Imagine creating a riff so iconic it defines a generation. Now imagine being the artist who thinks something else you wrote is even better. That's the reality for Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones, and the song that eclipsed even 'Satisfaction' in his mind might surprise you.
We all know 'Satisfaction.' That fuzzed-out, instantly recognizable riff is practically the definition of rock and roll. But when you've penned as many legendary riffs as Keith Richards, some are bound to become, well, a little tiresome, even if the audience never tires of hearing them. It's not that Richards disliked playing the band's biggest hits, it's more that he found deeper musical satisfaction elsewhere.
While Mick Jagger was undeniably the frontman, Richards was the architect, the riff-master who laid the foundation for so many Stones classics. Getting Richards and Jagger together to write wasn't always easy, but once Richards found his groove with a guitar, magic happened. He understood the power of a killer riff, eventually crafting monumental hits like 'Start Me Up' and 'Gimme Shelter' from full chord progressions. But for Richards, the essence of a song often resided in that single, unforgettable line, the kind that makes aspiring guitarists scratch their heads in awe.
Think about it: if aliens landed and demanded an explanation of the word 'riff,' 'Satisfaction' would be Exhibit A. While Jimmy Page certainly had his share of perfect licks, Richards, aiming for a horn-section sound, stumbled upon a distorted tone that fueled countless garage bands.
But here's where it gets controversial... Despite the monumental impact of 'Satisfaction,' Richards himself considered 'Jumpin' Jack Flash' to be a far more interesting composition. As Richards himself stated, "I love ‘Satisfaction’ dearly and everything, but those chords are pretty much a de rigueur course as far as songwriting goes. But ‘Flash’ is particularly interesting. It’s allllll right now. It’s almost Arabic or very old, archaic, classical, the chord setups you could only hear in Gregorian chants or something like that. And it’s that weird mixture of your actual rock and roll and at the same time."
From a guitarist's perspective, 'Jumpin' Jack Flash' offers a different kind of reward. While 'Satisfaction' gets the credit for pioneering a new sound, 'Flash' took the blues as a base and injected it with a raw, almost dangerous energy.
And this is the part most people miss... Richards perceived an almost Arabic influence in the song's chord structure, a subtle departure from standard blues-rock. This hints at Richards' desire to push the Stones beyond the conventional, to incorporate diverse musical elements. The band's earlier experimentation with Brian Jones, who played a variety of instruments, paved the way for this exploration, ultimately enriching their blues foundation when Mick Taylor joined the group for albums like Exile on Main St.
However, the appeal of 'Jumpin' Jack Flash' extends beyond its musical intricacies. It embodies a pivotal moment in the Stones' evolution. They were transitioning from rebellious blues enthusiasts to seasoned rock and roll conquerors, shedding their schoolboy image for a more mature, commanding presence.
So, what do you think? Is 'Jumpin' Jack Flash' truly a more interesting song than 'Satisfaction'? Does its subtle complexity outweigh the iconic simplicity of the latter? And can you hear the Arabic influences Richards described? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Let's get the discussion rolling.
