First of all,  I will admit that I’m playing a little loose with chronology by including this song on the list. “Say, Say, Say” was released in October of 1983 BUT during the first week of January 1984 the song was sitting at the top of the pop charts. When the year begins with “Mac” and “Jack” at number one, you know you’re in for a great (the greatest) year of pop music.

This song is all about pedigree. A Jackson (THE Jackson) and a Beatle team up and record a song at Abbey Road studios. I imagine there was a lot of pressure on this song to be a mind-blowing, life changing, world peace creating masterpiece.  I love the fact that instead of attempting to create something that sounds like the confluence of pop genius the duo crafted an easy, breezy mid tempo tune.

Cutie Pie has seen my complete list of 6 favorite MJ songs from 1984 and I believe this is her favorite.

“I love the collaboration of Michael and Paul.  Paul McCartney is my favorite Beatle.  I loved Linda (god rest her soul) as well.  This song is another example of the light, fun hearted side of Michael. I like the timing and the beat of the song as well as the harmonica.”

And both Sweetie Pie and I also love the ‘short film’ that accompanied the song. The fact that Paul and Michael allow themselves to be so goofy makes the video feel so extraordinarily cool. In late ’83 and early ’84 I watched this video every chance I could get – and since this was a cross over hit (aka equally loved by people both Black & White)  – I was able to see it on Friday Night Videos and Ralph McDaniels’ Video Music Box.