Search
Picture of Derrick Dunn

Derrick Dunn

Slow Jam Saturday: Michael Jackson, “Loving You

Fifteen years after his untimely passing, the King of Pop’s music continues to resonate with us, a testament to its timeless appeal. As we honor his heavenly birthday this past Thursday, I wanted to pay tribute to him with ‘Loving You’ for this week’s Slow Jam Saturday.

While Mike Jack has many choices, I chose “Loving You” from his 2014 “Xscape” album. As die-hard fans know, the song was initially recorded in 1985, before the sessions for his album “Bad”. The chorus of this piece exhibits significant similarities to that of “The Girl Is Mine. “Jackson wrote and produced the oriental version while Timbaland and Jerome “J-Roc” Harmon did a reworked version of the track.

At its essence, the song serves as a poignant and affectionate tribute to love, articulating Mike’s profound feelings for his significant other. It encapsulates a heartfelt yearning to remain close to his beloved, even amidst challenges that hinder typical romantic experiences. Jackson effectively communicates his emotions through evocative lyrics rich in metaphor and imagery.

The opening lines—”Hello August moon, where are the stars of the night? / You promised me too soon cause it’s been cloudy all night”—set a tone of longing and disappointment. By addressing celestial bodies like the moon and stars, he symbolizes hope and romantic ideals, while the clouds represent obstacles obstructing the realization of his aspirations. This choice of imagery suggests that Jackson’s romantic journey may be marked by trials or an underlying sense of unfulfillment.

In his lyrics, Michael Jackson observes the weatherman’s recommendation to remain indoors, acknowledging a sense of melancholy and drawing parallels between the bleak weather conditions and his emotional state. This introspective analysis not only emphasizes the artist’s vulnerability but also underscores his yearning for solace and reassurance in the company of a significant other. Jackson accentuates the importance of emotional intimacy over superficial distractions by opting for seclusion rather than external engagements. The songwriting skill evident in this piece exemplifies Jackson’s exceptional artistry.

Michael Jackson’s “Loving You” delves into profound themes of love and the longing for profound emotional connections. Through artful metaphors, the artist conveys unwavering commitment, a desire for proximity, and the transformative impact of love in navigating life’s adversities. “Loving You” is a testament to the enduring essence of genuine affection and its profound influence on the human experience.

Final Grade: A

“Loving You” is available on all streaming platforms.

Movie Clappers

More reviews to explorer

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn

“The Studio” is a witty take on the madhouse of Hollywood

Seth Rogen continues his successful relationship with Apple TV in his latest comedic series, “The Studio.” Rogen and his longtime collaborator, Evan Goldberg, direct all ten episodes and write three. Peter Huyck, Alex Gregory, and Frida Perez write the remaining episodes.

“O’Dessa” is an out of pitch genre mash up

Director Geremy Jasper attempts to modernize the rock opera genre in his sophomore film, “O’Dessa,” available on Hulu. Jasper also pens the film’s screenplay. Rising actress Sadie Sink portrays the titular character, a farm girl searching to recover a cherished family heirloom. She travels to a strange and dangerous city, where she meets her one true love, Euri Dervish (Kelvin Harrison Jr.). To save his soul, she must put the power of destiny to the ultimate test.

“Dope Thief” is a gripping crime drama

Academy Award nominee Peter Craig collaborates with fellow nominee Ridley Scott to adapt Dennis Tafoya’s novel Dope Thief for television. Airing on Apple TV, this eight-episode series stars Oscar nominee Brian Tyree Henry in the lead role and also features Wagner Moura, Marin Ireland, Kate Mulgrew, Nesta Cooper, Amir Arison, and Ving Rhames.

Slow Jam Saturday: Michael Jackson, “Loving You