When most people think of Mick Jagger, they immediately picture him as the charismatic frontman of The Rolling Stones, a rock icon whose energy and swagger helped define an era. Yet beyond the stadium anthems and blues-driven riffs of the Stones, Jagger also ventured into solo territory, exploring sounds that were both daring and reflective of the times. One of the most notable examples is “Throwaway”, a track from his second solo album, Primitive Cool (1987). Though not a commercial juggernaut, the song remains a fascinating snapshot of Jagger’s attempt to carve out a distinct musical identity outside of the world’s greatest rock and roll band.

The Sound of the Times

Released in the late 1980s, “Throwaway” embodies the era’s sonic tendencies. The track is built around sharp funk-inspired guitar lines, crisp production, and a polished groove that aligns more with the pop-rock and dance influences of the decade than with the raw grit of classic Stones records. Jagger’s collaboration with Jeff Beck on guitar added a layer of credibility and edge, ensuring that while the track leaned into modern production, it retained a strong rock backbone.

Listening to “Throwaway”, one immediately hears Jagger’s intention to blend rock, funk, and pop. The result is a track that feels both infectious and ambitious. It doesn’t attempt to replicate The Rolling Stones but rather showcases Jagger’s eagerness to embrace contemporary musical trends while pushing himself creatively.

Lyrics and Themes

At its core, “Throwaway” critiques the disposable nature of modern culture—how easily people, ideas, and even values can be discarded in the pursuit of novelty or convenience. This theme, expressed through Jagger’s trademark sneer and energy, resonates just as much today as it did in the 1980s.

Lines that suggest the fleeting attention spans of society highlight Jagger’s frustration with consumerism and superficiality. In this sense, the song operates on multiple levels: it is both a catchy dance-rock tune and a commentary on a culture that often fails to appreciate what lasts.

The Music Video and MTV Era

The late 1980s was a time when MTV dictated much of popular music’s visibility. Jagger understood this well and leaned into it with the video for “Throwaway”. The clip combined performance shots with a flashy, fast-paced aesthetic tailored to the MTV generation. While the single itself didn’t become a massive chart hit, the visual presence helped cement the song as part of Jagger’s solo identity, showing that he could command attention without the Stones.

Legacy and Reception

Commercially, “Throwaway” didn’t soar to the heights of Jagger’s Rolling Stones work, and Primitive Cool as an album was met with mixed reviews. Critics at the time noted Jagger’s willingness to experiment but questioned whether the songs matched the timeless impact of his band’s material. However, with hindsight, “Throwaway” has gained recognition as a daring track that reflects both Jagger’s individuality and his adaptability.

For fans, the song serves as an essential piece of understanding Jagger’s artistry beyond the Stones. It reveals a musician unafraid to step into new sonic landscapes, even if the results didn’t always resonate widely.

Conclusion

“Throwaway” might not rank among Mick Jagger’s most famous songs, but it remains a vital chapter in his solo career. It illustrates his restlessness, his refusal to be pigeonholed, and his desire to engage with the evolving musical culture of the 1980s. More than just a funky, polished track, it is a statement about permanence and disposability—delivered by an artist who, ironically, has proven anything but throwaway.