Michael Jackson is the ultimate prince of pop, and certainly one of the most popular recording artists of all time. He is the man who created the moon walk and wowed millions with his amazing style and vocals. He first started out singing with his for brothers in a band called ‘Jackson 5’, and then began a solo career in 1971 then later in 1972 had his first number one solo single with “Ben”. His 1982 blockbuster “Thriller” became the biggest selling album of all time and his best-known achievement at that stage. He became the first black singer to reach stardom on MTV.
As soon as ‘Wanna be starting something’ starts the drums and bass kick in, with an upbeat tempo, the audience are immediately intrigued. After four bars a synthesizer, and guitar and joined in, straight away all the instruments involved are all doing a different pattern making the song that little bit more interesting and is a great start to open up the album. The song is evenly layered for then a little later the brass is involved then Michael begins with the title straight away of which is repeated so that’s what becomes instantly catchy. Michael brought out something different and new to society, which was very electronic, and it became infectious. The backing vocals enhance the title of the song, which a listener will become more acknowledged to, then the backing vocals and Michael start a call and response effect. The sequence of the chorus, bridge, verse pre-chorus is repeated three times and then leads to a middle 8 with more call and response effect, then leads back into the sequence, and includes the middle 8 one more time then ending the song with an outro which includes a bit of a solo, and then repeats the chorus again. This song has a different effect of what other songs have; the structure of the song is totally different to the common structure of a song. The song is obviously a pop genre but also has a feel of African ore in it with the choir of backing vocals at the end singing “Ma Ma Se, Ma Ma Sa, Ma Ma Coo Sa”. Society went crazy over this song, and some say there was a hidden meaning in all of his songs; “This is another favorite of mine. I love MJ.
I think this song is about the whole media thing, you know? Like, something along the lines of "Leave Me Alone" or "Why You Wanna Trip On Me", even though they came out much later.”
Others said:
“HE IS TRULY AMAZING, A GENIOUS, ONE IN A LIFETIME THERE WILL NEVA B SOMEONE AS CREATIVE AS MICHAEL JACKSON HE HAD GOD GIVEN TALENT”
I have read many reviews on Michael Jacksons first song on the album and everyone LOVES it! The Impact this album has on society was that big that he broke down innumerable boundaries both for his race and for his music videos described as “Art form”.
Baby Be Mine – Michael Jackson
Baby be mine is another electronic success of Michaels, I like where the drums being and then all the other instruments drop in straight after the drum fill, these instruments are: Bass Guitar, Synthesizers x2, Tambourine/Shaker, and clapping effects, then the vocals and backing vocals start a few bars later. It has a very club/dance feel to the song which is another factor why it was successful for teenagers loved this kind of music to dance to, and teenagers were music’s mainstream profit. I love the 80’s groove bassline going on, and still each instrument is doing all different patterns. This song also has a funky/pop feel to it so Michael must have had the idea to try and hit the biggest audience that he could, and he succeeded. You can feel the emotion in Michaels voice with his dynamics and tonality of his voice in pacific parts of the song.
The songs structure is:
Introduction
Verse
Pre-chorus
Chorus
Instrumental
Verse
Pre-chorus
Chorus
middle 8
Verse
Pre chorus
Chorus x3
Baby be mine is in 4/4 and the song also has a key change at the end two choruses. This song isn’t as big as some of the other songs on the album but is a recognisable song to this day. The texture doesn’t really change from beginning to the end, but there are so many other interesting factors to the song, there is so many different rhythms going on in the song, and the harmonies blend brilliantly. Society went crazy for the Thriller album and every single song on it. Even the younger generation of the 21st century are still to this day enjoying Michael Jackson’s music;
“its hard to believe this song is over twenty years old and is attracting a youngster like me i love it ive heard it sorta alot and its still like its my first time hearing it wooow!”
And others say;
“His voice, This beat and This album amazed me and styl does!
r.i.p mj XX”
The lyrics of the song are very loving and it shows a side to Michael that means he is a big believer of love;
“So Baby, Be Mine (Baby You Gotta Be Mine)
And Girl I'll Give You All I Got To Give
So Baby, Be My Girl (All The Time)
And We Can Share This Ecstasy
As Long As We Believe In Love”
Maybe these lyrics are a cry out for him to love somebody, because his childhood was taken away by fame and certain rumors of his father beating him, so his lyrics seem almost desperate to get the girl he wants.
The girl is mine – Michael Jackson ft. Paul McCartney
The girl is mine is different from the beginning two songs of the album, it’s more of a laid-back ballad duet. This is the first time a piano has been in one of Michael’s songs in the Thriller album, along with Bass Guitar, Synthesizers, beautiful 4 harmonies behind Michael and Paul. There is also a flute quietly playing in the background and effects have been put on this track, which sound like shooting stars, which seems a bit pointless, you don’t want to make the song too busy with pointless effects. The song is in 4/4 and the texture is quite comfortable and the dynamic is comfortable.
The structure Is:
Introduction
Verse
Chorus
Verse
Chorus
Bridge
Verse
Chorus X4
Outro
I think is song is quite comical because Michael and Paul are against each other in the song over a certain girl. They are a conversation at the end of the song, which is quite amusing. As I am a part of society listening to this song, I don’t take it very seriously but still enjoy it. But it still made a big impact on society with the prince of pop, and Sir Paul McCartney of the biggest rock and roll band in the world The Beatles collaborating in a duet which is a big thing within the music industry and its society.
“The King of Pop meets One of the Godfathers of Rock and Roll (The Beatles)...simply classic! So pissed off that the song only just made it to number two on The Hot 100! This is a definite number one!”
I did my research after this comment was made and indeed it did only reach number two on the hot 100 which is quite shocking. With the two biggest legends at the time collaborating in a duet I thought it would hit number 1 straight away. But it just proves a point that doesn’t matter who you are, you still need to make good music for it to be successful.
Others say:
oh wow, Michael sounded absolutely adorable when he said: "Oh, I think I told you: I'm a lover, not a fighter!" - that was the cutest thing ever; it made me smile from ear to ear.
This is a good comment, it means that society love to see personality within a song, of the artist singing it, and this is what I said earlier on that it “amused me” when they were arguing at the end. It’s a clever effect to put on a song because I personally think it would have made it that little bit more successful.
[Paul]
Michael, We're Not Going To Fight About This, Okay
[Michael]
Paul, I Think I Told You, I'm A Lover Not A Fighter
[Paul]
I've Heard It All Before, Michael
She Told Me That I'm Her Forever Lover, You Know, Don't You Remember
[Michael]
Well, After Loving Me, She Said She Couldn't Love Another
[Paul]
Is That What She Said
[Michael]
Yes, She Said It, You Keep Dreaming
[Paul]
I Don't Believe It
[Michael & Paul]
The Girl Is Mine (Mine, Mine, Mine)
When an artist shows their true personality within a song like this, their ‘letting the audience in” which makes him more intriguing.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p_MuUcxHATo
Thriller
Thriller became a worldwide phenomenon. The 13-minute Movie for Thriller was routinely selected as the best music video of all time. The Thriller video featured Michael Jackson and an army of rotting zombies dancing the most famous dance in the world, with lots of horror-film makeup and effects. MTV played the clips over and over again which changed the future, for black artists were never accepted, so this garnered massive publicity for Michael!
This was the first horror music video that had ever made number 1, there had been previous songs such as “monster mash” which had never become close. Thriller had to be the most iconic song on the album and it had to be released with a bang for it was also the name of the album.
The video begins with Michael and his girlfriend at the movies watching a scary film (featuring Michael as the monster) but then you realize their just at the movies then they walk home and the song begins..
“It's close to midnight and something evil's lurking in the dark
Under the moonlight, you see a sight that almost stops your heart
You try to scream but terror takes the sound before you make it
You start to freeze as horror looks you right between the eyes
You're paralyzed”
These lyrics are just like a horror story in a book, there’s no personality within them, which makes you think Michael did this for a reason. For it to be the biggest song on the album and not show personality there would have to be an explanation. Which makes me think, does he pretend to be a monster because that’s what his critics see him as? And he plays along with their games?
The song starts off with a big build up of the thrillers chorus, then the famous bass line riff, and high hat on the drums, with the guitar sneaking in the odd time along with the brass, and synthesizers. The vocals start nearly straight away and the backing vocals enhance certain words within the pre- chorus there are horror effects in the song such as wolf sounds, wind noises.
The end section involves organs and a narrator speaking which makes everything all more that little bit scarier. This is the part where all the action commences with the zombies rising. The narrator speaks two verses, then leads back into the movie, which then drops you into the famous chorus and dance moves of “The Thriller” as Jackson transforms into a zombie, and his girlfriend becomes the terrified victim.
The dynamic changes through out the song, the chorus is really enhanced by the music behind Jackson, and when the verses are played the music is less heard, but more effects are included which thickens the texture.
There are two different versions of thriller, there’s the song version, and the movie version.
The original song structure:
Introduction
Verse
Pre-chorus
Chorus
Instrumental
Verse
Pre-chorus
Chorus
Bridge
Verse
Pre- chorus
Chorus x2
Instrumental (dancing scene)
End section Narrator tells the scary story.
“He receives ample flack for his personal life for whatever reason, I won't pry, but regardless he pretty much created a major impact on music. In fact, it'd be fairly interesting to see how the face of the music industry would appear if it wasn't for Michael, you really don't hear anything like his work, it's unique and has unlimited re-listening value. That right there is what you call talent.”
And others say:
Thriller is an amazing song from Michael Jackson. Michael Jackson was one of the greatest entertainers in the world and he was a great humanitarian too. His legacy will never die and he will always be in our hearts forever. RIP Michael Jackson!!!!!!!!
Michael Jackson obviously had a massive impact on society and his music has gone done “never forgotten” and always rated high.
Beat it – Michael Jackson
The 5th song on the album ‘Beat it’ is again different from the first four. It’s more of a rock song, so again Michael is heading for the biggest audience possible singing songs of different styles. There is a lot more effect in ‘Beat it’ though which does have a necessary effect and works brilliantly. I think this song is a little bit of a “bad boy” song even though, in the video Michael creates peace at the end with the gangs. But the lyrics say differently;
“You have to show them that you're really not scared
You're playin' with your life, this ain't no truth or dare
They'll kick you, then they beat you,
Then they'll tell you it's fair
So beat it, but you wanna be bad”
Here you get the impression that it’s a father or a ‘role model’ telling the victim to stand up for themselves, and don’t back down. Michael’s true personality doesn’t come across like this, because in previous songs he say’s “I’m a lover not a fighter”. So understandably society thinks whos the real Michael Jackson?
A synthesizer opens the song along with a ‘whistle’ effect. The synthesizer has a revolving effect on it, which echoes, but when the drums come in they blend in nicely. The effects on the beginning of the song give a ‘eerie’ feel, like Thriller does. The drums are very sharp, which is a metaphor for the song, which is very strong and sharp. The guitar then leads in with the famous riff of ‘beat it’, with another guitar playing a different riff beneath it which has a really good effect on the music. The vocals are very strong, with a aggressive, emotion added to the song. The backing vocals are also quite dramatic, with sounds only to describe as being punched or winded the ‘Ooo’ sound.
With Eddie Van Halen playing the solo to this track made it electrifying, and was a clever move by Jackson. Again Michael is trying to get the biggest audience he can by getting a famous guitar player to feature in his song. So all the Van Halen fans will obviously take interest. A bass guitar is playing, along with a keyboard. Quincey Jones puts a lot of different effects, within the end part of the song it sounds like a holy choir is singing quietly behind the track, along with wind effects, and electric effects.
The structure is:
Introduction
Verse x2
Chorus
Verse x2
Chorus
Instrumental
Chorus x6 fade out.
Now this song did have an impact on society, the song was truly about anti-gang violence and it became homage to west side story which is a great success. As certain parts of society look up to Jackson, he gives out a strong message that was listened to as a certain extent. This is why Michael Jackson was a legend, because he wanted the world to be a better place and showed this through his music, and society reached out to him.
“I admire Michael Jackson for many reasons. 1. Hardworking: - spending thousands of hours in the studio rehearsing, practicing, and ensuring he hit every note. 2. Autodidactic: - He loved his work. He was a self learner. 3. Never give-up Attitude:- 4. Perseverance: - why he is successful. Larger than life because he was persistent. 5. Pure at heart: - he has a golden heart and a pure soul. 6.Humanitarian: - Great Humanitarian. 6. World peace, all he wanted is world peace, and one day maybe everyone will see the message in his songs and realize what were doing to each other.”
I think this is a great quote and it just shows how much people really did appreciate Michael Jackson for who he was and what he believed in.
Billie Jean –
Billie jean hit number one for several weeks, and was very popular worldwide. This is a very interesting song because there was speculation at the time a women had claimed she had his son. This song shows insight of what had happened but re-called the mystery women as “Billie Jean”.
“People always told me be careful of what you do
And don't go around breaking young girls' hearts
And mother always told me be careful of who you love
And be careful of what you do 'cause the lie becomes the truth
Billie Jean is not my lover
She's just a girl who claims that I am the one
But the kid is not my son
She says I am the one, but the kid is not my son”
These lyrics are very strong, and it gets the audience wondering “who is Billie Jean?”
Many question were asked about the song Billie Jean other the years but Michael refused to answer and kept his lyrics a secret.
This is more of a gentle pop song but with really strong meaning. The song begins with drums then the noticeable bass line begins. The synthesizer plays the static chords that still having a massive effect, without them you wouldn’t be able to identify the song as much. Michaels voice seems more relaxed in this track; the backing vocals still enhance certain lines in the lyrics. Sometimes it seems Michael is whispering his lyrics, or he’s really emotional so sings more quietly. You see more dynamic with the vocals than anything else. The texture layers throughout the song and see’s its thickest a the end of the song with the brass, strings, and guitars playing more often.
Introduction
Verse x2
Pre chorus
Chorus
Verse x2
Pre chorus
Chorus x2
Instrumental
Chorus x2
Outro
The video of “Billie Jean” shows the song's tale of a paternity suit in a nightmarish dream world where Jackson was a solitary, and sometimes an invisible presence.
“What was this song all about anyways? I thought he always knew he had his two beautiful children? I LOVE YOU MJ!! Such a legend and never fail to disappoint, all your songs are just pure genius!! R.I.P”
As you can see here there is much confusion about the meaning of the song that leaves society almost wanting more. Michael never announced what the song was truly about, so it still remains a mystery.
Human Nature-
This specific song is another laid back Jackson tunes. Michael Jackson’s human nature was a cornerstone of his career. It speaks clearly to the heart of celebrity and it also speaks on the general theme of desire. The song itself is a cool combination of synthesizer with a nice quiet funky baseline underneath and an egg shaker softly making a soft beat in the background. The synthesizer part lasts for about ten seconds, but I’m not even thinking about the instrument. I get the picture of a film where you are flying in a helicopter over New York looking at the beautiful scenery. Human nature has the least amount of instruments playing in this song, but is still so effective. The vocals are soft and gentle which gives a great intimacy to the song.
Living under the glass bubble of his family, with an extra layer developed by his fame, Michael Jackson was mostly an isolated individual from the rest of the world. When he decided to visit New York by himself, the very desire to leave his protective world started to release. This surfaces in the first few lyrics of the song:
Looking out
Across the night-time
The city winks a sleepless eye
Hear her voice
Shake my window
Sweet seducing sighs
Get me out
Into the night-time
Four walls won’t hold me tonight
If this town
Is just an apple
Then let me take a bite
When asked in the chorus “Why?, Why?” he answers with “Human Nature”. “Why does he do me that way?” the lyric that follows, has been the cause of some speculation about his sexuality. I believe the line is more in reference to people surrounding him all the time voicing their frustrations with Michael’s growing independence.
In the middle of the song, Michael goes outside into the world. As he walks the streets with cameras flashing their lights to take photos of him, he eyes a girl eyeing him. He asks for her because he wants to know someone other than the people in his own circle; preferably a girl, of who Jackson has never had much chance to be with due to his situation.
At this point after the chorus returns for a second time, the song interrupts itself with the following:
Why, why, does he do me that way
I like livin’ this way
I like lovin’ this way
Here I get the feeling people wanted to rule Michael’s life left, right, and center, and he likes to live free and be his own person. As he explores the world he interacts with different cultures and learns their type of “human nature”.
Society watches this video and sees that Michael Jackson is no monster but a loving caring man in the world. He opens himself up to the outdoor society and interacts with the different groups of people.
“It would be hard to explain the way we felt when we heard this. I was in the back seat of a brand new Honda Accord 83 I believe. 9 years old with a brand new Sony walkman and this song absolutely mesmerized me and nothing musically speaking was ever the same again. Its beautiful and inspiring and the synthesizer and mixing is excellent.”
Here you see that Michaels music has a big impact on society and they loved Michael for who he was. You can see the society respected Michael from beginning to the end.
Instruments:
Bass Guitar
Synthesizers x3
Vocals
Backing vocals
Strings
Guitar with effects
P.Y.T – Michael Jackson
Pretty young thing gets the album moving again with the electronic sound. This is your typical dance track back in the 1980’s.
Michael begins the song talking, very sultry about his favorite girl. The synthesizers are the main instruments of the song once again, along with the drums playing a soft rhythm on the high hat. The backing vocals blend into the electronic instruments due to the effects.
Instruments:
Synthesizers
Bass guitar
Backing vocals
Vocals
Effects
I enjoy the chorus and the bridge bit the best because I find them more interesting to listen to. Michael repeats a lot, I think that’s why it’s so catchy.
[Chorus]
I Want To Love You (P.Y.T.)
Pretty Young Thing
You Need Some Lovin' (T.L.C.)
Tender Lovin' Care
And I'll Take You There
I Want To Love You (P.Y.T.)
Pretty Young Thing
You Need Some Lovin' (T.L.C.)
Tender Lovin' Care
I'll take You There
Here he sing about a young women, who needs some lovin’ and Michael thinks he is the one who can do that. He paints a similar picture in this song as he does some of his other songs. This song nearly didn’t make the cut for the “Thriller” album.
“Everytime I listen to his music, I wished that we could go back to the eighties, back to the time that everything was still fine with him ..before it went crazy.. He enjoyed his succes , he bought Neverland, he loved Bubbles ... He deserved to have had a real life as a human.... It's a pitty that Michael ended the way he did. I wish we could turn back time for him.”
Throughout the time of Jackson’s life he had many so many loyal fans, and even though P.Y.T wasn’t the most successful of his songs it still has millions of views.
Lady in my life – Michael Jackson
This song is like an outro to the Thriller album. Quincy has been very clever to end the album with a ballad. The album's final song, "Lady In My Life" is an example of a perfect ballad, taking elements that "Human Nature" provided and making them even more precious and vibrant. While Rod Temperton provided the lyrics (who also penned "Baby Be Mine" earlier on Thriller), but you really couldn't tell these weren't Michael's own words from his singing. The song starts relatively quiet and quickly builds to a crescendo with just a slow string synth at first, then by the second verse the strings get stronger as Michael's singing picks up. "Lady In My Life" is an amazing song and still stands as one of the greatest songs to a woman that have ever been sang. I always found it fascinating that Michael was such a shy person when it came to his sexuality whenever he's been interviewed, but when he was behind a microphone or on stage, he was at home. It's almost as if Michael could seduce any woman in the world he wanted simply through his music whereas if he tried to just talk he'd stumble over himself and be rosy cheeked the entire time. It's such an interesting juxtaposition.
“Lay Back In My Tenderness
Let's Make This A Night We Won't Forget
Girl, I Need Your Sweet Caress
Reach Out To A Fantasy
Two Hearts In The Beat Of Ecstasy
Come To Me, Girl”
“This is my favorite song of them all! Many memories to this song, you know who you are! Thanks for posting! RIP Michael, you wil always be Tops on my list!”
The thing is with this song it is very romantic, and easily touch peoples hearts and then becomes special to them playing the song at weddings, funerals, and anniversaries. Even though this song never made the charts it still remains special
No comments:
Post a Comment