Written by
Mick Jagger and
Keith Richards, "Dancing with Mr. D." is a brooding rocker in line with much of the Stones'
funk inspired recordings from the
Goats Head Soup era. The song opens with a
riff by Richards prominently repeated throughout the song. Jagger's lyrics allude to either dalliance with a
succubus or
Death; Jagger's lyrics are somewhat more self reflective than the devil imagery he adopted since "
Sympathy for the Devil". The chorus contrasts with the lyrics with backing vocals by the group and its steady rhythm. The song would best serve as an introduction to the Stones' studio-based sound of the mid-1970s after the sprawling epic
Exile on Main St. Recording began at
Dynamic Sounds studio in
Kingston, Jamaica, and would continue at
Village Recorders in
Los Angeles and Island Recording Studios in
London.
Billy Preston, who had contributed on a few songs with the Stones in the past, would become a heavy collaborator over the next few albums and here performs
clavinet.
Nicky Hopkins highlights with pianos throughout while
Rebop Kwaku Baah and Pascal perform percussion.
Mick Taylor performs electric
slide guitar as well as bass while
Charlie Watts performs drums. ==Critical reception==