A little-known single released by The Jacksons in 1989 when Michael had left the band. This album was pretty underrated in my opinion. It’s a shame it didn’t fare better in the charts. This is a gorgeous song that Michael contributed vocals to and it’s so soulful & smooth.
2) Samantha Ronson – Built this way
Yes, I watched Mean Girls & this played pretty much all the way through so I kinda found myself liking it!
3) Fat Larry’s Band – Zoom
So summery. Love this.
4) Fleetwood Mac – Sara
God, I love Fleetwood Mac! Stevie Nicks’ voice is divine and this is an amazing song.
A shamefully honest song that could be written and performed by no-one else other than Mr Robbie Williams. Such a powerful, awesome song.
7) Robbie Williams – Feel
Hauntingly beautiful – that piano introduction and the lyrics are just beautiful. “Come and hold my hand, I wanna contact the living” – what a line. One of the best lyrics ever written.
8) The Vamps – Somebody to you
The more I hear by The Vamps, the more I love them. Love this song.
9) Queen & David Bowie – Under Pressure
I watched the 1998 movie ‘Stepmom’ with Julia Roberts the other day and this song was played in the opening segment. One of my favourite Queen tracks, with that irresistible bass line (years before it was nicked by Vanilla Ice) and a fantastic duet between two amazing singers – Freddie Mercury & David Bowie.
10) Thomas Newman – Any other name
‘American Beauty’ is one of my favourite films of all time and part of what makes it so appealing for me is Thomas Newman’s hauntingly beautiful score. ‘Any other name’ is a piece of music commonly played in media and it’s just stunning. One of my favourite pieces of music ever produced.
One of Michael’s more understated and underrated tracks. Written by R.Kelly, this was the second and final single off what was to become MJ’s final studio album in his lifetime, 2001’s ‘Invincible’. It’s one of my favourite MJ songs and it’s such an uplifting beautiful track. In the same vein as ‘Man in the mirror’ and ‘Heal the world’, it’s an inspiring change-the-world song.
2) Ed Sheeran – Afire love
This is so beautiful it’s unreal. Fell in love with this upon hearing it on the radio the other day. Ed is such an incredibly talented guy.
3) Ed Sheeran – Bloodstream
‘X’ is an amazing album. I really love this track. It’s a little dark but it’s catchy. Interesting that Rudimental was involved in the creation of this track.
4) Mark Morrison –Return of the Mack
An absolute classic. Heard it on the radio and was reminded what an awesome tune this is!
5) Raleigh Ritchie – Stronger than ever
Love this. So powerful and emotive.
6) Michael Jackson- Man in the mirror
Classic Michael Jackson song. I always loved it but the fact on the day of his death, this was being played everywhere, this song now has an even deeper meaning for me. Beautiful lyrics and a beautiful song.
7) United we stand – What more can I give
Between 1999 and 2002, Michael Jackson organised an almost Part 2 of USA for Africa (who achieved major chart success in 1985 with ‘We are the world’.) Michael was inspired to write the song after meeting President Nelson Mandela in the last 90’s and was originally rumoured to perform it live at some of his concerts. The song was pushed aside, however, until the 2001 9/11 terrorist attacks. Encouraged by a friend, Michael re-wrote the song and selected a team of A-list artists to contribute to the project. Artists such as Beyonce, Nsync, Celine Dion, Usher, Luther Vandross, Anastasia amongst others contributed vocals towards this incredibly beautiful song. They also performed it live at 2002’s ‘United We Stand’ charity performance. Ultimately, the song was never fully released as a singe. It’s a terrible shame when it’s such an incredible song.
8) Blackstreet – Joy
An idea by Michael Jackson sparked this track off. Teddy Riley (producer of Michael’s Dangerous album) then took this idea and turned it into a full-blown song with his band Blackstreet. I love how smooth and soulful this is.
Today marks the fifth anniversary of Michael Jackson. Michael Jackson was and remains one of my musical and artistic idols and I was gutted at his death. These days, my obsession levels with the king of pop have decreased a little but he remains one of my heroes and I am still a huge, die-hard fan.
I thought I would share a playlist as a celebration of Michael’s contribution to music and the entertainment industry. This playlist is a collection of unreleased or little known tracks that I believe are as good as Michael’s released works. The aim is for those who haven’t heard these before to fall in love with at least one of them!
18 Greatest MJ unreleased tracks
1) For all time
An absolutely gorgeous track. This surfaced on the internet many years ago before a remastered version was stuck on the release of Thriller 25. I’m not keen on the remastered version, however. There’s very little different about it but there’s some extra instrumentation that just seems to remove some of the magic from the low quality version that still exists. I’ve embedded my preferred version!
2) Love never felt so good
Technically it’s now released but not in Michael’s lifetime. This is an Off The Wall-era track which is so catchy and fantastic. I’ve embedded Michael’s original demo. Do love the new versions though, including the one with Justin Timberlake!
3) Carousel
An outtake from Thriller. I really love the melody to this. I think it’s right that it wasn’t included on the final version of Thriller as it wouldn’t have fit in with the rest of the tracks but it’s a lovely song all the same.
4) The way you love me
Two versions of this exist. The first appeared on the definitive Michael Jackson box set – 2004’s Ultimate Collection as a demo (which sounded like a finished product). I always loved this. It then appeared on the controversial posthumous album ‘Michael’ back in 2010. I love both versions. Just such a happy, beautifully written song. I’ve embedded the original demo
5) Best of joy
It’s sickly sweet and a little repetitive but this is a gorgeous song that was included on the first posthumous MJ album, ‘Michael’ in 2010.
6) Beautiful Girl
A smooth, soulful track that appeared on The Ultimate Collection back in 2004.
7) Scared of the moon
Another beautiful song that appeared on The Ultimate Collection. Many fans aren’t as keen on this but I think it’s truly beautiful. It’s apparently an outtake from Bad.
8) Trouble
An outtake from Thriller, this was eventually recorded by Musical Youth. SO catchy. It wouldn’t have fit in on Thriller, however.
Michael’s version:
Musical Youth’s version:
9) Elizabeth I love you
Michael wrote this song and performed it for his friend Elizabeth Taylor at her 65th Birthday Gala in 1997. This was the only time we heard the song as a studio version isn’t known to exist. Beautiful, cleverly written song.
10) I am a loser
A demo of this appeared around a year after Michael’s death. You can tell it’s not finished as it has very little instrumentation. Beautiful song, however.
11) Xscape (Original version)
This appeared on the internet back in 2002. The version that appears on the latest posthumous MJ album is far inferior and an awful interpretation. Check out the original version. It’s funky, catchy and an MJ classic.
12) What more can I give
A planned charity single written by Michael Jackson before Sony refused to release and promote it. It therefore never fully saw light of day. Plenty of stars on this – Nsync, Beyonce, Usher, Celine Dion, Michael himself amongst others. A truly beautiful song that should have been released.
13) Joy
Gorgeous song co-written by Michael with his Dangerous album producer Teddy Riley. Michael wrote the melody and backgrounds before deciding he wasn’t happy with it. He gave permission for Teddy Riley to finish the song lyrically and record it with his band BlackStreet for their debut album in 1994.
Here’s the eventual version by Blackstreet:
And a snippet of Michael’s original idea:
14) To Satisfy You
Another fantastic song co-written by Michael with Bryan Loren. Again, Michael wasn’t happy with this so he gave it to his co-writer who released it as a solo effort. Love how soulful this is and the use of the strings. The version on the net is sung by Bryan Loren with Michael singing the chorus.
15) Mind is the magic
Written by Michael and Dangerous era collaborator Bryan Loren. Catchy as hell. It was written in 1989 before being re-written for German illusionists Siegfried and Roy for one of their stage shows.
16) Someone put your hand out
A smooth and beautiful song written by Michael with Dangerous producer Teddy Riley for the Dangerous album. Found its way around thorough its inclusion on rare MJ releases.
17) On the line
Gorgeous ballad which should have been released. Recorded for a Spike Lee movie but wasn’t featured on the soundtrack album. Written by Babyface (Bobby Brown, Whitney Houston, Boyz II Men, Beyonce and many more).
18) We’ve had enough
Powerful song which found it’s way onto 2004’s Ultimate Collection. Dramatic and an awesome song.
One of my favourite of Phil’s amazing collection of songs. The perfect ending to the ‘Tarzan’ movie and a truly beautiful song. One of the greatest love songs ever written.
6) All Saints – Pure Shores
I watched ‘The Beach’ (the movie in which this song is included) and fell in love with this song all over again. SO summery.
7) Take That – The Garden
One of Take That’s finest songs of their career. It’s a beautiful, inspiring song and it’s lovely to hear all the boys have lead vocals on it.
Robbie’s lyrics have always been some of the best and this song features storytelling as its finest. Very clever lyrically and a fantastic song overall. ‘Escapology’ was an incredible moment in Robbie’s career.
9) Ellie Goulding – This love will be your downfall
Another fantastic, well-produced track from Ellie’s ‘Lights’ album.
10) Ellie Goulding – The Writer
I’ve always loved this song. It’s truly beautiful and it’s one of her most underrated songs in my opinion. Great to play on the piano.
Heard this at a party once and fell in love. Ridiculously catchy.
5) Oasis – Champagne Supernova
Heard a cover of this by The Pretty Reckless in Radio 1’s live lounge and really enjoyed it. Then checked out the original and haven’t stopped listening to it since. Amazing song. One of the best closing tracks to an album ever.
Love how dreamy this is. Bits of it remind me of ‘Pure Shores’ by All Saints – another amazing summer track.
7) Ella Henderson – Ghost
A pleasant surprise by a former X Factor contestant. Amazing, catchy song co-written by one of my favourite songwriters, OneRepublic front man, Ryan Tedder.
8) Arctic Monkeys – Snap out of it
Love the feel of this track.
9) Example- Stay with me
SO 90’S, SO GOOD.
10) Oasis – Don’t go away
I’d never heard this before but I have fallen head over heels in love with it. SO beautiful.
SO catchy. I have no idea why this is only available on the deluxe edition because it’s probably my highlight of the album.
2) Darius – Maliblue
I found this in someone’s summer playlist on Spotify. A really catchy electro track.
3) Ella Henderson – Ghost
Heard this on the radio the other day and loved it. Had no idea who it was until Grimmy mentioned after and it was a pleasant surprise! I always liked Ella on the X Factor but wasn’t sure if she’d go anywhere after the show. This is easily one of the best songs around at the moment so she’s heading in the right direction! Co-written by one of my favourite songwriters, OneRepublic’s Ryan Tedder.
4) Laura Mvula – She
LOVE this. The harmonies are gorgeous and it’s just a very powerful, beautiful song.
5) Alexia Keys & John Mayer – Lesson learned
Beautiful song by two very talented artists. Very chilled out.
6) Peter Andre – I feel you
Bit of 90’s cheese. I know he’s not liked by any but I really like him as a person and as an artist. Love this soppy ballad 🙂
7) Matt Cardle – It’s only love
This man is so bloody underrated. Such a talented guy. Really love this song.
8) Kelly Rowland – Can’t nobody
Bit of a throwback. Really love how catchy this is.
9) Usher – Good kisser
So damn catchy. Love those dreamy harmonies!
10) Laura Mvula – Yellow
The original by Coldplay is one of my favourite songs of all time. I love Laura Mvula and I found her performance of this the other day on YouTube and fell in love with her all over again. One of the most talented women to emerge from the UK in years. Stunning piano-vocal version of a beautiful song. Some of those chords give me goosebumps!
A song I’ve always loved but I fell even deeper in love with it in this past week after watching a live performance of it. The lyrics are some of the best ever written and it’s such a beautiful, emotional song that I can really relate to.
2) Peter Andre – I do
People may scoff at Peter Andre but he has created a great swing/retro album. This is a lovely song.
(You’ll have to Spotify this one!)
3) John Mayer – Free fallin’
One of those rare songs that happen to be better than the original. Amazing.
4) Katy Perry – Teenage dream
This never gets old. Reminds me of summer 2010 – it will always remain my teenage anthem.
5) East 17 & Gabrielle – If you ever
An underrated 90’s R&B classic, this is SO good. Another song that is better than the original. Brian Harvey’s vocals are silky smooth and Gabrielle has one of my favourite female voices EVER.
6) The Cranberries – Linger
Just absolutely unique and beautiful.
7) S Club 7 – Show me your colours
Again, before people scoff at this being by S Club 7, listen to the track first. Awesome song.
8) Pharrell – Angel
Catchy as hell. Pharrell is a genius.
9) TLC – No Scrubs
This girl group were one of the best of the 90’s. This remains an absolute tune. SO good.
10) Katy Perry – Thinking of you
An underrated track by Katy, this is one of her best. One of very few songs she wrote on her own, this needs to be heard by more people so they realise how talented she actually is. Beautiful, relatable lyrics.
This morning, many of us awoke to – in the Daily Mail’s words – ‘SHOCKING’ news Louis Tomlinson and Zayn Malik had been captured on video smoking a joint. It was plastered as the main headline on the Mail Online website and many ‘comedic’ trends appeared on Twitter thereafter. As a lover of the entertainment industry, I thought I’d take the time to blog about it and my opinions. If I am honest, I see this situation from both perspectives and I will explain why below.
Marijuana is a massively popular drug. It’s been referred to as the most commonly used drug in the world, particularly in America. Compared to most drugs, marijuana often sparks some debate over the use of it. Many-a-time has there been calls to make it legal and it very much appears to be a drug that is more socially acceptable than others.
The entertainment industry is no different with their attitudes towards marijuana. Countless celebrities have smoked/continue to smoke marijuana and we can guarantee there are many others who haven’t been caught or haven’t admitted to doing so. My point here is that Louis Tomlinson and Zayn Malik are just two people out of many, many famous people who take the drug. They are young men, excessively rich and as sickly as it sounds, they are on a journey to finding themselves as we all are at that age. The difference is, they are doing it in the public eye where there are certain expectations. It’s funny really. For many members of bands, drug usage is almost the norm. From members of The Beatles to Matt Healy from The 1975, members of The Rolling Stones to Tom Chalin from Keane – drug usage has almost been considered ‘okay’ because they’re all rock/alternative/indie bands. There’s no fuss caused over them doing drugs yet as Louis and Zayn are in a boyband, it’s forbidden.
On the other hand I do see why it is an issue. I am not completely defending them at all. Personally, I am against drugs. I have never taken them in any form and I don’t ever plan to. Life has it’s ups and downs but I don’t feel the need to turn to them. Having said that, I have friends who will turn to marijuana occasionally and whilst that’s not a decision I agree with, I respect their decision because it’s not my life. We are all entitled to make our own choices in life.
Zayn & Louis are role models. There are millions of young Directioners all over the world – many Primary School-aged or in their early teens. They are expected to be role models to these millions of young fans and I guess in such a profession, that is part of the job. There’s no negotiation, it’s an unwritten rule. In the 21st century, the pressures on them to be positive influences is even more important. A Twitter & Tumblr culture means there are many, many young people who seem to get led astray far too easily. They go to extreme, often concerning lengths to protect and defend their idols. The issue this event will cause is that now many young people will think that it’s ‘okay’ and ‘cool’ to do drugs and they will defend their heroes. As I said, it’s people’s own decision if they wish to do drugs. But that doesn’t mean that drug usage should be advertised as acceptable and cool to young people by those in the public eye. If these boys are to smoke marijuana, do it in private! Don’t get caught and don’t become a walking advertisement. We don’t want future generations to think that this is the way forward for them or we will create a culture in which drug usage will increase, as will illness and dependency on the health service. We don’t want future generations to be even more damaged than our current one.
Do I think this will blow over? Yes. The boys will more than likely release a statement apologising for their actions, admitting how ‘foolish’ they’ve been and we know damn well they won’t regret their actions in the slightest. They’ll just regret getting caught. They are foolish, I think most of us will agree but this will all be left in the past sooner or later.
Let’s face it, these boys aren’t the first and they certainly won’t be the last band members to be caught or accused of such events. Robbie Williams is a noteworthy example in addition to Brian Harvey from East 17 who declared “It’s cool to take drugs”. We have always had and always will have boyband members ‘tarnishing their squeaky clean image’. The important thing now is for the boys to apologise, get a slap on the wrists from their management and not get caught again. They’re human. Let them make their mistakes and move on.
This came on shuffle the other day and I fell in love with it all over again. Never heard anything else by these boys but this is still SO good. So catchy and upbeat.
2) Roxette – You can’t put your arms around what’s already gone
Another little song that popped up on shuffle! This band is so good – the album this is from is incredible. Great lyrics to this track.
3) John Mayer – Vultures
A song I always overlooked until about a month ago. John Mayer is such an underrated writer. Amazing lyrics and I just absolutely love this.
4) Simon Webbe – Free
Simon is of course a member of British boyband Blue. His debut solo album ‘Sanctuary’ is one of my favourite albums released, surprisingly enough. It’s just a perfect balance of upbeat and slow tracks and every song is fantastic. This is co-written by one of my favourite songwriters and I love how soft and beautiful this is.
These guys were such an awesome band. Most of the current boybands would envy these harmonies. There’s not enough harmony in boybands these days in my opinion. Great little song.
6) Pharrell Williams – Frontin’
This was on The Nixtape on Radio 1 and I forgot what an absolute tune it is! Pharrell is a genius.
7) The 1975 – So far it’s alright
This = my jam. That is all!
8) John Mayer – All we ever do is say goodbye
One of my favourite songs of all time. The lyrics are so perfect and so easy to relate to. I fell in love with this over a year ago and it just always reminds me of summer. It also, for some reason, reminds me of one of my favourite movies, ‘Brokeback Mountain’. I have no idea why this is but it makes the track even more special for me.
9) Ronan Keating – Lost for words
Just really love the feel of this song. Lyric content is great too.
10) Sam Smith – Leave your lover
I think Sam Smith is incredibly talented but every song he has released so far (aside from ‘Latch’ and ‘La la la’) has really annoyed me. I’ve been waiting for something to really impress me and not become irritating. Well he’s finally done it. This is so, so beautiful. So soft and delicate with fantastic lyrics.
The original version. I love hearing how MJ wanted his songs, not them all remixed by ‘hot’ producers. The new version is unrecognisable and utterly crap. I remember the original leaking years ago and always loving this track.
the-music-box.co.uk 