Hot Street or Slapstick

[ChanceToDance]

Which song do you prefer, Hot Street or its demo, Slapstick? I prefer Slapstick because it's more upbeat than the final.

 

[Lord Jackson]

Hot Street is the completed song

Slapstick's problem (although it's why I slightly prefer it) is that Michael's vocals are very raw
Like how he says magic

 

[OhButItsRed]

I think I prefer the 'grit' of Slapstick over Hot Street tbh. The completed version just doesn't quite have the same kick to it, y'know?

 

[83magic]

it's tricky because 'slapstick' has better vocals, but the lyrics make no sense to me. 'hot street' has more of a concept , but still lacks the polish that the rest of the 'thriller' album has.

'hot street' was also up for consideration to be included in the 'thriller 25th anniversary' album. michael ultimately decided against it. maybe he had plans to revisit it and release it as part of a new project? it wouldn't be unheard of for him.

still love the song, and think it's one of his best outtakes i can see it being a b side to 'billie jean'. it's edgy, and sees michael observing the sinister side of night city life (the opposite of 'off the wall'). yet it's catchy and dance-able r'n'b/pop; something that he helped define, and exceled in. surprised it wasn't officially released posthumously to be honest. it could compete with the stuff that the weeknd is doing now.

 

[ChanceToDance]

it's tricky because 'slapstick' has better vocals, but the lyrics make no sense to me. 'hot street' has more of a concept , but still lacks the polish that the rest of the 'thriller' album has.

'hot street' was also up for consideration to be included in the 'thriller 25th anniversary' album. michael ultimately decided against it. maybe he had plans to revisit it and release it as part of a new project? it wouldn't be unheard of for him.

still love the song, and think it's one of his best outtakes i can see it being a b side to 'billie jean'. it's edgy, and sees michael observing the sinister side of night city life (the opposite of 'off the wall'). yet it's catchy and dance-able r'n'b/pop; something that he helped define, and exceled in. surprised it wasn't officially released posthumously to be honest. it could compete with the stuff that the weeknd is doing now.

Great insight! To be honest I don't think I can choose either, on one hand Hot Street is more polished overall and has a great Outro, but Slapstick is more upbeat and energizing, it's really hard to choose...