Though Michael Jackson has long been associated with Halloween due to the popularity of "Thriller," he actually recorded several songs throughout his career that have a distinctly "scary" feeling. One of these lesser known gems is the song "Is it Scary?" released on the 1997 remix album "Blood on the Dance Floor." This gothic-inspired song featured briefly in his short film "Ghosts" has lyrics fit for Halloween, with mention of ghouls, ghosts, and trickery. But beneath that, these lyrics tell a much more frightening story of Michael Jackson's painful emotional response to the relentless media scrutiny and abuse he faced throughout most of his adult life.

Join me for this emotional discussion diving deeply into the lyrics of this song and sitting with the agony Michael was expressing. We will even spend some time discussing the critical response to the song and how much of it reflected the very reality he was describing in the storytelling.

For questions or comments feel free to email me at readingmichaeljackson@yahoo.com.

According to the Songwriter's Hall of Fame, Michael wrote over 200 songs in his lifetime. However, so many of those songs have never been, and never will be heard. The rare unreleased that have leaked online over the years offer amazing insight into Michael's creative process and level of perfection, especially when those he kept in the vault are as good as "Chicago 1945!"

Join me in this episode as we read and discuss the lyrics of this high-energy, but darkly-themed song about missing girls and a lack of accountability from the authorities. If you are unfamiliar with the song, please give it a listen (link included below).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BUkvA-NCV1E&list=RDBUkvA-NCV1E&start_radio=1

For questions and comments email readingmichaeljackson@yahoo.com.

As one of Michael Jackson's most spiritual songs, the deep meaning of "Another Part of Me" can easily overlooked given its inaugural debut in Captain E.O. Though it's meaning certainly aligned with the storyline of the short film, this high energy pop song may often be cast aside as just another great dance hit. However, in this episode we take a slowed down approach, reading the lyrics and analyzing them line-by-line.

Though this episode kicks off with a reflection on attending Spike Lee's birthday block party for Michael on August 29 in Brooklyn, NY, the majority of the discussion centers not only on the themes within the lyrics of "Another Part of Me", but also the choices Michael made to alter the lyrics in his live performance of the song. I also touch upon how the unity Michael strives for in these lyrics lives on today in his fandom around the world.

For questions or comments please email readingmichaeljackson@yahoo.com