Michael Jackson "ROCK WITH YOU" Original Studio Multitracks (Listening Session & Analysis)

[@chrisliepe]

Find out what your voice can really do. Join my free singing course! chrisliepe.com/free-your-voice/

[@momenmo558]

Do the dirty diana multitrack next, please

[@momenmo558]

Do the dirty diana multitrack next, please

[@cheguerita4288]

Hey chris liepe! Will you analyze brian wilson’s voice? Or the song i just wasn’t made for these times? I think the vocals are amazing!

[@andrewcbartlett]

Check out the remix by the reflex (the reflex revision)

[@AmySue280]

Keep in mind that this is an 19-year old/20-year old Michael during the recording of the Off the Wall album.

[@mikkolaine23]

With 10 years of experience even by then

[@NicoDa1]

Yeah, seasoned professional 19/20 year old who have been doing this since a child. Not your average 20 year old.

[@bbrother92]

NO! he is 25

[@kuunami]

This post show me that you 100 percent understand why Michael Jackson is the greatest of all time.

[@mystikalmaze]

​@@bbrother92That's impossible. Mike was born in 1958. Rock with you was released in 1979. He must have been around 20.

[@jsacodes916]

Everyone should appreciate that there is ZERO pitch correction. It's the sound of an actual human being singing.

[@xabun]

The Finger snapper is actually MJ himself. He was known for having the best snaps and also snapping thru most of his songs.

[@Cormac-jd2kx]

Because that’s all he could play 😂😂😂😂

[@xabun]

@@Cormac-jd2kx he could play many instruments but was no master. He is credited in some of his songs for playing guitar, drums, keyboard etc.

[@Cormac-jd2kx]

@@xabunthat was debunked. A big lie.😂😂

[@aldocorzo5440]

@@Cormac-jd2kx ok cormac!!! :)

[@chenchiin]

​@@Cormac-jd2kx LOL MJ himself is an instrument. Argue with the wall 🤡

[@stefanb3509]

Rod Temperton was a songwriting genius.

[@livestreamsuk6004]

And superb keyboard player, arranger and producer too.

[@WS3RD]

Agree 150%! Not many people know HOW MANY HITS he was responsible for.

[@adrianadiaz6224]

I got a teary eye just listening to those strings! 🥹😭

[@warrenny]

ikr. man, that music was magical to hear as a child for me. I was always really drawn to that style of string music in the late 70s.

[@mrr5835]

They sounded so good!

[@MOTO_ATB]

did they use real string or sort of analog synthesizer or string machine on this song

[@prodbydionne]

​@@MOTO_ATB Real strings. Very expensive & very beautiful

[@AtomizedSound]

MJ and Quincy Jones together is pure genius on the albums they put out

[@Saturnr3nacido2]

Agree to that man, It's sad though to see Jones become so salty lately, only putting down so many artists including Michael... 😓

[@CannedFunkMusic]

Also Rod Temperton

[@miamiwax5504]

Quincy Jones sound is ROD TEMPERTONS sound! Don't get it twisted! Listen the music he put out with him vs without him.

[@BTman58]

​@@miamiwax5504 Nonsense..

[@el.aye.bee.4477]

@@miamiwax5504 What exactly are you saying?

[@KamoMustafaWWE]

Michael Jackson is the King of Harmonies.

[@Saturnr3nacido2]

He and Freddie were in their own league, both monsters of harmonizing vocals

[@julioedwards13]

Marvin Gaye’s harmonies were dope too. Michael’s was probably better. Underrated vocalist.

[@mactherealestateman]

You're forgetting Prince as well as Stevie Wonder. Marvin was the first to openly do it: sing harmony AND countermelodies, and ad libs at the same time. Listen to "I Want You", "Let's Get It On", "Please Don't Stay", and you'll see why. Listen to Prince sing "Adore, "For You", "An Honest Man", "Do Me Baby", and you'll hear a totally different style, but equally as impressive.

[@richardjcranium]

I saw an interview recently with the drummer on this record John JR Robinson, who played on a million sessions and he said Quincy Jones came up to him and asked him could you come up with a little drum intro that will be memorable for all time? He said uhh sure. He thought for a few seconds, played that intro and it made everybody elevate their playing, and that was the take on the record.

[@word2RG]

Im glad you bring attention to the fact that he began so early, as a child protege. Michael was the lifelong culmination of a perfect storm. Genetics, environment, motivation and enrichment. Hes one of our shining representatives, proving that our species is worthy to breathe the air and witness the sunrise. And he would still be here for us, if we had been there for him.

[@rome8180]

Those backup vocals are stunning. He even seems to be able to match his own vibrato across tracks. I love that harmony on "sunlight." Chills.

[@JordanX767]

20:39 That's the exact reaction I have every time I hear that sick riff/run. The vocal agility and control is absurd.

[@BBT609]

I did that too! MJ was NASTY!!

[@blueser100]

Michael had an amazing ability to intricately harmonize and stack all his own background vocals.

[@DJLee-zl2ml]

I think Michael was hearing what he would want his brothers singing in those backgrounds. I'm sure he had all of their voices in his head.

[@N0EL-7007]

Michael’s songs are so complex when you break through the surface. I absolutely love getting to understand the amount of work put into just one song through your videos. Such beautiful harmonies!

[@earlencollings2422]

Those strings gave me goosebumps, amazingly beautiful.

[@nicksharma8238]

me too! damn, lot of goosebumps

[@dariuswardlow3401]

4:05 when those strings hit that's such a feeling can't even describe it's like butter then when he did the horns n brass shhheeeeeshhhhh🥲🙏🏿🧈🎶🎶🎶🎛🎛🎛

[@dariuswardlow3401]

This is straight butter those strings gawwwwwwwd can't even describe the flow it's magic fr

[@adderhoney]

MJ's songs were always exquisitely produced.

[@dirtysusiejean8221]

The strings in "Rock With You" and "Off The Wall" the song make me cry. They're SO perfect

[@sacihuszar3718]

I always thought it was a hot song. But I'm still amazed by how sensual Michael's voice is in this song! 😱 I'm blown away! 😳😵

[@westfield90]

One of my most favorite tracks in life. Always puts a smile on my face and takes me back to a happier time of being a young kid and hearing this song on my dad’s barely running car while he was dropping me off to school.

[@Jacqueal]

To be able to hear this song this way is so rewarding. I absolutely love listening to these sessions broken down. This is indeed a privilege. What a time to be alive.

[@blueser100]

God bless Rod he wasn’t a singer but he was a genius when it came to writing hits.

[@StephanVandemaele]

The strings are marvelous..

[@IppiopaidFEEDBACK]

Wow! The song sounds so beautiful when is broken down into his individual parts. It’s like it could be an instrument of that playing in the background for hours and I wouldn’t get tired of it.

[@RoneyStrong]

The Goat. Best Vocalist of all time, Best Dancer of all time, Best Philanthropist of all time.

[@cirenosnor5768]

@RoneyStrong - Best vocalist of all time? You’re a big MJ fan. Got it …best dancer? Better than Jackie Wilson…James Brown? Best philanthropist??? Who’s other philanthropy are you aware of?

[@julsedt]

Hands down best pedo of all time

[@amaderuelo]

Way better than Jackie and James. Much more versatile and spectacular to say the least. Actually he is a compilation of the best dancers of all time.

[@carlosaz69]

real musicians making real music, all of them geniuses. One of the best songs ever. Music at the highest level.

[@ANITACHEONG-em8mt]

❤

[@bobmattakwa6948]

@ 6:23 The moment he said "it's one of the reasons I love listening to so much Michael Jackson" I clicked on subscribe button!

[@ashiaadams1394]

Why do I still cry hearing the break down of MJ songs ❤ loveeeeeee this so much

[@KatChannel30]

I can't see you would have done The Lady In My Life - this would be a dream come true. Another amazing analysis. I love the harmonies in Rock with You. Thank you

[@opinionatorX]

Chris! My bro! You have no idea what you've just done. This is one of my favorite songs. This is gold. Even MJ's imperfections in the raw tracks seem to make it all the better. MJ was a master of his craft. I appreciate you bringing this to us.

[@realslimboy93]

Love when you do Michael multitracks

[@nautilus6038]

Wondering where I can find these

[@mssha1980]

@@nautilus6038yes if you search hard enough

[@PeachesChrenko]

This is phenomenal. How wonderful to get to hear this after all these years. Vocals, guitar, And those strings wow, who knew

[@gemillopez5797]

Amazing you see why his songs such as this stand in a test of time. Real voice and instruments playing the song of M.J.

[@ericd1798]

Start to finish, top to bottom, a musical masterpiece.

[@NickMehmet-hv2ze]

My dad bought me up on off the wall and thriller I am 38 now for a song that is nearly 50 years old it will be a classic forever the greatest voice even from childstar to a mega star never will be replaced love your videos Chris

[@ANITACHEONG-em8mt]

❤

[@hibernationd3313]

He is just an amazing vocalist. That’s why I’ve been a fan all my life. Looking forward to more Michael videos

[@jsacodes916]

The strings are like an entirely different world that exists underneath everything else...like a hidden cavern.

[@DJLee-zl2ml]

I was like 10-11 when I had this album and it was by far his greatest work. I knew back then it was special. But hearing the incredible vocal breakdown really shows just how talented he was.

[@cosmickoffee]

The way I RAN to this video lol This song is so good, and I feel like people don't appreciate the string sections in Michael's songs enough- like they get lost in the beat. There's such a sensual yet playful joy in every part. I have no musical/vocal training but I feel like could rant about Rock With You forever lol Maybe I'm crazy but I could've sworn I saw the thumbnail on your channel yesterday, when I had time to watch it, it was gone. Glad it's here now!

[@blajesse]

The rhythm guitar with strings alone was it's own vibe. And the strings and horns isolated sounded like composed music for a movie. They say you don't want to know how sausage is made. But this is more like drooling over every ingredient of an amazing recipe ❤

[@lowrytv6736]

7:00 thank you sir you just brought my ears to another realm.

[@AM_9924]

Phenomenal. Just pure genius.

[@timbrownrigg5217]

On a recent episode of the MJ cast, they had Jennifer Batton ( his BAD, Dangerous and HIStory tour lead guitar player) and she talked about how rediculously amazing the chord changes are in this song. Couldnt agree more.

[@markrothery5720]

Off the wall is my favourite album of all time thank you for all these epic breakdowns and giving me a deeper appreciation of what mj and quincy achieved together on a epic trilogy of albums 😊 ❤

[@wesleywayne303]

You might check out Tempertons body of amazing work to allow some of the credit to fall his way as well… another musical genius. See Star of the Story Heatwave & get your mind blown.

[@cathysnider8717]

This is so cool 😎 Love hearing these studio multi tracks. You bring out soooo much of what Michael does that made him unique and special. Michael “dances with his voice.” That’s going in my collection of useful quotes that shape my own vocals. 🙏🥰

[@Bow503]

5:00 wow this portion has so many emotions it lifts you up, makes you tear, makes you feel sad but gives you a teaching moment, and just hugs you. wowoowowoowowow I would buy just this striped down versions if I could or blast them in the park.

[@prodbydionne]

its so beautiful. it really touches the spirit

[@SkillJim]

I think that last little section of vocals isn’t in the final release, or it fades out before you can fully appreciate them! That was incredible! Thanks Chris ✌️

[@angiem.j0217]

Absolutely I cannot believe these harmonies they’re insane MJ

[@dpw181]

Yes, the background Michaels are arguably the best part of a perfect song. One of my all-time headphone songs. I would never recognize that bass from the song. It never occurred to me any of MJ's recordings would have pitch imperfections or spliced vocals but I'm not a music person. An 80's Time Magazine article did some of the interview as MJ drove around. The writer said he was surprised that MJ sounds like everyone else when he sings along with the radio. I was born the same year as MJ and love this song so this analysis/breakdown was enjoyable. I'll remember it every time I hear the record.

[@thedonbishop55]

Oh I’ve been waiting on this. Rod Temperton was an amazing song writer. RIP.

[@el.aye.bee.4477]

Yes, he was, may he rest in peace. Songwriting truly was his calling and he gave the world some absolute masterpieces.

[@williamdooley9193]

Love your breakdown man 👏👏👏 You got to check out Remember the Time (the layers are delicious)

[@Outkaz745]

Thank you for this analysis. MJ sang as he danced, the whole body decomposed and intertwined right down to the fingertips, everything was meticulously placed. The concert version of this piece is very eloquent in its way of articulating, body and facial gestures. When his note is fully opened, he smiles like Peter Pan flying, sometimes he clenches his teeth to let a little air pass through and to put tension in his note and the intention of the words. Suddenly he sings like a very jerky drum machine, sometimes he sends power into the nose, for you and me it would be a head voice like Justin Timberlake, for him it was mixed with the throat voice lol A very soft blow, a very metal blow, he mastered his voice from the Motown era at such a young age, as soon as he mastered his adult voice he had the good idea to experiment with his voice in several directions/styles towards end of the 70s (Destiny era with the Jacksons or Off the wall, then on the album Victory, Thriller etc) like dance where he mixed Fred Astaire, James brown, Hip hop over time to create his own style. This gentleman was a genius in the noblest sense of the word ! He explained that he didn't know where his inspiration came from, from God, and he let it pass him by. He knew how to sing/perform as a child, where he understood everything was that he mixed his excellent technique, with all his emotional sensitivity, over time that was refined. And that's a bit of the problem today, singers have trouble accepting their voices, their way of singing, they try to ape a style ²/ they don't have enough fun, not just with their voices, with all their bodies, their hearts, the emotional, the soul, to free themselves completely while knowing in what framework they want to evolve according to what they interpret. How to have fun while being channeled, that's what MJ was all about.

[@oloatis2182]

Decomposed?

[@Damoah98]

Enjoyed reading this! As a singer myself, I do enjoy reading on other peoples takes on how singers use their voice as an instrument…and what better than to take notes from the King of Pop 🙌🏾, great read! 💪🏾

[@Outkaz745]

@@Damoah98 Thank you for your message ! It's a great passion to sing, whether you do it in your bathroom, your car or in front of an audience (of 1, 2, 3, 4 or 1000 people). All I can say is that you have to be yourself at all costs. His voice is a big tree, the technique is the dressing. The creative process is embodied on a blank sheet and let creativity flow through us to fill this sheet. But you can either do EXACTLY the same drawing, or you can draw the same thing but in different ways. Creativity must hold hands with technology. Many artists work on 1 vocal technique for 1 musical style, this is in my opinion a huge mistake, because by doing that you are on familiar ground, but you condition yourself to never leave this framework, this zone of comfort, so you limit yourself creatively speaking. This is what Michael didn't want to do. He brought together so many people over time because he had talent, but also because he took all the influences he liked, took a shaker, and made cocktails to his liking. The same process for singing, music and dance, in all 3 areas, with mentors to help him channel all that and sublimate it. The goal in this story is to have a strong foundation, which then allows you to have fun, to be able to place your voice on any style without distorting yourself, without being a copy and paste, but without being totally off base lol You must be able to sing an Rnb, Rock song, a children's nursery rhyme or reggae, without distorting yourself, and why not bring a Soul color to Rock? or a rock color on reggae? That’s the approach! And when you open the doors that partition you, then you can have fun, and also surprise yourself!

[@wesleywayne303]

@@Outkaz745I’m not a singer but sure enjoyed reading your thoughts & also can still agree w/ you b/c I can hear it…. You get it.

[@angelsinhabit]

interestingly enough, i first came across your channel back in october through sleep token, who i had recently gotten into. later i saw that you had this michael jackson playlist and it stopped me in my tracks! he’s my favorite artist of all time and i was so excited to dive into these videos. and what a treasure they are! nothing makes me happier as a long time mj fan than to see his artistry being discussed and celebrated and for that i thank you, chris. this one was incredible, rock with you feels like pure love and a slice of heaven. michael will live forever on through his music 💓💫

[@noetoussaint7165]

I watch all you MJ videos and OMG it's my first comment but it feels so good seeing that other people like you understand and explain his talent as a singer that the major part of people doesn't see. You're the only one who point these little details in his music and singing and explain how it's important to be natural, it's way more than crude explanations i love the humanity and spontaneity you put in your videos ! Thanks for being you !

[@beyourself2444]

Off the Wall remains the standard to me, everything about MJ was so so so perfect during this time. My absolute favourite MJ album, yes... even more than Thriller.

[@aracellytirado3525]

I am getting goose bumps. WOW!! this is beautiful 😍

[@tracispaulding9376]

My all time favorite MJ song!🥰 Excellent deep dive into this masterpiece!👍🏽

[@RGS]

Wow wow Thank you Chris for showing us this! One of the the greatest vocalist ever!

[@tobybaker5187]

Truly a wonderful era for music. This just isn't done anymore.

[@talon3684]

The beautiful thing about recording and being in the studio is that not only is there so much to paint with in sound but as Bob Ross used to say, "there are no mistakes, just happy accidents." You get the right vocal and feeling or you learn. And in some cases, what you meant to not do can be the happy accidents that make your song that much better. We have to enjoy being free in the creative process and not always see it as a time for perfection. We have to be free to be ourselves.

[@toxicblaze8664]

I'm very happy you are still doing these Michael Jackson analysis vids! I enjoy them a lot. If you wanted to do an analysis on something new, you should check out Michael Jackson recording the song Childhood at the Hit Factory Studio in 1994. You can find it on KZbin and it's about 20 minutes long. You'll see him recording the song, the whole orchestra recording the song, and him talking to his recording team. Definitely could be something cool to do an analysis on potentially?? :)

[@priceta992]

I have always loved the drum part with the little high hat flourishes in between the back beat! It swings so well and fits the song perfectly!!!

[@dawlesstech8904]

I had no idea how JAZZY the strings and horns were. Oof! So much jazz!

[@samuelpascual2462]

With headphones is heaven🤯🤯

[@lydiaseptember1993]

Yes was amazing. Thank you. When you watch the music video, then you will see his beautiful smile while singing this song. I can here and feel his smile, even while listening to this amazing song.❤️

[@jacquesfinster5034]

tduincy jones deserve the credits for this work, he is a arranger, producer and composer too.

[@flproductions90]

My god that orchestral version was gold

[@waynefoote3781]

Just amazing! You are so fortunate to be able to do this...Like 3d participation!

[@Just_Chu]

THANK YOU so much for this video, I’m literally obsessed with MJ and his voice… you definitely lifted my spirits with this video ❤️ MAKE MORE

[@snoop797]

And to add to the maturity level at the young age. I think the way he sung who’s lovin you at that young of age, fascinated me. Sings it like someone that has been singing for 30 years!

[@jmstampe]

My favorite MJ song. Thanks for sharing this. Just hearing all the sections, never realizing they were arranged that way and the goosebumps I get listening to each. Would be awesome to hear “I can’t help it.”

[@thrilldancer7985]

Goosebumbs bout the background strings. Nearly emotional tears running down my face when I hear that. Thanks Chris ! You made my day again with that.

[@kamelryke31]

Oh those harmonies ! Perfection !

[@powerslaveraimon]

That song is extremely incredible from all sides.

[@AdamRietzTV]

So happy I found your channel. Big MJ fan and haven’t heard the songs this way before ☺️

[@71bbattle]

My 2nd favorite song by MJ. Pure genius!

[@miguelmaxime8814]

You said something very important about correcting vocals and getting all fussed up with certain things. When I am recording i go with the flow. People have to remember nothing is perfect and sometimes a mistake can fall into place and come out good. The instruments cover the imperfections 🙏❤

[@souloshinobi7307]

I really love stuff like this. Breaking down the intricate process and taking a look at what music making processes really look like. I really miss this type of sound. Live instrumentation and synths of the time had so much character as opposed to what we hear in the music making process nowadays. Thank you for this🙏🏿

[@freddieoke]

Hey Chris, Thanks so much for sharing one of Michael's most iconic songs ever, his music video was so on point and beautiful! MJ's, musical talent and vocal arrangement on this song will be celebrated, Forever!!

[@waynefoote3781]

Man..I mean i am hearing things I never heard before....Strings live horn parts this is so much fun to witness! WOW! And.By the way Chris your analytics are just SUPERB .........very fun to watch you break it all down and you have a great voice man!

[@Dizzle0919]

Thank you my favorite! Mj song of all time...my appreciation of this song is even more enhanced

[@Musicaltariq777]

Omg....those horns and strings are heaven.

[@davidwalton4560]

3:58 just does something to my soul that i can’t explain 😮‍💨😂

[@gabryvk]

so amazingly human!! I LOVE IT. Pure vibes....pure groove.... It does make you reconcile with your own imperfections

[@mauriceee1434]

This is cool. Your excitement is contagious!

[@troycopeland5156]

They dont even produce like this anymore top of the line Arrangement is pass Incredible I had no idea that this was so many instruments being played The vocal stackes are genius his vocals stacks are legendary GOOSE BUMPS

[@richardpayton9671]

At 10:20 he is describing Bruce Swedien's engineering philosophy. He used a few effects and processors as possible on a track. He trusted his ears to let him know what a track needed. Sometimes it may only need a single reverb instead of a whole chain of stuff.

[@mulengachisela6677]

Eargasm 🤩 Pure bliss to my ears....has to be one of my favourite songs and reviews x

[@Mavert83]

Jaw dropping, I can’t take it - Amazing stuff, more of this please! 🍺

[@sumirsookdeo9443]

Legendary song. One of my favorites.

[@zamdon101]

Holy moly you actually did it

[@jsullivan10]

Great stuff man! And yes, MJ was well b4 his time . My, everyone's favorite pop/mega star as a kid. Hands down the greatest!

[@fatahusmh2004]

Hi Chris Thanks for the work you always do 😊 A love MJ❤

[@SixPieceSuits]

My band is learning this song in two days. This is me doing my homework, and now I feel prepared. I've got my guitar parts down, my background vocals down, and the dance steps for the song set.

[@shaunheaney2267]

Thank you for sharing great to hear the break down of this classic !I've now dug out my original vinyl record to listen to and boogie 👍🎸

[@alchemicalsoul]

I was born in 1978. This song is part of my development. Quincy, Rod, MJ and personnel created a funk orchestra. Additionally, perfection of the digital era is why music feels disconnected. It's the imperfection that makes it feel REAL. Analog is the truth. Digital is fear of the truth as far as I'm concerned, which is why we get nostalgic for the music of the past.

[@judegraham463]

thanks Chris. this is so helpful for someone like myself who can pick up so much from being able to listen to what someone else is singing without all the intrusion of other musical frequencies mixing in, and up, with the vocal phrases being sung. great video Chris. Cheers.

[@ritatirabyan4049]

Absolutely delightful!! Thank you, Chris for bringing this to us with such great analysis ❤Love your videos!👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼