Michael Jackson's musical preferences were as diverse as they were influential, spanning across genres and eras. While he was known for his infectious grooves and chart-topping hits, his taste in music went far beyond what was popular at the time. From silent film scores to rap and soul, Jackson's favorite songs were a testament to his eclectic taste and deep appreciation for the art form. In this article, we explore seven songs that Michael Jackson couldn't stop listening to, and the fascinating stories behind them.
The Sound of Music by Rodgers and Hammerstein
Michael Jackson's love for show tunes was well-documented, and his appreciation for Rodgers and Hammerstein's 'The Sound of Music' was no exception. While he was particularly fond of the film's iconic opening, he was a fan of nearly everything the songwriting duo produced. Rodgers and Hammerstein's celebrated works also include the film adaptations of 'Oklahoma!' (1943) and 'The King and I' (1951), among the many masterful scores that stand alongside 'The Sound of Music'.
What makes this song so captivating is its timeless appeal. The song's melody and lyrics have resonated with audiences for generations, and its message of hope and perseverance remains relevant even today. In my opinion, 'The Sound of Music' is a testament to the power of music to transcend time and cultural boundaries.
It Wasn't Me by Shaggy
Michael Jackson didn't limit his musical interests to a single era. In 2000, rapper Shaggy released his fifth studio album, 'Hot Shot', featuring the track 'It Wasn't Me'. The tune quickly became a CD staple, and surprisingly, one MJ had on repeat. According to American Songwriter, Shaggy and Jackson actually spoke about the song in person. Per Shaggy: 'We had a conversation, because 'It Wasn't Me' was one of his favorite songs, and he says to me, 'So Shaggy, did you write that song?' and I said, 'Yeah.' And he said, 'That sounds like something I would write.''
What makes this song so fascinating is its unexpected crossover appeal. 'It Wasn't Me' is a rap song, but its catchy melody and relatable lyrics have made it a hit across genres. In my opinion, this song is a testament to the power of music to bring people together, regardless of their background or musical preferences.
Night Fever by the Bee Gees
A handful of Jackson's songs point to his love for disco, and few acts lit up the dance floor in the '70s like the Bee Gees. Jackson admired their music so deeply that he once admitted to 'crying' to their songs, saying, 'The Bee Gees came out in the '70s. That did it for me.' The influence of disco is apparent in several of Jackson's tracks, such as 'Rock with You', 'Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough', and 'Burn This Disco Out'.
What makes this song so iconic is its infectious energy. 'Night Fever' is a song that gets people on their feet, and its catchy melody and upbeat rhythm have made it a classic. In my opinion, this song is a testament to the power of music to create a sense of community and shared experience.
Smile by Charlie Chaplin
Lyrics mattered to Jackson, but he knew they weren't everything. The music legend was captivated by Charlie Chaplin's arrangement of 'Smile' from the 1936 silent film 'Modern Times'. No lyrics were sung, no words spoken, yet Jackson recognized its brilliance instantly. He loved 'Smile' (both the arrangement and the 1954 version with lyrics) so much that he recorded his own rendition of the tune in 1995.
What makes this song so powerful is its ability to evoke emotion without words. 'Smile' is a song that speaks to the human experience, and its timeless melody and arrangement have made it a classic. In my opinion, this song is a testament to the power of music to transcend language and cultural barriers.
What's Going On by Marvin Gaye
Jackson had admired Marvin Gaye since his youth. He named Gaye's 1971 studio album 'What's Going On' as one of his all-time favorites, placing it at the top of a list of iconic records he returned to. This album features a number of soulful tracks, including the title track, 'Mercy, Mercy Me (The Ecology)', and 'Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler).'
What makes this song so profound is its social commentary. 'What's Going On' is a song that speaks to the human condition, and its powerful lyrics and soulful melody have made it a classic. In my opinion, this song is a testament to the power of music to raise awareness and inspire change.
California Dreamin' by The Mamas & The Papas
Jackson was intrigued by catchy tunes, and The Mamas & The Papas' 'California Dreamin'' was no exception. Released nearly two decades before the moonwalker's rise to stardom in the '80s, it was a defining folk-rock song of its era. Like many of Jackson's own hits, 'California Dreamin'' tells a story. According to The Financial Times, Michelle and John Phillips wrote the song during a bitter New York City winter, with Michelle longing for her home on the sunny West Coast. The lyrics reflect just how far they were willing to go to escape the cold, specifically St. Patrick's Cathedral in Manhattan.
What makes this song so captivating is its ability to transport us to another place and time. 'California Dreamin'' is a song that speaks to the human desire for escape and adventure, and its timeless melody and lyrics have made it a classic. In my opinion, this song is a testament to the power of music to inspire and motivate.
Living for the City by Stevie Wonder
The King of Pop held Stevie Wonder in the highest regard, calling him 'ingenious'. While Jackson specifically mentioned 'Living for the City', he was a fan of many of Wonder's funk-inspired albums. In fact, Stevie Wonder's music is what inspired Jackson to take his own career to the next level. 'Hearing his music made me say to myself, I can do this and I think I can do this on an international level, really.'
What makes this song so inspiring is its ability to capture the essence of funk and soul. 'Living for the City' is a song that speaks to the human experience, and its infectious rhythm and powerful lyrics have made it a classic. In my opinion, this song is a testament to the power of music to inspire and motivate, and to the enduring legacy of Stevie Wonder.
