Michael Jackson passed away on June 25, 2009. Eight years after the “King of Pop” passed away, Jackson’s music still retains its humanistic values, expressing the desire for peace and belief in a better world.
“Man In The Mirror”
Man In The Mirror is a single from Michael Jackson’s album Bad , released in January 1988, composed by Glen Ballard and Siedah Garrett. Man In The Mirror contains grief for Yoshiaki Ogiwara, a five-year-old Japanese boy who was kidnapped for ransom and murdered in September 1987. At that time, Michael Jackson was touring in the land of the rising sun. He sang the song in subsequent performances in Osaka and Yokohama.
MV Man In The Mirror collects images of hunger, war, violence, and homeless people. From there, Michael expressed hope for a bright future, and at the same time conveyed the message: ” If you want this world to become better. Look at yourself and change yourself.” ( If you want to make the world a better place. Take a look at yourself, and then make a change).
Writer Jon Pareles of The New York Times said that the song has the effect of “spiritually encouraging” each person. Davitt Sigerson of The Rolling Stone affirmed that Man In The Mirror is one of the best things the “King of Pop” created. The song topped the Billboard chart for two weeks and won a “Recording of the Year” nomination at the 1988 Grammys. Man in the Mirror is also the closing song for the film Michael Jackson’s This Is It released after his death. born in 2009.
“Heal The World”
There are people dying, if you care enough for the living, make a better place for you and for me…”
“…Let’s heal the world, make it a better place, for you, for me and for all humanity
. There are still many people who have to die, so if you care about those who are still alive, let’s create a new world. The world is more beautiful for you and for me…”
Heal The World is a single from Michael’s eighth album called Dangerous , released in 1991. In the documentary Living with Michael Jackson, the male singer said he wrote the song at the Neverland estate, California, USA. Heal the World is also the composition that makes him most proud. The song’s MV, performed by Joe Pytka, describes the lives of children in countries with famine and war.
David Browne of Entertainment Weekly praised Heal The World as a positive, strong, clear voice. Through the influence of the song, Michael Jackson founded the charity Heal the World Foundation with the aim of improving the lives of children.
“Earth Song”
Earth Song is a single in Michael Jackson’s ninth album titled HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I, released in 1995. The song was composed by the “King of Pop” himself, referring to the environment and conservation. animal protection.
MV Earth Song was taken by photographer Nick Brandt in Africa, America and Europe, focusing on depicting natural disasters such as forest fires, storms, and floods. From there, Michael asked the question: “What’s about us?” (What about us humans) to emphasize the message: The future of humanity depends on the actions of each individual.
Earth Song received positive reviews from critics. Most opinions say that the song is like a hymn, having a strong impact on human awareness and action in protecting nature and the environment.
“We Are The World”
We Are The World was composed by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie, recorded and released by the group USA for Africa in 1985. The group includes 44 artists supporting Africa, including many big names such as Bob Dylan and Billy Joel. , Diana Ross.
The lyrics of the song We Are The World remind each person of their responsibility towards the world and fellow human beings:
“We are the world,
We are the children
We are the ones who make a brighter day”
“We are the world
We are like children
We will make a brighter tomorrow”
The single We Are The World sold 20 million copies and became one of the best-selling singles of all time. Profits from disc sales were used to establish a charity fund to support people in African countries , especially Ethiopia , where about a million people died in the 1983-1985 disaster . One year after the release of We Are the World, the charity raised $44.5 million.
“Black Or White”
Black Or White is a single in Michael Jackson’s eighth album, released on November 11, 1991, written by the “King of Pop” and Bill Bottrell. The song has a vibrant sound and fun lyrics. Epic Records introduces Black Or White as “a Rock and Roll version of racial harmony”.
“I said if you’re thinkin’ of being my baby
It don’t matter if you’re black or white
I said if you’re thinkin’ of being my brother
It don’t matter if you’re black or white”
“I said if you want to be my girlfriend
It’s okay if you’re black or white
I said if you want to be my brother
It’s okay if you’re black or white”
MV Black or White was made by John Landis, with the participation of former child star Macaulay Culkin .
