BONUS: Both MJ’s “I Can’t Help It” and Smokey’s “Quiet Storm” were sampled in De La Soul’s “Breakadawn” - but this video has enough copyright issues as it is 😂
When I saw you mentioning those two songs (and knowing your appreciation for De La Soul) I was pretty confident you would drive us to Breakadawn and I was ready to express my disappointment in the comment section . ^L^
It’s one of my all time favorite songs by De La. I remember the first time I heard it my freshman yr in high school I knew the samples they used and was like “WOW THIS IS MAGIC!”
“There be no darkness tonight “ Raises the hair off the arms. The rest of the song goes in on you. Hits the soul. One of my favorite albums of all time. Off the wall.
I think the name Off the Wall is a metaphor describing this period in Michael Jackson's life also. His life as a member of the Jackson 5 and his childhood is on the other side of the wall. Now, he has climbed over the wall and has jumped off the wall to the new phase of his life. Even the picture is him getting over the wall. The wall is behind him and he is looking dance the night away!!
Interesting POV. I always thought it meant him choosing to get off the wall and dance, i.e. stop holding himself back by just resting on the wall watching others enjoy themselves and he getting off that wall and start living/dancing/enjoying/expressing himself, his life and allowing himself to be himself.
He was spending time in New York City with LaToya and studied the best Artists. He brought more interesting music by sort of doing his version of Jazz. Of course , he never Jazz , but Quincy Jones is ! Quincy Jones was shrewd enough to make his Jazz much more visceral and less cerebral 😢
So very glad you covered this track. It’s the best song on Off the Wall and often goes unnoticed because it isn’t a single. Same scenario with “The Lady in my Life” from Thriller. It’s the best song on the Album, hands down. God bless Rod Temperton.
Absolutely agree tht Lady in My Life is the best song on Thriller. Its a damn shame tht they trimmed it down for vinyl space, because the complete version is my all time favorite MJ song: ua-cam.com/video/1grkSTIOhMs/v-deo.htmlsi=hgCxzAmro0asC1k-
I agree. I listened to an old radio interview of Michael’s about this album and he talked about Stevie. He even did an impression and sounded EXACTLY like him. To me their voices have this similar aspect I can’t describe. I think it’s bc they share the same ancestor 😂🤷🏾♀️
@@DNGMaestro Yep. This was during the time when MJ have a guest artist on album and then return the favor. He did the same thing with Paul McCartney. "Say Say Say" was their well known song. But they also performed "The Man" and "The Girl is Mine". Fun Fact: Say Say Say was recorded with Paul in Britian. Paul mentioned how he made money with his publishing catalog to Michael there. This gave MJ the idea to buy the Beatles catalog when it was available. Paul gave him the idea that would later break their friendship apart.
Also does anyone know why all I do starts with a jump scare? I understand that it flows from 1st song but its so abrasive when you just listen to all i do
I don't hear it. Not in most of the background chorus. I do hear him in the breakdown..in "I'm thinking baby, bout you baby". Other than that, I hear some guy with a deeper voice as the most dominant.
@@isaacstevens5935 Cleveland 93.1 fm took the quiet storm concept and improved it with “for lovers only” and “pillow talk” shows! Bone thugs and harmony remade for lovers only on their album into the great song! “Bud smokers only” that’s how deep the quiet storm culture was in Cleveland!! 💪🏿✊🏿
This is probably one of my biggest issue with modern corporate-owned radio- the lack of local or regional voices. Being from SC I used to love to travel “up north” because of all the different stations from VA to DC to NY to Philly.
I'm glad you're talking one of Michael's more deep cut songs. The ones that really dont get talked a lot about comapre to his more well-known songs. Here's a bit of Trivia: MJ and Stevie are cousins.
Marsha Ambrosius used the same chords in different progression for Butterflies. Makes sense why MJ chose to cover that song! I also notice Stevie loves using that A dominant chord a lot. I’ve noticed it in some of his other songs.
@@pastense true. 😂 he created a monster, couldnt kill it off lol...Jazzy Jeff curated the monster from his studios late 1990s. From there it got ran in the hole. RIP to the god.
One correction- Melvin Lindsey was the voice of The Quiet Storm but that show and format was created by Cathy Hughes. She cleared that up on Questlove Supreme
This has been one of my ABSOLUTE favourite from MJ for decades!!! So Jazzy, So Smooth, So Slick. The strings (like on most of MJ's smoother tracks) are just perfection
Off the Wall is surprsingly a humbler approach to his style and tone, and this song is possibly its best track. There's a magical quality to how this song expresses love and connection, which has been the ongoing theme through out all his albums going forward. Its why he connected to people. We gravitate to people's passion, and that musical transformation was amazing to witness and hear it over and over again.
Large facts. I always think of that picture of MJ watching over Stevie at the console - incredible in his own right, but a student of the illest to ever do it. @@illanoyzehit448
Thank you for highlighting one of my favorite songs! I'm a Stevie fan from way back, and I've always felt this song was the prodigal child from the Song in the Key of Life family. Love your work, your breakdowns, and your corny jokes! I love this channel "I can't help it" and "I wouldn't help it even if I could!"
If you listen to each MJ album, he has a clear formula. Listen to "Don't Stop" , compare it to "Startin Something" and "Smooth Criminal". "Girl is Mine" with "Loving You", "Beat It", "Dirty Diana", "Give In To Me". "I Can't Help It" with "Human Nature". "Heal the World", "We Are the World". There are more but you get the idea.
There is a video of Greg Phillinganes talking about this song. When he made that demo, he said that when he gave it to Quincy, Quincy told him that he was missing the point. He told Greg Phillinganes that Michael is trying to become a more mature artist, and so people had to see him as such. It had to be more of a slow jam and sexy rather than something to dance to. The demo, which was a lot faster, wouldn’t put people in the mind of Michael Jackson as a mature artist, but the opposite. This was why he changed it to the slow version that we know and love.
Actually, "I Can't Help It" initially appeared as the B-side of "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough" in July of 1979, just ahead of the release of "Off The Wall".
This video hits me in so many ways it's incredible. First off I'm a huge Stevie Wonder and Michael Jackson fan. I had the privilege to having those two legendary artists to be the soundtrack to my life. When I found out Stevie wrote this song it all clicked because that sound is on most of Steve's classic albums like Songs In The Key Of Life, Innervisions and Music Of My Mind. It was the perfect blend of two incredible talents and it's definitely my Top 10 Michael Jackson songs. Plus I'm born and raised from DC the birth place of Quiet Storm. I remember my dad playing the radio late night from WHUR or WPGC and falling asleep with those amazing songs. It takes me back to awesome times in my childhood. This was an amazing video bro especially with your knowledge of music, it was sn incredible experience. Keep up the amazing work sir. You are incredible.
Does anybody remember the sample of this song in the song "Here We Go Again" by Portrait? Either way “I Can’t Help It” has always been one of my favorite tracks of his discography, great work man!
If Motown or Stevie ever allow all the demos or first takes of the 200+ songs Stevie apparently wrote for SITKOL, man... all I can say is I'll buy a ticket and fly wherever they put that out there 😄 Stevland is a genius and I'm glad he was there to show Michael the way. Great video and awesome channel !
After hearing Stevie's version, you can definitely hear that it should've been his. But it sounds amazing no matter who performed it. Two greats sharing a great track.
I wish I could give you 1000 likes! "I Cant Help" by MJ magically captures the essence of romance through lush chord progressions, sultry crescendos with harmonious ad-libs. It's one of my top go-to quiet storm love songs. Thank you for this master class of one of the greatest ballads ever produced. Cant wait to see your take on my🐐MJ classic, "The Lady In My Life"! You're a master teacher! Well done! 🙌🏽
I never knew about the Stevie Wonder connection but that makes sooo much sense 😂 Beyoncé actually covered it in concert the day he passed and I always thought it was a great choice for an impromptu tribute; everybody of course remembers the singles but he had some amazing album tracks as well. Thanks for putting a spotlight on it, always been one of my favorites from him
Even though I grew up with stuff like Dangerous and Invincible and having written a ton of new jack swing tracks over the years, I think Off The Wall is my fav MJ album, it's so raw and genuine. MJ's music is famous for its studio polish, but this just feels real. I had no idea MJ believed so much into this album, but yeah, suffice to say he was on to something. Though I can't help the fact my mind goes like "oh one two, oh one two" on the Abmaj7 haha.
Born in '77, I grew up with "Off The Wall" as my intro to MJ. Even thru his growth to superstardom that I was swept into, I always came back this as one of my all time fav's. MJ's best album IMO.
I can't help it has been getting so much attention this year its weird I've heard so many people talking about it in videos, seen a bunch of different Jazz gigs where its performed in different styles, im glad its been getting the attention it deserves.
Can tell you know so much and dig so deep to share your knowledge with the world. This is one of the joints i can't live without personally and I'm so glad you broke it down for all of us. We all appreciate you for bringing everyone back to understand REAL music. One Love
You know something I just noticed and I’ve heard this song a million times or more in my short lifetime, that bass line, although it’s being played on a synth bass, it sounds so jazzy like it could be played on an upright bass, the song itself sounds like something a jazz combo could have done, piano, bass, drums and it still sound incredible. Another thing I’ve noted about Stevie Wonder that I love is his generosity towards other artists mainly during transitional periods in their careers, he never forgot his transitional period back when he was 21 and negotiating his contract for more artistic/creative control over his music/career and once he got it became an even bigger artist than his 60’s output, it’s like he determined to help others through theirs. We’ve seven him to that with MJ, Jermaine Jackson, Deneice Williams, Minnie Riperton, Chaka Khan, Aretha Franklin, and etc. Such an innovative phenomenon and yet generous like he is and funny MJ was 21 when Off the Wall was released. Incredible work as always, never dull moment but I always learn something every time I watch your videos, job well done sir. 💯😊🎶
This is MJ best track to me. With Stevie Wonder part of the writing process, Louis Johnson on bass, John Robinson on drums, Greg P on Keyboards, Quincy Jones as the producer and under the guidance of Jerry Hey. Quite a number of great talents coming together!!!
YESSS THANK YOU. i've been saying that 'I can't help it' is one of the most magical songs that Michael has made, and it's been my top most favorite! Michael, Stevie and Quincy deserve all the credit they can possibly get for this song, because it's beautiful
This is your best video so far. I just want to thank you for “doing it for the culture” cuz I’m almost positive these videos can’t be monetized. The love comes pouring through.
@@OfficialDamaniScottMy sentiments exactly. Shame that it's quite underrated compared to his more mainstream hits. I think the song not having a music video contributed to that.
It's not a deep cut or underrated. It's been sampled over and over and it's literally his most covered song. It reached top 20 on the charts. I challenge anyone to listen to the "OTW" and not call it one of their favorite MJ songs.
Love the song! I love the way MJ alternates between vibrato and straight tone on every other line. Hearing that made me realize he’s doing the same exact thing on “DSTYGE” it’s just harder to hear on that track with the more full arrangement
Off The Wall is the first album I purchased on my own at nine years old. I had many albums because my parents loved music, yet they bought them for me.🦋
Stevie performed "Never Dreamed You'd Leave in Summer" at Michael's public memorial service in the summer of 2009. Before the song, he said a few words while playing a bit of "I Can't Help It."
Ahh ☝🏽 The GOAT SEEN HIM IN WEMBLEY NEW YORK & WEMBLEY AGAIN EVEN SAW 3T 🙌🏽 That song is beautiful I was thinking for a second do I know it I have every single album and unreleased album and song Of Course If I’m being totally honest the songs that weren’t released or didn’t have a video are better than the mainstream songs In my opinion Michael Jackson has no rival He was the gift given to us by the gods So glad and fortunate/humbled to be able to watch this man perform live I love you MJ 😊 We all miss you For me personally music died that day You brought so much joy and happiness to billions across the world Hopefully I can watch you live again when I pass Love you forever MJ 🙃 & Ever
I was on the bus a few days ago one early morning and this smooth intro of a beat just came into my head as I'm riding along so it's dope to see it get a full break down from ya the same week
Dude,love your channel... I've loved "Cant help it" since I was a kid...one of MJs most underrated songs IMHO...the bass line is amazing..glad someone finally mentions the greatness that is this song and the amazing writing Stevie & company have done over the years..💯✨
I really love and appreciate when someone can intelligently talk about the theory of a subject without bringing up controversy surrounding the artist (i.e., MJ's alleged behavior later on in life). Like I can't stand Kanye at all honestly, but your videos on him are still interesting as you cover the theory and history. Not sure if this makes sense or not, but hopefully you get what I mean and continue covering artists that may or may not have colored pasts. Its all still history.
Thank you thank you thank you!! My all time favorite MJ joint!And your breakdown just made it even more special to me! keep up the great work you do ! Your channel is pure 🔥🔥🔥🔥!!!!
What a great video. I write music, trained in musical Theatre. I recently started playing the keyboard as well, and I'm always intrigued by how one can tell the story not only through the lyrics, melodies and harmonies, but also through the selection of chords, and rhythm. I love these sort of videos where you not only break down where the artist was in their life, at the time of writing the song, but also how it is echoed in the chords. This is an excellent video. Keep up the great work. We really appreciate the time and effort put in.
I remember hearing this song as a child & even then before I could even read or even find intrest in reading about the production of this album I always felt this track was connected to Stevie Wonder it wasn’t until my teen years when I came back to this album that I discovered his involvement in this track. In my opinion this track is the best track on this album
This is one of by favorite breakdowns. The key of life is getting to know yourself to then transcend that person into something better. I've always loved MJ as a child, then thought of him as just great pop signer (In my early 20s), But past my 30's I realize that Mike was a master. This letter to himself shows why. Thank you for sharing. You are doing gods work.
Incredible! 1 of my favorite songs from 2 of the greatest artists to walk God’s green earth! I’m a DJ & so it’s only apropos that I cook up a ‘Can’t Help It’ mashup & I’ll be sure to share with you!
My uncle Melvin Ragin aka Wah Wah Watson played guitar on this album! This is my favorite album period! Who’s who of musicians, writers and engineer! From top to bottom. Heard it was the album that saved the industry!! Ab is the same key of Butterflies! Love that a fellow DJ breaking down chords. Seems to be a trend now that musicians are starting to Dj or vice versa!!!!
Ahh the clarity that's provided for me after learning this was Michael's..MJ's song and Stevie's version is not to be mistaken as the original. I agree that the first verse is MJ speaking to himself just based off of "Looking in MY mirror", being self-love lyrics but also written to be romanticized. Great video!
BONUS: Both MJ’s “I Can’t Help It” and Smokey’s “Quiet Storm” were sampled in De La Soul’s “Breakadawn” - but this video has enough copyright issues as it is 😂
When I saw you mentioning those two songs (and knowing your appreciation for De La Soul) I was pretty confident you would drive us to Breakadawn and I was ready to express my disappointment in the comment section . ^L^
You should talk about the bar-kays sang and dance sample too for the triple threat, maybe a will smith break down lol
It’s one of my all time favorite songs by De La. I remember the first time I heard it my freshman yr in high school I knew the samples they used and was like “WOW THIS IS MAGIC!”
🤫🤫🤫
Pharrell also took the baseline for "Frontin"
This is one of Mike's BEST songs, along with Human Nature, and Lady In My Life.
Human nature hit Me definitely. That song is on a league of it own.
“There be no darkness tonight “ Raises the hair off the arms. The rest of the song goes in on you. Hits the soul. One of my favorite albums of all time. Off the wall.
Since you prefer his softer songs, what about "one day in your life "
My man these are literally my three favorite to. What order you got them in brother? And what's your top 10
Those three we’re always my absolute favorite on the off-the-wall album.
Micheal sounded so happy and free on this album!😊
He was going to studio 54 and dancing and being exposed to that culture as a young man
So true!❤❤ He actually laughs on Get On Floor. I play that song over and over just to hear him laugh.
You nailed it, Bro. You nailed it 👏🏿 👌
@@mrsshelton226 Awŵw
He was actually very unhappy around this time
This is my favorite Michael Jackson song of all time.
I can play this over and over and never get bored.
I love how De LA Sol sampled it with the quiet storm song by Smoky Robinson...#ICONIC!
My favorite MJ song also
Mine too! Absolute magic!
I thought I was the only one that loved this song. I listen to this daily.
💯💯💯💯
As a keyboardist, the chord progression of this song is in my personal top 10 fave progressions.
It’s so smooth - I could talk for another 10 mins about just the chords
@@diggingthegreats do you want the multitrack from Can´t help it (demo)?
this song was written by Stevie Wonder
@@smithmjj90I want it !!
@@everyneed3959 It's MJ'S version...
Wonder I have but not for share
It's absolutely GORGEOUS! 🙏🏽
I Can’t Help It is Michael’s greatest work imo. Lady In My Life and Butterflies are surely young siblings that followed.
Facts!!!!
I disagree about butterfly’s
@@russelljohnson437 both songs are in relative scales to each other, have similar chords, have the Rhodes as the lead instrument, and similar BPM.
@@russelljohnson437*Butterflies*
@@russelljohnson437 I love Butterflies!
I think the name Off the Wall is a metaphor describing this period in Michael Jackson's life also. His life as a member of the Jackson 5 and his childhood is on the other side of the wall. Now, he has climbed over the wall and has jumped off the wall to the new phase of his life. Even the picture is him getting over the wall. The wall is behind him and he is looking dance the night away!!
Interesting POV. I always thought it meant him choosing to get off the wall and dance, i.e. stop holding himself back by just resting on the wall watching others enjoy themselves and he getting off that wall and start living/dancing/enjoying/expressing himself, his life and allowing himself to be himself.
@@mik7564 I thought it was about ALL of us getting off the wall when that record got played lol
He was spending time in New York City with LaToya and studied the best Artists. He brought more interesting music by sort of doing his version of Jazz. Of course , he never Jazz , but Quincy Jones is ! Quincy Jones was shrewd enough to make his Jazz much more visceral and less cerebral 😢
So very glad you covered this track. It’s the best song on Off the Wall and often goes unnoticed because it isn’t a single. Same scenario with “The Lady in my Life” from Thriller. It’s the best song on the Album, hands down. God bless Rod Temperton.
Absolutely agree tht Lady in My Life is the best song on Thriller. Its a damn shame tht they trimmed it down for vinyl space, because the complete version is my all time favorite MJ song:
ua-cam.com/video/1grkSTIOhMs/v-deo.htmlsi=hgCxzAmro0asC1k-
"I Can't Help It" was the B-side to "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough." It was the reason why I bought 𝘖𝘧𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘞𝘢𝘭𝘭. 😊
I agree ❤
There's a natural infinite loop in LIML, at 3:44, start mixing 2:39... With 3 sources/inputs, this could blissfully go on forever... 😭❤️
Totally agree
As a kid hearing this song when it came out was hypnotic, magical and mesmerizing. Mike always had an ear for the future.
A combo of Stevie and Michael can't be touched! I wish they would have done more together.
I agree. I listened to an old radio interview of Michael’s about this album and he talked about Stevie. He even did an impression and sounded EXACTLY like him. To me their voices have this similar aspect I can’t describe. I think it’s bc they share the same ancestor 😂🤷🏾♀️
@@ZhaniRmj and Stevie are cousins
They did 2 more. “Just Good Friends” on Michael’s album and “Get it” on Stevie’s album.
@@DNGMaestro Yep. This was during the time when MJ have a guest artist on album and then return the favor. He did the same thing with Paul McCartney. "Say Say Say" was their well known song. But they also performed "The Man" and "The Girl is Mine". Fun Fact: Say Say Say was recorded with Paul in Britian. Paul mentioned how he made money with his publishing catalog to Michael there. This gave MJ the idea to buy the Beatles catalog when it was available. Paul gave him the idea that would later break their friendship apart.
They are both musical geniuses and 1st cousins also
That bassline!! Always thought Pharell took that as the main inspiration for the bridge in "Frontin"
Definitely!
All Pharell and Justin album were for Michael
🎯🎯🎯🎯
I never knew that. You learn something new everyday.
As an 80's baby 90's kid I got to say, man I miss the Quiet Storm!!
Ever since i found out MJ did backing vocals on All I Do for Stevie, its like his voice just cuts deeper through the mix
Also does anyone know why all I do starts with a jump scare? I understand that it flows from 1st song but its so abrasive when you just listen to all i do
Yep...Michael Jackson and Betty Wright. Awesome!
I did NOT know this!!!!!
And Eddie Levert. If you listen, you can hear his voice distinctively as well.
I don't hear it. Not in most of the background chorus.
I do hear him in the breakdown..in "I'm thinking baby, bout you baby". Other than that, I hear some guy with a deeper voice as the most dominant.
Being a woman from D.C. I can't tell how happy you talked about the great D.J. Melvin Linsey.
Many cities tried to copy, but nothing came close. I love having that as part of our city, well that and GO-GO😊🎉
@@isaacstevens5935 Cleveland 93.1 fm took the quiet storm concept and improved it with “for lovers only” and “pillow talk” shows! Bone thugs and harmony remade for lovers only on their album into the great song! “Bud smokers only” that’s how deep the quiet storm culture was in Cleveland!! 💪🏿✊🏿
BETHESDA in the house! Melvin Lindsey is an icon!
This is probably one of my biggest issue with modern corporate-owned radio- the lack of local or regional voices. Being from SC I used to love to travel “up north” because of all the different stations from VA to DC to NY to Philly.
Oh so they aren’t lying when they say “the original quiet storm”
I'm glad you're talking one of Michael's more deep cut songs. The ones that really dont get talked a lot about comapre to his more well-known songs. Here's a bit of Trivia: MJ and Stevie are cousins.
I saw MJ & I immediately clicked😂🔥🤞
Period
Right tf away
☺️
Hahaha me tooo 😂
3:19 he wrote down the vision to make it plain...and then he manifested it!
What a man he was.
Preach
Marsha Ambrosius used the same chords in different progression for Butterflies. Makes sense why MJ chose to cover that song! I also notice Stevie loves using that A dominant chord a lot. I’ve noticed it in some of his other songs.
That's Dre and Vidal from Jazzy Jeff's former production team, A Touch Of Jazz. They were a force to reckon with in that "neo-Soul" era/
@@dn30001Dilla wasn’t too happy about this era lol. God rest his soul, but we wouldn’t have that neo-soul goodness without him!
@@pastense true. 😂 he created a monster, couldnt kill it off lol...Jazzy Jeff curated the monster from his studios late 1990s. From there it got ran in the hole. RIP to the god.
@@dn30001 word! I mean it stays alive within all of us who experienced it. As a musician, I keep it in the repertoire! 😉
Michael and Marsha wrote the song with Andre Harris so it was more collaborative than either covering the song.
One correction- Melvin Lindsey was the voice of The Quiet Storm but that show and format was created by Cathy Hughes. She cleared that up on Questlove Supreme
Yup
Melvin Lindsey from WHUR.
Back in the day.
Thanks for making that known, Cathy always gets looked over by these peeps explaining Our Black History 🙏🏾
@popnfresh2928 "these peeps"?
I feel like I’m context of MJ’s stacked discography, “I Can’t Help It” might be his most underrated song. It’s in my top 3 for sure
This has been one of my ABSOLUTE favourite from MJ for decades!!! So Jazzy, So Smooth, So Slick. The strings (like on most of MJ's smoother tracks) are just perfection
Same here!
I still feel Off the Wall was his most creative work.
Off the Wall is surprsingly a humbler approach to his style and tone, and this song is possibly its best track. There's a magical quality to how this song expresses love and connection, which has been the ongoing theme through out all his albums going forward. Its why he connected to people. We gravitate to people's passion, and that musical transformation was amazing to witness and hear it over and over again.
I truly fallen in love with this song from the first time hearing it. Michael and Stevie did their magic with this one❤️❤️
Stevie Wonder is the GOAT and this is further proof.
YES! He is the Eighth Wonder of The World.
Had this debate on YT years ago. This song was one reason I said Stevie was the greatest. He wrote this and countless other songs for M.J
Large facts. I always think of that picture of MJ watching over Stevie at the console - incredible in his own right, but a student of the illest to ever do it. @@illanoyzehit448
Pretty sure ,Stevie Wonder is MJ cousin. I heard that years ago.
@pattiwhite4960 3rd cousin according to Janet
I love Esperanza Spalding's version of this song, she manages to put her own groove on it while keeping the original essence of MJ/SW
yup yup √√√
Love her version!
Check out Robert Glasper Experiment's version of it.
Facts
Great cover!
Thank you for highlighting one of my favorite songs! I'm a Stevie fan from way back, and I've always felt this song was the prodigal child from the Song in the Key of Life family. Love your work, your breakdowns, and your corny jokes! I love this channel "I can't help it" and "I wouldn't help it even if I could!"
😂😂
You should definitely break down more Stevie Wonder or Todd Rundgren for that matter. Of course we'd love to see the hip hop content keep coming
Oh, yes! Todd Rundgren's "Hello It's Me" & Stevie Wonder's "Superwoman" are a must.
@@nyavecclasseDon't forget Stevie Wonder's song "Golden Lady"!!!
There might be 50 Stevie Wonder songs worthy. The man is a musical savant.
@@carltonbanks5470 FACTS!!!
If you listen to each MJ album, he has a clear formula. Listen to "Don't Stop" , compare it to "Startin Something" and "Smooth Criminal". "Girl is Mine" with "Loving You", "Beat It", "Dirty Diana", "Give In To Me". "I Can't Help It" with "Human Nature". "Heal the World", "We Are the World".
There are more but you get the idea.
There is a video of Greg Phillinganes talking about this song. When he made that demo, he said that when he gave it to Quincy, Quincy told him that he was missing the point. He told Greg Phillinganes that Michael is trying to become a more mature artist, and so people had to see him as such. It had to be more of a slow jam and sexy rather than something to dance to. The demo, which was a lot faster, wouldn’t put people in the mind of Michael Jackson as a mature artist, but the opposite. This was why he changed it to the slow version that we know and love.
Actually, "I Can't Help It" initially appeared as the B-side of "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough" in July of 1979, just ahead of the release of "Off The Wall".
Off The Wall,Michael's Best
He wrote his existence into reality!!
This for me is by far the best song on the album.
Stevie at his writing best 👌🏾
I always loved this song, it's one of my fav MJ songs next to Stranger in Moscow.
This video hits me in so many ways it's incredible.
First off I'm a huge Stevie Wonder and Michael Jackson fan. I had the privilege to having those two legendary artists to be the soundtrack to my life.
When I found out Stevie wrote this song it all clicked because that sound is on most of Steve's classic albums like Songs In The Key Of Life, Innervisions and Music Of My Mind. It was the perfect blend of two incredible talents and it's definitely my Top 10 Michael Jackson songs.
Plus I'm born and raised from DC the birth place of Quiet Storm. I remember my dad playing the radio late night from WHUR or WPGC and falling asleep with those amazing songs. It takes me back to awesome times in my childhood.
This was an amazing video bro especially with your knowledge of music, it was sn incredible experience. Keep up the amazing work sir. You are incredible.
Does anybody remember the sample of this song in the song "Here We Go Again" by Portrait? Either way “I Can’t Help It” has always been one of my favorite tracks of his discography, great work man!
I remember when I was younger and I was a big fan of MJ and my mom showed me he was in the Jackson 5 for the first time. I was shook😂
His plan worked!
If Motown or Stevie ever allow all the demos or first takes of the 200+ songs Stevie apparently wrote for SITKOL, man... all I can say is I'll buy a ticket and fly wherever they put that out there 😄
Stevland is a genius and I'm glad he was there to show Michael the way. Great video and awesome channel !
Agreed and the same request for Marvin Gaye's songs that he wrote for the Originals.
This is my favorite MJ song EVER!!! The music makes my heart smile while I slowly drive, chasing sunsets each night!!!!
I love "Time Waits For No One" His vocals give me chills.
After hearing Stevie's version, you can definitely hear that it should've been his. But it sounds amazing no matter who performed it. Two greats sharing a great track.
I wish I could give you 1000 likes! "I Cant Help" by MJ magically captures the essence of romance through lush chord progressions, sultry crescendos with harmonious ad-libs. It's one of my top go-to quiet storm love songs. Thank you for this master class of one of the greatest ballads ever produced. Cant wait to see your take on my🐐MJ classic, "The Lady In My Life"! You're a master teacher! Well done! 🙌🏽
this is probably my favorite MJ song ! i never see people talking about how beautiful it is enough.
It may not have been released as a single but it was definitely played on R&B radio in the 80s, I remember hearing it all the time when I was a kid.
I never knew about the Stevie Wonder connection but that makes sooo much sense 😂 Beyoncé actually covered it in concert the day he passed and I always thought it was a great choice for an impromptu tribute; everybody of course remembers the singles but he had some amazing album tracks as well. Thanks for putting a spotlight on it, always been one of my favorites from him
Even though I grew up with stuff like Dangerous and Invincible and having written a ton of new jack swing tracks over the years, I think Off The Wall is my fav MJ album, it's so raw and genuine. MJ's music is famous for its studio polish, but this just feels real. I had no idea MJ believed so much into this album, but yeah, suffice to say he was on to something. Though I can't help the fact my mind goes like "oh one two, oh one two" on the Abmaj7 haha.
The disco era was going down the toilet. Michael somehow survived and gave it life
He's the GOAT 😊🙌🏽✨️💜💞🐐👑
My favorite MJ song, so pure. Stevie is a genius. Thanks for this video!
Born in '77, I grew up with "Off The Wall" as my intro to MJ. Even thru his growth to superstardom that I was swept into, I always came back this as one of my all time fav's. MJ's best album IMO.
I can't help it has been getting so much attention this year its weird I've heard so many people talking about it in videos, seen a bunch of different Jazz gigs where its performed in different styles, im glad its been getting the attention it deserves.
Can tell you know so much and dig so deep to share your knowledge with the world. This is one of the joints i can't live without personally and I'm so glad you broke it down for all of us. We all appreciate you for bringing everyone back to understand REAL music.
One Love
You know something I just noticed and I’ve heard this song a million times or more in my short lifetime, that bass line, although it’s being played on a synth bass, it sounds so jazzy like it could be played on an upright bass, the song itself sounds like something a jazz combo could have done, piano, bass, drums and it still sound incredible. Another thing I’ve noted about Stevie Wonder that I love is his generosity towards other artists mainly during transitional periods in their careers, he never forgot his transitional period back when he was 21 and negotiating his contract for more artistic/creative control over his music/career and once he got it became an even bigger artist than his 60’s output, it’s like he determined to help others through theirs. We’ve seven him to that with MJ, Jermaine Jackson, Deneice Williams, Minnie Riperton, Chaka Khan, Aretha Franklin, and etc. Such an innovative phenomenon and yet generous like he is and funny MJ was 21 when Off the Wall was released. Incredible work as always, never dull moment but I always learn something every time I watch your videos, job well done sir. 💯😊🎶
And you can add…Sergio Mendes (The Real Thing); Ramsey Lewis (Spring High) back in 1977. Two of my favorites.
Off the Wall is when Michael became MJ, and I Can't Help It is that good.
Great breakdown 💯
This is MJ best track to me. With Stevie Wonder part of the writing process, Louis Johnson on bass, John Robinson on drums, Greg P on Keyboards, Quincy Jones as the producer and under the guidance of Jerry Hey. Quite a number of great talents coming together!!!
Broh, people forget the most important person in the studio with Michael and it as Bruce Swedien the best engineer.
So many moving parts to lefendary moments in music history @@Miloo-qj7sc
Instant chills when he started playing the chords at 1:32.
Safe to say im addicted to this channel…. 🔥🔥🔥
YESSS THANK YOU. i've been saying that 'I can't help it' is one of the most magical songs that Michael has made, and it's been my top most favorite! Michael, Stevie and Quincy deserve all the credit they can possibly get for this song, because it's beautiful
Thank you for covering this beautiful classic ❤️
This is your best video so far.
I just want to thank you for “doing it for the culture” cuz I’m almost positive these videos can’t be monetized.
The love comes pouring through.
This is by far my favorite MJ song. It’s extremely underrated and one of the few songs I can never get tired of.
Absolutely
Are you sure?
@@Snyper1405 … yes I’m sure
@@OfficialDamaniScottMy sentiments exactly. Shame that it's quite underrated compared to his more mainstream hits. I think the song not having a music video contributed to that.
It's not a deep cut or underrated. It's been sampled over and over and it's literally his most covered song. It reached top 20 on the charts. I challenge anyone to listen to the "OTW" and not call it one of their favorite MJ songs.
Love the song! I love the way MJ alternates between vibrato and straight tone on every other line. Hearing that made me realize he’s doing the same exact thing on “DSTYGE” it’s just harder to hear on that track with the more full arrangement
My favourite MJ song of all time. ALL TIME! Love this channel!
@3:10 Wow, that letter hit me!!! Talk about manifesting.
Off The Wall is the first album I purchased on my own at nine years old. I had many albums because my parents loved music, yet they bought them for me.🦋
My favourite MJ song ever.
This album and this song are my all-time favorites. Nothing compares to these two for me.❤❤
Stevie performed "Never Dreamed You'd Leave in Summer" at Michael's public memorial service in the summer of 2009. Before the song, he said a few words while playing a bit of "I Can't Help It."
Yeah, I was hoping they would give Stevie 20 minutes to sing the songs he wrote for MJ. I was sucked in when he started playing I can't help it.
ua-cam.com/video/2W6qJERYTc8/v-deo.html
Ahh ☝🏽
The GOAT
SEEN HIM IN WEMBLEY
NEW YORK & WEMBLEY AGAIN
EVEN SAW 3T 🙌🏽
That song is beautiful
I was thinking for a second do I know it
I have every single album and unreleased album and song
Of Course
If I’m being totally honest the songs that weren’t released or didn’t have a video are better than the mainstream songs
In my opinion
Michael Jackson has no rival
He was the gift given to us by the gods
So glad and fortunate/humbled to be able to watch this man perform live
I love you MJ 😊
We all miss you
For me personally music died that day
You brought so much joy and happiness to billions across the world
Hopefully I can watch you live again when I pass
Love you forever MJ 🙃 & Ever
I was on the bus a few days ago one early morning and this smooth intro of a beat just came into my head as I'm riding along so it's dope to see it get a full break down from ya the same week
MJ?!?! FUCK YEAH!! lets go dude! cant wait to watch!
Your vids are amazing! You’re so knowledgeable, a great storyteller, & the editing is super engaging. Thanks for making vids!
Dude,love your channel... I've loved "Cant help it" since I was a kid...one of MJs most underrated songs IMHO...the bass line is amazing..glad someone finally mentions the greatness that is this song and the amazing writing Stevie & company have done over the years..💯✨
I really love and appreciate when someone can intelligently talk about the theory of a subject without bringing up controversy surrounding the artist (i.e., MJ's alleged behavior later on in life). Like I can't stand Kanye at all honestly, but your videos on him are still interesting as you cover the theory and history. Not sure if this makes sense or not, but hopefully you get what I mean and continue covering artists that may or may not have colored pasts. Its all still history.
(Verifiably false behavior)
Thank you thank you thank you!! My all time favorite MJ joint!And your breakdown just made it even more special to me! keep up the great work you do ! Your channel is pure 🔥🔥🔥🔥!!!!
This song was released as a b-side single along with "don't stop till' you get enough"!
I love your videos so much❤❤ keep up the great job my man
🙏🙏🙏
What a great video. I write music, trained in musical Theatre. I recently started playing the keyboard as well, and I'm always intrigued by how one can tell the story not only through the lyrics, melodies and harmonies, but also through the selection of chords, and rhythm. I love these sort of videos where you not only break down where the artist was in their life, at the time of writing the song, but also how it is echoed in the chords. This is an excellent video. Keep up the great work. We really appreciate the time and effort put in.
Your analyses of these tunes are wild. Keep up the great work.
One of Stevie’s great songs that Michael really added a lot to. Tension, anticipation, nervous energy, thrilling joy and private honesty.
I remember hearing this song as a child & even then before I could even read or even find intrest in reading about the production of this album I always felt this track was connected to Stevie Wonder it wasn’t until my teen years when I came back to this album that I discovered his involvement in this track. In my opinion this track is the best track on this album
This is one of by favorite breakdowns. The key of life is getting to know yourself to then transcend that person into something better. I've always loved MJ as a child, then thought of him as just great pop signer (In my early 20s), But past my 30's I realize that Mike was a master. This letter to himself shows why. Thank you for sharing. You are doing gods work.
Incredible! 1 of my favorite songs from 2 of the greatest artists to walk God’s green earth! I’m a DJ & so it’s only apropos that I cook up a ‘Can’t Help It’ mashup & I’ll be sure to share with you!
It's always a good ass Friday wen my boy post up on the UA-cam block wit the hella fye ass dope videos for us fiends
Why are you so good at making videos
🙏🙏🙏
@@diggingthegreats god did
I’m so glad we’re getting a deep dive on this masterful collaboration between three of the greatest musical powers in/near their prime
Now my Weekend can Start.
Respect for your Consistency again a great pice of music History perfect explained 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
"I Can't Help It" is incredibly underrated. It's my personal gem from the whole album.
This was a real treat. 🙏🏽
🙏🙏
Another amazing video! I adore this track and I was so excited when I got the notification!
My uncle Melvin Ragin aka Wah Wah Watson played guitar on this album! This is my favorite album period! Who’s who of musicians, writers and engineer! From top to bottom. Heard it was the album that saved the industry!! Ab is the same key of Butterflies! Love that a fellow DJ breaking down chords. Seems to be a trend now that musicians are starting to Dj or vice versa!!!!
Wow that is amazing to have such a cool uncle
@@H-mu4bo al That it is and RIP to MJ and Wah Wah!!!
Goo Goo Wah Wah 💙
@ Yes sur!!!!!
When I tell you this is one of my favorite MJ songs! Always loved this chord change of this song! Thanks for breaking it down
Magnificent!
I am more impressed and educated about music I have life long love for with every video you make!
🙏🙏🙏 having too much fun over here
The thorough research and knowledge of intricate details to note and keys and unknown information superb findings!
One of Stevie Wonder's best written songs. Beautiful.
Susaye Greene wrote the lyrics Stevie did music
Quiet Storm was in Washington DC. 8 to 12 midnight.
A perfectionist..
Ahh the clarity that's provided for me after learning this was Michael's..MJ's song and Stevie's version is not to be mistaken as the original. I agree that the first verse is MJ speaking to himself just based off of "Looking in MY mirror", being self-love lyrics but also written to be romanticized. Great video!
Can you break down some of Outkasts music and the history of Organized Noise please?
Absolutely on the list
one of the most heavenly baselines ever
Crazy to think this wasn’t a single because it’s one of his greatest hits to me
Michael's vocals are also an instrument, On top of that then he uses his His entire body has instruments