“Don’t you go nowhere,” Michael Jackson once sang to who he promised would “always be” The Lady In My Life. Of course promises aren’t always kept, so now we have a breakup ballad. “Tell me what I have to do so you stay,” he pleads, “Should I get down on my knees and pray?”

The lyrics are trite and the concept is corny. I can understand not wanting a relationship to end, but begging her not to leave you is way over the line. It’s the sweet vocal melodies that save the song, especially near the end when the backgrounds and kick drum come into play.

my rating : 4 of 5

2001