1 Hidden Gem From Every Michael Jackson Album

This was the least successful of Michael’s Motown solo LPs and that won’t surprise you if you’ve heard it. This wasn’t the happiest period for Michael Jackson as a solo artist.

Inspired by Motown label mates Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder, he wanted to include his own compositions on Music And Me but the label wouldn’t let him. Listen to Music And Me and the frustration is starting to show.

While Michael’s vocal abilities are never in doubt, he doesn’t sound at his most inspired on this album. There are moments here when he actually sounds bored and disengaged. The backing tracks do little to help compensate, featuring uninspired arrangements.

However, Jackson manages to pull himself out of his lethargy for Johnny Raven. In fact, he sounds like he’s having a whale of a time. Here he injects some real soul into his vocal, over needling guitars and funky bass.

The young singer sounds like exactly what he is: a 14-year-old boy. As such, he doesn’t quite convince in the role of restless, love-‘em-and-leave-‘em lothario. Nonetheless, he sounds like he’s relishing the chance to play the part. This, the doo-wop fun of Doggin’ Around and the better known title track are really the only ones worth revisiting on Music And Me.