highlight your favorite part 2

[filmandmusic]

- Ain’t No Sunshine vs Don’t Know Why I Love You (both from live at the Forum live album)
- Beautiful Girl vs The Way You Love Me
- Leave Me Alone video vs Scream video
- PYT MJ’s version vs PYT Quincy’s version
- Tell Me I’m Not Dreaming vs The Man
- Just Good Friends vs Get It
- The Lady In My Life album version vs The Lady In My Life extended version
- Enjoy Yourself vs Jump For Joy
- Heal The World vs Earth Song
- You’re The One (Jennifer Holliday) vs Centipede (Rebbie Jackson) vs Muscles (Diana Ross)
- One Day In Your Life vs Dreamer
- Diana Ross Presents The J5 vs ABC
- Thriller album vs Bad album
- One More Chance (MJ) vs One More Chance (Randy Jackson) vs One More Chance (Jackson 5)
- State Of Shock with Mick vs State Of Shock with Freddie
- Can You Feel It vs Blame It On The Boogie
- Your Ways vs The Hurt
- The Jacksons Variety Show vs The Jackson 5 Cartoon

- And last but not least: song most deserving of a video “Human Nature vs Wanna Be Starting Something” (What is your idea for a video?)

 

[Mister_Jay_Tee]

- Ain’t No Sunshine vs Don’t Know Why I Love You (both from live at the Forum live album)
- Beautiful Girl vs The Way You Love Me (If it was the version from Michael i'd pick that)
- Leave Me Alone video vs Scream video
- PYT MJ’s version vs PYT Quincy’s version (Honestly a tie)
- Tell Me I’m Not Dreaming vs The Man
- Just Good Friends vs Get It
- The Lady In My Life album version vs The Lady In My Life extended version
- Enjoy Yourself vs Jump For Joy
- Heal The World vs Earth Song
- You’re The One (Jennifer Holliday) vs Centipede (Rebbie Jackson) vs Muscles (Diana Ross)
- One Day In Your Life vs Dreamer
- Diana Ross Presents The J5 vs ABC
- Thriller album vs Bad album (God)
- One More Chance (MJ) vs One More Chance (Randy Jackson) vs One More Chance (Jackson 5)
- State Of Shock with Mick vs State Of Shock with Freddie
- Can You Feel It vs Blame It On The Boogie
- Your Ways vs The Hurt
- The Jacksons Variety Show vs The Jackson 5 Cartoon

- And last but not least: song most deserving of a video “Human Nature vs Wanna Be Starting Something” (What is your idea for a video?) (Both? Human Nature would just be a city night life, For All Time on a clear night, WBSS is an energetic concert highlight reel)

 

[Agonum]

- Ain’t No Sunshine vs Don’t Know Why I Love You (both from live at the Forum live album)
- Beautiful Girl vs The Way You Love Me
- Leave Me Alone video vs Scream video
- PYT MJ’s version vs PYT Quincy’s version
- Tell Me I’m Not Dreaming vs The Man
- Just Good Friends vs Get It
- The Lady In My Life album version vs The Lady In My Life extended version
- Enjoy Yourself vs Jump For Joy
- Heal The World vs Earth Song
- You’re The One (Jennifer Holliday) vs Centipede (Rebbie Jackson) vs Muscles (Diana Ross)
- One Day In Your Life vs Dreamer
- Diana Ross Presents The J5 vs ABC
- Thriller album vs Bad album
- One More Chance (MJ) vs One More Chance (Randy Jackson) vs One More Chance (Jackson 5)
- State Of Shock with Mick vs State Of Shock with Freddie
- Can You Feel It vs Blame It On The Boogie
- Your Ways vs The Hurt
- The Jacksons Variety Show vs The Jackson 5 Cartoon



- And last but not least: song most deserving of a video “Human Nature vs Wanna Be Starting Something” (What is your idea for a video?)

 

[kai paris]

wanna be starting something

 

[filmandmusic]

- Ain’t No Sunshine vs Don’t Know Why I Love You (both from live at the Forum live album)
- Beautiful Girl vs The Way You Love Me
- Leave Me Alone video vs Scream video
- PYT MJ’s version vs PYT Quincy’s version
- Tell Me I’m Not Dreaming vs The Man
- Just Good Friends vs Get It
- The Lady In My Life album version vs The Lady In My Life extended version
- Enjoy Yourself vs Jump For Joy
- Heal The World vs Earth Song
- You’re The One (Jennifer Holliday) vs Centipede (Rebbie Jackson) vs Muscles (Diana Ross)
- One Day In Your Life vs Dreamer
- Diana Ross Presents The J5 vs ABC
- Thriller album vs Bad album
- One More Chance (MJ) vs One More Chance (Randy Jackson) vs One More Chance (Jackson 5)
- State Of Shock with Mick vs State Of Shock with Freddie
- Can You Feel It vs Blame It On The Boogie
- Your Ways vs The Hurt
- The Jacksons Variety Show vs The Jackson 5 Cartoon

- And last but not least: song most deserving of a video “Human Nature vs Wanna Be Starting Something” (What is your idea for a video?)

 

[@mjfanatic777]

- Ain’t No Sunshine vs Don’t Know Why I Love You (both from live at the Forum live album)
- Beautiful Girl vs The Way You Love Me
- Leave Me Alone video vs Scream video
- PYT MJ’s version vs PYT Quincy’s version
- Tell Me I’m Not Dreaming vs The Man
- Just Good Friends vs Get It
- The Lady In My Life album version vs The Lady In My Life extended version
- Enjoy Yourself vs Jump For Joy
- Heal The World vs Earth Song
- You’re The One (Jennifer Holliday) vs Centipede (Rebbie Jackson) vs Muscles (Diana Ross)
- One Day In Your Life vs Dreamer
- Diana Ross Presents The J5 vs ABC
- Thriller album vs Bad album
- One More Chance (MJ) vs One More Chance (Randy Jackson) vs One More Chance (Jackson 5)
- State Of Shock with Mick vs State Of Shock with Freddie
- Can You Feel It vs Blame It On The Boogie
- Your Ways vs The Hurt
- The Jacksons Variety Show vs The Jackson 5 Cartoon

- And last but not least: song most deserving of a video “Human Nature vs Wanna Be Starting Something” (What is your idea for a video?)

WBSS needs a short film because it's gonna be crazy and I love crazy! (in a good way) I could imagine cowboys in the set when they do the "yee-haw!!"

 

[Richard76]

Thread with ranking songs?? Again?

 

[Michaels Lover]

- Ain’t No Sunshine vs Don’t Know Why I Love You (both from live at the Forum live album)
- Beautiful Girl vs The Way You Love Me
- Leave Me Alone video vs Scream video
- PYT MJ’s version vs PYT Quincy’s version
- Tell Me I’m Not Dreaming vs The Man
- Just Good Friends vs Get It
- The Lady In My Life album version vs The Lady In My Life extended version
- Enjoy Yourself vs Jump For Joy
- Heal The World vs Earth Song
- You’re The One (Jennifer Holliday) vs Centipede (Rebbie Jackson) vs Muscles (Diana Ross)
- One Day In Your Life vs Dreamer
- Diana Ross Presents The J5 vs ABC
- Thriller album vs Bad album
- One More Chance (MJ) vs One More Chance (Randy Jackson) vs One More Chance (Jackson 5)
- State Of Shock with Mick vs State Of Shock with Freddie
- Can You Feel It vs Blame It On The Boogie
- Your Ways vs The Hurt
- The Jacksons Variety Show vs The Jackson 5 Cartoon

- And last but not least: song most deserving of a video “Human Nature vs Wanna Be Starting Something” (What is your idea for a video?)

 

[Michaels Lover]

Thread with ranking songs?? Again?

Not just songs this time

 

[AlwaysThere]

I deleted the few options that have songs I haven’t heard or don’t listen to enough to have a strong opinion on.

- Beautiful Girl vs The Way You Love Me
- Leave Me Alone video vs Scream video
- PYT MJ’s version vs PYT Quincy’s version
- Tell Me I’m Not Dreaming vs The Man
- Just Good Friends vs Get It
- The Lady In My Life album version vs The Lady In My Life extended version
- Enjoy Yourself vs Jump For Joy
- Heal The World vs Earth Song
- Thriller album vs Bad album
- One More Chance (MJ) vs One More Chance (Randy Jackson) vs One More Chance (Jackson 5)
- State Of Shock with Mick vs State Of Shock with Freddie
- Can You Feel It vs Blame It On The Boogie
- And last but not least: song most deserving of a video “Human Nature vs Wanna Be Starting Something” (What is your idea for a video?)

 

[MJJ567]

- Beautiful Girl vs The Way You Love Me
- Leave Me Alone video vs Scream video
- PYT MJ’s version vs PYT Quincy’s version
- Tell Me I’m Not Dreaming vs The Man
- Just Good Friends vs Get It
- The Lady In My Life album version vs The Lady In My Life extended version
- Enjoy Yourself vs Jump For Joy
- Heal The World vs Earth Song
- One Day In Your Life vs Dreamer
- Thriller album vs Bad album
- One More Chance (MJ) vs One More Chance (Randy Jackson) vs One More Chance (Jackson 5)
- State Of Shock with Mick vs State Of Shock with Freddie
- Can You Feel It vs Blame It On The Boogie
- Your Ways vs The Hurt

- And last but not least: song most deserving of a video “Human Nature vs Wanna Be Starting Something” (What is your idea for a video?)

 

[wendijane]

-

Ain’t No Sunshine

The Way You Love Me

Scream video

-

PYT MJ’s version

-

Tell Me I’m Not Dreaming

-

Just Good Friends

-

No

-

Enjoy Yourself

-

Heal The World

-

Muscles (Diana Ross)

- Well both

-

ABC

- Thriller album

- One More Chance (MJ)

- State Of Shock with Mick

-

Can You Feel It

The Hurt

The Jacksons Variety Show

Lemons. You know i luv ya @filmandmusic

-

Human Nature This all day every day .

 

[83magic]

- PYT MJ’s version vs PYT Quincy’s version

pyt quincy’s version - though I do like the mellow harmonies on michael’s demo. however, it is just that - a demo. besides, a more peppy, brighter energy better suited the song.

- Tell Me I’m Not Dreaming vs The Man
‘the man’ easily. aside from it being more catchy and memorable with a special meaning, michael sounds more free. I felt like he held back on jermaine’s track.
- The Lady In My Life album version vs The Lady In My Life extended version

album version. it’s one of my least favourite songs on ‘thriller’, despite being beautifully sung. however, I always thought that having only one verse made the structure more unique.

- Enjoy Yourself vs Jump For Joy
‘jump for joy’ - changed my mind at the last minute . that was a tough one they’re pretty much equal, although I listen to ‘enjoy yourself’ more. always thought ‘jump for joy’ could have been a hit single. seeing the studio footage just sealed it. might add it to my playlist..
- You’re The One (Jennifer Holliday) vs Centipede (Rebbie Jackson) vs Muscles (Diana Ross)

‘centipede’ - I think it’s a creative and unusual jam - even if I hardly ever listen to it..

- One Day In Your Life vs Dreamer

‘dreamer’

- Diana Ross Presents The J5 vs ABC

‘abc’ - has more of the ‘bubblegum soul’ I love from themthough it could use more

- Thriller album vs Bad album

‘thriller’ - hands down. no question. it has warmth, danceable grooves, it’s eclectic and timeless.

- One More Chance (MJ) vs One More Chance (Randy Jackson) vs One More Chance (Jackson 5)

jackson 5 version. it’s charming and has clever lyrics.

- State Of Shock with Mick vs State Of Shock with Freddie

mick, but it’s probably my least favourite song in general.

- Can You Feel It vs Blame It On The Boogie

‘blame it on the boogie’ - I always need to watch or imagine the video for ‘can you feel it’ to enjoy it properly.

- Your Ways vs The Hurt

‘your ways’ - don’t like either song, but at least it has michael’s (lead) vocals.

- The Jacksons Variety Show vs The Jackson 5 Cartoon
the jackson 5 cartoon - this was a difficult decision that I agonised over i even considered creating a poll about this awhile back. I love cartoons in general, and the jackson (5ive) one was amazing in its own right- even without the connection to the group. I think michael needs his own one set in the ‘thriller’ era. the variety show was crucial for michael’s growth as a performer. he did things on it that he hadn’t done before or since. at least I could watch other performances or sketches from around that time, to compensate for its loss..
- And last but not least: song most deserving of a video “Human Nature vs Wanna Be Starting Something” (What is your idea for a video?)

‘human nature’ - the sample we got in the ‘moonwalker’ movie would have made for the perfect video, if it was fully fleshed out. it was colourful and had a lone michael wandering the streets. the still images of michael were accurate of the time of release. it all matched the song. the animation would have made it another standout among the ‘thriller’ videos. it might have even been innovative like a-ha’s ‘take on me’.

I feel that ‘wanna be startin’ somethin’ (my favourite) is so big, that it’s better left to the imagination. I always pictured it taking place in church. michael would be in the shadows against the stained glass windows dancing, whilst members of the congregation are shown gossiping about each other. michael would finally reveal himself with the backup choir at the end for the chant, before a pedestal rises from beneath him to launch him through the roof, leaving behind a glowing trail

please keep these kinds of threads coming if you can

 

[Hot_Street]

- Beautiful Girl vs The Way You Love Me
- Just Good Friends vs Get It
- Enjoy Yourself vs Jump For Joy
- Heal The World vs Earth Song
- You’re The One (Jennifer Holliday) vs Centipede (Rebbie Jackson) vs Muscles (Diana Ross)
- One Day In Your Life vs Dreamer
- Diana Ross Presents The J5 vs ABC
- Thriller album vs Bad album
- One More Chance (MJ) vs One More Chance (Randy Jackson) vs One More Chance (Jackson 5)
- Can You Feel It vs Blame It On The Boogie

 

[filmandmusic]

@wendijane how the hell did you make that post with all the quotes lol, it is almost like a work of art but quite bad one
@83magic thanks, I’m running out of options though, we have a very divided fan base. Only a very select few like every era so I always try to find a balance to please everyone. I did pretty much neglect the later eras in this one because I don’t feel very attracted to it any longer. My taste has changed considerably the last 10 years.

 

[ChanceToDance]

- Ain’t No Sunshine vs Don’t Know Why I Love You (both from live at the Forum live album) - Never heard them.
- Beautiful Girl vs The Way You Love Me - The instrumental of Beautiful Girl is better but the falsetto-style scratch vocals almost completely ruins the song for me, meanwhile TWYLM has both great vocals and instrumentals so it wins it over for me.
- Leave Me Alone video vs Scream video
- PYT MJ’s version vs PYT Quincy’s version
- Tell Me I’m Not Dreaming vs The Man - The Man is the weakest song out of the Paul McCartney-MJ tracks imo, if this was Say Say Say it would've been a whole different story.
- Just Good Friends vs Get It - Get It could've easily replaced JGF on the Bad album imo.
- The Lady In My Life album version vs The Lady In My Life extended version
- Enjoy Yourself vs Jump For Joy - I've never heard Jump For Joy so easy pick lol.
- Heal The World vs Earth Song
- You’re The One (Jennifer Holliday) vs Centipede (Rebbie Jackson) vs Muscles (Diana Ross)
- One Day In Your Life vs Dreamer
- Diana Ross Presents The J5 vs ABC - I haven't listened to those.
- Thriller album vs Bad album
- One More Chance (MJ) vs One More Chance (Randy Jackson) vs One More Chance (Jackson 5) The Jacksons' One More Chance is criminally underrated
- State Of Shock with Mick vs State Of Shock with Freddie
- Can You Feel It vs Blame It On The Boogie
- Your Ways vs The Hurt
- The Jacksons Variety Show vs The Jackson 5 Cartoon - I've never watched those.

- And last but not least: song most deserving of a video “Human Nature vs Wanna Be Starting Something” (What is your idea for a video?)

 

[83magic]

@83magic thanks, I’m running out of options though, we have a very divided fan base. Only a very select few like every era so I always try to find a balance to please everyone. I did pretty much neglect the later eras in this one because I don’t feel very attracted to it any longer. My taste has changed considerably the last 10 years.

i understand. I simply don’t connect to anything post ‘we are the world’, for a variety of reasons that I won’t get into. for the most part, I just stay in my lane and focus on the things I love. michael was a believer in quality over quantity, and I share that sentiment. it’s a shame that people aren’t respectful of each other’s views, and you’re made to feel less than for having them.

anywho, I love these kinds of threadsI have some ideas for comparisons myself. can I post them here, or should I make a separate thread?

 

[filmandmusic]

@83magic that’s up to you, you are free to post it anywhere you want.

 

[wendijane]

@wendijane how the hell did you make that post with all the quotes lol,

That's done by ....what is called the magic touch. A woman never reveals her secrets within text, Mr Lemon. tut tut.

it is almost like a work of art but

but but but......hit me with the misery boi

quite bad one

Cheeky sod. Art is my game n Bad is my name . You know that.
It was a pretty fun thread actually. Alot of choices and some more rarer /less loved [?] overlooked songs shall we say, Keep that up ha

 

[1958MJJmoonwalker7]

- Ain’t No Sunshine vs Don’t Know Why I Love You (both from live at the Forum live album)
- Beautiful Girl vs The Way You Love Me (If it was the version from Michael i'd pick that)
- Leave Me Alone video vs Scream video
- PYT MJ’s version vs PYT Quincy’s version (Honestly a tie)
- Tell Me I’m Not Dreaming vs The Man
- Just Good Friends vs Get It
- The Lady In My Life album version vs The Lady In My Life extended version
- Enjoy Yourself vs Jump For Joy
- Heal The World vs Earth Song
- You’re The One (Jennifer Holliday) vs Centipede (Rebbie Jackson) vs Muscles (Diana Ross)
- One Day In Your Life vs Dreamer
- Diana Ross Presents The J5 vs ABC
- Thriller album vs Bad album (God)
- One More Chance (MJ) vs One More Chance (Randy Jackson) vs One More Chance (Jackson 5)
- State Of Shock with Mick vs State Of Shock with Freddie
- Can You Feel It vs Blame It On The Boogie
- Your Ways vs The Hurt
- The Jacksons Variety Show vs The Jackson 5 Cartoon

- And last but not least: song most deserving of a video “Human Nature vs Wanna Be Starting Something” (What is your idea for a video?) (Both? Human Nature would just be a city night life, Stranger in Moscow on a clear night, WBSS is an energetic concert highlight reel)

I KNOW!!!! we need pyt, human nature, and wbss music videoss!!!

 

[1958MJJmoonwalker7]

i also love tell me im not dreaming!!

 

[83magic]

‘got the hots’ or ‘off the wall’?

the choruses for these songs are almost identical. both written by rod temperton. they also have those luscious multilayered harmonies I prefer ‘off the wall’s’ lyrics, but I love the cosmic vibe of ‘got the hots’. I think it holds up better today.

‘the girl is mine’ or ‘blues away’?
likewise for these two choruses, despite having completely different concepts. ‘blues away’ perfectly captures the feeling of general hopelessness, while appearing to be happy. ‘the girl is mine’ showed how much michael had grown as a songwriter since then. the witty back and forth banter carries the song, and makes for a lighthearted and memorable experience.

‘be not always’ or ‘scared of the moon ’?
the first is arguably the most depressing song he ever made. the other is arguably the most vivid with disturbing subtext. both are sparse productions that bring michael’s delicate vocals to the forefront. like my previous answer, I feel that ‘scared of the moon’ is more fleshed out lyrically.

pepsi commercial 84: ‘street’ or ‘performance’?
I felt that the performance made the best of michael’s limited participation. I’m still trying to understand his footwork all these years later. it was more magical.

‘someone in the dark’ or ‘when you wish upon a star ️’?
I love the fact that michael had a song written especially for him. however, it doesn’t get more ‘peter pan’ than an actual disney standard. it also sounds happier than ‘someone in the dark’ in my opinion.

guest concert appearance: james brown ‘83 or diana ross ‘81?
in both instances michael was given a chance to shine by his mentors. one was a dynamic force and the other was a more casual chemistry I chose the former by a mile

@filmandmusic i’m glad I found this thread. saves me from having to make a separate oneI would be interested in knowing your choices from my options.

 

[filmandmusic]

@83magic

Oh you made up a game yourself? Nice!

- Got The Hots - Off The Wall

These are both stellar imo. It is hard to pick as I love the vibe of both songs. Hmm I light just like GTH slightly more? I’m really digging that chorus. OTW’s beat is better though, it really is 50/50. Nah I’m going for Off The Wall, I just listened to them back to back. It is more polished.

- The Girl Is Mine - Blues Away

This one is easy. The Girl Is Mine is one of my favorite. Michael and Paul could have written dozens of big hits together, the chemistry is there. The laid back rhythm makes me feel good and relaxed, Michael’s bridge is phenomenal.

- Be Not Always - Scared Of The Moon

This is just torture. Two of my favorites head to head, very cruel!
Be Not Always is depressing as hell and it is bold, there is not a single bit of hope left, the ending is devastating. Michael’s voice is sharp and full of hurt. Just Wow…
Scared Of The Moon actually gives me goosebumps purely through the vocal performance. The song is harder to interpret, I also sense something darker beneath the surface here. Both are vulnerable songs but SOTM has something magical, Michael‘s voice sparkles despite the sinister undertone.
If you make me pick. I think SOTM edges it because Be Not Always is not a song I listen to a lot despite its brilliance. Perhaps it is too depressing, I love depressing music but it isn’t an easy listening experience.

- Someone In The Dark - When You Wish Upon A Star

Apart from that video at Disneyland we never really got a glimpse of WYWUAS have we? Gorgeous song no doubt, love that Disney video BUT the competition with SITD is unfair, it is my all time favorite song. I love the lyrics, the hope, the chorus, the vocals are to die for. The music also is very rich, an instrumental track is something I would love to hear so that the vocals don’t distract me.

- James Brown 84 - Diana Ross 81

These are both fantastic. Michael casually enters the stage on both occasions and lights it on fire. Oozing charisma and confidence. He loved the attention while still not wanting to over shadow the other artists. He is classy, gentle and looks great.
My pick JB 84. Love Michael doing this little jazz routine and his spin is unbelievable!

- I’m not 100% sure which commercials you mean.

I suppose one is on the street with the kids and the other is on stage with billie jean where he does that very weird twisty feet move? I don’t have a preference either way, I’m not super familiar with them. I never saw them on tv either as Pepsi was never big in Belgium.

Superb battle choices though! Love listening to the songs or at watching the videos to makeup my mind.

 

[kreen]

- Beautiful Girl vs The Way You Love Me
- Leave Me Alone video vs Scream video
- PYT MJ’s version vs PYT Quincy’s version
- Tell Me I’m Not Dreaming vs The Man
- Just Good Friends vs Get It
- The Lady In My Life album version vs The Lady In My Life extended version
- Enjoy Yourself vs Jump For Joy
- Heal The World vs Earth Song
- You’re The One (Jennifer Holliday) vs Centipede (Rebbie Jackson) vs Muscles (Diana Ross)
- Thriller album vs Bad album
- One More Chance (MJ) vs One More Chance (Randy Jackson) vs One More Chance (Jackson 5)
- State Of Shock with Mick vs State Of Shock with Freddie
- Can You Feel It vs Blame It On The Boogie
- Your Ways vs The Hurt

 

[@mjfanatic777]

and I love crazy! (in a good way)

I still do!

 

[michaeljackson.nl]

- Ain’t No Sunshine vs Don’t Know Why I Love You (this song is very underrated and I never see anyone talk about it, I love it.) (both from live at the Forum live album)
- Beautiful Girl vs The Way You Love Me
- Leave Me Alone video vs Scream video
- PYT MJ’s version vs PYT Quincy’s version
- Tell Me I’m Not Dreaming vs The Man
- Just Good Friends vs Get It
- The Lady In My Life album version vs The Lady In My Life extended version
- Enjoy Yourself vs Jump For Joy
- Heal The World vs Earth Song
- You’re The One (Jennifer Holliday) vs Centipede (Rebbie Jackson) vs Muscles (Diana Ross)
- One Day In Your Life vs Dreamer
- Diana Ross Presents The J5 vs ABC
- Thriller album vs Bad album (impossible
- One More Chance (MJ) vs One More Chance (Randy Jackson) vs One More Chance (Jackson 5)
- State Of Shock with Mick vs State Of Shock with Freddie (Freddie if in the same finished state as the album version)
- Can You Feel It vs Blame It On The Boogie
- Your Ways vs The Hurt
- The Jacksons Variety Show vs The Jackson 5 Cartoon

- And last but not least: song most deserving of a video “Human Nature vs Wanna Be Starting Something” (both honestly)(What is your idea for a video?)

 

[R1chard]

- Ain’t No Sunshine vs Don’t Know Why I Love You (both from live at the Forum live album)
- Beautiful Girl vs The Way You Love Me
- Leave Me Alone video vs Scream video
- PYT MJ’s version vs PYT Quincy’s version
- Tell Me I’m Not Dreaming vs The Man
- Just Good Friends vs Get It
- The Lady In My Life album version vs The Lady In My Life extended version
- Enjoy Yourself vs Jump For Joy
- Heal The World vs Earth Song
- You’re The One (Jennifer Holliday) vs Centipede (Rebbie Jackson) vs Muscles (Diana Ross)
- One Day In Your Life vs Dreamer
- Diana Ross Presents The J5 vs ABC
- Thriller album vs Bad album
- One More Chance (MJ) vs One More Chance (Randy Jackson) vs One More Chance (Jackson 5)
- State Of Shock with Mick vs State Of Shock with Freddie
- Can You Feel It vs Blame It On The Boogie
- Your Ways vs The Hurt
- The Jacksons Variety Show vs The Jackson 5 Cartoon

- And last but not least: song most deserving of a video “Human Nature vs Wanna Be Starting Something” (What is your idea for a video?)

 

[83magic]

@83magic

Oh you made up a game yourself? Nice!

- Got The Hots - Off The Wall

These are both stellar imo. It is hard to pick as I love the vibe of both songs. Hmm I light just like GTH slightly more? I’m really digging that chorus. OTW’s beat is better though, it really is 50/50. Nah I’m going for Off The Wall, I just listened to them back to back. It is more polished.

- The Girl Is Mine - Blues Away

This one is easy. The Girl Is Mine is one of my favorite. Michael and Paul could have written dozens of big hits together, the chemistry is there. The laid back rhythm makes me feel good and relaxed, Michael’s bridge is phenomenal.

- Be Not Always - Scared Of The Moon

This is just torture. Two of my favorites head to head, very cruel!
Be Not Always is depressing as hell and it is bold, there is not a single bit of hope left, the ending is devastating. Michael’s voice is sharp and full of hurt. Just Wow…
Scared Of The Moon actually gives me goosebumps purely through the vocal performance. The song is harder to interpret, I also sense something darker beneath the surface here. Both are vulnerable songs but SOTM has something magical, Michael‘s voice sparkles despite the sinister undertone.
If you make me pick. I think SOTM edges it because Be Not Always is not a song I listen to a lot despite its brilliance. Perhaps it is too depressing, I love depressing music but it isn’t an easy listening experience.

- Someone In The Dark - When You Wish Upon A Star

Apart from that video at Disneyland we never really got a glimpse of WYWUAS have we? Gorgeous song no doubt, love that Disney video BUT the competition with SITD is unfair, it is my all time favorite song. I love the lyrics, the hope, the chorus, the vocals are to die for. The music also is very rich, an instrumental track is something I would love to hear so that the vocals don’t distract me.

- James Brown 84 - Diana Ross 81

These are both fantastic. Michael casually enters the stage on both occasions and lights it on fire. Oozing charisma and confidence. He loved the attention while still not wanting to over shadow the other artists. He is classy, gentle and looks great.
My pick JB 84. Love Michael doing this little jazz routine and his spin is unbelievable!

- I’m not 100% sure which commercials you mean.

I suppose one is on the street with the kids and the other is on stage with billie jean where he does that very weird twisty feet move? I don’t have a preference either way, I’m not super familiar with them. I never saw them on tv either as Pepsi was never big in Belgium.

Superb battle choices though! Love listening to the songs or at watching the videos to makeup my mind.

this might be my favourite thread outside of the ‘thriller’/83 ones

I must add that the james brown concert appearance was from 1983, not ‘84.

I should have been clearer about the jacksons pepsi commercials, but you were right regarding the options.

I was sure you would choose ‘be not always’ over ‘scared of the moon’ given how much praise you’ve lavished upon it.

I have a few more tough ones. even I had trouble choosing

‘can’t get outta the rain’ or ‘you can’t win - part 2’?

at first I thought the two were identical, and that the word ‘game’ was simply replaced by ‘rain’. however, I realised upon closer listening that michael re sang that entire section. the vocals are more aggressive on ‘can’t get outta the rain’. although this is usually a personal negative for me (except for the likes of ‘beat it’), it sounds more polished overall. I prefer this version because ‘rain’ sounds like a better fit to me. I also think the edit is cleaner in the intro. I listen to it more often.

‘we are the world’ solo demo or ‘we are the world’ solo vocal takes?

the solo vocal takes are required listening for both understanding michael’s range, and for pure enjoyment combined with the finalised production, I get the best of both worlds. I never tire of him singing on a loop. I think the best decision was made on the official recording regarding michael’s input. his (natural) high register is far stronger. though it’s interesting to hear his process as a writer on the demo..

‘somebody’s watching me’ or ‘torture’?

michael is basically a feature on both. he appeared in neither video, and they also have that spooky vibe. despite him being a standout and sounding amazing on both songs, ‘somebody’s watching me’ is more memorable, iconic, and just a better song in general to me. I like that it has a sense of humour about it.

‘thriller 25 ’ or ‘thriller 40 ’?

solely for the dvd that came with it, which included the 3 ‘thriller’ short films, and the legendary ‘billie jean’ motown 25 performance I watch it to this day. it’s honestly all I need footage wise. I enjoy the ‘underground’ remix of ‘billie jean’ which is featured on the digital release. I enjoy the ‘got the hots’, ‘sunset driver’, and ‘p.y.t’ demos from ‘thriller 40’. I don’t listen to remixes & demos as much as I do regular official releases though..

‘love never felt so good’ or ‘this is it/I never heard’?

both songs were co written with paul anka, and were allegedly recorded between 1980-1983 ‘love never felt so good’ is so catchy and uplifting. I honestly believe it could have been a big hit if michael kept it for himself and released it back then. even if it remained in its piano form. michael was in his vocal prime in my opinion. while ‘this is it’/‘i never heard’ is inspiring, it doesn’t come close to reaching that peak in comparison.

@filmandmusic would love to see your choices. maybe you might have some new matchups of your own?

 

[filmandmusic]

@83magic

You misread, I did choose SOTM but it was a very narrow margin!

‘can’t get outta the rain’ or ‘you can’t win - part 2’?

Oh, I don't hear all that much difference, it is not something I listen to a lot. I actually prefer the long cut including You Can't Win from the Ultimate Collection. As for You Can't Win I prefer the version of the soundtrack which is much funkier than the long version of the Ultimate Collection.
I'm going to pass on this one...

‘we are the world’ solo demo or ‘we are the world’ solo vocal takes?
The vocal takes because I don't really like the solo demo. I actually prefer the version with all the stars singing it. But the vocal takes video you posted is fabulous, Michael sounds like an rainbow in the sky (that's how I imagine it anyway)

‘somebody’s watching me’ or ‘torture’?

I'm not fond of SWM because apart from the chorus there is no Michael and it is a very short chorus. Torture on the other hand has Michael doing one of best verses vocally of his career on Torture imo

‘thriller 25 ’ or ‘thriller 40 ’?

T25 for me too because it has SITD but also because it was quite a big deal when it was released. (Edit I appeared to be wrong about SITD) It got to nr 1 in a lot of regions and people were actually talking about it. T40 just passed us by. We have to be honest though a landmark album like Thriller deserves a huge box set with tons of material and not some hastily thrown together songs.

‘love never felt so good’ or ‘this is it/I never heard’?

Very easy. I don't rate TII but LNFSG is one of his best most happy sounding vocal performances. I also just like Michael's voice used with sparse instrumentation. It gives us an idea how crystal clear he could sound.

 

[michaeljackson.nl]

[USER

‘thriller 25 ’ or ‘thriller 40 ’?

T25 for me too because it has SITD

T25 didn’t have SITD on it. SITD appeared on the 2001 special edition. Fabulous song tho.