Mick Jagger has two new songs out today: a collaboration with grime superstar Skepta called “England Lost” and a solo track called “Gotta Get a Grip.” The Rolling Stones frontman also asked several people to remix “Gotta Get a Grip”: Seeb, Alok, the Stones’ musical director Matt Clifford, and Tame Impala‘s Kevin Parker.
“England Lost” tackles political anxiety, especially over immigration, via memories of a soccer match. In a statement, Jagger explained, “Ostensibly, it’s about seeing an England football team lose, but when I wrote the title I knew it would be about more than just that. It’s about a feeling that we are in a difficult moment in our history.” Later he added: “So am I politically optimistic? …No.” Thanks, Mick!
Jagger also revealed some recent additions to his personal playlist: “Kendrick Lamar, Skepta, Mozart, Howlin’ Wolf, Tame Impala, obscure Prince tracks and classic soul stuff from The Valentine Brothers. I really like Kendrick Lamar, he’s also talking about discontent and he really nailed it. I thought his stuff, and what Skepta is doing, are very interesting and pretty much on the button.’’
Let history show that Mick Jagger is a Kendrick Lamar fan. Below, hear “England Lost,” featuring Skepta, and both Jagger and Parker’s versions of the more straightforward “Gotta Get a Grip” (with a video starring Girls actress Jemima Kirke). Jagger’s Gotta Get a Grip / England Lost (Reimagined) EP is out now.
