Michael Jackson - I Can't Help It (Demo) [Studio Quality]

I Can't Help It different demo from 1979.

[@Damoah-]

This sound like if MJ did a ‘Tiny Desk Concert’… what could have been 😔🙌🏾…

[@GTTg-kr2xh]

Great comment.

[@darlenethompson2422]

Boy do I love this song thank you Stevie Wonder for writing this Song oh such meanining❤❤😊

[@EboniFaulkner]

Omg, so true!

[@jaquanpowell4605]

Man imagine Whitney, Michael or Prince doing a tiny desk concert. Lawd what we missed due to drug addiction

[@quintaseagle4660]

Yup💯

[@spettaway1]

Michael’s voice is an instrument in and of itself.

[@Sunshine-dx5xo]

💯💯💯👍👍👌👌👏👏👏🌅💐

[@ariestruefire8249]

💯% Facts!

[@purplegurl79]

I remember hearing this song as a child…I’m 45 years old now. Loved this song!! But then again, always loved Stevie and Michael my life!!!💕💕💕💕

[@Immureintel]

It's a drum!!! #JamesBrown

[@goodmeasure777]

@spettaway1 That part!

[@jacquelineking4316]

When you hear him like this you realize how much you miss him. Breaks my heart.

[@sosexymagazinerobinwatkins8467]

Me Too. He was sooooooooo precious 💞

[@NIPPYTHEVOICE]

U couldn't be more right. But he will always be with us through his music❤

[@rhoca_sings]

Yes 😢😢😢

[@racerx1189]

Indeed.

[@AyyuBX7]

When I hear him like this I realize how much more talented he is after hearing the finished product which makes me miss him more.

[@camd0407]

That piano is a masterpiece.

[@kagisotoka1333]

don't hear this anymore.....

[@shemcg7830]

💫✨@cam… Isn’t it brilliant!?! 😱 Whew!!!💫✨

[@Caroline.A.joseph]

Two geniuses❤

[@JMrealgamer]

Of course the piano is great. Stevie Wonder did it.

[@clynnroney2328]

Stevie!!!!

[@mcclendonreport]

To be sure, Mike’s demos sound better than 99% of records made over the last 20 years. Let’s be honest. Here’s the difference. Mike wasn’t fronting.

[@ypcllc]

Phax

[@wrinthiak3431]

Done SAID

[@MizzNee796]

Not auto tuned. Audio by God.

[@SoundScientist1]

​@@MizzNee796. Mikey could be-bop & scat an entire song and it would sound better than 90%+ of these modern 2020's "singers."

[@LeannaMiller-o6z]

Michael Jackson was a gift from GOD for our listening pleasure. He and Stevie Wonder were both gifts from GOD and unsurpassed by any other singers. Stevie Wonder is the best bc he not only had a beautiful voice but could play so many instruments; so I guess he is the greatest of all.

[@kwabenarasuli8108]

Stevie is all over this. love that bassline too!! Happy 65th to the greatest who ever did it!!

[@sherlamcour]

Nathan Watts was his studio bassist.

[@dmackdman]

musical genius....

[@mjg239]

It's amazing how young he still is, ONLY 65, given how much he accomplished over several decades! 🌟

[@beverlyhoward3512]

Tooooooooooooo much to contain ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤🔥🔥🔥🔥💯💯🔥🔥💯💯💯💯💯💯💯

[@rayhanes1347]

Stevie has to be older than 65. He's been around since Motown Edit: Stevie is 73 in late 2023

[@esjm1]

This is gold. The smooth era of MJ, before he started singing more aggressively. His tone was so pure. Nailed most of his vocals in one take. Genius.

[@ascribecalledtess7439]

Michaels falsetto is immaculate!

[@kengozin]

Better than Phillip’s! The best falsetto I’ve heard this side of the opera

[@oRuTRa45]

​@@kengozin Easy, easy! 😅😅😅

[@Sdriane]

Stevie plus Michael equals 2 GENIUSES!!!❤❤

[@Sdriane]

Thanks guys for liking the comment!❤️2❤️!

[@LeannaMiller-o6z]

This is one of my favorite songs by Michael but I didn't know Stevie wrote this for Michael. I thought bc Quincy produced it or rather arranged the music for it that I assumed he wrote it. But it does sound like Stevie; come to think about it. I think it's one of Michael's best songs and kudos to Stevie and Quincy bc the music is perfect as well as Michael's singing!!!

[@b00ts4ndc4ts]

Quincy Jones has a nack at putting the right people together.

[@b00ts4ndc4ts]

Quincy Jones has a nack at putting the right people together.

[@OfficialDamaniScott]

Stevie didn’t write the song. He only wrote the chorus. Sussay Greene wrote it

[@alohasmurf]

I like this version alot. You can hear and feel the emotion in his voice

[@Kim63146]

Indeed! ❤🎉

[@evrydayppl6296]

Absolutely 😊

[@sosexymagazinerobinwatkins8467]

MY HEART!! I'M HEARING THE PRECURSOR OF THE STYLING & PHENOMENAL VOCALS THAT MICHAEL GAVE US WITH "BUTTERFLIES". THIS MAN SAAANGGGG🤌🏾🤌🏾

[@divinegemini5965]

🥰🔥🎶

[@fuzzylogics139]

As always 🌸

[@blueser100]

MJ’s demos are better than many final recordings.

[@ScottAllenBugsy]

I'm so grateful to have grown up in an era where this level of genius was what made you a Superstar, and not gimmicks, scandal, or simple popularity. This was organic talent. Today's talent comes from microprocessors and software and is promoted by people who don't know music or have a standard of excellence to follow.

[@kve1247]

Exactly!!! Superbly stated!👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👍🏽

[@gustavobarroni9668]

Totally agree! We're so lucky indeed...

[@ronnieb1958]

Agreed.

[@miabrannon6709]

Well said Scott! I must repost your comment (if you don't mind).

[@ScottAllenBugsy]

@@miabrannon6709 I don't mind at all. Great minds think alike. ☺️

[@bublifuk]

This is what the Estate should be releasing. Not stupid remixes by today´s "artists".

[@jlilly7913]

They would be if the lawyers would let Katherine do what she wants. Mike should've never left so many legal ambiguities and so much money to his non-bloodline kids without more stipulations to protect his assets and his art.

[@alexbrookner5331]

I prefer his demos they are raw and his vocals are so pure. Gives me goosebumps

[@MakeSomeNoisePlaylists]

they are greedy crack heads dude.....

[@MJrhythmofLove]

@@jlilly7913 you know his will was faked right?

[@misskitty2710]

Look at the smile on Quincy’s face!

[@charmainestephens]

“I can’t help it” has always been my fav on off the wall. And this is just incredible. That beautiful voice. Miss you forever Michael ❤

[@maccamydear]

His voice give me goosebumps. The talent he holds… 🥺❤️

[@DuaneJacobs-zv6ic]

Amazing

[@nikko_merriweather_official]

Same here❤🥰

[@sherrilsimpson6498]

Same. What a beautiful voice.❤

[@MarkoTiano]

No one can mess with young Michaels voice.

[@kimowilliams7032]

No one can mess with old Michael’s voice either! 🎤♥️🤩

[@awwyeahme2]

I agree what a genius ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@MarkoTiano]

​@@kimowilliams7032100%

[@jeromestephenball]

Yes Michael sounds great on this demo, but I’m really listening to those piano, drums, and bass! Love these early takes!

[@dominiqueariel1231]

Same the bass and drums are ridiculous…❤😊

[@mr.enigma4475]

Mike is chilling on this. Lyrics aren’t even enunciated clearly. You can tell this is a pure jam sesh

[@ramarakeshv]

Who's playing drums

[@CHRISTINEAZ]

@@ramarakeshvi think it's John Robison

[@Musiccafe5890]

Piano, drums, bass guitar and Michael. Instant Classic!!! The way I prefer to hear a song.

[@pelicanhill3251]

Loved the album-version, but this might be even better.

[@anaiyasmommy1]

Oh my word! This is phenomenal! His tone, pitch and the way he’s vocally emoting the lyrics. It sounds better than the final version which is awesome itself. I miss the magic that is Michael Joseph Jackson.

[@John-Moran]

Michael Joe* Jackson

[@watashiinternational6850]

I had to listen to this over and over again! I listened to Michael’s singing. Then the piano. Then the bass. Then the drums. All separately. Pure artistry all around! Couldn’t listen to this masterpiece just once!

[@MrsM222]

15 years since he left us and Michael still continues to mesmerize ✨✨

[@mrsoserious6534]

You mean 15 yrs since they took him out

[@MrsM222]

@@mrsoserious6534 right!

[@lostparlour]

stevie wonder's chord sequence is sensational.. of course michael's voice is no less exceptional but damn! That was such an amazing modulation

[@LadiiDomonique]

Mmmhmmmm❤❤❤❤

[@TCSTL378]

One genius wrote a beautiful masterpiece for another genius...Love them both Stevie & Michael ❤

[@jetpaq]

That drum kit is MIXED TO PERFECTION!!!!! OMG...???

[@user-wr1oc4yt3r]

110% you are right

[@oRuTRa45]

One of things that stood out to me. Good God! I wonder who that was playing. The snare is fat like J.R.'s.

[@youngbukowski930]

@@oRuTRa45 J.R. indeed!

[@vocalbooth8585]

It’s that it’s recorded to tape. Saturation makes drums sound awesome

[@akheem7515]

Love the smile on Quincy Jones’s face of utter joy!❤❤❤

[@BassMecca312]

Off The Wall remains one of my absolute favorite albums of all time. Sonically just genius in terms of mixing, space and separation of music elements, writing in which the album spans genres with inflections of funk,jazz,ballads,pop, and at the same time the music just feels so organic and brimming with newbie energy. Well produced & a bonafide juggernaut that smokes whether you are driving in your car and pull up next to another car blasting this album or you’re listening to it while working out at the gym. 40 plus years later and still these tracks smack at a party, dance or gathering where music is being dispensed. The rhythm section is purely a slice of heaven on this earth and these session players were assembled because of what they brought individually to the table. The planets aligned on this one to give us some of the best music ever and I will be forever thankful for the music given to us by MJ & everyone that had a hand in creating it.

[@errolthomas9426]

This demo version is awesome 💯💯💯💯💯🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@charleswilliams8248]

That falsetto 😊…Oh yeah… Simply beautiful!

[@johnclark6577]

This is a jam. Shoulda been released as a single.

[@mcclendonreport]

The industry was/is clueless about our gifts.

[@rusticization]

It was released as the B-Side of "Don't Stop 'til You Get Enough".

[@b00ts4ndc4ts]

Wasn't it on Off the Wall album?

[@mcclendonreport]

@@b00ts4ndc4ts of course it was, but the industry was/is clueless.

[@b00ts4ndc4ts]

@@mcclendonreport totally mate, it's a great album. I used to work in a thrift shop a while ago any this young lassie came into the shop wearing a red leather jacket, white t-shirt, balk trousers, white socks and slip on shoes, she must of been 13 or 14. The first thing I asked was what's your favourite song was, knowing full well what her answer was going an MJ song. She came out with a few off of thriller, and the bad album. She never knew about off the wall, the next week she was like wow! Only great song sound good no matter when you hear them.

[@joeyburrell3207]

Omg! You can’t get more Stevie wonder than this groove. I’m sure most music lovers would recognize Stevie’s touch on this. I did when it first came out. It’s so him you can actually hear him singing this in your mind.

[@waltongraham7031]

I can’t believe I didn’t pick it up back then but in hindsight I’m really hearing Stevie now. I always loved this song👍🏾 You couldn’t lose with these two together.

[@tonyamatthews6957]

So agreed! I can actually hear Stevie singing this as well. This is a true masterpiece from of the best!

[@OfficialDamaniScott]

Stevie did not write the whole song. He only wrote the chorus. Sussay Greene wrote the lyrics.

[@theemilianob]

@@OfficialDamaniScottthe instrumentation

[@OfficialDamaniScott]

@@theemilianob… that’s a Quincy Jones groove

[@sammyrush-f7p]

THE BEST THAT EVER DID IT THATS A FACT!!!!!!

[@carltonbarker6265]

Never heard this recording...truly amazing! Michael, Stevie, and Quincy...AWESOME!

[@jstixx]

The finished version is on his “Off The Wall” Album…. The demos never get released as it’s the creative beginnings of a song usually with mistakes and incomplete lyrics and other musical instrumentation… As in this version there is no background vocals or guitars…. Nonetheless this is a beautiful raw look into the creative aspect of this song…..😊

[@mangadolo]

Michael is still the GOAT!!!

[@mikefongquee9645]

Raw and uncut by M.J. ...I LOVE IT!!!

[@jusdesireable3224]

That piano is off the chain! ❤️‼️💯

[@conradford7493]

Off the wall is a masterpiece. My favorite album of all time. ❤

[@vikker8274]

Truth

[@alvinfrazierTV]

It's pretty amazing how much recording he did for his albums. All the demo versions are great to discover all these years later.

[@JWFitness1]

I'm honored and proud to say I was alive when this song was released. It was a great time to be alive and carefree. ❤ I sure do miss those days. I now understand why old folks would listen to the classics. Memories....

[@Lolamich]

One of my favorite songs ever. What a treat to hear this amazing demo.

[@mrgreen75]

This song is indubitably epic Continued Rest in eternal paradise.

[@GrandPrizeFitnesAJAY]

Same here

[@yungsosaa]

He has the best demos ever!!

[@sirisongbird]

When REAL MUSIC ruled! So honored to have been around for this era

[@musiqangel07]

And the tears drop as I listen to this masterpiece in the making.

[@davidmorrison5186]

Damn this is better than the album version

[@cryptgod4961]

Agreed

[@evrydayppl6296]

I agree 100%

[@s2diosrecords]

Yup!

[@reginaldhickmon3227]

Facts

[@tyestadams8867]

Yes! You can MJ's range much better. The high, low tones and falsetto ❤

[@RteeAlvarez]

Stevie/Michael are first cousins….meanwhile the lyrics are slightly different than the actual recording in the album, this is the raw editing even the vocals and scatting is dope!

[@k.m.h7480]

This record was one of the few Micheal Jackson records I bought as a kid. I bought the 45 at a Camelot record store in middle school . I remember that

[@DLTJ78]

Damn. Even Michael's demos were flawless. I miss him so much. 💔

[@AlecMajerison]

Thank you for this post. I hadn't heard MJ sing jazz. He actually had a deep voice. He reached for heaven. God bless Michael Jackson. Memory eternal.☦️

[@diffbreak2366]

He used his deep voice sparingly but when he did use it, goodness, it was at a different level. The lady in my life has some great range of his vocals.

[@xtra8896]

Stevie Wonder wrote this for Michael🥰🥰🥰

[@dj139314]

They’re cousins

[@alisacollette]

Third cousins on his Mother's side they say.

[@olgamuradov]

Спасибо . Я обожаю эту песню . Не знала , что автор Stevie Wonder . Теперь понятно , слышна его манера .

[@RichBrand]

Ehh sort of….the song was originally supposed to be on Songs in the Key of Life. Because it got cut, Stevie didn’t finish it. But they finished it after MJ got his ears on it. In addition, Greg Phillinganes did the arrangement, and he originally envisioned a more Latin flavor, but Quincy Jones made him re-arrange it to be more Quiet Storm-ish.

[@marianystrom7570]

@@dj139314 No , Not true! NEVER heard of it before! Quite SURE Stevie would've mentioned that MUCH MORE often if it was true!! For sure!!! It's just a rumour!! Wen Janet J said it on the award ceremony , it was just a way of showing her LOVE to Stevie! Or did she just want some "attention"........?? (IF she didn't already have enough...............)

[@Bluesage1111]

Okay this is the best thing I found in 2024 🙏🌠

[@WDouglasBanks]

What a gift to end the year with!

[@Bluesage1111]

@ just amazing got this on repeat! All the best to you 🙌🏻

[@ax-men4966]

Listening to this really brings to mind that we will never have another voice or entertainer like Michael Jackson. He was definitely the king of not only pop, but R&B a true entertainer. I’m glad that I grew up in the area to have witnessed Michael Jackson wish he was still with us.

[@rhill3453]

I’m so glad I found this version. A whole vibe takes me back. I love it 💖💕💖💕💖💕💖💕💖

[@JeromeDumas-g1q]

Michael Jackson wasn't going to be Denied that was one Talented brotha

[@hirkowen8820]

TRULY A LARGER THAN LIFE, AWESOME TALENT! MICHAEL IS SINGING FOR HIS CREATOR AND THE INHABITANTS OF PARADISE, NOW!

[@justinesportsmedicine]

The interplay of keys, percussion, & bass sounds like three blissful kids enjoying Disneyland for the first time.

[@darrylthomas2664]

I have always loved this tune, & this version is the icing on the cake !!!

[@marquiselektrek8452]

One of my favorite MJ songs! - But hey, I'm Aldo a keyboardist, who absolutely loved the music of, and was hugely influenced by Mr. Stevie Wonder! He is truly one of our few remaining legends! So let's give him his 💐 while he's still with us! MJ & Stevie, Pure Magic! 😎

[@darlenethompson2422]

Stevie Wonder is a brillant writer and producer Micheal Jackson king of pop always ❤ Quincy Jones is the man😊

[@istillbetalkin]

I love the song but appreciate this version for the simplicity

[@roberthalyard683]

There will never be another yall.....

[@pmurphy140]

THAT is awesome, Mike's voice is sorely missed.

[@Moes_Prep_and_Tech]

3:29 when the Falsetto kicks in is the best part. That's the one of the best things I loved about Disco Music, that voice

[@ChicagoShaun1978]

This isn't a disco song. Lol

[@khayeelwilson-el5370]

@@ChicagoShaun1978thank you! 😂

[@Moes_Prep_and_Tech]

@@khayeelwilson-el5370 It was in the Disco Era.

[@khayeelwilson-el5370]

@@Moes_Prep_and_Tech …so was heavy metal!

[@Auntkekebaby]

Not disco, but dancable. Disco is a byproduct of R & B, Funk, Philly soul...Just the rythmic side of black music, mostly, 4 on the floor.

[@flowerpink33]

This is so beautiful it makes you want to cry. All the feels. I mean all of them. ❤❤

[@antonellamorgese1084]

This Version is beautiful too. He is the groove

[@stevenhowell8507]

This version needs to be released. This is freaking amazing.

[@thewild5719]

chills all throughout my body *multiple* times through this recording. He has the most beautiful, sensual, soulful voice 😍

[@Honey-ov1hy]

His voice sounds and cadence is just like Stevie’s! I never noticed that before 😳

[@dominiquesperspective]

Very nice! That's one of my favorite songs from the Off The Wall album! That whole album is a timeless masterpiece! 🙌🏽🎶❤️❤️❤️

[@Godiva777]

Im jealous because the angels now have this gift for eternity 💓💓💓

[@hazeleyezluv]

Already great enough with Michael's voice, but then the band was killing it. Oh gosh! 😩😍

[@viddeojunke]

This was a natural choice to sing 🎤 this song from The great Stevie Wonder;especially the way Michael sings with the runs like Stevie does !! Awesome 👏

[@sinbadandsalty3908]

I like his young adult vocals.

[@Sugastack]

5/8/2024 RIP Michael Jackson🥹❤️ He is still sorely missed.🫂❤️🙏🏾

[@lowbo47omsascotave]

*Eastside Low Bottoms sh*t !* _Tappin' in from South Central LA_ Salute to the one and only King Of Pop Michael Jackson 🙏🏾 This is one of my favorite songs to play in my lowrider. I'm really feeling this version.

[@MissDana84]

Thank God that Stevie wrote this for MJ

[@Zeta0Hall]

Interesting piece of music. Not a huge M.J. fan, but, there is no denying the brilliance of his voice. It's more than impressive, it's the exception.

[@oRuTRa45]

That's powerful.

[@diahlaeubanks8817]

The feels….No one like him in the whole world wide. That vocal run was amazing 😮

[@dominiqueariel1231]

What a beautiful voice ❤❤❤❤😊😊😊

[@Silverback219]

Ain't it tho👍🏿

[@theodoretucker247]

As a kid listening to this on the back porch. Was like 14 when this came out. In 2025 it resonates. The complex, layered, texture of the music

[@John-vw3lr]

Peace to the World from Scotland… and Thanks MJ and SW

[@kelliegreen857]

I love this version! ❤

[@kevinjones2912]

Has Stevie written all over it ❤😂 what a wonderful collaboration 🎉

[@coquijean]

still here12/2023...an the quality is insaneI love this💕

[@Cookefan59]

Recently, finally, gratefully learned to play this on piano and it puts me in a euphoric loop of beautiful chords and rhythms.. I love the gliding bass line and the jazzy chords. I cant stop playing it and it’s one of those tunes you don’t mind getting stuck in your head all day. It’s got this incredibly positive vibe. Thank you Stevie, thank you Michael and thank you Quincy for this beautiful piece of music.

[@6hypnone]

All that dissonance is so badass

[@ladylondon6287]

This is so smooooth❤❤❤

[@woodnation1]

Great vocals..Great lyrics...Great Production even on a demo level.

[@beyourself2444]

His voice was perfect during OTW and Triumph. He was just this beautiful soul, with this sensual but innocent voice.

[@sandywillis5487]

Wow, man I'm in tears. I love how Michael brings his absolute magic to a song that was already absolute magic.

[@LadiiDomonique]

Seeee someone gets it… me too

[@josephvinson9744]

Damn excuse my language micheal sounds so amazing it makes you realize again what we had R.I.P king of pop

[@deannabarnes3771]

Getting butterflies 🦋 with this song

[@dicterzapata4287]

1:49 Michaels absolutely precious vocal decisions give me goosebumps!

[@michaeljohnson7945]

One of the greatest missed opportunities in popular music: a Michael Jackson album produced by Stevie Wonder.

[@glenrichardson6396]

You get consummate musicianship but you also get to hear him feeling his way into the song early in the process. Amazing that we get to hear all this great stuff

[@janiceirby7594]

Beautiful Masterpiece!❤

[@july_jam]

Hearing this give me goosebumps!!

[@mikemjlove4988]

This has got to be one of the best song. so underrated so pleasing so sensational tune

[@clbzone]

Yesss! Breathiness. Vibrato. Falsetto. Bangin! Michael was so smooth. 🔥 💯⭐️🙏🏽

[@feliciachandler5652]

Oh my god! This version is fire! His falsetto is amazing. I miss Michael J so much...

[@flyBri831]

The SO CALLED MUSIC OUT THESE DAYS...... WILL NEVER EVER COMPARE TO THIS. THIS IS ALL FROM THE SOUL FROM EACH HUMAN BEING ON THIS TRACK. SIMPLY ELEGANT. THAT PIANO MAN!!!!!! WHEW!!!!! MIKE OF COURSE IS PRICELESS ❤