
“Hang On To Me Tonight”
Like a picture you came into my life
Like a picture the colors fade away
Love is fragile, you hide it from the light
It lasts forever and always stays the same
Like a movie, you swept into my life
And like a movie, the stars just fade away
Hang on to me tonight
Stay close to me all day
Hang on to me tonight
Stay close to me all day
Ah, honey, while there’s youth upon your face
Ah, honey, I am tired of the race
My cards are on the table
You can get up and walk away
Or stay
Like a movie, you came into my life
And like a movie, the stars just fade away
All the characters are mouthing out their lines
And the love scenes are shot in shades of grey
Hang on to me tonight
Stay close to me all day
Hang on to me tonight
Stay close to me all day
Ah, baby, while there’s youth upon your face
Ah, baby, don’t you lose that natural grace
My cards are on the table
You can get up and walk away
Or stay
Hang on to me tonight
Stay close to me always
Hang on to me tonight
Stay close to me stay close to me all day
Stay close to me stay close to me all day
Songwriter: Michael Phillip (Mick) Jagger
Tao Talk 
that was awesome! ❤
LikeLiked by 2 people
I agree 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s interesting you bought a Mick Jagger solo album before you got any Stones records. That being said, I like the song you picked.
You may be surprised that while the Stones are among my favorite bands, I actually own very few of their records. The “Hot Rocks” compilation (spanning 1964-1971) was among the first I got. Nowadays, I can pretty much get all their music through my streaming provider.
I also bought Jagger’s debut solo album “She’s the Boss” when it came out in 1985. Haven’t listened to it in ages. Based on what I remember, I wouldn’t buy it nowadays. In general, I think Mick is much better with the Stones, as I feel is the case with Keith.
LikeLiked by 2 people
It is interesting I agree. I did have some “unbought” Rolling Stones I acquired in one way or another. Besides radio play my first intro was on 8 track lol. I believe that The Rolling Stones are better together than apart also, and I feel that way about several musical groups. It’s like they have a special alchemy that works when they’re together.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Mick seems less “on” here than he is with the Stones. It’s not a bad song, but lacks the spark, the tension. (K)
LikeLiked by 2 people
Maybe, “I’m tired of the race” alludes to it?
LikeLiked by 2 people
Could be. I’m sure they need breaks from the intensity.
LikeLiked by 1 person
One of my favorites. Have you seen Jaggers Instagram account? I love t. When he’s on tour he secretly gets out on the town and posts. It’s great.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Glad you know and like it, Kathleen. No I’m not on instagram much at all but it sounds like Mick has fun with it. He’s like the energizer bunny, and I admire him for that.
LikeLiked by 1 person
” hits you in the feels” I will have to remember that.
This is much better than some of his solo overly commercial things. It’s also better than some of the 90s Stones songs.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Glad you like this one, Max.
LikeLiked by 2 people
It seems like, more than anything, it’s just very mellow. I wonder if he WAS kinda tired? It’s soothing, though. Can’t believe how long he ran up and down those stages–until very recently–even as an older man, during his shows. Amazing energy and life force. It made you feel like older age didn’t matter–just a number! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree on the mellowness, Stacey. Even as a group they aren’t all hard rockers. “Wild Horses” comes to mind. He is an amazing role model for all of us. I am hoping you know who Marc Maron is? I think he talked about Mick and his energizer bunniness in one of his comedy specials.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yeah, I remember the Energizer Bunny thing, but I forgot who said it. But now I remember!
Yeah, totally.
And Wild Horses….. mmmmmmmmm………..
LikeLike