... and wondered what the fuss was all about a certain Michael Jackson, and why fans are thronging cinemas across the world to catch 'This Is It', well the simple answer it, give it a listen of a sample of MJ's discography and perhaps, even a view of some of his dance performances.
Problem is, which songs to actually select, to give a flavor of Michael Jackson's greatest works. Well, with over 10 Studio Albums, 68 Individual Singles Releases, 88 Compilation Albums and and more Number One Singles than you could shake a finger at, it takes some time to come out with such a list. Of course, we all have our personal preferences, to don't shoot me for some of the choices made here.
Note: I have included only those songs which have been released and received airplay during MJ's career. Unreleased songs have not been taken into account.
So, without further adieu, let me start the playlist:
1. Billie Jean (Thriller, 1983): Need an Introduction to Michael Jackson? Don't look beyond Billie Jean. A Dance Pop R&B Number, inspired by the case of a woman who claimed that MJ was the father of her kids, this song is a classic. MJ's first live performance of the moonwalk during the Motown 25 Concert only serves to reinforce that. https://youtube.com/watch?v=3PAJqgeeJf4
2. Beat It (Thriller, 1983): MJ only does Pop music? Nonsense. Beat It showed the world that MJ could do a rock song with the best of them. The guitar solo by Eddie Van Halen in the middle is an added bonus. Also, the song was so popular that it was parodied by 'Weird' Al Yankovic as 'Eat It'.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=Uqxo1SKB0z8
3. Wanna Be Startin Something (Thriller, 1983): Not released as a music video, this catchy dance number is best known for ending chorus repeatedly singing "Mama-se, mama-sa, ma-ma-coo-sa".
This is the only song which MJ never lip synced ever in his live performances. https://youtube.com/watch?v=rKMfjUp9xYs
4. Human Nature (Thriller, 1983): If there are two distinct sides to MJ's music, one would be his infectious dance/pop numbers, and the other would be his haunting slow ballads. Human Nature is a perfect showcase of Michael's high energy channelized into a smooth number.
5. I'll Be There (One More Chance, 1970): A Song from the early days of his Career, this gentle Duet with brother Jeramine is about the narrator asking his ex-lover to give him another chance. Michael carries on the lyrics with a maturity well beyond his years.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=3oT_TyK1Eh8
6. Don't Stop Till You Get Enough (Off The Wall, 1979): Seen Chris Tucker perform this with hilarious consequences in 'Rush Hour 2'?. DSTYGE is a foot tapping infectious little tune, and makes us want to literally follow the lyrics each time it gets a listen. https://youtube.com/watch?v=4_hz2am90Hk
7. Man In the Mirror (Bad, 1988): Many singers write songs about doing something for the world, indeed MJ's own 'Heal the World' ranks as a cheesy number. But Man in The Mirror, while overtly indulgent, sends the right message with its lyrics 'I'm Starting with the Man in the Mirror'. Critically acclaimed, and deserving each and every word of praise. My favourite. https://youtube.com/watch?v=mtGD6t75HS8
8. Smooth Criminal (Bad, 1988): 'Annie Are you Ok.' Many may know this song by its cover sung by Alien Ant Farm. But this fast paced dance number has Michael Jackson's best moves, especially his anti-gravity lean. Don't believe me? Watch this: https://youtube.com/watch?v=07v6tB_OLR8
9. Black or White (Dangerous, 1991): I think very few of us haven't heard of this song. A catchy number which also slid in a social message, Black and White might not be a critics choice, but you can't deny its popularity. Plus, listen carefully and you can catch the Tabla Beats in the middle. https://youtube.com/watch?v=ZI9OYMRwN1Q
10. Jam (Dangerous, 1992):The Music Video will best be remembered for starring the 'other MJ (Michael Jordan). Jam follows the tune of MJ's other dance numbers with just hints of MJ's anger coming through. https://youtube.com/watch?v=13ZGZexsaFo
..... I know, limit reached. Still, I can't resist adding the final two:
11. Dangerous (Dangerous, 1993): Not really reaching the heights of popularity as his other songs, Dangerous is often overlooked. But for me, there is no better dance number that MJ has performed on stage. This song was made for MJ to dance to.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=aXK5xOJaYHI
12. Stranger in Moscow (HIStory, 1996): Michael at his most heart wrenching. Stranger is Moscow is a gem in the MJ Discography. The haunting melodies portray a loneliness which bring me to tears almost every time. https://youtube.com/watch?v=xfZz-q8CRLE
Of course, due to lack of time or space, I could not include some other personal favorites like 'Ghosts', 'Rock With You', 'They Don't really Care About Us' or 'You Are Not Alone'.
Of course, after a listen or two, don't be surprised if we get to see a Moonwalk on the moon in the future. I think we might just have another MJ fan :)
