#MusicMonday: Michael Jackson Feel Good Songs - Page 9

Every day is a great day to celebrate the life and music of Michael Jackson. The King of Pop was one of, if not the greatest entertainer of all time. Michael Jackson has sold more records and won more awards than almost everyone. However, how his music makes people feel is his biggest accomplishment. We’re straying away from his most popular hits to give you these hidden gems, you’ll still light up as soon as you hear them.

#MusicMonday: Michael Jackson Feel Good Songs

I Can’t Help It
Michael Jackson and Quincy Jones worked together for The Wiz. They worked so well together that the two concluded that Jones should produce Jackson’s first since 1975’s Forever Michael. By far, the best song was “I Can’t Help It.” With the exception of “Billie Jean,” this was one of the few songs of Michael’s in which the musical aspect that stood out the most was the bassline. To pay tribute at Jackson’s funeral, Stevie Wonder sang “I Can’t Help It” because he wrote it for him.

Remember the Time
Lightning struck three times with MJ and Q. But after “Off the Wall,” “Thriller,” and “Bad,” it was time for Michael to branch out and do something new. While he was a few years behind, Michael had discovered hip-hop. Ever evolving, Jackson and producer du jour, Teddy Riley had found a nice medium of New Jack Swing and Michael’s brand of popular r&b. “Remember the Time” was a perfect blend in which Riley and Jackson met in the middle and the results were as magical as a man morphing into dust while the Pharaoh was chasing him.

Butterflies (Trackmasters Remix) f/ Eve
“Butterflies” was an amazing song on its own. It was a modest hit on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. But it was a traditional r&b song, so it wasn’t as big of a smash as typical song of his. I assume that because it was scorching on urban radio, they went all the way black with it and gave it a Trackmasters remix. The ballad was sped up, placed over Isaac Hayes’ “Kisses to Go,” and Eve put two dope verses on it. I think her first verse may have been one of her best ever.

Blame it on the Boogie
For more reasons than one, The Jackson’s “Destiny” album was the end of an error. While there were other family albums that followed, Michael Jackson would forever be seen as a solo artist. “Blame It on the Boogie” was the end of the traditional Jackson sound and he began to take control of his career. It retrospect, it was the last hurrah for the lead singer of the Jackson 5. “Destiny” was released in 1978 and “Off the Wall” in 1979 and he was a different person by all means. The video for “Blame it on the Boogie” is probably the last time we saw Jackson with his original nose.

Heaven Can Wait
“Invincible” is an uneven album. It lacks a cohesion that every project Michael had ever been a part of was. He seemed a little out of touch and many of the songs sounded dated. He had always found a way to not only stay with the times; but push it forward. However, tracks four through eight were amazing. “Heaven Can Wait” was one of his best songs, ever.

Just Good Friends
It is a crime how much “Just Good Friends” is forgotten about. Yes, Bad had some major hits on it. But it’s Michael Jackson and Stevie Wonder singing on a song together.

Another Part of Me
On first listen, you don’t know what to expect after the song’s intro. It builds and then comes the drop. One you know what to expect you anticipate it. Almost any time I hear the song after 1997, I think of Chris Tucker blowing up the car in Rush Hour and kicking his leg.

PYT
“PYT” was the sixth out of seven singles on Thriller. The album only had nine songs and they were all good (With the exception of “Baby Be Mine,” which is a good song; just not as good as the others). It was released nearly a year after was and like all its predecessors, was a top ten hit on Billboard.

Wanna Be Starting Something
In 1982, it was still common for the album to begin with the first single. Being that albums were primarily listened to on vinyl, the single was why you bought the album and then listened to the rest. “Wanna Be Starting Something” bucked that trend because it was the best introductory song. There’s a fairly long instrumental beginning that builds as the listener waited for the Michael to finally sing something. Known for having soft-spoken voice, Jackson starts an album that aptly lived up to its name by aggressively stating “So you wanna be starting something?”

I Wanna Be Where You Are
What was amazing about young Michael Jackson’s voice wasn’t just its ability. He sang with an emotion that seemed much older than the tween singing about emotions most didn’t experience until much older. In a twist of irony, as he got older, he became more of a child at heart.