19

Man in the Mirror
Michael Jackson
1987

I think nearly everyone who picked a Michael Jackson song (and there were several) went with Billie Jean.  Which, I will freely admit, is *probably* his best song (a lot of contenders there).  But it’s gotta be this one for me for my happy song.  Just a beautiful number by one of the all-time legends in his prime.  Songs like Billie Jean, Don’t Stop ‘Till You Get Enough, Beat It…all those capture the brilliance of R&B Michael.  And I love all of those songs.

Man in the Mirror captures the pop star Michael, and I just love the message about change in this one. “If you wanna make the world a better place / Take a look at yourself and then make a change.”  Indeed.  A big song with a big message, for all of humanity.

I associate this one most often with my freshman year in Provo, driving around late at night, often on a Hardee’s run with my friend Dave, and while belting this out in his Honda Accord Dave turning to me and saying, “Who sings this song?,” and then after waiting for my answer stating, “Let’s keep it that way.”  Classic Dave!  😆 

I also cannot leave the MJ discussion without noting that a couple years ago my brothers and I had an absolutely all-out, epic fight about whether we should continue to listen to Michael Jackson’s music given that he was…less than a stellar individual as it turned out.  That was an argument for the ages, and in our text thread we will still come back to it if things start to get a bit heated and someone will often reference it as something like, “are we about to enter into the Michael Jackson discussion again” to ensure we avoid that altogether.  So I ask you, dear reader, should we continue to listen to Michael Jackson’s music today?  (No, I’m totally, completely kidding - that discussion has forever been put to bed so do not respond!)

Other Songs Considered:
Billie Jean, Don’t Stop ‘Till You Get Enough, Beat It, Rock With You, Thriller, Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’, Bad, Smooth Criminal, Black or White