ChanceToDance
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I decided to make another thread like this because songs from these eras aren't very talked about, enjoy.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Off The Wall (1975-1979):
A Baby Smiles/Baby Smiles/When A Baby Smiles:
Written in 1979, turned into a poem for Michael's book of poems Dancing The Dream.
Be Not Always:
Written in 1979 and recorded in 1984 for The Jacksons's Victory album.
Can't Get Outta The Rain/Can't Get Outta The Game:
Originally written for the Broadway musical version of The Wiz, song was released on The Wiz Soundtrack and later re-released on The Ultimate Collection.
Disco Kid:
Written between 1976 and 1979 in Crystal Sound Studios.
Ease On Down The Road:
Originally written for the Broadway musical version of The Wiz, song was released on The Wiz Soundtrack and later re-released on The Ultimate Collection.
Godness Knows:
Written between 1976 and 1979 in Crystal Sound Studios.
Going To Rio:
Written in 1976 with Carole Bayer Sayer, was considered for Off The Wall, brazilian composer Antônio Carlos Jobim said song has brazilian music arrangements.
Got To Find A Way Somehow:
Written in 1979.
Holiday Inn:
Written in 1976.
In The Life Of Chico:
Written in 1979, handwritten lyrics along with over 10.000 memorabilia were purchased in November 2006 by Universal Express.
Iowa:
Orchestral music recorded before Michael went to film The Wiz, Janet Jackson talked about the song in 1993:
Kentucky:
Written in the mid 70s.
Ode To Sorrow:
Written in 1977.
She's Not A Girl:
Unknown.
Sister Sue:
Unknown.
Sunflower:
Unknown.
Sunset Driver:
Written in 1978, it tells the story of a girl cruising Sunset Boulevard who is "much too fast", song was reworked in 1982 and released on The Ultimate Collection
Sweet Music:
Written between 1976 and 1979 in Crystal Sound Studios.
Susie/Little Susie:
Written and recorded in 1978 and eventually released on HIStory, vocals are described to be similar to the 1995 version but younger sounding.
Thank You For Life:
Written in 1976 and was considered for Off The Wall.
Under Your Skin:
Written in 1979.
We Are The Ones:
Written in 1978.
What A Lonely Way To Go:
Written in 1975.
Who Is The Girl With Her Hair Down:
Unknown.
You Ain't Gonna Change Nothin':
Written in 1975.
You Can't Win:
Originally written for the Broadway musical version of The Wiz, song was released on The Wiz Soundtrack and later re-released on The Ultimate Collection.
You Told Me Your Lovin':
Written in 1979, A version with Randy Jackson's vocals also exists but also remains unreleased.
You're Supposed To Keep Your Love For Me:
Written by Stevie Wonder and recorded by Jermaine Jackson in 1975, featuring Michael and Jackie Jackson on the backing vocals, original version with Michael remains unreleased.
You Not Me:
Part of the lyrics ended up in "This Had To Be" by The Johnson Brothers.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Thriller (1980-1983):
Attitude:
Co-Written with Kathy Wakefield and Michel Pierre Colomber.
Behind The Mask:
Cover of Yellow Magic Orchestra's Behind The Mask, cut from Thriller due to creative disputes, was remixed in 2010 by John McClain and released on the MICHAEL album.
Note: Fan-made mixes using the instrumental of YMO's version are available online and they're claimed to sound similar to the original demo.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gOFOalCHdb0
Buffallo Bill:
Made in 1983, song is inspired by Wild Bill Hickok, a poker player who was shot in the back and became a dime-novel hero. Has complete vocals but isn't musically complete.
Carousel/Circus Girl:
Written by Michael Sembello, a cut version of the song was released on the special edition of Thriller in 2001, full version was released on some versions of King Of Pop Collection.
Doing Dirty:
Made with Marlon Jackson in 1982.
Don't Matter To Me/It Don't Matter To Me:
Made with Paul Anka in 1980, Anka gave the song to canadian singer Drake and wrote the song around the chorus, song was officially released on his album Scorpion in 2018.
Dream Away:
Made with Steve Porcaro in 1983. Was considered for Xscape along with Chicago 1945 but didn't make it onto the album as Steve Porcaro didn't want the song to be remixed.
Got The Hots:
Written by Rod Temperton, song was given to Siedah Garrett and reworked into "Baby's Got It Bad", Michael's version was later released on Thriller 25 in Japan.
www.youtube.com
Hot Street:
Written by Rod Temperton, song was a strong contender for Thriller but was left out because Quincy Jones and Rod Temperton didn't think it was as good as the other tracks, song was considered for Thriller 25 but was once again left out.
www.youtube.com
I Never Heard/This Is It (Paul Anka):
Made with Paul Anka, song was reworked by John McClain in 2009 and features backing vocals by The Jacksons
Note: A snippet of the demo was shown in an interview:
Learned My Lesson/Much Too Soon:
Demo of Much Too Soon, re-recorded in 1994 and released in 2010 on MICHAEL.
Love Never Felt So Good:
Made with Paul Anka, song was considered for the MICHAEL album and was remixed and released on Xscape as a duet with Justin Timberlake.
Note: The solo remix is a remix made by John McClain in 2010 for the MICHAEL album.
MJ Melody:
Made in 1982.
Mystery:
Written by Rod Temperton, song was turned down by Michael but was later released on Anita Baker's RAPTURE album.
www.youtube.com
Neverland Landing/Happy Song/I'm Peter Pan/Make A Wish:
4 songs made in 1983 for Steven Spielberg's Peter Pan musical, shelved because of scheduling conflicts, claimed to be complete.
Notes:
- For one of the songs Michael brought a 30-piece orchestra to the studio.
- Michael sings a snippet of one of the songs in an unauthorized interview at his family home:
Nite Line/Night Line:
Written by Glen Ballard in 1982, demo failed to appear in Thriller. Since the demo was rejected, it was passed on to the Pointer Sisters and they recorded their version on their album Break Out, Michael's version was leaked onto the internet.
www.youtube.com
www.youtube.com
Nymphette Lover:
Made in 1981.
P.Y.T (Demo):
Demo version of P.Y.T written by Michael and Greg Phillinganes, changed into an uptempo track by Quincy Jones and James Ingram as Quincy thought Thriller already had too much ballads.
Remember This Night Ft. Paul McCartney:
Unknown.
Rolling The Dice:
Written by Rod Temperton, a demo was recorded but was left out of Thriller as Michael didn't think it was good enough.
Slapstick:
Demo of Hot Street, based on comedy group The Three Stooges.
Someone In The Dark:
Song made for Steven Spielberg's film E.T: The Extra Terrestrial, song was released on the 2001 special edition of Thriller and again on Thriller 25.
Somewhere In Time:
Made in 1980.
Stand Tall:
Made in 1982.
Starlight:
Demo of Thriller, reworked into Thriller as Rod Temperton felt it had more marketing potential.
State Of Shock:
Originally recorded as a duet between Freddie Mercury and Michael Jackson for The Jacksons's Victory album. Due to scheduling conflicts Freddie couldn't finish the song so Michael called in Mick Jagger to replace him.
The Toy:
Made in 1981 for Richard Pryor's movie The Toy, was scrapped because the Thriller sessions took place, later turned into Best Of Joy for Dangerous, re-recorded in october 2008 and released on the album MICHAEL.
This Is It (not to be mistaken with I Never Heard/This Is It by Paul Anka):
Made in 1981.
Trouble/She's Trouble:
Written by Terry Britten (cowriter of "Just Good Friends"), both 1981 and 1982 takes were leaked onto the internet.
www.youtube.com
www.youtube.com
There Must Be More To Life Than This:
Song was originally recorded for Queen's Hot Space album, it was previously recorded as a duet between Freddie Mercury and Michael Jackson, song was released on Freddie's solo album Mr. Bad Guy but the duet was officially released in 2014.
Victory:
Duet between Freddie Mercury and Michael Jackson made in 1983, it's reported that Queen's guitarist Brian May and drummer Roger Taylor recorded backing vocals in 2002 for a box-set release, but due to copyright issues the song couldn't be released. The song is reported to be a rough ad-lib demo with Peter Freestone slamming the bathroom door as the "drums".
When You Wish Upon A Star:
Song Michael performed as part of a medley, with Ease On Down The Road and Follow The Yellow Brick Road, on the Kraft Salutes Disneyland's 25th anniversary show in 1980.
www.youtube.com
Why Can't I Be?:
Made in 1980 for The Jacksons's Triumph album, said by Michael to have chords similar to The Girl Is Mine.
Who Do You Know?:
Written in 1981 and was considered for Thriller and Victory.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Sources: Man In The Music, For The Record, Damien Shields, U.S Copyright Office and mega thread on mjhideout.
Any addition/correction is appreciated.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Off The Wall (1975-1979):
A Baby Smiles/Baby Smiles/When A Baby Smiles:
Written in 1979, turned into a poem for Michael's book of poems Dancing The Dream.
Be Not Always:
Written in 1979 and recorded in 1984 for The Jacksons's Victory album.
Can't Get Outta The Rain/Can't Get Outta The Game:
Originally written for the Broadway musical version of The Wiz, song was released on The Wiz Soundtrack and later re-released on The Ultimate Collection.
Disco Kid:
Written between 1976 and 1979 in Crystal Sound Studios.
Ease On Down The Road:
Originally written for the Broadway musical version of The Wiz, song was released on The Wiz Soundtrack and later re-released on The Ultimate Collection.
Godness Knows:
Written between 1976 and 1979 in Crystal Sound Studios.
Going To Rio:
Written in 1976 with Carole Bayer Sayer, was considered for Off The Wall, brazilian composer Antônio Carlos Jobim said song has brazilian music arrangements.
Got To Find A Way Somehow:
Written in 1979.
Holiday Inn:
Written in 1976.
In The Life Of Chico:
Written in 1979, handwritten lyrics along with over 10.000 memorabilia were purchased in November 2006 by Universal Express.
Iowa:
Orchestral music recorded before Michael went to film The Wiz, Janet Jackson talked about the song in 1993:
Kentucky:
Written in the mid 70s.
Ode To Sorrow:
Written in 1977.
She's Not A Girl:
Unknown.
Sister Sue:
Unknown.
Sunflower:
Unknown.
Sunset Driver:
Written in 1978, it tells the story of a girl cruising Sunset Boulevard who is "much too fast", song was reworked in 1982 and released on The Ultimate Collection
Sweet Music:
Written between 1976 and 1979 in Crystal Sound Studios.
Susie/Little Susie:
Written and recorded in 1978 and eventually released on HIStory, vocals are described to be similar to the 1995 version but younger sounding.
Thank You For Life:
Written in 1976 and was considered for Off The Wall.
Under Your Skin:
Written in 1979.
We Are The Ones:
Written in 1978.
What A Lonely Way To Go:
Written in 1975.
Who Is The Girl With Her Hair Down:
Unknown.
You Ain't Gonna Change Nothin':
Written in 1975.
You Can't Win:
Originally written for the Broadway musical version of The Wiz, song was released on The Wiz Soundtrack and later re-released on The Ultimate Collection.
You Told Me Your Lovin':
Written in 1979, A version with Randy Jackson's vocals also exists but also remains unreleased.
You're Supposed To Keep Your Love For Me:
Written by Stevie Wonder and recorded by Jermaine Jackson in 1975, featuring Michael and Jackie Jackson on the backing vocals, original version with Michael remains unreleased.
You Not Me:
Part of the lyrics ended up in "This Had To Be" by The Johnson Brothers.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Thriller (1980-1983):
Attitude:
Co-Written with Kathy Wakefield and Michel Pierre Colomber.
Behind The Mask:
Cover of Yellow Magic Orchestra's Behind The Mask, cut from Thriller due to creative disputes, was remixed in 2010 by John McClain and released on the MICHAEL album.
Note: Fan-made mixes using the instrumental of YMO's version are available online and they're claimed to sound similar to the original demo.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gOFOalCHdb0
Buffallo Bill:
Made in 1983, song is inspired by Wild Bill Hickok, a poker player who was shot in the back and became a dime-novel hero. Has complete vocals but isn't musically complete.
Carousel/Circus Girl:
Written by Michael Sembello, a cut version of the song was released on the special edition of Thriller in 2001, full version was released on some versions of King Of Pop Collection.
Doing Dirty:
Made with Marlon Jackson in 1982.
Don't Matter To Me/It Don't Matter To Me:
Made with Paul Anka in 1980, Anka gave the song to canadian singer Drake and wrote the song around the chorus, song was officially released on his album Scorpion in 2018.
Dream Away:
Made with Steve Porcaro in 1983. Was considered for Xscape along with Chicago 1945 but didn't make it onto the album as Steve Porcaro didn't want the song to be remixed.
Got The Hots:
Written by Rod Temperton, song was given to Siedah Garrett and reworked into "Baby's Got It Bad", Michael's version was later released on Thriller 25 in Japan.
Siedah Garrett - Baby's Got It Bad (2020 Remaster) [Audio HQ]
Artist: Siedah GarrettAlbum: Kiss Of Life Song Title: Baby's Got It Bad (2020 Remaster)Producer(s): Rod Temperton, Dick RudolphSongwriter(s): Rod Temperton,...
www.youtube.com
Hot Street:
Written by Rod Temperton, song was a strong contender for Thriller but was left out because Quincy Jones and Rod Temperton didn't think it was as good as the other tracks, song was considered for Thriller 25 but was once again left out.
Michael Jackson- Hot Street (Unreleased Song)
www.youtube.com
I Never Heard/This Is It (Paul Anka):
Made with Paul Anka, song was reworked by John McClain in 2009 and features backing vocals by The Jacksons
Note: A snippet of the demo was shown in an interview:
Learned My Lesson/Much Too Soon:
Demo of Much Too Soon, re-recorded in 1994 and released in 2010 on MICHAEL.
Love Never Felt So Good:
Made with Paul Anka, song was considered for the MICHAEL album and was remixed and released on Xscape as a duet with Justin Timberlake.
Note: The solo remix is a remix made by John McClain in 2010 for the MICHAEL album.
MJ Melody:
Made in 1982.
Mystery:
Written by Rod Temperton, song was turned down by Michael but was later released on Anita Baker's RAPTURE album.
Mystery (Remastered)
Provided to YouTube by BicycleMusicCompanyMystery (Remastered) · The Manhattan TransferBodies And Souls℗ Craft Recordings, a division of Concord Music Group,...
www.youtube.com
Neverland Landing/Happy Song/I'm Peter Pan/Make A Wish:
4 songs made in 1983 for Steven Spielberg's Peter Pan musical, shelved because of scheduling conflicts, claimed to be complete.
Notes:
- For one of the songs Michael brought a 30-piece orchestra to the studio.
- Michael sings a snippet of one of the songs in an unauthorized interview at his family home:
Nite Line/Night Line:
Written by Glen Ballard in 1982, demo failed to appear in Thriller. Since the demo was rejected, it was passed on to the Pointer Sisters and they recorded their version on their album Break Out, Michael's version was leaked onto the internet.
Michael Jackson - 08. Nite Line (Night Line) (Demo) [Audio HQ] HD
Michael JacksonNite Line (Night Line)Unreleased from ThrillerWritten and Composed by Glen BallardProduced by Quincy Jones('82)Thriller - Deluxe Anniversary E...
www.youtube.com
Pointer Sisters - Nightline (1983 Synth-Pop)
One (of many) of my favorite Pointer Sisters tracks, backed by a few stills and sleeves from my collection. This song appeared on early pressings of the 'Bre...
www.youtube.com
Nymphette Lover:
Made in 1981.
P.Y.T (Demo):
Demo version of P.Y.T written by Michael and Greg Phillinganes, changed into an uptempo track by Quincy Jones and James Ingram as Quincy thought Thriller already had too much ballads.
Remember This Night Ft. Paul McCartney:
Unknown.
Rolling The Dice:
Written by Rod Temperton, a demo was recorded but was left out of Thriller as Michael didn't think it was good enough.
Slapstick:
Demo of Hot Street, based on comedy group The Three Stooges.
Someone In The Dark:
Song made for Steven Spielberg's film E.T: The Extra Terrestrial, song was released on the 2001 special edition of Thriller and again on Thriller 25.
Somewhere In Time:
Made in 1980.
Stand Tall:
Made in 1982.
Starlight:
Demo of Thriller, reworked into Thriller as Rod Temperton felt it had more marketing potential.
State Of Shock:
Originally recorded as a duet between Freddie Mercury and Michael Jackson for The Jacksons's Victory album. Due to scheduling conflicts Freddie couldn't finish the song so Michael called in Mick Jagger to replace him.
The Toy:
Made in 1981 for Richard Pryor's movie The Toy, was scrapped because the Thriller sessions took place, later turned into Best Of Joy for Dangerous, re-recorded in october 2008 and released on the album MICHAEL.
This Is It (not to be mistaken with I Never Heard/This Is It by Paul Anka):
Made in 1981.
Trouble/She's Trouble:
Written by Terry Britten (cowriter of "Just Good Friends"), both 1981 and 1982 takes were leaked onto the internet.
- YouTube
Enjoy the videos and music that you love, upload original content and share it all with friends, family and the world on YouTube.
www.youtube.com
- YouTube
Enjoy the videos and music that you love, upload original content and share it all with friends, family and the world on YouTube.
www.youtube.com
There Must Be More To Life Than This:
Song was originally recorded for Queen's Hot Space album, it was previously recorded as a duet between Freddie Mercury and Michael Jackson, song was released on Freddie's solo album Mr. Bad Guy but the duet was officially released in 2014.
Victory:
Duet between Freddie Mercury and Michael Jackson made in 1983, it's reported that Queen's guitarist Brian May and drummer Roger Taylor recorded backing vocals in 2002 for a box-set release, but due to copyright issues the song couldn't be released. The song is reported to be a rough ad-lib demo with Peter Freestone slamming the bathroom door as the "drums".
When You Wish Upon A Star:
Song Michael performed as part of a medley, with Ease On Down The Road and Follow The Yellow Brick Road, on the Kraft Salutes Disneyland's 25th anniversary show in 1980.
Michael Jackson - When You Wish Upon A Star \ Ease On Down The Road 1980
Magical video. Thank You, Michael!!
www.youtube.com
Why Can't I Be?:
Made in 1980 for The Jacksons's Triumph album, said by Michael to have chords similar to The Girl Is Mine.
Who Do You Know?:
Written in 1981 and was considered for Thriller and Victory.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Sources: Man In The Music, For The Record, Damien Shields, U.S Copyright Office and mega thread on mjhideout.
Any addition/correction is appreciated.
Last edited:
