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The Michael Jackson Mixtape

We wonder if Michael Jackson has made the most appearances on mixtapes made for friends?

Last week the king of pop passed away - taking with him a legacy of phenomenal music and a career that impacted multiple generations. Despite the turmoil of his personal life, Michael Jackson was a musical genius, and a staple in music to any child of the 70s and 80s. Everyone I know had Thriller growing up (I had the cassette), and I have yet to meet many people who can’t at least hum along to a few Michael Jackson tunes. Few people reach the status in their careers to be considered icons, but Jackson did just that and so much more. This week is a mixtape of my favorite MJ tunes. Crank it up and attempt the moonwalk in his honor.

ABC – Listen to the Jackson 5 if you want a prime example of pure talent. What 12 year old could croon, shout and shake better than Michael during the breakdown in this song? It’s classic pop, and I dare you to try and listen and not crack a smile.

The Way You Make Me Feel (A Capella) - Sure, Jackson produced a ton of interesting and outstanding pop gems, but strip his music down to just his vocals and you can see exactly why he was the king of pop. He hits notes that seem impossible for a guy, and the entire delivery of the song seems effortless; a true example of a music prodigy.

Billie Jean - It’s amazing to see the cultural impact Jackson’s music had on multiple generations. This song came on the night after he died at a bar I was at, and everyone started singing along regardless of age. Even the older regulars knew the words to this song. Music doesn’t typically reach this wide of an audience.

Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’ - One of the things I love about Jackson’s music is the subtle addition of things that really unify his songs - the addition of one bat of horns or a harmonization that totally elevates the song to a classic status. The man could (and did) have some ridiculous lyrics, but the music made it catchy and acceptable.

PYT (Pretty Young Thing) - Jackson’s music still sounds fresh and new today, but also has a vintage and classic sound. The guy is using basic auto-tune (the choice of rappers today) and putting down the template for every Chromeo song in “PYT.” The song could be released today and fit in a decent amount of genres.

Smooth Criminal - Another thing that is undeniable is the amount of hits that Jackson produced during his career. So many of his songs became instant classics, not just a single that was popular for a season then faded into the background. You don’t get that type of everlasting success anymore. I’m pretty sure 20+ years from now a large percentage of people will not be able to recall more than one Coldplay song, if they can even recall one. But people will still know the words to “Thriller.”

Beat It - I don’t know any child that grew up in the late 80s/early 90s that took dance lessons and didn’t dance to at least one Michael Jackson song. When I was seven, my jazz class did an awesome routine to “Beat It,” including neon orange spandex and black velvet blazers. I know, you’re insanely jealous of my awesome childhood. Add to my memory the fact that Eddie Van Halen wails on the guitar during this song, and you’ve got the reason “Beat It’ is one of my favorite pop songs of all time.

Black or White - Ok, one of the worst intros of all time, but during the rest of the song I want to grab my crotch and dance like a spastic white girl pushing it to the limit.

Thriller - On Friday night the “Thriller” video came on in a bar I was at. Me and the waitress and a few others danced along, and I’m proud to admit I remember at least 60% of it. Also three strangers bought me shots after I did the “Thriller” dance, proving that pop music can get you free booze and unite strangers.

Don’t Stop ‘Till You Get Enough - This track is possibly my favorite Michael Jackson song. I can’t explain it, but the beat gets in my head every time I hear it. It’s just so infectious, earnest and fun. Everything good pop music should be. Thanks for the wonderful music Michael Jackson, and keep moonwalking along in the great beyond. We’ll see you on the flipside.