Okay, I know this is a week late, and the craziness that has come with the death of Michael Jackson has made some nauseous with MJ excess, but I really want to write this post, so I'm going to. Anyway, "Michael Jackson" and "MJ's" are still trending topics on Twitter, so clearly the mourning hasn't subsided.
I'd be lying, really, if I told you I was a huge Michael Jackson fan. I had liked his music, but casually. I didn't ever listen to him voluntarily, but if one of his songs were to come on the radio, I'd remember my fondness of his music. So clearly, with his passing, there has been loads of MJ music in all media. I couldn't help but totally get addicted to his music over the past two weeks. He's pretty much all I've listened to in that span of time, and the way his artistry has evolved over his roller-coaster career fascinates me and gives his music an even deeper meaning. So here are my ten favorites:
10. Rock With You
Cool beats and synth make the song, really, and you can't help but the think of the very disco video, made at a time when Jackson looked his best. It was all downhill from there.
9. We Are The World
Really bumped up in my rankings after it was played at the memorial on stage. A simple, yet beautiful song that has become synonymous with humanity and philanthropy.
8. Scream
Sung with his little sister, this was really a change of pace for Jackson. Verges on hard rock, and he pulls it off. The lyrics are heartfelt and sum up the reason for his demise: "Stop pressuring me."
7. Black or White
A really cool, innovative video (though the Macaulay Culkin part always makes me laugh nervously) and Slash's guitar riff gives the song an edge. Another great song that truly has something to say.
6. Bad
It's almost unfortunate that every time I hear this song, I think of Weird Al Yankovic's parody, "Fat." But, I mean, talk about a song that sticks in your head endlessly. Honestly, though, I don't mind humming this song all week.
5. You Are Not Alone
I'm starting to love this song more and more every time I listen to it. The lyrics are great and it's a perfect showcase for MJ's incredible falsetto and overall vocals.
4. Smooth Criminal
Not only is the song great and extremely iconic, but the video shows Jackson at his coolest. My heart skips a beat every time I see him do "the lean." He really was smooth.
3. Man In The Mirror
Probably the best vocal work of any of his songs. Add a choir to the background and I start getting choked up. The first MJ song I truly fell in love with.
2. Billie Jean
I mean, it's the essential. It's made its mark in the hall of fame of greatness for a reason. It is the musical peak of Michael Jackson's solo career.
1. I'll Be There
So simple but so important. I'm convinced it may have some of the best lyrics of any song. I know I'm really diving into hyperbole here, but this is most certainly one of my favorite songs, period.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment