Nope, and in fact, the upcoming tour wasn't even the inspiration behind this post.
No, it was my English teacher, out of nowhere, deciding to play this song toward the end of a lesson on poetry.
Truthfully, I had been thinking about writing a Michael Jackson-related Download of the Day post, even doing a whole series, but I never had the time or energy to do it. Leave it to Mr. Kinory to light a fire under my butt.
In a career that has spanned nearly 40 years, its safe to say that Michael Jackson's catalog is way too expansive to warrant a "signature song" (like Whitney's "I Will Always Love You", for instance). If you even wanted to travel down that road, you would have to make a playlist of sorts. Near the top of that list would have to be the excellent "Man in the Mirror".From 1987's Bad album, "Man in the Mirror" is one of Michael's most moving, poignant, and popular songs ever. That's because the song is virtually perfect; every element this song brings to the table is excellent. Even the staunchest of pop haters will find criticizing this multi-layered anthem very difficult. The lyrics, about looking into oneself to find compassion for others,are filled with grace and thought, lacking the schmaltz that have dogged similar, future singles. The music is exceptional. Ever the trend-setter, Michael pulled a choir onto the track, infusing gospel into a pop ballad with a drumbeat. The combo gives the song a soulful rhythm that should inspire hand clapping. If that doesn't do it, then Michael himself, performing like he's in a church on Sunday, should definitely do the trick.
Michael's true gift is his ability to unite people with varying music tastes together. With this song, he used that gift to inspire goodness. For that reason alone (although the ace musicality this song possesses also contributes), this song ranks in the top tier, not only of his career, but of all time.
Rating: 10/10
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