Tag: Teddy Riley

audio review : 2000 Watts ( song ) … Michael Jackson

There seems to be a conceptual conflict with this being both a “dance” anthem and music to blast in your car at “high speed”; it would be hard to do both at once; but the main issue is the deepening effect on the lead vocals. It’s an artistic decision that, on an official Michael Jackson song, borders blasphemy.

The cut; literally the missing title song cut from Tyrese’s newest album, oddly enough; starts in the middle (mediocre) lane but soon reaches “the next level” as Michael Jackson puts you in the groove. It’s his ad-libs during the peak that boost it. The beat, whether you’re driving or dancing to it, is also a banger.

my rating : 4 of 5

2001

audio review : Invincible ( album ) ... 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 : Don’t Walk Away ( song ) … Michael Jackson

“Stay with me; don’t you go nowhere,” Michael Jackson sang years ago to who he promised would always be The Lady In My Life. Promises aren’t always kept, of course, so now we have a breakup ballad.

“Don’t Walk Away,” he croons on one of his saddest songs, “Tell me what I have to do so you stay.” But there’s not anything he can do. She hasn’t felt “love” for him, or even smiled around him, in a long time.

The best part of the song comes at the final third. That’s when the bass drum finally kicks in along with some solemn background vocals for a heartbroken Michael Jackson to do his signature ad-libs to.

my rating : 4 of 5

2001

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