‘Shem’s Idle Notes’ : Top Ten Michael Jackson songs

10. Remember the Time. The song was released by Epic Records on January 14, 1992 as the second single from Jackson’s eighth studio album, Dangerous. Musically, the song is dance-oriented and its instruments include a piano and guitar. The lyrics are about remembering being in love with someone. The video is set in ancient Egypt and features appearances by Eddie Murphy, Iman, The Pharcyde and Magic Johnson. 9. Black or White. It was released in November 1991. “Black or White” is a mix of rock, and dance-pop. It is a song that promoted racial harmony when racism was still Public Enemy number 1. The song peaked at number one on the US Billboard Hot 100, the UK Singles Chart and in 20 other countries, becoming the second-best selling single of 1991. 8. Man in the Mirror. Michael wanted to challenge people to do what they could to change the mentality of the world. It peaked at number one in the United States when released as a single in early 1988 off his seventh solo album, Bad. It was nominated for Record of the Year at the Grammy Awards. The song topped the Billboard Hot 100 for two weeks. 7. Liberian Girl” This was the ninth single from Michael’s 1987 album Bad. The song was written as early as 1983 and was among those considered for The Jacksons’ Victory album. The song starts with Swahili language phrase “Naku Penda pia, Naku Taka pia, Mpenziwe!” (I love you too, I want you too, my love!), sung by a South African singer , Letta m’bulu. Liberian Girl was dedicated to close friend and actress Elizabeth Taylor 6. Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough. Released under Epic Records on July 28, 1979, the song is the first single from Jackson’s fifth studio album “ Off the Wall”. The song was Jackson’s first single to peak at number one on the United States Billboards Hot 100 chart in seven years, 5. I Just Can’t Stop Loving You. The single was the highest debuting single of 1987, and quickly traveled to the top quarter of the Hot 100, advancing to #16 in its second week, and soaring to #1 in its seventh week on the tally, the week of September 19, 1987. It was a popular ballad by singer Michael Jackson featuring a duet with Siedah Garrett. 4. Bad. “Bad” was released by Epic Records in September 1987, as the second single from Jackson’s seventh studio album of the same name. Jackson stated that the song was influenced by a real life story he’d read about. The song peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot 100, and remained at the top position of the chart for two weeks 3. “Smooth Criminal” The seventh single from Michael Jackson’s 1987 Bad album. Released as a single on October 24, 1988 and peaked at No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100. The piece is one of Jackson’s signature songs, and has appeared on numerous greatest hits albums, including Number Ones, The Essential Michael Jackson, Michael Jackson: The Ultimate Collection, King of Pop and This Is It. The song also serves as the theme song to Jackson’s 1988 film Moonwalker. 2. Billie Jean. “Billie Jean” was released on January 2, 1983, as the collection’s second single. It became a worldwide commercial and critical success; “Billie Jean” was one of the best-selling singles of 1983, and topped both the US and UK charts simultaneously. The song was promoted with a short film that broke down MTV’s racial barrier as the first video by a black artist to be aired by the channel, 1. Beat It. Bong! Bong! Bong! Bong! Remember the opening beat? “Beat It” (along with the song’s music video) propelled Thriller into becoming the best-selling album of all time. The single was certified platinum in 1989. Rolling Stone magazine placed “Beat It” in the 337th spot on its list of The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. “Beat It” was also ranked 81# in Rolling Stones “100 Greatest Guitar Songs of All Time”. Ends

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‘Shem’s Idle Notes’ : Top Ten Michael Jackson songs