The Best Mccartney/MJ Collaborative Song

[Snowbunny Sorcerer]

So which song did they have the best chemistry on, which song was their most forgettable etc.

 

[Daryll748]

Cool poll
I voted for say say say as I love that song really. I just heard it this morning and it just zips me back to my childhood lol.
I love the video as Michael is truly beautiful and cute there.
It’s Quite a nostalgic song for me.

 

[barbee0715]

I definitely voted for 'The Girl is Mine'-I love everything about it. I love the melody, I love the bridge, I love Michael's dreamy vocals and the way he pronounces words-and I like Paul's voice too. Always loved the banter at the end. And I'm sure I'm voting for it, because I bought Thriller, and listened to the song constantly, and I didn't buy Paul's album that 'Say, Say, Say' was on.
That said, I LOVE the chemistry in 'Say, Say, Say' video-and I love the plot, the scenery, the costumes-reminds me of parts of 'On the Town' with Gene Kelly and other movies where he did vaudeville stuff. They're great together and Michael looks just about the best he's ever looked.

Don't care for 'The Man' at all. And I really like 'Girlfriend'-when Paul sings it, it does sound like a 'kid' song, which makes sense, as he said he wrote it for the Jackson 5, not really realizing they had grown up by then. And when Michael sings it, it sounds playful and flirty and not kid-like at all.

 

[Themidwestcowboy]

This is hard, I adore The Girl Is Mine but I think I'll go with Say Say Say

 

[Been Told]

I remember, when I was a kid, around 16 or so, I started earning my own money. That's when I started really collecting MJ stuff. I really liked "Say, Say, Say" and thought it was much, much better than "The Girl Is Mine". But I had read in "Black & White" (probably the best fan magazine that ever existed), that there was another song they had recorded, called "The Man".
In those days, if you were a regular kid like me, the only way to get your hands on rare songs were bootleg CDs. "Remind The Remix", "Noone Moves Like J**o" and all that stuff. One day I got my hands on such a CD that had "The Man" on it. It was a CD with MJ duets and stuff. It had the song "Save Me" on it too, which I love to this day. And then I heard "The Man". The sound quality was terrible, but I was blown away by the song and the vocals.
I grew up in a family where harmonizing (singing in harmony) was a big deal. We did that a lot. And then when I heard Michael and Paul do it, it was awesome. They were doing it the simple, old fashioned way. "Ooh, there's such a man..." that's where it's most obvious.

I think I must have listened to that song a few thousand times on repeat back then. It still has a very special place in my heart. So I voted for "Girlfriend". Just kidding.

 

[83magic]

I've already gone into depth as to why I love 'the man' elsewhere on this board. however, Michael dominates (which I have no problem with, as he sounds great!) and it doesn't feel like much of a vocal 'duet' between the two. fun fact: it's actually Michael and linda that harmonise on the chorus together.

'say say say' was a grower for me, but now I can't imagine it not being part of my collection. paul lays it down for Michael to come through with one of his most energetic, clear and smooth vocals ever! interesting contradictory lyrics about pleading for love - which are in line with michael's themes. nice short film on top of that (could have with more dancing from Michael though..). that being said, I think it could do with some editing towards the ending instrumental..

'the girl is mine' - i'm usually not a ballad person. I do however, enjoy the playful nature of this 'duel', ha! I can tell the two of them are having fun. I think paul bought out that side of Michael. very melodic too - which is what carries the story along. there's nothing I would change about this.


depending on my mood, it's out of those 3. I honestly can't decide at the moment! guess i'll have to go and listen to them

 

[83magic]

decided to vote for 'the man'. please take heed the message and absorb the goodness that is this song

 

[ManBehindTheMirrOr - Dona]

Its definitly Say say say for me.
The video is also one of my favorite MJ short films/music videos!

From the four thrillerera videos it is even top no. 2 after the Thriller short film for me.
I looooooove it sooooo much!

I love Gilfriend too. I know it is not a duet but can definitly count as a collobaration

 

[83magic]

i've changed my mind again. 'the girl is mine' is beautiful it really has become one of my all time favourites

 

[filmandmusic]

I voted girlfriend but in fairness I love all 4 songs equally.

 

[zinniabooklover]

Oh my days! I'm feeling so emotional at the mo. Just watched 'The Man' video. Brilliant, just brilliant. I'd never heard of this song, not keen on duets, not mad keen on Paul McCartney, no reason for me to investigate this one. But this board (newbie here) is turning out to be a real treasure trove of fabulous, beautiful stuff, some of which is quite new to me. So I thought, why not, let's just see.

83magic, thank you so much for posting the vid. Lovely to see Michael happy, relaxed, having a great time. That has to be one of the sweetest videos of him I've ever seen. Up there with the footage from the Russian orphanage in 1993.

And Been Told was right about the harmonies. I'm not a singer or a musician but I love it when singers do those gorgeous harmonies. I don't have the technical knowledge to understand what is meant by 'old-fashioned' harmonies (do harmonies sound different nowadays?). But I know a good harmony when I hear it. These were just lovely.

I'm having one of those, 'Michael Jackson is AWESOME' moments. I know, I know, not exactly an original thought, lol. It's not that Michael's awesomeness is ever in doubt but every now and then he blows my mind like it's the first time, iyswim.

 

[83magic]

Oh my days! I'm feeling so emotional at the mo. Just watched 'The Man' video. Brilliant, just brilliant. I'd never heard of this song, not keen on duets, not mad keen on Paul McCartney, no reason for me to investigate this one. But this board (newbie here) is turning out to be a real treasure trove of fabulous, beautiful stuff, some of which is quite new to me. So I thought, why not, let's just see.

83magic, thank you so much for posting the vid. Lovely to see Michael happy, relaxed, having a great time. That has to be one of the sweetest videos of him I've ever seen. Up there with the footage from the Russian orphanage in 1993.

And Been Told was right about the harmonies. I'm not a singer or a musician but I love it when singers do those gorgeous harmonies. I don't have the technical knowledge to understand what is meant by 'old-fashioned' harmonies (do harmonies sound different nowadays?). But I know a good harmony when I hear it. These were just lovely.

I'm having one of those, 'Michael Jackson is AWESOME' moments. I know, I know, not exactly an original thought, lol. It's not that Michael's awesomeness is ever in doubt but every now and then he blows my mind like it's the first time, iyswim.

you're so welcome

i, too, celebrate michael's joy it warms my heart to know that i helped you unlock more magic that's what it's all about; his legacy is everlasting. or to put it in his words; 'i'm alive and i'm here forever'. we can never run out of things to talk about. i've noticed a link between 'the man', 'best of joy', and that sample of the 'peter pan' song from the hayvenhurst interview in 83/84. i would love to know your theory on the lyrics

 

[filmandmusic]

Is this the Peter Pan thing you talk about @83magic
Is this an MJ track or something coming from a musical?
Do you like Best of Joy? What about (I like) the way you love me? I love both of them a lot, though we still haven't heard the original version of best of joy apparently. I always had the feeling Michael was returning to the type of songs he did in the late 70s, early 80s in his last couple of years, of course in an updated version musically.

 

[zinniabooklover]

83magic, I will follow up those suggestions of yours at some point. At the mo, I'm still in blissful communion with The Man. I am still so grateful you posted it. I had never heard of it. I mean, certain songs get flagged up by people. Best of Joy is a good example, actually. I haven't checked it out yet but I've seen it mentioned here and there. And various other songs. Have never seen anything at all about The Man. Which seems crazy to me. I mean, I know it's somewhat obscure but when did that ever stop you MJ fans? You're like a crack team of detectives.

When you say, 'would love to know your theory on the lyrics', which ones are we talking about? Sorry, feeling a bit dim at the mo! Lyrics for The Man or Best of Joy? Let me know but, you know, no hurry. I have to go back upthread and watch my video again. I may be some time!

 

[zinniabooklover]

Is this the Peter Pan thing you talk about @83magic
Is this an MJ track or something coming from a musical?
Do you like Best of Joy? What about (I like) the way you love me? I love both of them a lot, though we still haven't heard the original version of best of joy apparently. I always had the feeling Michael was returning to the type of songs he did in the late 70s, early 80s in his last couple of years, of course in an updated version musically.

Oh, that was so lovely. I was on my way back upthread to watch The Man video and I went past this one and thought, may as well have a look.

So lovely.

 

[zinniabooklover]

Me again because I'm having a bit of a day.

filmandmusic, I watched the clip you posted and then went looking for the interview. It's so lovely. I've only watched about 10 mins and now I'm taking a break. It's brilliant but also very poignant and emotional. I'm going to have to go through it in small chunks. I mean, it's fabulous and informative and light-hearted and interesting and funny but it's also a bit, 'oh, Michael ...'

But I'm so pleased that I know about it. I'm always up for a Michael interview and I'd not heard anything about this one or seen it come up, ever. What did I say? MJ fans are like detectives. Ninja detectives.

I think I need to go and check my kitchen cupboards, count tins of beans or something. This is too much emotion for one day.

 

[zinniabooklover]

Oh!!! Was it the lyrics for The Man? Cos I just looked at them. Did Paul M write the song FOR Michael or is it just coincidence that the lyrics seem to describe him to a T? The two verses seem to be very Michael but so is the chorus, kind of, especially as I just looked at the rest of that Hayvenhurst interview. The line about, 'he laughs, he kicks ... ' immediately took me back into that interview.

And that's where you got that line, 'I'm alive and I'm here forever'

This is all so cool.

 

[filmandmusic]

@zinniabooklover you are a new fan? Love the enthusiasm

 

[zinniabooklover]

@zinniabooklover you are a new fan? Love the enthusiasm

Ooh, filmandmusic, you're in trouble now!

I'm not a fan. I don't identify as a fan, don't accept the word or the concept.

But I do love Michael. Very much.

It's weird because there's that thread about '4 types of fans' and I don't think I fit into any of the categories, really. I've been into Michael since the J5 took off but ... er, dunno where I fit in. I love Michael but always ignored him (as in, didn't read press coverage, had zero interest in his personal life). Really passionate about him but kind of detached, as well. I always loved him as an artist but my interest ebbed and flowed.

Then he died.

Went out and bought an armful of CD's. Went to see TII multiple times. Few years down the line got rid of all the CD's. Then last year when we got out of our third (UK) lockdown I went out and bought all the CD's again (Sony are doing all right out of me!). And this time I know I'll never get rid of them. I'm definitely in a different phase now. I've been looking back a lot recently and I can see my different 'Michael' phases.

It's only been a year or so since I discovered various blogs and, you know, one thing leads to another and I ended up discovering all sorts of things I didn't know existed. Like the footage from the Mexico deposition in 1993 or the footage from Paris in 1997 or, well, like just now on this thread. 'The Man' and that Hayvenhurst interview which is now my new fave interview.

I just read the lyrics for The Man so now I'm all excited about that.

Michael. I just love him.

 

[zinniabooklover]

Don't know if there's a rule against posting consectutive comments so I'm going to drop this one and run away very fast!

So. 'The Man'. Yes, it was me who claimed it was an 'obscure' song. Yeah, right, obscure to me and me alone but not to anyone else in the Western hemisphere. I suddenly realised I could check that Joe Vogel book that I don't pay much attention to and, yay, there it was. So now I know. I've ordered the McCartney CD. It's all good.

Dear, oh dear. The embarrassment.

 

[filmandmusic]

@zinniabooklover there is a 5 day ban penalty for multiple consecutive posts

 

[zinniabooklover]

@zinniabooklover there is a 5 day ban penalty for multiple consecutive posts

Ohhhh noooooooooooo!

 

[zinniabooklover]

I've already gone into depth as to why I love 'the man' elsewhere on this board. however, Michael dominates (which I have no problem with, as he sounds great!) and it doesn't feel like much of a vocal 'duet' between the two. fun fact: it's actually Michael and linda that harmonise on the chorus together.

'say say say' was a grower for me, but now I can't imagine it not being part of my collection. paul lays it down for Michael to come through with one of his most energetic, clear and smooth vocals ever! interesting contradictory lyrics about pleading for love - which are in line with michael's themes. nice short film on top of that (could have with more dancing from Michael though..). that being said, I think it could do with some editing towards the ending instrumental..

'the girl is mine' - i'm usually not a ballad person. I do however, enjoy the playful nature of this 'duel', ha! I can tell the two of them are having fun. I think paul bought out that side of Michael. very melodic too - which is what carries the story along. there's nothing I would change about this.


depending on my mood, it's out of those 3. I honestly can't decide at the moment! guess i'll have to go and listen to them

Oh, for goodness sake, it's me doing another consecutive comment! Well, I'm just gonna go for it.

83magic, just to be annoying, I have a question. You've said here that you've gone into depth elsewhere on the board as to why you love The Man so much. Is that thread still available? Can you direct me to it? I'd love to read your thoughts on this song.

No probs if you can't be bothered or don't have time or whatever. It's hardly urgent. Just feels like it would be a nice extra layer to add to the story. I'm just having such a fantastic time with the song (and video) so any extra little bits I can gather would be great. I feel like I'm building a nice little story here. You know what it's like.

If you're able to do this, great and many thanks. If it's too much hassle, just ignore.

Cheers.

 

[zinniabooklover]

I've already gone into depth as to why I love 'the man' elsewhere on this board. however, Michael dominates (which I have no problem with, as he sounds great!) and it doesn't feel like much of a vocal 'duet' between the two. fun fact: it's actually Michael and linda that harmonise on the chorus together.

'say say say' was a grower for me, but now I can't imagine it not being part of my collection. paul lays it down for Michael to come through with one of his most energetic, clear and smooth vocals ever! interesting contradictory lyrics about pleading for love - which are in line with michael's themes. nice short film on top of that (could have with more dancing from Michael though..). that being said, I think it could do with some editing towards the ending instrumental..

'the girl is mine' - i'm usually not a ballad person. I do however, enjoy the playful nature of this 'duel', ha! I can tell the two of them are having fun. I think paul bought out that side of Michael. very melodic too - which is what carries the story along. there's nothing I would change about this.


depending on my mood, it's out of those 3. I honestly can't decide at the moment! guess i'll have to go and listen to them

I think I've got it. Just found the search facility. I got something from Aug 2020. Haven't looked at it properly but I think it's the one.

 

[Michaels Lover]

Say Say Say

 

[83magic]

long story short, i believe that 'the man' is about a spiritual experience or philosophy based on everlasting life and eternal youth. this 'man' could be a literal individual such as Jesus Christ, Peter Pan, or Michael himself - since he was inspired by both. either way, i believe the song is a way to give a witness of this new discovery. or it could simply be about the friendship between the two singers.

the only right answer is the one that comes from the writers. i don't believe either of them have spoken on it..

my guess is that michael handled the lyrics and vocal arrangements, while paul did the music. again, just theories..

 

[zinniabooklover]

long story short, i believe that 'the man' is about a spiritual experience or philosophy based on everlasting life and eternal youth. this 'man' could be a literal individual such as Jesus Christ, Peter Pan, or Michael himself - since he was inspired by both. either way, i believe the song is a way to give a witness of this new discovery. or it could simply be about the friendship between the two singers.

the only right answer is the one that comes from the writers. i don't believe either of them have spoken on it..

my guess is that michael handled the lyrics and vocal arrangements, while paul did the music. again, just theories..

1 - really interesting ideas, there. Lots to think about. All the best lyrics, I think, can go in many different directions. All of these thoughts are plausible.

2 - respectfully and slightly disagree with you on, 'the only right answer is the one that comes from the writers.' Mmm, maybe. Maybe not. For me, lyrics always have many different meanings. I never have one fixed interpretation. For sure, hearing the thoughts of the lyricist is always dead interesting. But I think the personal relationship you have with a song includes your own understanding of the lyrics.

But, really cool thoughts. I'm going to go and reflect on all of this.

 

[83magic]

1 - really interesting ideas, there. Lots to think about. All the best lyrics, I think, can go in many different directions. All of these thoughts are plausible.

2 - respectfully and slightly disagree with you on, 'the only right answer is the one that comes from the writers.' Mmm, maybe. Maybe not. For me, lyrics always have many different meanings. I never have one fixed interpretation. For sure, hearing the thoughts of the lyricist is always dead interesting. But I think the personal relationship you have with a song includes your own understanding of the lyrics.

But, really cool thoughts. I'm going to go and reflect on all of this.

the writers of the song (in this case michael and paul) are the ones who have ultimate authority over the meaning. it came from their minds. we as the listeners on the outside, can have our interpretations and theories, but there is only one truth.