The Rolling Stones – Miss You
In 1978, The Rolling Stones released “Miss You,” a track that marked a bold departure from their usual rock-driven sound. Embracing the rhythm and groove of the disco craze sweeping through clubs at the time, the song added a sultry, urban flair to the band’s repertoire. Beneath its danceable beat, however, lies a deep sense of alienation—a hallmark of the Stones’ songwriting—which gives “Miss You” its lasting emotional resonance.
Song Overview
“Miss You” appears on the Stones’ 1978 album Some Girls. Set against a pulsing disco-influenced beat, Mick Jagger sings about longing and loneliness after losing a lover. While the rhythm makes it club-friendly, Jagger’s detached and almost cold vocal delivery adds a sense of urban isolation and emotional tension. The result is a hypnotic blend of pop, funk, and rock that captures the mood of late-'70s nightlife.
Songwriting and Production
The song was written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards. It was produced by The Glimmer Twins (Jagger and Richards’ producer pseudonym) in collaboration with engineer and co-producer Chris Kimsey. The track also features notable contributions from session musicians: Billy Preston plays the clavinet, and saxophonist Mel Collins delivers a smoky solo that enhances the song’s late-night atmosphere.
Charts
Released as a single in 1978, “Miss You” quickly climbed the Billboard Hot 100 and reached No. 1 in the United States, becoming the Rolling Stones’ eighth American chart-topper. In the UK, it peaked at No. 3. The song was a commercial and critical success and is often credited as a pioneering example of a rock band successfully incorporating disco influences without losing their identity.
Music Video
Although there wasn’t an official music video at the time of the single’s release, several promotional and live performance videos have since become associated with the track. Notably, footage from the Stones’ 1978 tour captures Mick Jagger dancing and singing with raw energy, emphasizing the song’s rhythmic qualities and urban cool. These visuals reinforce the disco-rock hybrid feel that defines “Miss You.”
“Miss You” was more than a stylistic experiment—it was The Rolling Stones’ way of absorbing the pulse of the time while staying true to their gritty, restless core. By blending disco groove with emotional detachment and rock swagger, the band created a track that remains as seductive and haunting today as it was in the late ’70s.
The Rolling Stones - Miss You - Live 1997
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