Tag: Michael Jackson

audio review : Can’t Let Her Get Away ( song ) … Michael Jackson

The verses and bridges, sang from the perspective of a guy distraught because his girlfriend is leaving him, sound superb. That’s partly because of pretty chords introduced to the otherwise sparse Swing beat. It’s the hook, one of Michael Jackson’s worst if only because it seems so incomplete, that’s anticlimactic.

The whole song, in fact, sounds like a demo, especially during the second half when the aforementioned verses and bridges are abandoned for what comes across as an extended Dub Mix. It’s a groovy song, strange structure and all. I’m just surprised it actually made it onto a Michael Jackson album as it is.

my rating : 4 of 5

1991

audio review : Stranger In Moscow ( song ) … Michael Jackson

“How does it feel?” Lonely and cold; gloomy and ominous. The most popular singer in the world has experienced a “swift and sudden fall from grace”, it’s raining; “sunny days seem far away”; and it seems he’s in imminent danger. He’s a Stranger In Moscow.

The song, flawed mainly by a gratuitous prelude; the storm is too quiet; and synth drums that sound somewhat out of place, doesn’t make much of an impact until the final third. That’s when Michael Jackson drops the subtleties and finally opens up vocally.

my rating : 4 of 5

1995

audio review : History ( album ) ... Michael Jackson

audio review : The Lady In My Life ( song ) … Michael Jackson

The Lady In most people’s lives, at least at the beginning, is their mother, but Michael Jackson isn’t singing about Katherine. This is a song about a girlfriend. “Lay your body close to mine,” he croons with strong sexual undertones, “I can make you feel alright.”

It’s mostly about “love” though; the romantic kind that can make a gentleman resort to bombastic schoolyard poetry in order to express his true feelings. He and she become not just a couple but “two hearts in a beat of ecstasy”, whatever that’s supposed to mean.

Sweet nothings can be awwfully charming though, especially when they’re winter-blanketed in funky grooves and gorgeous melodies like these. Most popular songs are “love” songs and Michael Jackson’s are no exception, but this one may very well be his best.

my rating : 5 of 5

1982

audio review : Thriller ( album ) ... Michael Jackson