Michael… we’re gonna thrill YOU tonight
As a devoted fan of Michael Jackson, it’s very hard for me to comprehend that he is no longer with us. I never thought Michael would live a long life, but I wasn’t prepared for him to leave us today. I’ve never felt such sorrow following the death of a famous figure or someone I didn’t know, but while remembering Michael, I find it hard to hold back tears and emotion. It’s extremely difficult to write a tribute to the King of Pop. I won’t even attempt it. However, I will remember Michael only through his music and dance. It’s difficult to narrow down to my favorites, but my heart is set on the following:
The Jackson Five Christmas Album is my favorite Christmas album of all time and probably one of the most significant records in the lives of myself and my family. As a family who’s generally not tied to any one artist, for 20+ Decembers, we’ve listened and sang to this album together (Someday At Christmas, led by Michael, is our favorite) and it will forever be a part of my childhood and adult memories, as well as many Decembers to come.
Off the Wall remains my favorite album of Michael’s. If you’ve never heard the song, She’s Out Of My Life, please do listen and watch… it’s one of the greatest songs ever created and this is exactly the way I’d like to remember him. Simply amazing…
Michael has had so many hits including Billie Jean, Beat It, Man In The Mirror, Rock With You, Black or White, Wanna Be Startin’ Something, Blame It On The Boogie, Shake Your Body, Say Say Say, P.Y.T., The Way You Make Me Feel, and Bad (to name a few), but one of my all time favorites has got to be Thriller. I know the music video helped bring this song to absolute super-stardom, but it’s not the choreography that makes me love it (it doesn’t hurt it though :o). It’s the storytelling. This song is so incredibly unique (like so many other MJ songs) because it not only tells a playful tale of love like most others, but it speaks of “night-creatures,” “beasts about to strike” and “the thing with the 40 eyes.” Not to mention it’s got one of the best beats ever. No one has ever dared sample this and been hugely successful. However, my favorite part of the song has nothing to do with the lyrics. It comes at about 4:10 seconds into it (the album version), after we’ve heard Michael’s tale of terror… there’s a period of just music… before Vincent Price’s creepy, familiar voice comes alive speaking of “the evil of the Thriller”… you hear Michael’s chanting… “I’m gonna thrill you tonight” … and it makes you want to get up and dance your ass off… either to the choreography you think you know or however else you want to do it. But you do it.
Thank you, Michael… my heart continues to break, and I’ll miss you forever. “Sunshine… Moonlight… Good Times… Boogie”.
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This was a very nice tribute…. even if you don’t want to call it that. I am a fan of all of the songs you listed above and wanted to add one more… “Remember The Time,” which for me, brings back a flood of memories.
I agree with Amy. Nicely put and I like that you focused on his music career and nothing else. “Man in the Mirror” brings back such vivid memories of 6th grade that I can’t even take it. Black or White was an inspiration. Good job randy dandy.
When I heard Eddie Van Halen on the ‘Beat It’ recording, I remember thinking how cool it was for MJ to combine pop with heavy rock. I gained a lot more respect f or him and his music that day! Nice work!