Celebrating the Music: A Michael Jackson Retrospective - Page 3

“I Can't Help It” - Written by Stevie Wonder, the song allows Jackson to explore the sensual aspects of his voice. Incidentally, rap group De La Soul later sampled the beginning notes on their 1993 classic “Breakadawn.”

“Don't Stop Till You Get Enough” - Yes, this song continues to get people on the dance floor. But this massive hit also features Jackson exploring the deeper ranges of his voice. Producer Quincy Jones stated in many interviews that he wanted Jackson to move away from the bubblegum pop of his earlier solo records, put some serious arrangements behind him, and utilize lower ranges. “Don't Stop Till You Get Enough” best represents Jackson's move toward more sophisticated dance/pop.

“Rock with You,” “Working Day and Night,” and “Off the Wall” - Again, these tracks have been previously dissected by many critics, but no Jackson retrospective would be complete without them. “Rock with You” in particular spotlights his unique ability to bridge funk, R&B, disco, and pop into a universal groove.

“The Lady in My Life” - How to choose particular Thriller tracks? Since virtually every song on the greatest-selling studio album of all time hit the charts (and much has already been written about “Billie Jean” and “Beat It,” among other tracks), selecting a “hidden track” is a challenge. But this overshadowed ballad let Jackson reveal a romantic, sexy side rarely heard on his other works. The song's composer, Rod Temperton, also wrote some of Jackson's best-known singles, including “Rock with You, “Off the Wall,” and “Thriller.” His work with disco/funk group Heatwave in the 70s, as well as his songwriting for numerous artists, deserves greater acclaim.

“Liberian Girl” - Many of the Bad tracks bear the typical markings of 80s overproduction, particularly heavy reliance on synthesizers and electronic drums. But this should-have-been hit sounds timeless, with its exotic rhythms and Jackson's delicate vocals making the song a romantic ballad in the vein of “The Lady in My Life.”

“Can't Let Her Get Away” - Of course, Jackson always excelled at dance tracks, and this floor burner is no exception. Like the similar “Jam,” this track lets him use his voice as a rhythm device as much as a melodic one. His grunts and growls accentuate the beat perfectly.

“In the Closet” - Forget the accompanying video with model Naomi Campbell grinding on a sweaty Jackson. The song remains distinctive, with its driving beat and its double-entendre lyrics. Who is the woman whispering at the beginning and middle of the track? At the time, Madonna was rumored to be the mystery lady. No matter what, “In the Closet” stands out among others in his catalog as well as on the album Dangerous.

Article Author: Kit O'Toole

Kit O'Toole is a lifelong music enthusiast who maintains a music blog, Listen to the Band. In addition, she is the internet columnist and a contributing editor for Beatlefan magazine. She also holds an Ed.D. in Instructional Technology.

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