1 Hidden Gem From Every Michael Jackson Album

12. Got To Be There - Love Is Here And Now You’re Gone

His hits collections Number Ones or HIStory, could leave you believing that Michael Jackson emerged fully formed out of nowhere with 1979’s Off The Wall. Of course, most people know he first found fame alongside his brothers in The Jackson 5 and later The Jacksons. Still, you could be forgiven for not knowing that between 1972 and 1975 Michael released four solo albums on the Motown label. Even his various massive world tours ignored this chunk of his history.

The truth is that much of this early solo material pales in comparison to the best of his work with his brothers. At least his solo debut Got To Be There features the title track and Rockin’ Robin, hits worthy of the family business. Plus it features a fine cover of Holland-Dozier-Holland classic Love Is Here And Now You’re Gone.

The song’s heartbroken lyrics aren’t out of the ordinary for a Motown hit but they’re pretty sophisticated stuff for a 12-year-old. But you wouldn’t know it from Jackson’s delivery. Assisted by some slinky strings, the song sounds just as sultry and soulful as Diana Ross did fronting The Supremes’ version.