Michael Jackson’s Masterpieces and Popular Songs

Human NatureMaikeru Jakuson

human nature – michael jackson

Released in July 1983 as the fifth single from the album Thriller, it reached No.

7 on the U.S.

charts.

The true brilliance of this track lies in its synthesizers.

The pleasant, shimmering textures combined with Michael’s clear vocals make you feel as if you’ve stepped into a kaleidoscope.

Members of TOTO also took part in the performance.

Among MJ’s works, this song has been covered extremely often—Boyz II Men and many other artists have used it as a foundation—and judging by how those versions have also become hits, it’s fair to call it a masterpiece.

He performed it on tour as well: as Michael soared into the high notes, laser-like lights shone over every corner of the audience, creating an almost transcendent, euphoric atmosphere.

In The ClosetMaikeru Jakuson

Michael Jackson – In the Closet (Official Video – Upscaled)

Released as a single in April 1992 from the album “Dangerous.” It begins with a woman whispering softly, leading you to expect a quiet ballad—only for a parade of passionate beats to kick in, setting your blood racing.

The music video features an oriental-style aesthetic and a mysterious woman.

Yes, that woman is none other than top model Naomi Campbell.

You can’t take your eyes off her boldly revealing presence—nor off her duet with Michael.

As a complete aside, the title made me briefly think of a wardrobe, but of course that’s not the case.

Off The WallMaikeru Jakuson

Michael Jackson – Off The Wall (Official Video)

The title track from the album Off the Wall.

It’s amusing how it starts with Michael’s signature yelp.

The song itself seems to have peaked at only No.

10 on the charts, but Michael’s powerful yet beautiful voice and the synth-driven groove make you want to dance.

This album was his first solo release after moving to Epic, and when Michael, who was looking for a producer, asked Quincy, “Is there anyone you could recommend?” Quincy replied, “How about me?” A surprised Michael supposedly stammered, “R-really? You’d do it for me?” Quincy apparently teased him about that for a long time.

Personally, I wish we could have heard the two of them collaborate once more.

Smooth CriminalMaikeru Jakuson

Michael Jackson – Smooth Criminal (Official Video)

Released in November 1988 as the seventh single from Bad.

Even non-fans are surely familiar with the “zero gravity” dance move in the music video, where he leans forward while standing.

The latter half becomes even more electrifying as Michael’s ad-libs layer over the powerful, punchy rhythm, making it the peak of his live performances.

His look—white suit and hat—is almost identical to that of Hollywood megastar Fred Astaire in the film The Band Wagon, presumably to evoke that world.

By the way, I’ll never forget how a certain top comedian at the time (in their own way) faithfully recreated this piece as a Michael parody.

The Way You Make Me FeelMaikeru Jakuson

Michael Jackson – The Way You Make Me Feel (Official Video)

It was released in November 1987 as the third single from the album Bad.

Up to that point, he had been co-producing with Quincy, but from this album onward, many of the works were created through Michael’s own independent production.

This song is one of those, and yet it still seems to carry a hint of that Motown flavor—perhaps a lingering influence of Quincy’s touch.

Amid its breezy, poppy vibe, the music video shows Michael dancing to snaps and call-and-response shouts.

The beautiful woman who had ignored the Michael chasing after his own image suddenly changes her attitude the moment she sees that scene—and I think that was the right reaction.

DangerousMaikeru Jakuson

Michael Jackson 🌟 Dangerous Live MTV 1995 [ 4K ] 🌟

The title track from the 1991 album “Dangerous.” However, there’s a rumor that “Dangerous” was actually a candidate title for the “BAD” album, so it might be a song that existed even earlier.

A performance you can’t miss is the one at the 1995 MTV Video Music Awards: Michael, dressed in a black hat and suit, dances amid echoing gunshots in a scene reminiscent of “Smooth Criminal.” On a personal note, I’ll never forget when Yuko Sumida, the only Japanese female dancer in the show, demonstrated this choreography at a workshop.

Who’s Lovin’YouMaikeru Jakuson

The Jackson 5 “Who’s Loving You” on The Ed Sullivan Show

A song released as the B-side to the debut single “I Want You Back.” The original is by Smokey Robinson.

It’s well known that when Michael auditioned for Motown Records, he sang “Tobacco Road,” a song by an American country singer, and Motown founder Berry Gordy was absolutely floored when he heard it.

Michael could master everything from blues to pop at that age.

Simply outstanding.