It's been one year since music has been dealt one of its worst losses. Michael Jackson was taken away from us much too soon, and I can distinctly remember being in denial, rife with disbelief. The day before, I had a whole day filled with dancing and singing to his work, just because it was what my soul had ordered for the day. I remember thinking when I was younger that we wouldn't lose Michael until I was way older. I couldn't imagine that one of, if not the, greatest musicians time has ever seen was gone from our world. My heart was broken.
Now a year later, we reminisce and celebrate. My form of celebration is to give you my ten favorite MJ songs. Now, this was hard to make. His catalog is extensive and he has way too many quality songs to choose from. Nevertheless, this is what I've come up with. Enjoy!
In no particular order:
1.) "She Drives Me Wild"
This is my f*cking song. When this song comes on my iPod or when I decide to put it on, I have to listen to it at least two or three times turned as high as I can stand it. I'm dancing;I'm singing; and I'm getting my groove on. Car horns haven't been so hot since The Gap Band's "Burn Rubber On Me (Why You Wanna Hurt Me)"! This song is too good. The vocals and ad-libs, the production...I'm just done. It's just perfection. I'm done.
2.) "Baby Be Mine"
This song has a definite Disco feel, and boy do I like Disco! The beginning notes will no doubt force you on your feet and to the dance floor. What I like most about the song is the evolution of the chorus, becoming more involved and layered. The horns and synths only make the song better. Mike, I'll be yours. Unquestionably.
3.) "Can't Let Her Get Away"
This song does the same thing that "She Drives Me Wild" does to me. You have classic 90's elements in the record but there's something timeless about the song. The subject matter, about holding on to the one you want and love, definitely contributes to that sense of timelessness. There's desperation mixed with anger and blind drive. I love it.
4.) "Whatever Happens"
To this DAY, I don't understand why Invincible doesn't get the respect it deserves. The individual songs as well as the collective album is definitively classic. Although the album contains many hits, my favorite song from this album is "Whatever Happens." Everything about this song is genius on wax. From MJ's flawless vocals, to his original storyline, to the haunting strings, to Carlos Santana's intricate guitar-playing, this joint exudes perfection. This is one song that just makes you sway and sing, and you can rock with its depth from beginning to end.
5.) "Is It Scary"
I do believe this is a bonus to Dangerous, and boy was I ecstatic to have found this gem. The song has many of the same lyrics as "Ghosts," which is itself an awesome song, but instead of talking about threats to one's family by some crazed and jealous menace, the song instead becomes about embodying the negative projections, kind of having an ethereal stalking feel to it. I also feel like it's about the fright that comes with helpless attraction. The rock feel to the song is utterly fabulous and is completed by a great ending with flawless piano and strings.
6.) "Wanna Be Starting Something"
Everything about this song is perfect. It makes you dance. The instruments are crazy. Mike's vocals and arrangements are awesome. I'm done.
7.) "Smooth Criminal"
What makes "Smooth Criminal" criminally great is Michael's vision with it. I'm so thankful that he didn't do the Western for this video like he planned and did the 1920's gangster feel because it just fits the song so well. The choreography complements the addictive nature of the song. It's seeing Michael's genius made into fruition that really does it for me. Seeing the embodiment of greatness is eye-stunning. I love everything about the song (except that whack ass fast, 3 minute version; you better take the time out and watch all ten minutes!)
8.) "I Wanna Be Where You Are"
This song is what made me fall in love with Michael as an 8-10 year old. As a young child, Michael carried some grown man feelings in his voice, and it comes in completely in this song. He made you feel as if he were talking just to you, and even though I was born 30 years too late, that Michael knocked me off my feet as a kid.
9.) "Liberian Girl"
"Liberian Girl" is just so damn sexy, and you didn't get a chance to see Michael in a babymaking music vein too often. The beginning sensual whispers of the woman followed by the exotic drums and percussion set the mood and Michael's smooth, calm, and controlled voice follow in tow, making a song rife with seduction and affection. Simply awesome.
10.) "Another Part of Me"
What I love most about this song is the lyrics. The music is definitely danceable, the vocals are on point, but the majestic quality of the lyrics is what really drives me. For the longest I didn't even know what he was saying or talking about, and even now I don't think I can fully grasp what Michael was getting at with this song. I think it extends far beyond my mind and any existing realms of possibility. It extends beyond Michael himself while showing how far his knack for quality music can go.
Now a year later, we reminisce and celebrate. My form of celebration is to give you my ten favorite MJ songs. Now, this was hard to make. His catalog is extensive and he has way too many quality songs to choose from. Nevertheless, this is what I've come up with. Enjoy!
In no particular order:
1.) "She Drives Me Wild"
This is my f*cking song. When this song comes on my iPod or when I decide to put it on, I have to listen to it at least two or three times turned as high as I can stand it. I'm dancing;I'm singing; and I'm getting my groove on. Car horns haven't been so hot since The Gap Band's "Burn Rubber On Me (Why You Wanna Hurt Me)"! This song is too good. The vocals and ad-libs, the production...I'm just done. It's just perfection. I'm done.
2.) "Baby Be Mine"
This song has a definite Disco feel, and boy do I like Disco! The beginning notes will no doubt force you on your feet and to the dance floor. What I like most about the song is the evolution of the chorus, becoming more involved and layered. The horns and synths only make the song better. Mike, I'll be yours. Unquestionably.
3.) "Can't Let Her Get Away"
This song does the same thing that "She Drives Me Wild" does to me. You have classic 90's elements in the record but there's something timeless about the song. The subject matter, about holding on to the one you want and love, definitely contributes to that sense of timelessness. There's desperation mixed with anger and blind drive. I love it.
4.) "Whatever Happens"
To this DAY, I don't understand why Invincible doesn't get the respect it deserves. The individual songs as well as the collective album is definitively classic. Although the album contains many hits, my favorite song from this album is "Whatever Happens." Everything about this song is genius on wax. From MJ's flawless vocals, to his original storyline, to the haunting strings, to Carlos Santana's intricate guitar-playing, this joint exudes perfection. This is one song that just makes you sway and sing, and you can rock with its depth from beginning to end.
5.) "Is It Scary"
I do believe this is a bonus to Dangerous, and boy was I ecstatic to have found this gem. The song has many of the same lyrics as "Ghosts," which is itself an awesome song, but instead of talking about threats to one's family by some crazed and jealous menace, the song instead becomes about embodying the negative projections, kind of having an ethereal stalking feel to it. I also feel like it's about the fright that comes with helpless attraction. The rock feel to the song is utterly fabulous and is completed by a great ending with flawless piano and strings.
6.) "Wanna Be Starting Something"
Everything about this song is perfect. It makes you dance. The instruments are crazy. Mike's vocals and arrangements are awesome. I'm done.
7.) "Smooth Criminal"
What makes "Smooth Criminal" criminally great is Michael's vision with it. I'm so thankful that he didn't do the Western for this video like he planned and did the 1920's gangster feel because it just fits the song so well. The choreography complements the addictive nature of the song. It's seeing Michael's genius made into fruition that really does it for me. Seeing the embodiment of greatness is eye-stunning. I love everything about the song (except that whack ass fast, 3 minute version; you better take the time out and watch all ten minutes!)
8.) "I Wanna Be Where You Are"
This song is what made me fall in love with Michael as an 8-10 year old. As a young child, Michael carried some grown man feelings in his voice, and it comes in completely in this song. He made you feel as if he were talking just to you, and even though I was born 30 years too late, that Michael knocked me off my feet as a kid.
9.) "Liberian Girl"
"Liberian Girl" is just so damn sexy, and you didn't get a chance to see Michael in a babymaking music vein too often. The beginning sensual whispers of the woman followed by the exotic drums and percussion set the mood and Michael's smooth, calm, and controlled voice follow in tow, making a song rife with seduction and affection. Simply awesome.
10.) "Another Part of Me"
What I love most about this song is the lyrics. The music is definitely danceable, the vocals are on point, but the majestic quality of the lyrics is what really drives me. For the longest I didn't even know what he was saying or talking about, and even now I don't think I can fully grasp what Michael was getting at with this song. I think it extends far beyond my mind and any existing realms of possibility. It extends beyond Michael himself while showing how far his knack for quality music can go.
We miss and love you Mike. Long live the King.
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