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💯

[@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!!!!

[@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...............)

[@spettaway1]

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

[@Sunshine-dx5xo]

💯💯💯👍👍👌👌👏👏👏🌅💐

[@armondalightfoot8249]

💯% 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 💞

[@Sahnequeen]

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.

[@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."

[@user-gh5mr1qo3m]

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.

[@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 🌸

[@user-do5cm8uq6s]

Stevie plus Michael equals 2 GENIUSES!!!❤❤

[@user-do5cm8uq6s]

Thanks guys for liking the comment!❤️2❤️!

[@user-gh5mr1qo3m]

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

[@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

[@metalcontranuvem]

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

[@DuaneJacobs-zv6ic]

Amazing

[@nikkomerriweather4165]

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

[@CHRISRepAZ]

@@ramarakeshvi think it's John Robison

[@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 ❤

[@ascribecalledtess7439]

Michaels falsetto is immaculate!

[@kengozin]

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

[@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

[@MakeSomeNoiseAgencyPlaylists]

they are greedy crack heads dude.....

[@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.

[@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❤❤❤❤

[@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 ❤

[@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

[@TCSTL378]

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

[@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.

[@Musiccafe5890]

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

[@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. ☺️

[@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…..😊

[@mikefongquee9645]

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

[@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

[@fataudra7579]

This isn't a disco song. Lol

[@khayeelwilson-el5370]

@@fataudra7579thank you! 😂

[@jusdesireable3224]

That piano is off the chain! ❤️‼️💯

[@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

[@charleswilliams8248]

That falsetto 😊…Oh yeah… Simply beautiful!

[@sinbadandsalty3908]

I like his young adult vocals.

[@jetpaq]

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

[@user-wr1oc4yt3r]

110% you are right

[@akheem7515]

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

[@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.

[@mangadolo]

Michael is still the GOAT!!!

[@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!

[@tyryncobb158]

1:43 That run was just crazy!!!!😮

[@conradford7493]

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

[@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

[@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

[@musiqangel07]

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

[@pelicanhill3251]

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

[@TheCaptainAidan]

Not a damn thing Michael couldn't do!

[@flowerpink33]

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

[@nagagab9224]

very jazzy and experimental

[@rhill3453]

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

[@errolthomas9426]

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

[@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!

[@darrylthomas2664]

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

[@stevenhowell8507]

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

[@darlenethompson2422]

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

[@dominiqueariel1231]

What a beautiful voice ❤❤❤❤😊😊😊

[@Silverback219]

Ain't it tho👍🏿

[@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.

[@hazeleyezluv]

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

[@pmurphy140]

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

[@Zama_Zama]

He has the best demos ever!!

[@siristarburst9]

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

[@misskitty2710]

Look at the smile on Quincy’s face!

[@octaviajohnson6989]

This is my favorite song by MJ and my son's is Liberian Girl. This music is sampled so much Usher, Kevin Ross, Floetry and Blackstreet

[@Honey-ov1hy]

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

[@kelliegreen857]

I love this version! ❤

[@MissDana84]

Thank God that Stevie wrote this for MJ

[@diahlaeubanks8817]

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

[@ronaldmitchell9499]

Miss this guy so much, the good ones die so young. 😃🎼🎹

[@ninafonoroff14]

Beautiful song. Written by Stevie Wonder.

[@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! 😎

[@thewild5719]

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

[@eabsurfs808]

That bass is so sick...

[@artuanmcgee9244]

This the version I didn't know I needed.

[@Sugastack]

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

[@CatB1PYT]

That voice…Such a tragedy. He should still be here watching Usher and Chris….watch him.

[@tonyceeone]

Wow the voice as an instrument ❤❤❤❤

[@eggads]

So sophisticated

[@janiceirby7594]

Beautiful Masterpiece!❤

[@woodnation1]

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

[@feliciachandler5652]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@july_jam]

Hearing this give me goosebumps!!

[@kevinjones2912]

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

[@barrywilliams2409]

Great Demo!! Sounds like Louis Johnson on bass too! RIP, Michael Jackson & Louis Johnson 🙏🏾💙

[@dts_8247]

My all time favorite song such a beautiful song 😊

[@deborahohaire5936]

Hello dear. This is truly my favorite song by Michael and Stevie. I remember when I had his Off The Wall album.

[@VedyanichevaMarina]

Thanks to the author of the channel for interesting stories! The world has seen such talent. Michael Jackson is a star and no dirt will stick to him.

[@eviehammond9509]

God, I miss this man...❤

[@rhill3453]

Everyday

[@incognitotees]

Diggin The Greats brought me here

[@coquijean]

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

[@clbzone]

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

[@KingRiz1]

OMG!!! PURE 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@reesesm3730]

He was special. I love his music and him.

[@HeidenMikael]

0:35 Definitely Angelic 💗

[@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.

[@John-vw3lr]

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

[@jaybacon4837]

Michael had RAW talent, never will be another like him 💯🙏🏾🫶🏾🔥

[@keiththomas111]

I wish this was released as and instrumental track with strings on the album as a reprise🎵🎶🎤🎧🎹

[@Luvnthegodnme]

BEYOND BRILLIANT

[@kirbywaite1586]

That was fantastic beyond description.

[@prayingconstantly333]

Beautiful voice. Just beautiful...

[@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

[@mokahgirl5165]

This version is great!! The original Magic 🎩 Mike. 😘

[@anthonymarquez2035]

I would’ve love to hear him sing more jazz compositions. Wow he could sing anything….🤔👍