As brilliant as Jackson was as a dancer and visual performer, he was also a uniquely talented singer, composer and song writer whose voice has become an icon in itself. Jackson’s voice continually evolved throughout his career, but the style he crafted in the 1980’s is what the public know best.
He recorded his first self-penned song , “Blues Away,” in 1976, but when he wrote “Don’t Stop Till You Get Enough,” “Smooth Criminal,” and “Heal the World,” he indeed changed the music world. And then, of course, there’s Thriller, a classic, a giant of a phenomenon that, for better or worse, defined his entire career.
Offered here, in celebration of a diverse, 40-year career, is a brief overview of some excellent music produced and performed by Michael Jackson. It is a simple retrospective of the often overlook areas of Michael Jackson’s musical career. He sang hundreds, maybe thousands of songs, but unfortunately, it has become all too easy to boil his musical achievements down to the time period between 1982 and 1985, when Thriller first took the world by storm.
So for the sake of expanding the scope and appreciation of Jackson’s work, all songs that appear on the Thriller album have been excluded from this particular retrospective. Also included are YouTube links which contain original audio of some of the songs mentioned. All songs, images and videos hold their respective copyrights. The contents of these videos does not belong to the author.
7 Superb Vocal Performances from Michael Jackson
Because of the percussive, stylized sound popularized in the 80’s, Michael Jackson is often seen as less of a singing talent, and more of a human beat box. While his rhythmic style is one of the hallmarks of modern music, his raw soulfulness and high octave range are truly masterful
The Early Years: The "Old Soul"
Maybe Tomorrow [1971], Maybe Tomorrow
It was often said that “little Michael” had the soul of a 45-year-old, and his “old soul” is on full display here. A beautiful love ballad performed with the skill of someone three times his age. The sensitivity and sophistication of his voice is unparalleled.
I Wanna Be Where You Are [1972], Got To Be There
The Jackson Five were known for feel good music, and this may be the ultimate feel-good song of that era. The high notes that Jackson is able to achieve during the chorus ("I wanna be where yo are...Oh!") are the sign of intense training as well as a natural talent that cannot be taught. This was one of Michael’s earliest solo hits, though his brothers do provide limited background vocals.
All I do Id Think of You[1975], Moving Violation
This song about school-age love was popularized in the early 1990’s by the R&B group Troop. Little did most young listeners know at the time, the singers were actually doing their best to replicate the phrasing and soulful riffs of Michael Jackson’s version. This was the final charting single released by The Jackson Five before the group left Motown in pursuit of creative freedom.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=skgukknH8T8
As an Adult: Tenor, Alto, and Falsetto
Earth Song [1995], HIStory
One of many ecology-themed songs penned by Jackson, this one also showcases his abilities as a tenor and alto. Much of the latter half of the song is sung in the chord of high D.
Butterflies [2001], Invincible
2001’s Invincible was a popular but woefully underrated album that showcases MJ’s return to the type of R&B ballads that he excelled at earlier in his solo career. “Butterflies” was written by the British singing duo Floetry, and is one of the most melodic love tunes Michael Jackson recorded as an adult. The final minute of the song is full of sublime but seemingly effortless riffs.
Liberian Girl [1987] Bad
One of Jackson's most underrated love songs. His soothing vocals create an air of magic and fantasy as he sings about his mysterious African lover. This song includes a great use of multi-track vocal layering.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tm2BsOnAYcM
I Can’t Help It [1979] Off the Wall
Combines two of the greatest forces in modern music: Michael and the song’s writer, Stevie Wonder. Jackson tiptoes through this sensual ballad, showing off both his tenor and his clear-as-a-bell falsetto.
From childhood to middle age, Jackson never ceased pushing his vocal abilities to their potential. Today, young artists continue to imitate Michael Jackson's singing style. Some may point to this as a lack of creativity in the current music industry, but it can also be seen as the ultimate tribute to a truly visionary pop icon.
 |
