Recorded on the breakout masterpiece album Off The Wall in 1979, “I Can’t Help It,” was composed by Stevie Wonder, with lyrics written by former Supreme Susaye Greene. Wonder, a label mate, friend and mentor to Jackson, came up with a dreamy, blue-greenish groove, accentuated by a misty bass hook and ethereal Rhodes flourishes, with Michael specifically in mind. The track followed “She’s Out of My Life,” a top ten single in which Jackson infamously cried at the end of the song. The sequencing of these two tracks, spearheaded by producer Quincy Jones, was to such perfect affect, you felt as if MJ was wiping away those tears to recompose himself during his subdued vocal intro for this lovely mid-tempo love poem. Jackson caressed the track as only he could, incorporating both Wonder’s sublime vocal note bending and his own signature vibrato. Though never released as a single, “I Can’t Help It” became an instant classic among fans, DJs, and musicians. In fact, it may be the most covered song in all of MJ’s catalog.
Posted on: Mon, 30 Sep 2013 00:56:02 +0000
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