With the recent TV documentary, Michael Jackson: An American Tragedy and the apparent hagiography Michael dividing people, I’ve been thinking a lot about the late singer, dancer and all-round eccentric and somewhat broken man.
We’ll never know the truth, will we? And while that’s undoubtedly tainted Michael in many ways forever, he still left behind some amazing songs. He was a huge part of my childhood and many others, before I discovered more interesting artists. Here are my favourites, and an unexpected gem, too…
Ooh, it’s so lovely, that urgent vocal delivery. And that synth key change just shimmers. He sounds sexually frustrated, lost, desperate and anxious to see the world outside. It awakened feelings in me as a girl. I didn’t live in New York, but I felt his longing for something else, for an adult world out- with my small town.
Pure drama. It’s sexy Michael, again, and the storytelling and push and pull of the song is classic. We all tried to moonwalk to this, we all fell flat on our arses. Funky AF, and the strings are pure class.
Even as a boy, he was a genius performer. The lyrics were somewhat inappropriate coming from a kid, but the Jackson 5 were amazing, like a kid version of Sly and the Family Stone. If you don’t like this song, or don’t wiggle when you hear it, I don’t know what to say to you.
Angry Michael. It’s supposed to be about the press and naysayers, but most likely it’s the allegations that he’s addressing here, albeit indirectly. My boyfriend at the time used to sing “Nick nack paddywhack” along to the verse, which makes me love it even more. Try It! It’s fun. It slaps, regardless.
Absolutely genius- one of my favourite Michael Jackson moments ever.”Girl!” *Chuckles*
Hit The North 