"Human Nature" by Michael Jackson

Top 10 Alert!

Song#:  1542
Date:  07/23/1983
Debut:  48
Peak:  7
Weeks:  14
Genre:  R&B, Adult Contemporary



Pop Bits:  Among the many records that Thriller set during its run, "Human Nature" holds one of them. It became the LP's fifth Top 10 single - a feat that had not been accomplished up to this point. The tune reached #7 at Pop and did even better at AC hitting #2. Co-written by Steve Porcaro (Toto) and John Bettis, it was the last song select to be on the Thriller album. Initially, a song called "Carousel" (written by Michael "Maniac" Sembello) took the spot, but then it was decided that "Human Nature" would take its place. "Carousel" would eventually surface in an edited form on the 2001 special edition reissue of Thriller with the full-length version becoming available on iTunes in 2013.

ReduxReview:  I have to say that whoever made the call to oust "Carousel" in favor of "Human Nature" was spot on. While "Carousel" is a nice tune, this one is by far better. It's beautifully written and it made for a terrific single. "Carousel" would not have made a good single. The choice helped set a record and brought this excellent song to the masses. It also still sounds damn good today.

ReduxRating:  9/10

Trivia:  Jackson was the first to get five Top 10's from one album and that ushered in a new era of trying to maximize singles from LPs. Within a span of a few years, other artists were able to accomplish the same including Bruce Springsteen, Lionel Richie, George Michael, Madonna, and Jackson's own sister, Janet. Actually, Janet would go on to set a record that bested her brother's. Her 1989 album Rhythm Nation: 1814 would generate seven Top 5 singles - a record that still stands today.

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