1 Hidden Gem From Every Michael Jackson Album

For many people there are two Michael Jacksons. There is the near supernaturally talented small boy who led The Jackson 5 and sang charming ballads about rats. Then there is the global megastar, “King Of Pop” who gave us Billie Jean, Beat It, Black Or White and the rest.

Forever, Michael is the album that bridges the gap between the two. At 16 years old, a rapidly maturing Michael is clearly no longer a child but neither is this the man who will dominate charts, captivate the world’s media and inspire rabid devotion from fans worldwide.

While never less than competent, the album lacks the genre busting, kaleidoscopic thrills that would soon become Michael’s calling card under the tutelage of Quincy Jones. It was also less successful than Jackson’s first two solo albums, doing little to arrest the slump he hit with Music And Me.

That said, the album gets off to a strong start with We’re Almost There. Rich strings and soulful backing vocals accentuate a driving, funky rhythm track. Michael’s voice has leapt from child soprano to teen tenor and it elevates this song. When he sings, “need to feel your hand, slippin’ from mine,” there’s enough grit to imply he wants to do more than just hold hands.