How Stevie Wonder Harmonized Michael Jackson's "I Can't Help It"

One of the underrated songs by Michael Jackson, "I Can't Help It" contains genius melodic lines and harmony penned by Stevie Wonder. We take a look at what makes this song harmonically interesting and unique among 70s/80s pop music.
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[@charlieboozer82]

The complexity of this song just showcases the genius of Stevie Wonder.

[@leonpressley6882]

Steve Wonder is my go to guy whenever im composing a song on the keys his music is incredible chord structure wise is phenomenal

[@JunkionMarnot2005]

❤ Yup❤

[@user-fn5mr4oz4j]

Yes

[@Rodrasroom]

Stevie, Michael, and Quincy put their feet in this song. It’s a masterpiece.

[@BluEx22329]

You Can fall in love with songs like this

[@Avery_4272]

And Susaye Green, who co-wrote it.

[@wegap2012]

Contemporary music owes Stevie Wonder a huge debt of gratitude. He really changed the course of R&B/POP in the early 70’s by introducing much denser and complex harmonies. Same goes for EW&F and the likes.

[@gregoryharlston0602]

I don't understand one bit of this BUT "I Can't Help It" is one of my all-time favorite songs!

[@tulaniredding6975]

I thought I was only one but this is one of my favorite songs...EVER!🤣🤣🤦🏾‍♀️

[@gjack4230]

SAME!!!

[@TenchiMuyoTMU]

Facts

[@faultless2837]

👍

[@empressdre]

Ok....me neither!!😂😂😂

[@arianahunt1073]

I can never understand songs like this. The chord changes are so complex and unique. Listening to it is like you’re floating in space. I probably would need to watch this about 10 times to understand this. Amazing.

[@MatthewYates1]

I just said the same thing....wow!!!

[@darrylchambers7801]

Let's give credit where credit is due..there is a co-writer for this great tune by the name of Susaye Green, formerly of the Supremes..

[@n.oneimportant5]

Yes, Ms. Green wrote the lyrics...

[@normanlovesirsaxalot2991]

Sexy lil Susaye..mmmmm...mmmm

[@allenthomas182]

@@n.oneimportant5 That cord progressions Mr. Wonder wrote was a monster!

[@n.oneimportant5]

@@allenthomas182 yes! Another masterwork indeed...

[@misteredc1608]

True very True!

[@don8244]

Musicians in the late 20th century were geniuses behind the keys. Amazing to see how innovative and yet extravagant their sounds became

[@naturalmystic67]

'I Can't Help It' is my favourite tune from an album of amazing tunes.

[@bluaway30]

If one want to learn a Stevie wonder song, be prepared for the long haul.

[@gblewz]

Stevie’s stuff is always SO damned complicated. 😂

[@SSKMusicBeats]

One of the greatest chord progressions ever 😩😩😩😩

[@dedricklane4899]

I just found out The other day Janet was presenting some kind of award to Stevie and when she called him up to accept the award she said “ nobody knows this but Stevie is our cousin through my mom side of the family.”

[@sandrasanders706]

Really????!!!!!!!

[@dedricklane4899]

@@sandrasanders706 yeah it’s somewhere on KZbin

[@kiefferz5556]

I don't believe anything janet says this is the same person who said Michael Jackson's kids looked like her grandparents everyone knows those aren't his biological kids

[@dedricklane4899]

@@kiefferz5556 Stevie was there in person and started clapping when she said it

[@djphilly44]

Such a great breakdown of a beautiful chord progression from a legend. Never knew Stevie Wonder wrote this classic for Michael Jackson. Thanks for the effort and delivery!!!

[@leonwaves]

Little known and underrated! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@camillehardy5529]

Yea lol they were friends😂

[@123abg8]

Stevie and Mj where such great friends and loved each other very much. Stevie was trying to do a tribute to mj by singing “the way you make me feel” and cried while doing it

[@brownin329]

People don't read liner notes anymore...Stevie wrote for a lot of people, including Jermaine Jackson, Chaka Khan, Jackson Browne, Third World, and of course Michael Jackson. They also duetted on Michael's "Just Good Friends" on the Bad album.

[@user-ut9ls5rt1w]

The bass in this song moves like the bass in ‘too high’, that’s what indicated to me it’s a stevie piece

[@MrMochi-nl1zb]

This makes me miss music classes. I was a rapper and beatboxed among jazz choir kids and band composers. They would explain stuff to me like this and I could only understand their jargon when the keys were played. I enjoyed being the one without classical training because I learned how important that foundation is to music. It’s why all those kids are makin fire, and I’m still doing little poems lmao. Wonderful video, brought back some memories

[@amd77j]

Never too late to learn!

[@byadyatama]

i always knew theres something amazing behind this masterpiece, the chord progression is just tooo goood.

[@adonislavale8283]

One of my favorite MJ tracks produced by my favorite artist of all time! I learned this by ear and glad to see I was crazy accurate lol also check out Portrait’s “Here We Go” who sampled Can’t Help It.

[@Mack_Worlds_Media]

Bro this one of my favorites too! I dont play any instruments but I knew every lyric with each of his chord progressions. Shits crazy 🤯

[@itisnottaken4444]

The chord changes from this song sound alot like "rocket love"by Stevie Wonder

[@djcoolcliff]

Thanks for this tutorial!! Mike sang background along with the OJays on All I Do by Stevie. RIP to my uncle Wah Wah Watson!!! He played on Off The Wall. He had a piece of the brick from the Wall included with his platinum plaque on his wall along with some many others to include Pa Pa Was a Rolling Stone, Let’s Get It On and Car Wash!!

[@kidcrow18]

Don’t forget Betty Wright as well on that awesome track

[@amd77j]

Hey, your Uncle was great! RIP, Wah Wah Watson!!!

[@djcoolcliff]

@@amd77j Thanks truly appreciate that!!!!! He was to me and so many others!!!!!!

[@lc1662]

Eddie and Walter, MJ, Jamil Raheem and Betty Wright. Those are the 5 back up singers. Don't know who Jamil Raheem was or is, but he's in the mix.

[@djcoolcliff]

@@lc1662 That’s right Betty Wright was the other I forgot to mention!!!!! Thanks for that!!!!!

[@andrejones5441]

... Every time I hear this song, I notice something I didn't hear before. This is a phenomenal breakdown.

[@ascendingkeyzbeats7446]

💯💯💯 same here

[@JJpugle0n0]

Bro, I understand 10% of this Yet I Can't help but keep watching! Good video.

[@YOULOOTWESHOOT101]

We are not alone . . .

[@fabricesioul3397]

Me tooo !! 😂😭

[@mjfangirlgal45]

3%*

[@leelasaraswat4662]

Great song choice!

[@amd77j]

@@YOULOOTWESHOOT101 No, WE are not alone. Lol.

[@michaeljames7323]

Nicely done. Quincy Jones and Greg Phillanganes changed the feel of Stevie's original composition, which, according to Greg, was more of a latin feel. Quincy envisioned a more "sexy" tune and talked Greg into laying the keys the way we hear it. First smooth jazz/neo soul flavoured tune I ever played, so this one is close to my heart. Keep up the great work.

[@leonwaves]

Thank you!

[@garrisonwatts2762]

Great information! Is there an article or lecture I can listen to where Greg talks about this?

[@michaeljames7323]

@@garrisonwatts2762 Yes. Regrettably, I do not have a link to share. Do a KZbin search on Greg and you should find it. Good luck, be safe, happy new year.

[@michaeljames7323]

@@garrisonwatts2762 Here you go kzbin.info/www/bejne/q2OydJergLOXibM

[@napulex107]

Here’s Stevie performing “I Can’t Help It” live in 1983, with the original latin feel… kzbin.info/www/bejne/e3i7fKGDlsyfn9k

[@johnkiunke4508]

SUCH a great song, glad it's getting more recognition

[@eiderglast]

Thank you for this! One of the best songs in MJ's Off the Wall!

[@MPHORROCKS]

Always adored the chords to this song, so it's great to see how it's actually constructed. Thanks!

[@jazzybeeff]

How sound "dreamy" these chords. Stevie is a truly genius. Thank you for the detailed explanation. I have to work by hours to get close to understand it.

[@rnrdesigner572]

Heeeeell yes, my man! Finally! I started doing my own transcription of this tune but never finished it due to my lack of knowledge in advanced jazz theory. Had problems figuring out how these chords relate to each other. You got some serious chops and ears - keep it up!

[@terez2804]

Always loved the instrumental for this song

[@andrewbruce607]

I really love your breakdown on this song, thanks so much for this!

[@mauricemcguillicutty4746]

We covered this one in a blue-eyed soul band I was in for a few years. Had no idea Stevie wrote it... figures! What a gorgeous song with such satisfying changes!

[@neodym1337]

Loving your videos man, super educational and inspires me to keep playing and learning. Great choice of songs too

[@leonwaves]

Awesome. Glad to hear!

[@OG-1400]

Love to hear this note at the beginning of Breakadawn by De La Soul💪🏿🖤

[@lxbronx6]

Right tho

[@bobbarksofficial4335]

This is a masterpiece! 💚💚

[@tswang2]

I'm a huge Stevie Wonder and Michael Jackson fan. I thought I was playing this song right until you broke it down. Thank you

[@SAMUELVISCOSI]

Incredible video. Really appreciate this analysis/breakdown. 🙏🙏🙏

[@Shaun36RockBand]

Thanks for the high level lesson!

[@thewafflemancer]

Dude, great analysis. Learning a great deal about voice leading here.

[@alekpogromcalalek]

dude! I just discovered your channel and I must say that the songs choice is pretty fucking dope. Ive learned all the cool neo-soul voicings on my guitar and its amazing. Keep that up man!

[@leonwaves]

Thanks! I’m glad you enjoyed it

[@KoshimotoZamurai]

Great video that shows great Stevie is to come up with these complicated tension chord progressions to create a great song.

[@clemfandango251]

Please do more of these! it’s brilliant thank you

[@8thWonderr1]

This is gold! Thanks 🙏🏽

[@kevs8225]

That chord at 0:54 sounds like Butterflies by MJ

[@leonwaves]

Exactly 👌🏻

[@jinxtux4114]

Its beautiful that we have MJs fans out there

[@bniddo]

@@jinxtux4114 he literally has the best selling album ever

[@azzis92]

Ok the comment section is high quality .

[@MichelePinchiarul]

For me it's like some old windows bootanimation sound

[@Elwrt455]

Thank you for this amazing tutorial

[@jujoropo]

Just discovered this channel. Amazing stuff dude! Thanks!

[@tec4ever72]

Delightful!

[@MattAlexan]

Beautiful Harmony….!

[@thesoundpainterbkny3465]

GREAT VIDEO!!!

[@keLskanator]

I love breakdowns of everything I love. This song is one of them.

[@lionelcampos9868]

Love your work

[@leonwaves]

Thanks!

[@mrnightwilliams9184]

Nice plain and simple, right to the point. Thanks

[@user-ut9ls5rt1w]

My favourite Michael Jackson song by far, amazing work by stevie

[@chillipepperoni]

Thank you bro much appreciated

[@butlerjames1974]

Dope video!

[@peacekeeper3743]

dude you skilled keep evolving

[@morrisman64]

Great Video great chops

[@aniramy_]

masterpiece!

[@ajlmusic]

Well done!

[@albrin]

great stuff

[@leonwaves]

al brin thanks!

[@aubreywallace7918]

Tks good free lesson

[@ivegotheblues]

I REALLY appreciate your video! That's nice finding someone who explain the theory so good, with practicals examples. I think breaking down such classy songs is the better way to understand how great famous musicians are and it's important to spark a little flame into young minds, because music today is so overrated among teens. Thank you and hugs from Italy

[@BrizzTheUnusuaL]

I love playing that song and listening to it. I did not know Stevie wrote it though. Thanks.

[@misterx4757]

Thanks for the breakdown.

[@michaelhackman3195]

Loved it!

[@leonwaves]

Thanks!

[@jessale]

Hey! Great breakdown. Yes, I'll subscribe!

[@michaeldean9338]

Really enjoy the analysis aspect of videos like your and Rick Beato (of course many others). I've always thought I had pretty good musical ideas. Going on 60, I'm finally going REALLY devote some serious hours to composition. I'm no pianist, but I can read, know basic theory and practically all my scales-- as well as form chords....though I need to really buckle down on some ear-training. I never had the discipline some of you young cats have, but -- at this age-- it's certainly inspirational. Thanks for the video.

[@manlust5439]

ouuh theory theory. Like it. Well done.

[@massimomaxmajorana]

This is dope!

[@j1udu522]

Amazing

[@estevaorsilva]

Great job, sir.

[@BluEx22329]

This song is basically perfect and nobody can tell me otherwise

[@gaby2759]

L O V E this content dude! Very learnable!

[@spitnificent]

This song was originally meant for Stevie’s ”Innervision” album and his little cousin Michael Jackson was drawn to the song in the beginning of its creation that he knew that he had to have it so Stevie reluctantly gave it to him because he really wanted it as well, but he loved his cousin dearly and trusted that it would be in great hands.

[@normanhirschfeld3823]

Thanks for the trivia brother! I didn't know that.

[@rhythmcdr]

I doubt that story...Innervisions was created in an amalgamation of stevie's creative period during 1970-73. stevie was in a new york city studio and produced classic albums: Music in my Mind, Talking Book, Innervisions, and Fulfillingness First Finale...michael was nowhere near Stevie during this time. Stevie wrote this song, with Susaye Green, an original member of his Wonder Love background group- who also featured Denise Williams- for the Songs in the Key of Life album, which was released in 1976. Well before 1979. The part about giving it to Michael because he loved his cousin dearly sounds like Lifetime movie screenplay material... The more likely fact is Quincy knew of the chops of this song/arrangement from Stevie and using Michael's close relation to Stevie convinced/made a deal for Michael to use the song on the Off the Wall album. The song is rightfully Stevie's writings, but the arrangement and final product is pure and classic Quincy Jones production, plus Michael Jackson brilliance. It is the greatest song - in my opinion- that Michael Jackson ever sang in his entire career!

[@fiscaldisco5234]

I was having a hard time making sense of that Dbm Eb7 turnaround but now I get it. For those familiar with backdoor II V’s, this is just basically a backdoor II followed by a frontdoor V. Great turnaround you can use in any song!

[@roderickthomas116]

smoooooth!👍🏾

[@jonathanparham6738]

Excellent !!

[@markamoo8140]

Thanks man. It was helpful

[@rm.singgihsanjaya1379]

This tutorial is very intersting …. Thank’s so much ….

[@gustavoadolfogalvan550]

Maestro!!!!!

[@Nathanaelsun22]

Excellent!

[@montorgueilrecords]

Excellent! 😃😀 I suscribed! 👍

[@creativesource3514]

Thank you. You have a great ear! I wonder if Stevie knew so much theory whilst composing such masterpieces.

[@DereBear]

Definitely! With the amount of esteemed jazz artists he references, sometimes by name in his own songs (Sir Duke and its bridge of names) theres no way he isn't a studied theorist

[@creativesource3514]

@@DereBear Not necessarily. He may just have a genius ear and not have learnt jazz theory.

[@freein2339]

Stevie is a great composer

[@normanlovesirsaxalot2991]

@@creativesource3514 Right.Theory is only Theoretical.Many great genius' payed little attention to it.Ive studied theory.Its just another helper in the tool Arsenal.Stevies ear for this type of chord alt./extension has to be results of all those creative jazzy cats he sat under.Beautiful.Check out Whole tone on 70s Sunshine of my life among many others.Ingenius!

[@davidbalogh8149]

Crazy good bro

[@DojoOfCool]

Just heard about your site very cool discussion of the tune, looking forward to checking out more of your videos.

[@leonwaves]

Awesome! How’d you hear about it?

[@DojoOfCool]

Someone (I forget now who) on my FG or IG mentioned this video so here I am.

[@leonwaves]

Make sure you don’t miss out on announcements and new posts: @leon_waves IG

[@genohall2235]

This is my favorite Michael Jackson Song… 💣🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@Kimchi_TV_98]

Have you thought about teaching Theory from this sort of perspective? Your visuals are top notch.

[@Kosine5]

Dope!

[@toronado455]

very cool

[@rjrayburn]

Genius!

[@TheFantastic77plus1]

Gracias por tu explicación. Me será muy útil en el futuro para mi programa.

[@Ilya-hl8jx]

This song was written for Songs In the Key if life

[@bigbob4205]

Great work on this song bro 🎶 I’d work with you for sure.

[@jonasforlot]

Thanks!!!

[@manguera9]

when Stevie Wonder harmonize ,he goes by the feeling, not by technical or theory music harmony. and i believe most of the composers do that.

[@OdiseasGeorgiadis]

🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥WOW NICE BRO!

[@P4JJP]

I have no idea what you are talking about but I love this tune, what a classic :)

[@paulgoiak5365]

I Just wanted to say Thankyou. I have been trying to work out what is going on here for a while.

[@hargoe]

Excellent voicing

[@kevingimmemusic]

Fun fact. This song is a prime example of Stevie's generosity. This ORIGINAL song was cut and mixed and was LEFT OFF Songs In The Key of Life!, 3 years earlier!! So many of his 80s hits have 60s or 70s demos or fully produced versions. He neeeds to open that vault for the good of all mankind!

[@CarlDoesMusic]

Let's be friends and break down the rest of Stevie's magic...

[@natemickens88]

solid

[@AlSween]

Written by Stevie Wonder AND Susaye Green. Great working breaking this down.