Michael Jackson's musical tastes 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 favorite songs were a mix of classic show tunes, disco anthems, and soulful ballads. In this article, I'll explore seven songs that Michael Jackson couldn't stop listening to, delving into the personal significance and broader implications of his eclectic taste. From silent film scores to modern rap, these songs reveal a complex and multifaceted artist who was always pushing the boundaries of music.
One of the most surprising aspects of Michael Jackson's musical preferences is his love for Rodgers and Hammerstein's "The Sound of Music." While he was a fan of nearly everything the songwriting duo produced, he had a particular fondness for the iconic opening of the film. This appreciation for show tunes is not unique to Jackson; many artists have been drawn to the grand scale and emotional depth of musical theater. However, what makes Jackson's love for "The Sound of Music" particularly fascinating is his ability to appreciate the music without lyrics. The arrangement of "Smile" from the 1936 silent film "Modern Times" is a perfect example of this. No lyrics were sung, no words spoken, yet Jackson recognized its brilliance instantly. This highlights his ability to appreciate the music for its own sake, without the need for words to convey the emotion.
Another song that Jackson couldn't stop listening to is "It Wasn't Me" by Shaggy. This track, released in 2000, quickly became a CD staple and was surprisingly one of MJ's favorites. According to Shaggy, they even spoke about the song in person. What makes this particularly fascinating is the contrast between the song's lighthearted, party-oriented nature and Jackson's serious, introspective approach to music. This highlights the complexity of Jackson's musical tastes and his ability to appreciate music from different eras and genres.
Jackson's love for disco is also evident in his favorite songs. The Bee Gees' "Night Fever" is a prime example of this. Jackson admired their music so deeply that he once admitted to "crying" to their songs. This highlights the emotional impact that disco music had on him, and how it was able to evoke such strong feelings. The influence of disco is also apparent in several of Jackson's own tracks, such as "Rock with You" and "Burn This Disco Out." This shows how disco music was not just a passing trend, but a lasting influence on Jackson's own work.
Marvin Gaye's "What's Going On" is another song that Jackson couldn't stop listening to. This album, released in 1971, features a number of soulful tracks, including the title track, "Mercy, Mercy Me (The Ecology)," and "Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler)." Jackson had admired Gaye since his youth and named this album as one of his all-time favorites. This highlights the enduring impact of Gaye's music, and how it continues to resonate with listeners even decades after its release.
Jackson's love for catchy tunes is also evident in his favorite songs. The Mamas & The Papas' "California Dreamin'" is a perfect example of this. Released nearly two decades before Jackson's rise to stardom in the '80s, it was a defining folk-rock song of its era. The song's story-like quality and its ability to evoke a sense of longing and nostalgia are what make it so captivating. Jackson's appreciation for this song highlights his ability to connect with the emotional core of a song, regardless of its genre or era.
Finally, Stevie Wonder's "Living for the City" is another song that Jackson couldn't stop listening to. Jackson held Wonder in the highest regard, calling him "ingenious." This song, in particular, is a prime example of Wonder's funk-inspired albums and how they inspired Jackson to take his own career to the next level. The song's message of hope and resilience, combined with its infectious groove, are what make it so powerful. Jackson's appreciation for this song highlights his ability to connect with the message and the music, and how it can inspire and motivate listeners.
In conclusion, Michael Jackson's favorite songs reveal a complex and multifaceted artist who was always pushing the boundaries of music. From silent film scores to modern rap, his eclectic taste highlights his ability to appreciate music for its own sake, without the need for words to convey the emotion. His love for disco, soulful ballads, and catchy tunes shows how he was able to connect with the emotional core of a song, regardless of its genre or era. Jackson's musical preferences continue to inspire and motivate listeners, and his legacy as one of the greatest artists of all time remains unchallenged.
