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IFLTS: 'I Want You Back,' the Jackson 5

Michael Jackson'I Want You Back,' the Jackson 5
From 1969's 'Diana Ross Presents the Jackson 5'

Look, I'm pretty young. I missed the Jackson 5's breakthrough hit, 'I Want You Back,' by a long shot, and I wasn't even born when the 'Thriller' video hit the scene. On the cusp of my 11th birthday, I fell in love not with the Jacksons, but with a certain other band of brothers who were seemingly following the path of churning out pop gems. Just -- lightly -- compare Taylor Hanson's style circa 'Mmmbop' to the youthful wail of Michael Jackson, and you might get where I'm going with this; the attitude and range of Jackson's soulful vocals influenced what I was listening to as a kid, before I even knew it. The appreciation came later.

'I Want You Back,' courtesy of Motown, served to be the Jackson 5's first No. 1 song. It is a song that I would've undoubtedly turned the radio up to every day in my bedroom, had I grown up in the right decade. I listen to it now and can't help but smile. I enjoy it for everything you should enjoy a delightful pop song for: its groove, its ability to turn somewhat sad lyrics into a good time and most of all, its memorable melody sung by that little guy with a big voice.



What song do you freakin' love? Write our next IFLTS. Send it to us at spinnereditor@aim.com

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yuland dunlap

What the Heck, this is Michael Jackson, enufsaid. We will love you forever

September 18 2009 at 1:34 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Poolshark21

Michael, For 44 years we watched you grow from a boy into a man. You were constantly judged by millions of people for anything they didn't understand. We admired your talent and enjoyed your music, jamming to hits .. fast and slow. We believed all was grand at "Neverland" and were surprised by what we didn't know. We'll miss you Michael but now you are free from ridicule, criticism and strife. May you finally find the peace in death you weren't allowed to enjoy in life!

June 26 2009 at 6:33 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply