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Songs That Deserved Much Better

Arif Emirhan Alkan

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In here we could write songs that deserved much more.You can write it as public attention,charts,release as a single(how or when would you release it),inclusion on album,attention of fans,live performance,music video etc.You can also guess how would it get public reaction and on the charts.Let's Go!
1)Get On The Floor:deserved to be a single.We didn't need Girlfriend as a single in UK.We needed this also in Us and Worldwide.Also Sunset Driver as a B-Side.I know that maybe its too discoish.But with Louis Johnson on bass and Michael's amazing vocals it would gain attention I think.
Alright your turn you can write more than one and as long as you want.
 
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I think "we're almost there" of the album "Forever Michael" deserved better. It was released as a single in 1975 but performed badly in the two main singles chart (UK and US) reaching nrs 46 and 54 respectively. It is however a really well written inspiring track by Brian and Edward Holland. It has got a dreamy production matching the lyrics. It's got a really funky bass riff, its got horns, sexy drumming and the female background singers on the chorus give the song the feel of an epic journey. I love how Michael adlibs over the female sung chorus, it has always been one of his main strengths. It is a fantastic work out track and it should be able to lift your spirits. In reality it is just a love song about a couple in hard times but it can easily expand into bigger themes if you want it too. The message is don't give up, plain and simple. There is light at the end of the tunnel and it should ring through for all fans because being a fan of MJ means "hard times".

3 excerpts that I find especially beautiful and inspiring. Motown made the right choice in releasing this as a single but unfortunately by this time Michael's star had waned and the song just didn't perform up to the early high standards.

"We're so close
I can taste it
A life so sweet
Can't afford to waste it"

"No matter how hard
The task may seem
Don't give up our plans
Don't give up our dreams"

"Need to feel your hand
Slippin' from mine
Just hold on tighter now, darlin'
Keep on tryin'"

Perhaps they could have released it again after OTW hit the stratosphere. One day in your life became a European smash hit 6 years after its release in 1981, surfing on MJ's new success. In a way it is kind of like how Kate Bush scores a huge hit out of nowhere on the back of a highly popular tv show.

This a performance of the song on the Dinah tv show in 1976, sadly it a lip sync performance but it is a nice performance, Michael brings the lyrics justice with this beautiful optimistic performance. I assume the song was also performed on the tours they did in 1975 and or 1976 as most singles were part of the setlist these days though it is just a (hopeful) guess.

PS great thread, I hope it urges other fans on to give their opinions.
 
filmandmusic said:
I think "we're almost there" of the album "Forever Michael" deserved better. It was released as a single in 1975 but performed badly in the two main singles chart (UK and US) reaching nrs 46 and 54 respectively. It is however a really well written inspiring track by Brian and Edward Holland. It has got a dreamy production matching the lyrics. It's got a really funky bass riff, its got horns, sexy drumming and the female background singers on the chorus give the song the feel of an epic journey. I love how Michael adlibs over the female sung chorus, it has always been one of his main strengths. It is a fantastic work out track and it should be able to lift your spirits. In reality it is just a love song about a couple in hard times but it can easily expand into bigger themes if you want it too. The message is don't give up, plain and simple. There is light at the end of the tunnel and it should ring through for all fans because being a fan of MJ means "hard times".

3 excerpts that I find especially beautiful and inspiring. Motown made the right choice in releasing this as a single but unfortunately by this time Michael's star had waned and the song just didn't perform up to the early high standards.

"We're so close
I can taste it
A life so sweet
Can't afford to waste it"

"No matter how hard
The task may seem
Don't give up our plans
Don't give up our dreams"

"Need to feel your hand
Slippin' from mine
Just hold on tighter now, darlin'
Keep on tryin'"

Perhaps they could have released it again after OTW hit the stratosphere. One day in your life became a European smash hit 6 years after its release in 1981, surfing on MJ's new success. In a way it is kind of like how Kate Bush scores a huge hit out of nowhere on the back of a highly popular tv show.

This a performance of the song on the Dinah tv show in 1976, sadly it a lip sync performance but it is a nice performance, Michael brings the lyrics justice with this beautiful optimistic performance. I assume the song was also performed on the tours they did in 1975 and or 1976 as most singles were part of the setlist these days though it is just a (hopeful) guess.

PS great thread, I hope it urges other fans on to give their opinions.
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Thanks it Looks Like it hasn't got attention.Which is sad to me.I will mention another song.Also we could easily say all of his songs that hasn't got a proper release but I think its fun this way:
2)I Can't Help It:Only song that coud be considered as a jazz in his entire discography.So good and relaxing.I don't know how could it be promoted though.As it seems like record company didn't want to release any more singles or it was becaues of Michael Touring and working on the Triumph album who knows.I think this would get to Top 10 too.
 
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My list is probably a bit boring cos it's all songs from his adult solo albums cos that's what I mostly listen to and what I know best. I'm picking a song from each album.

OTW - my least fave album. My pick is 'It's the Falling in Love'. Don't like duets, can't see the point of them and they never really work, imo. But this is lovely. Great phrasing from Michael, lovely arrangements, her voice goes really well with his. The whole thing is fab. Needs more love and attention.

Thriller - Don't play this album much, either. My pick is 'Lady in My Life'. Ballads are not my fave type of song. I like them but I'm not passionate about them. It's Michael's genius that he can get me listening to so many. This is just gorgeous. I wish I could hear this done live. His interpretation, the phrasing again, the beautiful backing vocals. And, my god, it's so incredibly seductive. I know lots of people laugh at the idea of Michael being seductive (I don't mean his fans) but they should listen to this. I can give them time stamps. I have 4 time stamps from this one song, people.

Bad - Abortion Papers. I wish it had made it on to the album.

Dangerous - don't really have one ...

History - so I'll take two from this one. 2Bad and Little Susie. Both underrated, weirdly neglected, whatever.

BOTDF - ignoring the remixes. My pick is Superfly Sister. It's not my fave. Of the 5 new songs, if I had to list them in order of preference this only comes in at no.4. And I know a lot of people think it sounds really dated. I love it. The lyrics are ace. That is an awesome piece of storytelling from Michael.

Invincible - I want to nominate the whole album but, OK, I'll limit myself to just one. Don't Walk Away. Another one that gets weirdly overlooked. Love it.
 
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zinniabooklover said:
My list is probably a bit boring cos it's all songs from his adult solo albums cos that's what I mostly listen to and what I know best. I'm picking a song from each album.

OTW - my least fave album. My pick is 'It's the Falling in Love'. Don't like duets, can't see the point of them and they never really work, imo. But this is lovely. Great phrasing from Michael, lovely arrangements, her voice goes really well with his. The whole thing is fab. Needs more love and attention.

Thriller - Don't play this album much, either. My pick is 'Lady in My Life'. Ballads are not my fave type of song. I like them but I'm not passionate about them. It's Michael's genius that he can get me listening to so many. This is just gorgeous. I wish I could hear this done live. His interpretation, the phrasing again, the beautiful backing vocals. And, my god, it's so incredibly seductive. I know lots of people laugh at the idea of Michael being seductive (I don't mean his fans) but they should listen to this. I can give them time stamps. I have 4 time stamps from this one song, people.

Bad - Abortion Papers. I wish it had made it on to the album.

Dangerous - don't really have one ...

History - so I'll take two from this one. 2Bad and Little Susie. Both underrated, weirdly neglected, whatever.

BOTDF - ignoring the remixes. My pick is Superfly Sister. It's not my fave. Of the 5 new songs, if I had to list them in order of preference this only comes in at no.4. And I know a lot of people think it sounds really dated. I love it. The lyrics are ace. That is an awesome piece of storytelling from Michael.

Invincible - I want to nominate the whole album but, OK, I'll limit myself to just one. Don't Walk Away. Another one that gets weirdly overlooked Love it.
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You can also post unreleased songs(something that I forgot to mention)
 
Arif Emirhan Alkan said:
You can also post unreleased songs(something that I forgot to mention)
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Oh sure, I just don't listen to many of them. And I was tempted to stray into J5 or Jacksons territory but it's the solo adult albums where I have the biggest emotional connection so I always gravitate towards those songs.
 
Great thread! I have so many thoughts, but I'll try to keep this short as I tend to ramble when I'm excited haha.

The Lady in My Life - This song... oh boy, oh boy, this song. Give it everything. Live performances, a short film, a single release. I want it all. But mostly, I want a live performance of it. I want to sit inside of this song and never find my way out.

Get on the Floor - I just have to totally agree with you on this. It may be my favorite song on Off the Wall! It's criminally underrated. Everyone should be talking about it.

I'm So Blue - This song absolutely should have made the album, IMO. I'm deeply in love with it. I think it deserves everything. I would give it everything. If only it would love me back. Sigh.

Morphine - The first time I heard this song it broke me the F apart. I literally burst out in sobs and couldn't listen to it again for like 4 months. Then I listened to it once more and could marginally handle it. Today I listened to it like 10 times and it is a masterpiece. It too deserves everything. I just want it to be known because it is so unique and powerful. It's unlike any song I've ever heard really. It is both gorgeous and life-ruining and it goes hard. Give it the world.

Dapper Dan - I just love the hell out of this song and I don't care who knows it.

Loving you - I've recently become totally obsessed with both versions of this song. They make me feel alive. I've legitimately listened to this song like 30 times in one day recently and did not tire of it.

I'm going to stop now or else I never will!
 
I pick another obvious one in the name of “give in to me. It didn’t get a single release in the USA probably cancelled due to the Chandler allegations but it was released in Europe and it did fairly well for being a 7th single. Music critics also gave it a fair and just review which is always surprising. So why did this end up being completely forgotten? It doesn’t get any airplay or mention when talking about MJ’s best tracks.

Despite the fresh allegations and it being the 7th single it did perform good, hitting nr 1 in a few countries And top 10 in most other important markets. It had that sound that was particularly popular in the early 90s when Bon Jovi or Aerosmith scored similar hard rock ballad smash hits. Difference is the similar ballads by those bands are still recognised today while this one isn’t. I simply don’t grasp it, it has soaring effective gritty vocals and Slash performs a belter of a solo not once but twice! Where I am from there is this alternative radio station that still (occasionally) plays beat it or dirty diana but not this one. This however is by far Michael’s hardest sounding track so it doesn’t make sense.

It didn’t even get much of a new life in 2009 where Michael completely destroyed the UK top 40 with re entries. It was almost completely forgotten, wiped off the earth somehow lol

Without the Chandler allegations it might have been even bigger than it was, it certainly had the sound to make it big in the USA but the video was kind of boring and MJ opted never to perform it which definitely hurts its legacy. Either way everything a song needs is in there and I hope it will find a resurgence one day.

MJ pretty much owned every hard rock song he ever made. In another world he could have been the lead singer of a band like Bon Jovi and nobody would bat an eyebrow.
 
Arif Emirhan Alkan said:
You can also post unreleased songs(something that I forgot to mention)
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Xscape - It's one of the best outtakes from Invincible and should've been the closing track for Invincible. I don't like how the song was done on the Xscape album and the remix is a downgrade from the original, even on the original they used an outdated demo for it. It deserved better.
 
filmandmusic said:
I pick another obvious one in the name of “give in to me. It didn’t get a single release in the USA probably cancelled due to the Chandler allegations but it was released in Europe and it did fairly well for being a 7th single. Music critics also gave it a fair and just review which is always surprising. So why did this end up being completely forgotten? It doesn’t get any airplay or mention when talking about MJ’s best tracks.

Despite the fresh allegations and it being the 7th single it did perform good, hitting nr 1 in a few countries And top 10 in most other important markets. It had that sound that was particularly popular in the early 90s when Bon Jovi or Aerosmith scored similar hard rock ballad smash hits. Difference is the similar ballads by those bands are still recognised today while this one isn’t. I simply don’t grasp it, it has soaring effective gritty vocals and Slash performs a belter of a solo not once but twice! Where I am from there is this alternative radio station that still (occasionally) plays beat it or dirty diana but not this one.
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All of this with bells on. Bells and whistles.

The only reason I didn't put it into my own list is cos it just effs the hell out of me just thinking of all this stuff mentioned here by f&m.

Got to no. 2 in the UK, IIRC. But it just seems to be off the radar. The guitar work from Slash alone should be reason enough that could never happen.

The video would have been fine without the shots of all those stupid people. SO annoying. The 'gig' parts were fine. You've got Michael looking divine. Slash being, well, Slash. Nuff' said. Gilbey throwing shapes like a rock god. Pure rock god. Muzz Skillings just bringing it. Yesssssss!!!!!

The keyboard guy, I don't really know him, but he is grooving to Michael's song, looking cool as hell. And JM, of course. You've got a great looking rock band right there.
 
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filmandmusic said:
It didn’t even get much of a new life in 2009 where Michael completely destroyed the UK top 40 with re entries. It was almost completely forgotten, wiped off the earth somehow lol
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I was devastated by Michael's death but I LOVED this. It was a hell of a moment. And it just went on. And on. I hated the reason why it happened but it was still one hell of a moment. It was one hell of a hymn of praise to Michael.

I didn't buy any of Michael's records until after he died.
 
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I Can't Help It
Keep The Faith
Street Walker
Cry (should have been used during the whole 9/11 tragedy. It was a fitting song)
Butterflies- the fact this almost hit number 1 with very little promotion speaks volumes on how good it was
Whatever Happens
Don't Walk Away
 
I’ve said this before, but I’ve never understood why ‘ease on down the road’ charted so low. it’s a great catchy, happy song with two big names. for me, it was the most memorable part of ‘the wiz’ movie. a sure fire hit I would have thought. then again, it was done right before Michael would experience a second wave of popularity as a solo artist. maybe the soundtrack album was more successful?
Diana Ross performed it as recent as the Glastonbury festival last week. the one and only time she and Michael performed it together, was one of michael’s best live vocals. the two had great chemistry. the energy was through the roof.
 
Michael does a very rare (for him) one legged multiple spin in the footage of The Wiz at 1.55 check it out!
Such a great clip and great song. The live performance is the icing on the cake. The enthusiasm and energy of Michael in this era was unparalleled.Love it!
 
filmandmusic said:
Michael does a very rare (for him) one legged multiple spin in the footage of The Wiz at 1.55 check it out!
Such a great clip and great song. The live performance is the icing on the cake. The enthusiasm and energy of Michael in this era was unparalleled.Love it!
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yes, there are elements of ballet in the movie clip that Michael hadn’t expressed before. he had so much range. I actually think the variety show was a great platform for him to showcase that. even if he disliked it.
 
Adding some J5 / Jacksons songs to my list:

J5
1 - True Love Can Be Beautiful - apparently it was released as a single in the UK in 1970. Must not have charted since I can't see it listed on the Official UK Charts page. Would love it to have a higher profile. Just for Michael's phrasing alone it's gorgeous. Think this could have been great in Michael's solo shows - dump the usual J5 medley and just do this one.
2 - Skywriter - Yes it was a hit in the UK but it wasn't even released as a single in the US. Crazy! It is beyond awesome. I want it to have all the prizes. It seems to fly below the radar. I don't understand why.
3 - If I Have To Move A Mountain - I just want it to get loads more love. All the time.
4 - Maybe Tomorrow - it was a US single but not UK, afaik. It does get quite a lot of love but still has a low profile, weirdly.

Jacksons
1 - Bless His Soul - a B-side in the UK. Should have made it a double A-side so it could at least have got some radio air play. Heart rending lyrics, especially listening to them now, but such an awesome song.
2 - Find Me A Girl - according to Wiki this was performed live on the tiny 1978 tour they did. 3 shows in Trinidad and one at Dodger Stadium. Would love it if this could have been performed loads more.
 
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zinniabooklover said:
2 - Find Me A Girl - according to Wiki this was performed live on the tiny 1978 tour they did. 3 shows in Trinidad and one at Dodger Stadium. Would love it if this could have been performed loads more.
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Nobody knows how much concerts they did in 1978. There is almost no info on this. I personally can‘t believe they released the goin places album to only perform a couple of shows in Trinidad while also only playing 2 songs from their new album.

But maybe that is how it went because the album flopped big time, no promotional push, no big hits, no tour.
 
filmandmusic said:
Nobody knows how much concerts they did in 1978. There is almost no info on this. I personally can‘t believe they released the goin places album to only perform a couple of shows in Trinidad while also only playing 2 songs from their new album.
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It is weird. I saw that they had done a tour, got all excited, went to find out more, was told it was merely 3 shows in Trinidad and the one at the Dodger and thought ... wth?

But who knows? Maybe there is a really interesting story here but we'll never get the full version. Tracking Michael's life kinda feels pointless. There are so many gaps, so much misinformation, so much noise. It's frustrating.

filmandmusic said:
But maybe that is how it went because the album flopped big time, no promotional push, no big hits, no tour.
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Mm, could be.
 
Yes and that final concert was months after the Trinidad concerts. It makes no sense. My bet is they did way more dates in between.

You don’t follow up your successful debut album at a new label without trying to emulate it with the 2nd
 
Whew, where do I start? Lol
BAD Album
"Just Good Friends" would've been a great single. Especially with a video. Would've been nice to see Stevie & Michael together in a music video. If not a music video, I wish they could've performed it at the 88 Wembley show. I think there's pictures of them on stage during one of the Ba tour shows but no video 😓.
They could've squeezed "Al Capone" into Moonwalker. Maybe during the chase scene where's he's running from the armed guys.
"Fly Away" should've stayed on the album. Probably would've fit perfectly somewhere around tracks 7 & 8.
DANGEROUS Album
I wish "She Drives Me Wild" was released as a single. Especially at that time when New Jack Swing was so popular. The video would've been alot of fun too. Looking back at New Jack Swing videos at that time, man, it could've had that same high energy. That "In Living Color" feel.
"Can't Let Her Get Away" should've been a single. I almost prefer if that got a music video over "In The Closet" (Don't kill me lol).
HIStory Album
"Tabloid Junkie" should've been a single. It's such a banger. I get how it would've been redundant to drop a video for both "Scream" and "Tabloid Junkie" though because they pretty much have the same message. I also understand him picking "Scream" to push that message because it is more aggressive sounding.
Tabloid Junkie feels more fun instrumentally. The message would've flew over many people's head. Plus the lyrics on "Scream" are a bit more clear in the verses.
INVINCIBLE Album
....-sigh- I could go on and on about this one lol Unbreakable, Privacy, & Threatened should've gotten released as singles. I sometimes think about how awesome a Threatened music video would've been but I would get if Michael didn't wanna do another scary music video. Especially with "Ghost" not getting the push it deserved.
Privacy would've been so awesome as a music video. I have many ideas for how I think that music video would've been but I could see him at a podium, almost like a President and the press r snapping pictures and asking alot of questions & Michael just goes off singing the lyrics with this attitude like I'm sick of yals sh*t lol.
Butterflies should've got a nice romantic r&b music video. Would've been cool to see him tap into this Neo soul music video vibe lol.
XSCAPE Album
"Chicago" & "Loving You" should've been singles. One of them could've got a animated music video. I say one cause I doubt they'd do that for 2 songs lol.
 
Lots of songs really

I Can't Help It is timeless. Secretly the best song on the album. Burn This Disco Out is also a strong floor buster. Basically Uptown Funk before it ever came to be.


Baby Be Mine is a good tune but The Lady In My Life is as transcendent as Human Nature. Both could get airplay. WBSS also deserves to be higher than #4.

Bad, I dunno, I feel like they got the most mileage out of that album possible. But the fact smooth criminal only got #7 is, well, criminal lol. Easy #1 hit.

Dangerous, should have been a single. I wish that every day, every time I think about it. Can't Let Her Get Away, that's a song I greatly admire. But Remember the Time deserved more push, live performances, everything done to be a #1.

For HIStory, This Time Around. It's basically insane that TLC had so much success with Dallas Austin but this song is rarely talked about. With Biggie Smalls no less. It goes hard.

And of course Tabloid Junkie deserves the most push. But I also wish Smile was a single and publicized too.

For Invincible, well, it can never be said how it deserves better. Whatever Happens in particular though, deserved to be a single. And Unbreakable would've easily been #1, I refuse to hear otherwise.

And Chicago should've definitely been on airplay. It's success now is proof. Hilarious about that. It should've been debut single.
 
Mister_Jay_Tee said:
But I also wish Smile was a single and publicized too.
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That would have been beautiful.

Mister_Jay_Tee said:
For Invincible, well, it can never be said how it deserves better.
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Yesssss!!!!!!

Mister_Jay_Tee said:
Whatever Happens in particular though, deserved to be a single.
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oh, god, yeah. It would have been epic.

Mister_Jay_Tee said:
And Chicago should've definitely been on airplay. It's success now is proof. Hilarious about that. It should've been debut single.
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Sigh!
 
TalentedKamarty said:
"Just Good Friends" would've been a great single. Especially with a video. Would've been nice to see Stevie & Michael together in a music video. If not a music video, I wish they could've performed it at the 88 Wembley show. I think there's pictures of them on stage during one of the Ba tour shows but no video 😓.
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Stevie Wonder joined Michael Jackson on stage in Brisbane during the 'BAD' Tour, for the 'BAD' song (there is a YouTube video).

On that song, Australian dancer Wade Robson (as a kid) for the first time appeared and danced on stage (in 'BAD' outfit), at Michael Jackson's request.

Michael Jackson and Stevie Wonder never performed together 'Just Good Friends' on stage during that tour.
TalentedKamarty said:
"Tabloid Junkie" should've been a single. It's such a banger. I get how it would've been redundant to drop a video for both "Scream" and "Tabloid Junkie" though because they pretty much have the same message. I also understand him picking "Scream" to push that message because it is more aggressive sounding.
Tabloid Junkie feels more fun instrumentally. The message would've flew over many people's head. Plus the lyrics on "Scream" are a bit more clear in the verses.
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Michael Jackson chose 'Scream' as the lead single not just because it was more aggressive sounding.

Apparently a duet with his sister Janet Jackson (as the lead single and with such a lyrical theme) was also a way for him to emphatically show to the world that his family supported him at that time.
 
Zeus 7 said:
Liberian Girl, that waste of a nonsensical video was scandalous for such an amazing vocal, lyric and topic
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The video essentially takes your attention away from the song. It is indeed very bad.
On the other hand it is fun to see who was part of it and it is amazing that MJ was able to bring all of them together for the shoot. This is unless it is just genius editing and none of them were actually present lol

But you are right the song has so much potential. I hope it gets a resurgence somehow. It doesn’t sound out of place at all in todays music landscape.

BTW it was nr 1 in Ireland!
 
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