Welcome back, readers! In keeping with the Michael Jackson theme of the month, we’ve already paid homage to classics as “Human Nature” and “Beat It“. This week I chose one of my favorites of the many favorite MJ songs- “Man In The Mirror”. Perhaps one of the most compassionate hits off of Bad, it was also #1 on iTunes just a little while ago, much to the surprise (and not surprise) of industry giants. Of all his best #1 singles, why this one? More like, why the hell not? In light of his tragic passing, this one’s probably the most appropriate song to represent his legacy. It’s such a beautiful piece of music that touches listeners, uplifts them, cleanses their soul, and leaves them feeling purified. For a man who wished for the world to reunite in peace in his lifetime, it seems evident that through his music the world is doing just that in honor of the King of Pop. I hope he’s looking down at us, smiling!
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Michael Jackson – “Man In The Mirror” (original 1988)
An anthem of self-improvement, this track features some of Michael’s most ambitious vocal talent, soulful background vocals and an actual gospel choir for good measure. This song makes me want to cry, but in a good way.
Kris Allen of American Idol (cover 2009)
I’ve never actually followed a season of “American Idol”, but I gather fans went nuts over contestant Kris Allen’s version. I give him an “E” for effort, but this one couldn’t possibly ever hold a candle to the original as it isn’t even in the same stratosphere of soulfulness. Don’t worry Kris, it’s not your fault you’re white. Haha.
James Morrison (2009)
I absolutely love this rendition from British soul-singer James Morrison. Acoustic guitar, pretty guitar licks, a sped-up rhythm, this one definitely tops my list of best covers thus far.
No Strings Attached (2003)
If jazzy, collegiate, a cappella groups from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign are your cup of tea then you’re in for a treat with this surprisingly good interpretation. Supposedly, this one was nominated for the a cappella Grammy’s (or its equivalent) while some of our readers were too busy rushing fraternities. Man, I wonder what these guys sound like drunk!
Rhymefest cover (2008)
Who ever said hip hop musicians didn’t have a sensitive side? Rhymefest took time off from collaborating with Kanye West to put out a mixtape dedicated to Michael Jackson’s music. Gotta love a true blue fan.
U2 live (2009)
Leave it to Bono of U2 to dedicate a portion of their performance to the gloved one’s memory at their show in Milan last week. They begin with “Angel of Harlem” (one of my all-time favorite tracks of U2) and lace in a little “Man In The Mirror” for a roaring crowd.
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I def don’t want to be a buzz kill, this is my favorite MJ song ever but…he didn’t write it. GASP! I know, it hurts, the song absolutely still belongs to him but it was actually written by a woman, Siedah Garrett, she sings background vocals on that and many other MJ classics…trivia for only the geekiest of Jackson fans!