Michael Jackson's musical tastes were as diverse as they were legendary. From silent film scores to rap, soul, and musical theater, the King of Pop had a penchant for a wide range of genres and styles. While it's natural to assume artists gravitate towards music that mirrors their own style, Jackson's eclectic tastes often seemed chosen at random, as evidenced by his own catalog of classics like 'Billie Jean,' 'Beat It,' 'Black or White,' and 'Thriller.'
In this article, we explore seven songs that Michael Jackson couldn't stop listening to, delving into the personal significance and broader implications of each choice.
1. 'The Sound of Music' by Rodgers and Hammerstein
Jackson's fondness for show tunes fueled his appreciation for Rodgers and Hammerstein's 'The Sound of Music.' While he especially enjoyed 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.'
2. '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.''
3. '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.'
4. '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.
5. '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).' While Jackson had nothing but positive things to say about Gaye and his musical abilities, Gaye reportedly felt 'overshadowed' by the young star (who was half his age) during the 1983 Motown 25 TV special.
6. '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.
7. '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.'
Michael Jackson's musical tastes were a testament to his eclectic personality and his willingness to embrace a wide range of styles and genres. His appreciation for these songs not only showcases his musical prowess but also highlights his ability to find beauty and inspiration in unexpected places.
