My Essential Albums: 'Dangerous' by Michael Jackson

If you haven't heard this album, then in the words of Bob Dylan, "I don't believe you. You're a liar!" You are, whether you like it or not—you have heard this album, all of it. As one of the greatest albums ever recorded, there is no question as to why it's still revered today. It is also one of my personal favourite albums ever. Released in the November of 1991, this album was a worldwide success and very quickly, with its incredible and iconic music videos and it's amazingly written songs critiquing the world and its judgements. I could go on forever about this album and really? We are going through each song. Strap in, it's gonna be a rockin' ride!

'Jam'

The famed music video isn't the only reason this song is adored by many. From the sound of shattering glass, to the rap in the middle, this song is pure R&B if there was such a song at all.

The song goes from quiet Michael Jackson as he critiques the world we live in and offers a solution:

"Nation to nation, all the world must come together,

Face the problems that we see,

Then maybe somehow we can work it out.

I asked my neighbor for a favor, she said, later.

What has come of all the people, have we lost love of what it's about?"

All the way to angry Michael Jackson using those powerful vocals to basically tell everyone else to sit the hell back down whilst he works his magic:

"I have to find my peace cause no one seems to let me be.

False prophets cry of doom, what are the possibilities?

I told my brother there'll be problems, times and tears for fears,

But we must live each day like it's the last.

Go with it, go with it."

The vocals on this track are pretty much unrivalled by everyone in R&B put together, more or less - this is Michael Jackson's thing so don't go stealing it. A brilliant mixture of brass instruments and drum machines colour the song and makes it one hell of a 90s R&B/Pop classic.

Some people really still call this song "New Jack Swing," don't they? Well, I can understand why, it does have the beat—but I can't call it that. It is the beginning of modern R&B, if he didn't already do that with "Thriller" and "'Bad."

The version of this song released on This Is It, is also a really good version. I cannot believe I am admitting this but I've seen that damn film over fifty times. I even almost got tickets to see him and now I'm remembering that, I'm crying. Thanks.

'Why You Wanna Trip on Me?'

The opening lines to this song are purely powerful:

"They say I'm different they don't understand,

But there's a bigger problem that's much more in demand.

You got world hunger, not enough to eat.

So there's really no time to be trippin' on me."

Michael Jackson is explaining his own situation that the media are too busy with him to report on the actually state of the planet. We all know Michael Jackson cared about the planet a lot and here, he sounds angry about all of this. The vocals are purely raw and the sound plays an integral part to what is really, a rock song. That guitar at the beginning just says it all.

The atmosphere of the song is pure anger and it is also pure brilliance. Michael Jackson changes up his vocals for the chorus which lets him show off those chords. It is an amazing sound to listen to in that you kind of wonder how he did it at all.

"Why You Wanna Trip On Me?" is not a well-known song, but a song that should be just as appreciated as all the other songs on the album nonetheless.

'In the Closet'

This song is incredible. Michael Jackson's range of vocals on this song is awe-inspiring and he presents us with both the raw complexity and the smooth R&B vocal chords he is so famous for. The whole range comes out in this definitive New Jack Swing track.

The music video is possibly the most famous thing about the song, featuring Naomi Campbell, but if you listen to the song on its own it is just as good.

The song has a sort of power to it check out these lyrics of pure power from the King of Pop:

"She's just a lover, who makes me high

Is it worth the giving, is it worth the try

You cannot cleave it, or put it in the furnace

You cannot wet it, you cannot burn it..."

The lyrics are far too powerful and the way he sings them is incredible. The drum beat in the background has since become something of legend and the song itself is a proud addition as the third track on the album. It changes the tone, the album comes out of this dark, brooding rock era it goes through—and here we have the incredible "In the Closet."

'She Drives Me Wild'

There is no denying that this song is through and through, R&B and Funk. It is an amazing song and Michael Jackson's voice is so damn raw it is unreal. He showcases those amazing vocals like he did all over "Speed Demon," giving us the hardcore stuff.

"She Drives Me Wild" is a brilliant mix of vocals as well:

"She's got the look, she's so fine

And you know damn well the girl will be mine

She got the breaks, she's a scene

And you know damn well she gives it to me."

These lines open the song, they're strong and powerful with that hint of rawness that makes Michael Jackson sound like the damn King of Pop he is.

And then there's this:

"She's got the look, wanna know better

She's got the look, she's driving me wild."

Which is sung in a wispy softness, another trait of Michael Jackson's amazing vocal range which is better than everyone else's by a mile. This song has some amazing potential and so many people have never heard it. I want you to listen to it and just check out that driving beat under the song that pulls Michael Jackson's vocals along—it is truly a thing of beauty.

'Remember the Time '

A classic of incredible measure, it is difficult to think about Remember the Time without thinking about that amazing Egyptian-esque video that goes along with it. It really is an example of early 90s R&B and makes for a brilliant addition to the album, especially after the hardcore drumbeat of "She Drives Me Wild." This song steps it down a little and allows the rhythm to move softer. The amazing thing is how the chorus is so simple and yet, so evocative:

"Do you remember the time

When we fell in love

Do you remember the time

When we first met girl..."

The question and the soft sounding vocals on the chorus make the song really strong and powerful. This, plus the climb of the bridge - is very important to making the song as powerful as it is when you hear it.

Check this out:

"Those sweet memories

Will always be dear to me

And girl no matter what was said

I will never forget what we had..."

This is where the song basically climbs up and Michael Jackson's voice gets stronger and stronger - he's definitely showing off that vocal ability and creating the memorable aspect of the entire song.

I would recommend the version from Immortal—which is called "Remember the Time/Bad"and even though it's a remix, it sounds alright.

'Can't Let Her Get Away'

This song opens strong, just like "She Drives Me Wild," we get this thumping drumbeat and a powerful, almost rock-like opening to these lyrics:

"I thought she had to have it

Since the first time she came

Who knows the situation

Mysteries do remain..."

To be honest, this song sounds as if it almost belongs in Invincible because of its strong similarities to the power of 2000 Watts. But, instead, it serves as another strong song that sandwiches Remember the Time between itself and "She Drives Me Wild." It has great vocals and an amazing backing track and just like "In the Closet"—it is a through and through New Jack Swing song.

"Can't Let Her Get Away"gives a slightly softer approach to the chorus, but the verses are raw and undeniably some of the best vocals Michael Jackson gives on the album.

This is my personal favourite part of the song because Michael Jackson really is the master of vocals:

"If I let her get away then the world will

Have to see

A fool who lives alone and the fool who

Set you free"

It's a brilliant part and you really need to listen to the way the vocals go from slightly raw to slightly soft so quickly. It's brilliance and the song needs far more appreciation than it gets.

'Heal the World'

I personally believe that this is one of the greatest songs ever written. The lyrics are absolutely beautiful and the song itself is a classic of the gospel rock/pop genre. I think it is a truly amazing song and have a thorough belief that everyone needs to listen to it at least once in their lifetime.

It opens with the guitar in the key of A Major and Michael Jackson's voice is soft and fits the music perfectly. Compared to "Can't Let Her Get Away," this is a completely different song and shows Michael Jackson's true range—they don't call him the King of Pop for no reason. The song opens with:

"There's a place in your heart and I know that it is love

And this place could be much brighter than tomorrow

And if you really try you'll find there's no need to cry

In this place you'll feel there's no hurt or sorrow"

These lyrics are beautiful and the way Michael Jackson sings them is truly a joy to listen to. It's smooth and dreamy, fitting the lyrics with the song and the rhythm perfectly together.

Allow me to show you my favourite lyrics in the song, which happens to also be my favourite part of the song because those vocals are far too powerful to comprehend:

"And the dream we were conceived in will reveal a joyful face

And the world we once believed in will shine again in grace

Then why do we keep strangling life wound this earth, crucify its soul

Though it's plain to see this world is heavenly, be god's glow..."

The lyrics and the vocals are brilliant at this point of the song, it has a power in what is sung and the way it climbs up to the end of the section. I find it just incredible to listen to and it is really an experience.

I find it really nice that this was played at Michael Jackson's memorial service and remember watching this and Jermaine Jackson performing "Smile"(which Michael Jackson also covered on HIStory) - it was beautiful.

'Black or White'

An anthem of racial equality and a brilliant composition of rock, pop and even rap. The video has been called everything from iconic, brave, incredible, legendary and even controversial. There are two versions of the video—the shorter version which is normally aired on TV and the version that includes the "controversial" section—the panther segment. Either way you think of it, the music video and the song itself will go down in history as one of the greatest achievements in the history of music and racial equality promotion.

The most iconic lyrics of the song are most likely the chorus:

"But, if you're thinkin' about my baby

It don't matter if you're black or white."

Michael Jackson's strive to promote racial equality was intense during the time he was alive. His want for peace and safety for all was unrivalled and well, this song and "Heal the World"really sum that up in the most Michael Jackson way possible. Through two incredible songs telling you exactly what he means.

Here's the video with the panther segmentleft in:

I really don't think that we can talk about the song without talking about the video as well. The video is a brilliant achievement of story, character and just pure brilliance. Make sure you watch it and learn exactly what kind of awesomeness the King of Pop produced once upon a time in 1991—absolute 100% magic.

'Who Is It?'

The riding beat at the beginning of this song should be more than enough to make you want to listen to the whole thing on repeat all day. This is one of my favourite songs from the album and that introduction before the lyrics kick in, is pure gold. The music video is directed by the director of Fight Club and Seven, David Fincher and serves as one of the most evocative and melancholic-dramatic music videos ever made. When the lyrics start, you can really hear the melancholy tone in Michael Jackson's voice as he takes it lower and smoother:

"I gave her money

I gave her time

I gave her everything

Inside one heart could find..."

It's a brilliant way to start the song because now, we have the themes and we have the tone, we're just waiting for the story. The story is stated in the bridge to the chorus:

"And she promised me forever and a day we'd live as one

We made our vows we'd live a life anew

And she promised me in secret that she'd love me for all the time

It's a promise so untrue, tell me what will I do?"

As this progresses, Michael Jackson's voice climbs up to becoming a little bit more raw before it heightens in pitch when the chorus kicks in. It's a beautifully formed song and an amazing composition. The chorus is probably the best part and the most memorable section of the entire thing, purely because of the brilliance in the way Michael Jackson characterises it by singing it a little higher. Just take a look:

"And it doesn't seem to matter and it doesn't seem right

'Cause the will has brought no fortune, still I cry alone at night

Don't you judge of my composure 'cause I'm lying to myself

And the reason why she left me did she find someone else?"

Here, we really get into the story of a woman who was unfaithful. It's characterised through the high pitched melancholy of Michael Jackson's singing voice to give us a real feel of what has happened. It is a beautiful song and the underlying beat, sticking with the one from the introduction and using strings on top—is an amazing way of portraying that.

'Give In to Me'

Now to move on to my personal favourite Michael Jackson song of all time. "Give In to Me"is a brilliant hard rock song that features the guitarist, Slash. The song, released as a single has the B-Side of Dirty Diana and Beat It. There are some people who believe that this song is heavy metal, but I don't think so. I think it's safe to say hard rock is the genre of this song and seriously—it is a perfect song.

The song opens with this low guitar sound playing to the tune that gets repeated in the verses. The whole thing plays in E Minor and has this slow drum beat in the background that puts the pace moderate, in preparation for that killer chorus.

The chorus is one of the best parts of the song and one of the most memorable:

"Love is a feeling, give it when I want it

'Cause I'm on fire, quench my desire

Give it when I want it, talk to me woman

Give in to me, give in to me..."

But obviously, as we know, the most incredible part of that song is when Michael Jackson sings right as Slash brings in that guitar solo—because that blend of voice and music is one of the most beautiful sounds you'll ever hear. Trust me on this one, just listen to that sound:

"You won't be laughing girl when I'm not around

I'll be okay and I'll, I'll not find

Gotta, the peace of mind, no..."

It's the most musically brilliant part of the song and possibly of the album, Michael Jackson really outdoes himself for this one. If you want to hear what my favourite Michael Jackson song sounds like then you need to damn well listen to this song because this is it.

'Will You Be There?'

"Will You Be There?"is up there with songs like "Knockin' on Heaven's Door" as one of the greatest gospel songs ever recorded. A brilliant blend between a singer and a choir alongside a piano and that drumbeat in the background, it makes for a beautiful listening experience. It is through and through one of the best gospel songs, and possibly one of the best songs overall, that you will ever listen to. And, with Man in the Mirror on it's B-Side, this is a gospel record you'll never forget. Written in the key of D Major, this song is a true experience of the senses. It opens after a choir and a piano as:

"Hold me like the River Jordan

And I will then say to thee, you are my friend."

Michael Jackson's voice is soft and steady, matching the piano you heard after the choir at the beginning of the song. It as a beautiful harmony to it, ranging around an octave throughout the song and bringing some of Michael Jackson's most incredible vocal abilities to it. His ability to sing any kind of music is just above and beyond.

Michael Jackson's voice reaches a crescendo at the point before the choir take over the chorus:

"Everyone's taking control of me

Seems that the world's got a role for me

I'm so confused will you show to me

You'll be there for me

And care enough to bear me."

It sounds nearly raw but not quite as it makes for the massive ending, before he puts that lovely piece of poetry at the end of the song. This song truly is a listening experience as there are so many different sections that make it work together and I hope your enjoy it as much as I have.

'Keep the Faith'

To me, this song requires more appreciation than it gets. It is an amazing composition and has some incredible lyrics and vocals performed and written by Michael Jackson. This is another one of Michael Jackson's songs that starts of soft, slow and steady and then builds into a massive stellar, dramatic performance of vocals. This is one of those songs that proves Michael Jackson has vocals better than most other people in the industry, if not all of them. The lyrics open:

"If you call out loud, will it get inside

Through the heart of your surrender to your alibis..."

The lyrics are beautiful and the way Michael Jackson moves his voice through just those two lines should be enough to make you want to listen to the whole song. Seriously, do you really skip Michael Jackson songs? No, you don't.

There are several parts of the song where Michael Jackson displays incredible vocal abilities. Such as:

"'cause you can climb the highest mountain

Swim the deepest sea, hee

All you need is the will to want it

And, little self-esteem..."

On that third line, Michael Jackson hits the really low notes and shows his vocal range off. Then, he makes it climb up again just in time for the chorus. I honestly don't know how he does it but it sounds so damn good.

Another part is:

"I know that keepin' the faith means never givin' up on love

But the power that love has to make it right

Makes it...Makes it right!"

Michael Jackson really builds up the vocals here. Throughout the bridge, he gives the vocals more and more power and the loudness of the whole song increases towards the final choruses. It, again, is an experience to listen to.

The last part I want to mention is:

"Better stand up and act like you wanna do right

Don't play the fool for the rest of your life

Work on it brother and you'll make it someday

Go for what you want and don't forget the faith

Look at yourself and what you're doin' right now

Stand back a minute just to check yourself out

Straighten out your life and how you're livin' each day

Get yourself together, 'cause you got to keep the faith."

Each and every descent more powerful than the last, this song has the ability to absolutely move you. I really do believe that this song is under-appreciated because you can just hear how hard he worked on those vocals. It is truly beautiful and makes for great listening.

I really hope you do listen to this song when you listen to Dangerous because it really shouldn't be skipped at all.

'Gone Too Soon'

Michael Jackson may not have written this song or have been the first to perform it, but he definitely did the best version of it. Michael Jackson dedicated his performance of this song to the AIDS-infected child, Ryan White, who - at the time, was discriminated against because so little was known about the disease. White would die at the age of 18, prompting Michael Jackson to perform the song and put it on Dangerous.

The lyrics and Michael Jackson's voice are beautiful. It opens with the words:

"Like a comet blazing 'cross the evening sky,

Gone too soon."

There is something haunting about this song, knowing that someone died and that is initially why it was penned. The way Michael Jackson is singing it, smoothly, softly, like a lullaby - is even more haunting and gives incredible atmosphere to the song. These lines do that to extremes when you hear them:

"Shiny and sparkly

And splendidly bright

Here one day

Gone one night..."

The last line, the way it quickly descends and comes to a near-stop, is an incredible feat of music. The high notes juxtaposing it in emotion and how we react to the lines themselves. It's almost deceptive in its conclusions. The result is that someone has died, someone who was once a bright soul. The music reflects that perfectly in those lines and I do think that this is possibly one of the most emotional songs on the entire album.

I would, if you can find it, listen to the cover version by Usher which was performed at the funeral/memorial service of Michael Jackson—it is actually pretty good given the fact that I don't listen to Usher at all.

'Dangerous'

"The girl was bad, the girl was dangerous."

That, my friends, is the most memorable lines of the song. Whether you heard it for the first time on MTV like me, whether you bought the album when it came out, or whether you saw the stellar performance of "Dangerous/Smooth Criminal" at the MTV Awards in 1995 (which I have to say, is one of the greatest live performances of all time)—this song sticks in the memory as something dark, sultry and evocative, but also it rocks and swings and sounds so much like early R&B that many would copy the style in years to come.

The song opens with Michael Jackson almost speaking the verse:

"The way she came into the place

I knew right then and there

There was something different

About this girl..."

The song is fixed with a beat in the background and nothing else at this point, and then - it almost snaps into action with a drum machine:

"The way she moved: her hair, her face, her lines

Divinity in motion

As she stalked the room I could feel the aura

Of her presence

Every head turned feeling passion and lust..."

He's still speaking these lines and it fits perfectly with the sound of the song. He nearly breaks into song as it builds up to the chorus with the iconic lines:

"The girl was persuasive, the girl I could not trust

The girl was bad, the girl was dangerous."

The repetition of this verse is brilliant, it draws you into the story of the song that has to listened to in order to be believed. Michael Jackson just has to speak these lines, not even sing them, and he still sounds better than most other singers ever. The beat in the background makes for a brilliant piece of art, almost industrial sounding. An early R&B/Garage type thing is going on and it's awesome.

When the singing finally comes in, it's almost like it's echoing the vocal sound of Dirty Diana:

"I never knew but I was walking the line..."

It's dark, it's rock, rhythm and it's soulful all at the same time. The vocal sound does sound a lot like Dirty Diana or Who Is It? and it matches the themes of the song perfectly.

I don't think I'd be able to write this without giving you the greatest performance of the song, the MTV Awards 1995 Live Version:

It truly is a beautiful performance.

Conclusion

So now you know why Dangerous is one of my all-time favourite essential albums. It is pure magic and brilliance and amazement all combined in one. It is all these different genres of music blended together in a way that only Michael Jackson could master. The saddest thing is that I grew up with Michael Jackson's music and well, I still talk about him in the present tense, which is why I had to read this article a million times over, I bet I still missed something.

This probably won't be the only Michael Jackson album you'll see from me, if you know me—you know how much I love and adore him.

This is probably not a place to promote my agenda but I'll take it anyway at any chance I get:

#MJInnocent!