It has been ten years since the world lost a legend.
Michael Jackson was one-of-a-kind; a talent who topped the charts and blew our minds. From childhood he was a pint-sized show-stopper, displaying a gift that kept on giving and growing over the years.
From “ABC” to “PYT,” and every tune before, in-between, and up until his untimely death, the music Jackson made was pure gold with some killer moves to match. That’s why watching his videos was so thrilling. Nobody could capture the camera like the crowned King of Pop. Emotional and energetic, every moment had us at the edge of our seats, listening to every nuanced note and watching as Jackson’s body was driven by the beat.
Who knows what Jackson would have been doing if he were alive today. At 60, his music may have metamorphosed and his dancing may have taken a different direction, but we’d still be watching and wondering how the man could be so unique.
Let’s take a trip down musical memory lane and celebrate what would have been the King of Pop’s big 6-0. These 10 music videos are unforgettable…but in case you forgot, take a few Michael-inspired moments to celebrate a sensation and sing along to the magic that is Michael Jackson.
“Thriller”
For a scare that’s cinematic, check out Jackson’s video for “Thriller.” Not only is the song a stunner, but the visual component was ahead of its time and tremendously inventive. The plot was perfect, the costumes chilling, and the choreography creative. If this video doesn’t thrill you, nothing will. Watch it when “it’s close to midnight…” for the full effect.
“Man in the Mirror”
If anyone was “gonna make a change,” it was Michael Jackson. His poignant perspective turned into fuel for the betterment of mankind was not only moving, but music to our ears. The video helps us see the bigger picture, yet suggests how change can start simply by taking that first small step ourselves.
“Black or White”
Special effects aside, the statement behind the song and video for “Black or White” was a conversation piece. As Jackson took the concepts of racial equality and divide into the realm of pop culture, he was willing to use his larger-than-life platform to bring people together to display our sameness by using a modern “morphing” technique nobody could turn away from.
“Billie Jean”
OK, we get it, Billie Jean was not Michael Jackson’s lover. But that didn’t stop us from watching the “Billie Jean” video over and over again. The creative storyline paired with Jackson’s toe-tapping twists and turns made this music video just as entertaining as the strong song itself. As the first short film produced for the Thriller album, “Billie Jean” was one to beat.
“You Are Not Alone”
Some may have felt that Jackson was, in many ways, all alone. Sure, he had millions of fans worldwide, but with such levels fame comes a sense of loneliness. Who else could share such a feeling than the daughter of another music legend, the lovely Lisa Marie Presley. Were the two married or was it some kind of publicity stunt? Who knows, but the media made the most of it. And the video for “You Are Not Alone” was our way of being flies on the wall peering into what may have been one of the most unusual pairings in history.
“Remember the Time”
From the celeb cameos to the over-the-top, opulent production of the video for “Remember the Time,” this Jackson music video was full of mystery and history. Who could resist seeing the likes of Eddie Murphy, Iman, Magic Johnson, and the rest of the cast act out the theme of Jackson’s song against an Egyptian royal backdrop? Enchanting and extravagant, once again, Jackson took a concept and crushed it.
“Scream”
Paired up with his little sister Janet, Jackson created a futuristic and fantastic video for his song “Scream.” The look was like something shot in outer space and the sizzle that simmered off the star siblings was as hot as fire. Seeing these two talents making music together was nothing short of sublime. Scream with excitement as you experience these two members of the Jackson family do something truly terrific.
“Beat It”
The whole street fight concept combined with cool choreography puts the video for Jackson’s “Beat It” on the top 10 list. And who could forget that signature red leather jacket that became a classic wardrobe piece forever linked to Jackson’s unstoppable style? Looking tough and holding his own, Jackson brought grit to the set and shook things up. Hey, “no one wants to be defeated,” after all.
“Say Say Say”
When the Beatle and the “Bad” singer joined forces for “Say Say Say,” fans from all generations were saying, “Yay!” Paul McCartney is an icon, Jackson was a legend, and the two of them together made music history. The song was catchy and the video was fun to watch, making the collaboration a classic.
“ABC”
While not a “music video” per se, we can’t leave The Jackson 5 off the list. After all, that’s where Michael got his start in the biz. The band of brothers are feeling the beat as they perform “ABC” for Dick Clark and his amazed audience. Look at that mini-Michael take the stage and show his brothers who will one day rise to receive the title of King of Pop. Sorry Jermaine, but Michael’s the man.
We miss you Michael! Happy birthday from your fans to you, and thanks for the soundtrack of our lives.
Melissa A. Kay is a New York-based writer, editor, and content strategist. Follow her work on Popdust as well as sites including TopDust, Chase Bank, P&G, Understood.org, The Richest, GearBrain, The Journiest, Bella, TrueSelf, Better Homes & Gardens, AMC Daycare, and more.
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