Be Not Always

[83magic]

i don't think 'we are the world' is sappy at all. not only is it heartfelt, but it's a practical call for action and unity;

'there comes a time, when must heed a certain call
when the world must come together as one
there are people dying
and it's time to lend a hand to life, the greatest gift of all

we can't go on, pretending day by day
that someone, somewhere will soon make a change'

the message is clear and the lyrics are cohesive. that's what's needed for a topic like this. not a riddle. it also has a memorable melody that is easy to sing along to. arranging all of those different and distinct voices as 'mini' duets, was a stroke of genius on quincy's part. with michael, of course, writing most of it. it honestly set the standard for not only group celebrity charity records, but for michael's humanitarian songs in general.

i love the footage of michael's solo recording of it. he displays much more vocal range in this one chorus than he does throughout the whole of 'be not always'

 

[Fuzball]

,he never sounded as emotional during a track than during this song.

This! And "Price of Fame" is second.

Has he vocally ever sounded greater than on this song or let us say between 1978 till 1985? I doubt it.

Little Susie (1978) & Much Too Soon (1981) maybe?

 

[Maxym]

Little Susie (1978) & Much Too Soon (1981) maybe?

I'd say Dream Away .

 

[SmoothCriminal1995]

Vocally Michael shines on Be Not Always, but I'm not the biggest fan of the track itself, I've always felt it lacks a little bit of direction.

I can appreciate why it's special for some people though, I'd say it's the most emotional I've ever heard him on a track, about 4 mins in it sounds like he's almost having to compose himself to finish the song.

I do love the way Mike sings the "please" with such emotion and feeling is for want of a better word pleasing as crazy as that sounds.