This weekend is about celebrating the King of Pop, Mr. Michael Jackson, and his legacy. For this week’s Second Listen Sunday, I wanted to highlight his debut solo album, “Got To Be There,” which was released on January 24th, 1972.
Jackson had already built a significant reputation within his family’s musical group, leading to the natural progression of releasing a solo album in his career. The album was carefully produced by a team of prominent industry figures, including The Corporation, Eddy Manson, James Anthony Carmichael, Gene Page, and Dave Blumberg. Berry Gordy served as the executive producer for “Got to Be There.” The album’s first single is its titular track, written by Elliot Willensky.
The album’s titular track is a poignant ballad expressing Michael’s profound love and devotion for someone special. The lyrics highlight the importance of being present and supportive during crucial moments, particularly at the start of each day as this person faces the world. The song conveys Michael’s personal desire to be an unwavering source of happiness and support, aiming to positively impact this individual’s life through sentiments expressed in lines such as “bring her good times” and “welcome her into my world.”
For the next song, Mike covered Bobby Day’s “Rockin Robin.” Like he always does, Mike makes the cover his own, giving the lyrics a lively and playful energy. “Rockin Robin” is about a bird called the Robin who brings joy and entertainment to the other birds in the neighborhood. The song depicts the robin as a charismatic and energetic figure, constantly rocking and singing in the treetops.
The album’s third single, “I Wanna Be Where You Are,” is a favorite. Arthur “T-Boy” Ross and Leon Ware penned the song, while Leon Ware handled production. It is a mid-tempo ballad that articulates the desire to reunite with a loved one after an extended period of separation. The lyrics convey Michael Jackson’s acknowledgment of being away from this individual for far too long, leading him to recognize his deep longing to be in their presence, regardless of location. He expresses profound love and commitment, assuring them that he will demonstrate greater affection than ever before. Additionally, the song hints at the singer’s awareness of past actions that may have caused pain or created distance in their relationship. He now seeks to make amends and is eager to embrace a future together, demonstrating his dedication to moving forward harmoniously.
Mike went another cover for the final single: Bill Withers’ “Ain’t No Sunshine.” The rest of the album has a few more covers, and songs like “Girl Don’t Take Your Love from Me,” “Maria (You Were the Only One),” and “In Our Small Way” display Mike’s versatility as a singer.
While his magnum opus was still years away, “Got to Be There” was the perfect debut for MJ. With its soul-stirring melodies and heartfelt lyrics, it effortlessly showcases the boundless talent and passion of a young man who would become the King of Pop.
Final; Grade: B+
“Got to be there is available on all streaming platforms
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On a musical level, the documentary is a library of Williams’ great works. It’s dramatic performances of his most famous songs, such as the classic “Star Wars” marches, the grand piano music from “Jurassic Park,” and the melancholy music from “Schindler’s List.” Each song is part of a narrative, a call to revisit old films and remember their heart-wrenching connections. Its thrilling finale (which celebrated his work on “Harry Potter”) also underscores the longevity of his music among audiences today.
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