Every New Zealand #1 single…
7
Black or White by Michael Jackson
Topped the NZ chart: for 8 weeks from 24 November 1992.
Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson was the eighth of ten children, growing up on Jackson Street in Gary, Indiana. He joined the Jackson 5, a band formed by his father, becoming lead singer. He was only 11 when the Jackson 5’s ‘I Want You Back’ topped the US chart in January 1970.
I’ve been undecided about whether to cover Michael Jackson on this site. He’s an important figure in the history of pop music. He’s fronted great songs like ‘Wanna Be Starting Something’ from 1982’s mega-album Thriller.
But he’s clearly had his share of controversy as well, with child abuse allegations.
On balance, it feels unfair to exclude him from this site. Many other people were involved in his records, and wiping Jackson from history also excludes them.
Jackson had eight number-one singles in New Zealand as a solo artist. Surprisingly, six of these were during the 1990s. Jackson topped the singles charts for longer than anyone else in New Zealand during the decade, a total of 22 weeks.
Black or White
Jackson’s best-known songs are often large in scale, like the big pop productions of Thriller with producer Quincy Jones. ‘Black or White’, from 1992’s Dangerous, is relatively modest in its scope.
It’s a collaboration with Bill Bottrell, who played most of the instruments, turning Jackson’s hummed ideas into the guitar riff. Bottrell also contributed the song’s brief rap. He recorded it quickly as a guide for a more accomplished rapper, but Jackson insisted on keeping it.
It’s simple, reminiscent of Prince’s stripped-down, funky ‘Kiss’. There’s a fascinating bridge where Jackson sings intensely over metal guitar – it’s easily my favourite part of the song.
This relatively modest song features an elaborate music video, with a cameo from child star Macaulay Culkin. It was simultaneously broadcast to 500 million views in its worldwide premiere.
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I was a fan of the Jackson 5 and I liked the Off The Wall album. I never heard the greatness in Thriller or the follow up Bad which admittedly puts me in the minority. There were some good singles though but they didn’t resonate with me like they did with my peers.
This song…I actually liked…I remember watching the video when it premiered. The small guitar riff is what drew me in. After this though…I couldn’t tell you anything else he did.
I think he’s just the kind of artist who appeals more to the general public than music nerds.
Sometimes I find him a bit too smooth and streamlined, like he’d be better if there were more rough edges. Great singer and good tunes though.
Not one of my favourites from MJ. Nice write up though.
It’s fine, but not amazing. Can kind of see why it was a number one, since it’s catchy and has its heart in the right place, along with anticipation and a grand video.
I also much prefer Kiss, but never made the connection. Good find.