Welcome back, readers! As I’m sure you’ve already heard, the King of Pop and musical visionary that is/was known as Michael Jackson passed away last week sending the world into a state of complete and utter shock. Google, Wikipedia, and Twitter temporarily shut down due to the surge of MJ-related activity and searches, Billy Mays, Ed McMahon, and Farrah Fawcett‘s deaths were overshadowed with his media coverage, stores are selling out of his records, and his name is all over the top of music charts again. Perhaps, then it was only natural that the Pop/Punk feature I promised last week had to be shelved for now in honor of an artist on the verge of a killer comeback. Even though his tragic death preempted his sold-out string of This Is It concert series, the deluge of love from fans and music colleagues around the world only prove that the comeback has already been accomplished… because he never really went away!
Since words can’t really do his art justice, I’ve included several stellar cover performances of one of my favorite all-time Michael Jackson songs, “Human Nature”. I dedicate this post to Michael and will leave you with one of his best performances of the song during the height of his fame. MJ forever!
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Michael Jackson’s “Human Nature” (original)
“If this town is just an apple, then let me take a bite.”
Alicia Keys cover (live)
Miss Keys belts out this song as sweetly and soulfully as her own material. It’s flawless.
Boyz II Men cover
Gotta love this Latin-inspired cover version from a band who is in desperate need of a comeback… now, please!
The Color Fred cover (acoustic)
Even the co-vocalist/songwriter from Taking Back Sunday can’t help but pick up his guitar and ask “why?” about human nature. I love the “hee” that was thrown in at the end!
Craig David cover (live)
Acoustic, rhythm and blues-inspired Michael Jackson covers have never sounded so melodious.
Tarrus Riley cover
Reggae-tinged, this creative interpretation makes me want to blast this as I lay in my hammock with a cold beverage, contemplating “why, why.”
Chaka Khan & Miles Davis (live)
Miles Davis and Chaka Khan wowed crowds back in ’89 with this superstar collaboration. I can’t decide what stole the show: his smooth trumpet, or her larger than life vocals (start at 2:20)? Either way, I think the audience won.
Michael Jackson live
Performed during his Bad Tour in 1987, Michael Jackson proves to be a treat for the eyes and ears as he manages to excite crowds with rhythmic dance moves even during one of his slower jams. Thank goodness for YouTube, Michael’s dynamic stage performances are always a click away.
R.I.P. MJ.
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