Celebrating the Music: A Michael Jackson Retrospective - Page 4

“Stranger in Moscow” - Taken from Jackson's greatest hits collection HIStory, this song was buried amidst the controversy surrounding his personal life and the odd ways he chose to publicize the album (the weirdest being the huge statue in his likeness that adorns the cover). “Stranger in Moscow” is one of his finer works, subtly emphasizing his isolation from others. Here his vocals take on a lower, warmer tone, but at the same time reach mournful higher notes toward the end of the song. Unlike other new tracks from HIStory, “Stranger in Moscow” takes some risks with lyrics and singing style, and they pay off.

“Childhood” - This recommendation comes with a cautionary note: the lyrics are self-serving and are an overt ploy for sympathy. So why is the track significant? Like on “Gone Too Soon” from Dangerous, Jackson allows deep emotion to enter his voice, a too-seldom occurrence. The beautiful notes he hits on both songs are at once impressive and moving. Focus not on the overly sappy and pitiful lyrics, but on his often underrated singing.

“Butterflies” - Written by Floetry member Marsha Ambrosius, the track remains the clear standout from his last studio album Invincible. One DJ from Chicago's WGCI-FM called it Jackson's return to the Off the Wall sound, and its chord changes and almost innocently romantic lyrics definitely recall that album. Here Jackson kept his vocal tics to a minimum and simply let the wispy lyrics and slow hip-hop tinged beat shine through.

Michael Jackson's legacy will be debated for years to come—who was the “real” man? How did he change in appearance and sound over time? Will controversy overshadow his music? No matter the questions, one fact cannot be denied: Jackson was the consummate performer, an all-around entertainer who could captivate an audience like few others. Listening to the above tracks, as well as numerous others, honors his talent and unique ability to make everyone want to dance and lose themselves in the music. That alone is a legacy worth celebrating.

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.

Visit Kit O'Toole's author page — Kit O'Toole's Blog