Michael Jackson THE WAY YOU MAKE ME FEEL Studio Multitracks (Listening Session & Analysis)

[@chrisliepe]

Bruce Swedien says it best when talking about the experience of recording “The Way You Make Me Feel”: “Jackson recorded all the vocal parts, including the backing vocals, dancing around a darkened studio to the track. He'd sing his line, then he'd disappear into the darkness dancing..." YOU GET TO HEAR THIS when you listen to his vocal tracks in isolation! The stomps, the snaps, the adlibs... The FREEDOM! :) This is one of more more simplistically inspirational in the Michael Jackson catalogue. The upbeat melody, the "sky is opening" vibe that the rhythmic elements and the melody perpetuate. It is magical. Enjoy!!

[@mssha1980]

This is the video where he talks about re riding this song kzbin.info/www/bejne/inzCo4tqgs-pd5Y

[@PamelaReed-jd3mz]

Tooo dangerous walking in dark and when vision not eyeable thanks anyways 4:50 😊😊

[@Jazzpjc]

Awesome break down. Thank you. One of my favorite MJ songs is KEEP THE FAITH. Amazing MJ vocals and background. You never hear this on the radio. People missing out on a great example of the how MJ's soul and timing. Check it out. Thank you

[@NormanTiner]

My favorite thing that I've learned from looking at finished mixes is that you don't have to make things PERFECT. They just need to fit together and compliment each other. It almost doesn't matter what they sound like isolated as long as they work in the whole. Like, flour doesn't taste great. Sugar alone is too sweet. Raw egg? No thanks. But combine them and you're close to a cake recipe.

[@KATZFEY]

🏆🏆🏆🏆

[@EqDior]

This could not have been expressed better. Awesome way to describe mixing

[@K7NGB]

Totally agree

[@RaffyAyala]

Love this analogy!

[@mayganphynix8267]

Great comment!!

[@nebstaism]

Michael literally puts everything into his vocal recordings like no body I’ve ever heard

[@samiam2003]

right

[@bhutch216]

Watching that we are the world documentary and Lionel Richie talking about how Michael wrote all the music by humming the parts into a tape recorder because he couldn’t play any instruments shows he was on a whole different level

[@for-house-stark]

Man you have no idea HOW MANY TIMES I HAD TO REWIND THIS EPISODE! His voice gives me goosebumps. This was just as incredible as leave me alone. Now if you really want to see the best of michaels gritty voice, you gotta breakdown the song "They don't care about us" next! Please 🥺😩

[@mohammedsubhan9526]

yea man you need to @chrisliepe

[@mayganphynix8267]

Michaels voice is one of the most satisfying things ever.

[@jupiterresident1537]

Michael Jackson in the studio is the definition of passion.

[@JordanX767]

Michael’s voice just blows your socks off every time you hear him. He sang the heck out of this song. Even though the original session was recorded slower (as far as I know), he could still hit the notes he did in the final version. He even did live. As he got older he struggled more with his voice, but still had his undeniable vocal abilities, just not as consistently as he did when he was younger. I also heard he suffered a lot from exhaustion in his voice along with chronic laryngitis later on. His voice is one of a kind and iconic until the end of time as far as I’m concerned. Thank you Chris for doing these videos. Can’t wait for you to go back further and dive into the Off the Wall album sessions. Rock With You, etc. In my opinion that was his best era. 😄

[@markitux]

Michael was the real boss, man

[@t.carole5014]

Thank you for this great video. MJ was a living moving breathing music channel. Honed and tuned from early age. In an interview he said he hears the beat, then some different instruments, then he’ll get the melody and lyrics after that. ‘Let the song create itself’.

[@antoniofico4557]

Michael is a very underrated singer because he was and is the best entertainer that ever lived, but thanks to your videos about him I can really appreciate his vocal’s skills. I love what you do and I beg you to make more videos like this

[@JordanX767]

I think his vocals are honestly underrated. No joke. People overlook his vocal abilities and acrobatics. Riffs and Runs. I actually made two videos showcasing exactly that. 😄

[@Milkers777]

He’s Thee Greatest Singer Of All Time! And super versatile the most versatile👑🌟

[@loripatterson3977]

Since I've been following you, I've listened to Michael's music in a whole different way. In layers. Just shows the genius he actually was.

[@jhonatanasher]

What makes me more angry is that the Bad album didn't win any Grammy statuette in 1988. Michael was very sad at the award, you could see in his eyes how much he was wronged. The Bad album is full of impressive vocals and the Grammys had the nerve to boycott Michael, and for what reason? we know how the industry hated him.

[@acidspit14]

angry? grammy? I never watched grammies, I just listened to MJ, that's all I needed

[@samiam2003]

right

[@cheranguista]

Bad is full of hits , overall a superb album , i love it

[@wertor666]

"we know how the industry hated him" we? who? Source for it or it didn't happen. In 1987 it definitely wasn't the case. MJ waited too long with next album. And don't forget that at the same time George Michael released Faith and Madonna released True Blue.

[@silvrb4ck_956]

​@@wertor666u dont have to bring them in this conv they have nothin' to do with it, it's U2 who won thé award, while MJ just release one of the greatest album of all time

[@edwardickxs7061]

HEARTBREAK HOTEL, first song written by Michael (We can hear his universe coming, the atmosphere, the sound design, sounds effects... It's a wonderfull track with sounds, mixing and vocals experimentations... PLeaaaAAAAAaaaaaase !!!

[@amaryllisoriol782]

That is not the first song written by him honey. But you’re right heartbreak hotel is one of my absolute favorite

[@edwardickxs7061]

​@@amaryllisoriol782 Are you sure ! I know since 40 years that Michael wrote words and music (and create sound effects arrangements) for the first time. It was the first time that Michael was the entire CONDUCTOR ! Can you please tell me what he wrote before ???? The first time was on the "Triumph" Album, never before. What do you think, honey ?

[@amaryllisoriol782]

@@edwardickxs7061 his first written and released song is blues away. Don’t remember if he’d left Motown yet but he was much younger.

[@edwardickxs7061]

@@amaryllisoriol782 He signed with EPIC ! But, with the beautifull "Blues away", he just did some little stuff. With Heartbreak hotel, he's the master. It's so different for him, understand it ! I rally think Heartbreak Hotel is considered by himself as his first song. So... Bye, Honey !

[@princerob425]

@@edwardickxs7061 no Michael said he wrote Blues Away and that was his first song he wrote that was recorded and released.

[@willward952]

White tee shirt, blue cotton shirt, white bow, black jeans. To hear this like it is with just the lyrics and all the other different vocal acappella sections is spine chilling. Sends tingles down my back and through my legs. Apart from Man in the Mirror, this has to be one of my most favorite tracks from the album. Brought some emotional tears to my eyes. Happy memories of MJ dancing in the street chasing his girl. Stunning, sensational video and track. Thanks for this Chris, was awesome 🤩🎵🎵🎶, R.I.P. M.J. A true music genius and legendary talented performer in his own right.

[@SaturdaysChild1991]

Please keep making more of these. I love me some MJ

[@mg19cal]

I feel like this song was in the same exact tempo as "Leave Me Alone" and you could easily switch the beats on those tracks and the lyrics would match the beats👍

[@twilithycurves]

Love it! Michaels voice is crazy!! Video idea, “Scream” duet with his sister Janet Jackson would be awesome! I think his most passionate vocals ever !

[@focuspills1700]

Yes yes yes !!!

[@thecappy]

This was one of my favorite songs as a kid in the late 80’s.

[@samiam2003]

❤

[@mariaeov280900]

This was my favorite song as a kid in the 2000's, timeless

[@richardkovacs2006]

Bruce Swedien used the raw vocal tracks in his lectures for sound engineer students. There's a short video on yt with a little detail of one of his lectures with the raw vocal track. Great video as always! This track is where you can hear MJs dancing around in the studio the most, I think. I just wish there was a footage of a recording session with MJ...

[@mssha1980]

Yes I have that video saved! It’s amazing!

[@mssha1980]

Here’s the video kzbin.info/www/bejne/inzCo4tqgs-pd5Y

[@leilanifitpilates]

Michael could be free in the studio because he had all that practice under his belt. He was being recorded since tot-hood. So his comfort level was probably very high in a studio. A lot of singers don't start recording in a studio til much later.. I think some artists feel privileged to be in a studio. Michael probably knew the studio was PRIVILEGED to have HIM in it lol I think of it as how you act when you're a guest in someone's house vs how you act at home. Some people only record enough to be a guest. Michael was at HOME in his drawers, eatin chips with his feet up on the couch (metaphorically) in that studio.

[@mssha1980]

Good analogy! MJ has always said he felt at home performing

[@oemisc2880]

@@mssha1980 It is indeed so innate like breathing for him

[@BUDOKAIultimate3]

Exactly!! By this time, MJ was seasoned PRO. It wasn't nothing to him. Most cats who came into the biz during this time was just starting out.

[@lightthemichaeljacksontrib5423]

You're the first person to share my feelings on the way he sings the word "Knock" in the specific chorus he does it. Just incredible use of his voice. Mastery.

[@lil18thletterking77]

The crazy thing about these multitrakcs is that when I listen to the released versions I have no idea that there are so many things going on underneath..and the crazier thing is michael hears all these disparate pieces in his head as he is composing.

[@JordanX767]

He was a genius musically.

[@ScratchArkkitehti]

Quite possibly the most perfectly agile BARITONE who is a master of using his MIXED/HEAD voice(Mistaken for a natural TENOR). Traditionally Baris tend to have a sweeter falsetto as well. Beautiful analysis. For a natural tenor you'd probably have to look to George Michael or El Debarge, totally different textures. 10/10.

[@just_rick]

Wow! I didn’t realize how free Michael was through his music, i’m inspired, thank you for such great content.👍🏾😊❤

[@chrisliepe]

You're so welcome!

[@eliaswielgaard]

I’ve always believed that this might be his best vocal performance! It’s atleast my favorite MJ raw vocals. His voice is just sooo amazing, it’s so raw, soulful and beautiful at the same time. You can really feel what he’s singing as well. The best there ever was, simple as that.

[@samiam2003]

wut Abt earth song?

[@marketlider2811]

The song "invincible" has the best MJ vocals

[@Witherfall]

So good

[@kewlztertc5386]

Look for "Heart Break Hotel" (This place Hotel). Or " The Lady in my life", my two favorite MJ songs.

[@LennoNg01]

I watch mj songs every time you do them.🤩

[@icare7151]

Michael is a vocal musical genius beyond this World!

[@charliered420]

6:59 the classic sound effect

[@Jacqueal]

That grit you speak of was very present on this album. "I Just Can't Stop Loving You" might be the only song where he kept it vocally mellow throughout the whole song.

[@LionelMessi-os1cp]

Heal the world too?

[@Deceitfuleyes]

"The greatest education in the world is watching the masters at work." MJ I'd love to hear something from Invincible album as well, if possible. 🙄 Sooo underrated album. Whatever Happens, Speechless, Don't Walk Away, Butterflies... The list goes on and on and on... 😁

[@ANITACHEONG-em8mt]

❤​@@hithere981

[@jamiegunn]

Another awesome Michael Jackson isolated vocal. Love it!!

[@chasepotter2376]

I guess I’m the only one who thinks the way he sings “tell me twice” is by far the best vocal part of the song. (8:05)

[@samiam2003]

nah the high notes are crazy lol! too many 6th octave notes for me to count on

[@uhhyagotanygum36]

That purposeful little crack…sooo good

[@williamoates9887]

This is excellent in that, if you remember Michael paid particular attention and discussed and even instructed the Keys player on the phrasing and the groove of this rhythmic figure in the 'This is It' film

[@MarcusVsJessica]

His voice brings me happiness 😊 🎶 🎵

[@vio77s77]

From 2:08 as "Leave me alone"

[@bhporwxhe]

If you want to see someone talking about “exactly” how Michael Jackson songs and sounds were made, go to Anthony Marinelli’s KZbin - he was an engineer on many of the famous songs. He also speaks with Greg Phillingaines and others who were there at the time. Fascinating to see the drum and synth sounds recreated on the old traditional synths they used at the time.

[@MillisecondFalcon]

Wow, Wow, Wow! Those guitars in isolation are fantastic! I love the POP in the guitar on track 10 even though I don't understand how it got there! It's really only when you hear the instrumentation and arrangement in isolation that you fully appreciate the mastery of craft that everyone brought to the table (or mixing desk) on these albums. Individually so simple and often dare-I-say basic, but combined with such genius into an incredible sonic masterpiece! Wow!

[@Div-8739]

That Grit his got in his voice that's what makes his voice stand out from other musicians'.

[@nebstaism]

I’m amazed how wet everything is with effects..... Bruce and Quincy was such a phenomenal team when it came to the vibe textures of these songs.... and Bruce’s mixes are just so amazing Michaels albums sound so world class it’s crazy how good these albums sound

[@williambrandongiles3692]

Very helpful, insightful, And recording magic! Thanks for diving in, Showing us superb mastery fun behind the scenes, Fun hit song!! 👌

[@socorrofernandez2909]

MJ give HES heart and soul in HES music .He was empty handed at the GRAMMY but when sign to do A BAD TOUR THATS HE BECAME THE GREATEST ENTERTTAINER IN THE WORLD.

[@Xalim.]

OMG I have been waiting for this. This. is. awesome. Thank you for showing us all the little extras we can now appreciate. Love it!

[@duncanidaho8900]

I just love to watch your analyses you make on MJ's vocals! They are made in the same energy he sang and performed, that simple joy of discovering, the playfulness , the passion, immersing yourself in what you love to do. Thank you so much Chris Liepe! And I subscribe to others request, Heartbreak hotel would be great! I would add what Darkchild and Akon said abt MJ when he was recording: he needed tshirts to change himself because he was sweating a lot, that was his inner energy set free. Because everything was from ,,his soul,, as Akon said.

[@bennyob01]

Fun fact- this was recorded 5.5% slower than the released version.

[@bigrich693]

One of my absolute favorites. Mikes key on this song is insane. Love it!

[@amj_as]

The way you make me feel. Mj 🌹 Thank you very much. ✨ This is magic. ✨😍

[@saveyourselves5923]

I always knew he was special, but not being particularly knowledgeable about music, I never appreciated what an absolute talented genius he really was. Where even the best vocalists just sing or warble through songs, he feels EVERY note, baring his soul through his voice. That is what captivates me as a listener and it's so rare to find these days x

[@aromafromheaven]

Wow what a treat

[@yacinehaboubi9964]

That’s the meaning of a true musician and vocalist, the mindset working on identity much more that perfection. Let the next one be who is it or dangerous

[@anthonyk4453]

I loved this alot. Thank you.

[@Witherfall]

Really cool

[@CraigLarson77]

Stellar analysis! You could say that this song is the antithesis of 'Dirty Diana'. One song is full of optimism and excitement, while the other is a lament and filled with pain. Yet, in both, MJ's vocal technique is pretty much the same.

[@unkchaos2007]

I had 2 different version of this sone where the ending is different. This one with the multitrack that has Michael repeat the "Give it to me" at the end of the song vs one that doesn't have any vocals at all at the end. Growing up, I was used to the one without the vocals at the end of the song and only around 2005 heard the ones vocals at the end. I was listening to the oens without vocal since in the early 1990 and gotten used to that and throught the vocal at the end was different. Seeing and hearing the multittrack in this video, it was very pleasing to see how it was all put together and getting beautiful understanding on how Michael thinks, do and being in his music. Trully amazing. I only wish I saw this ivdeo when it came out a year ago, but I'm glad I am seeing it now!!! Thank you!

[@josieangel4297]

Mj was amazing.. We can all something from him. Thank you for your analysis of his music. I learned preciate his music more than ever.

[@mulengachisela6677]

Has to be one of my favourite vocal isolations thus far....perfection 🤩❣

[@markrothery5720]

Thank you this gave me goosebumps what a epic track and breakdown

[@yusufAA7]

You’re the best . Thank you so much . Love your Michael Jackson videos.

[@bhutch216]

The snare mic was in a metal garbage can underneath the snare. They wanted to get a “back alley echo”

[@KamoMustafaWWE]

Awesome video man. These vocals are Amazing.

[@camilaleonor_]

one of my favorites too... thanks for sharing such vocal knowledge Chris!

[@gabrielegaudiero4]

Thank you so much!!! You make me love once again these incredible mj song!!!! Please keep on!!! Love from Italy.

[@VPS74]

The Best

[@tylerhackner9731]

One of my favorites

[@VIDEOHEREBOB]

Amazing vocals.

[@visanisha33]

Oh Brother tq Frm Malaysia

[@toriackley8402]

I agree with everything you said love Michael and the magic he did on this song is just amazing !

[@SP1D3RBOY1S1K]

Glad I found this video, I’ve always felt like for me personally, “The Way You Make Me Feel” truly shows ALL the range that Michael could really hit

[@portiilho_]

My Fav song! ♡

[@MrSTorac]

I've been checking your videos for some time now. I still don't know why your videos don't get more views, it's so great to be able to decompose popular songs and hear some fun facts ! Sounds awesome, videos so great !! Love from France !

[@fujisamasensei7314]

Thank you Chris for this vid ..amazing vocal again from MJ..such a genius he was

[@politicallyopinionated]

It sounds like he spoke in such a soft tone in his everyday voice to save it so he could just explode in his music!

[@ir.viviane596]

Daria tudo para ver essas gravações em estúdio do Michael. São uma preciosidade.

[@Ден-х5д4ф]

Brilliant. Thanks Chris.

[@LoveMemoriesAlways]

lots of sound mixes and matches to each other. amazingly beautiful.

[@mayganphynix8267]

I just love all the MJ videos you’ve done. You’ve done so many of them. Keep them coming please, it’s so amazing. He was the master.

[@LomeliDJ]

2:06 Everybody wants to rule the world

[@TheHardStyleLife]

Incredible

[@sharonisicheri2646]

He was sound himself 🥺🥺🌹🌹

[@angermanagementstudios]

Thanks Chris. Played this song at my acoustic show this evening. Love it.

[@Kaypaichi]

Chris trying to explain the "gone girl!" to sum up.... MJ is just that good lbvvs

[@jakegargiulo5101]

YES YES YES

[@VigilanteAgumon]

Leave Me Alone is seen as the "dark inversion" of The Way You Make Me Feel. I know you've done both songs, but it would be interesting if you could compare and contrast the two.

[@kkrsnn5632]

This makes me feel so good, thanks 😁

[@juandef4115]

Thank you for making your videos. Your content really helps me appreciate Michael from Vocal perspective. Katherine influenced this song(his mother). She told Michael to make a song with a shuffling style rhythm. So thank you to Katherine Jackson! ❤️

[@vanessafrancaise]

thank youuuuuu chrisss love you💜

[@MighterM]

So when I saw this popped up I HAD to see it and not just because I am a huge MJ fan but because I have LONG theorized that this track at some point was recorded in a lower key and pitched up. I know just about all there is to know about Michael, I am very familiar with his voice and yes he's always had a huge range but his tessitura was not here at this point in his life. It's just a theory but it VERY interesting that the raw stems aren't available!

[@NPLXIV]

Michaels songs were sang in a lower key and pitched at about 6% increase. I think Bruce called it sweetener.

[@mssha1980]

The entire bad album was sped up

[@MighterM]

@@NPLXIV Interesting because Ive never heard any such admission and whenever I bring up the thought Im attacked lol. I dont know what 6% would quantify as note wise but I feel this song was a whole step down from E. The times when he would sing an intro live it was always down there as well.

[@MighterM]

@@mssha1980 I dont know if I would believe that , sure there are other songs where I can hear the same 'helium' sped up quality on his vocals but I think there are also some unaltered songs as well

[@mssha1980]

@@MighterM that’s from the mouth of his engineers. They said the entire album is sped up. Apparently it was a common practice during that period. This engineer mentioned MJ sounding chimpmunk like on the bad album. His engineers were doing seminars where they let people listen to the raw tracks. It’s called In The Studio with MJ or something like that.

[@hoomanmusic]

Amazing thank you Chris 🙌🏼🙏🏼✨✨✨

[@ygaltuil]

Hi Chris 👋 Just amazing video !!!! Think you so much !!!! I love you Man 🤩👍👍👍

[@nobodysrapunzel]

yes yes yes my favorite series ❤

[@lauritsholmgreen2371]

Great video! It is so interesting to see the different tracks and how much work there was put into the song. I'm a huge Michael Jackson fan and I produce music as well, so this video was perfect👌

[@larryindigo6645]

YESSS!!!! THANK YOU SO MUCH

[@VIDEOHEREBOB]

Trying to sing like this live is seriously challenging.

[@Darkcranio]

That's why he didn't sing this live ever, except that one New York show.

[@amj_as]

There is a sentence that closes something. 🌹 ✨ 💞

[@ayahmolina5982]

There's a high note He hits before the improve section that you didn't put in the video ànd it's my favorite part of the song but hey great video I love this type of videos

[@Rm24785]

Mine too

[@drarf2225]

Thank you so much for these incredible videos Chris, you're the perfect person to walk us through and break down these incredible tracks! Mega inspiration!

[@paulholleman2918]

Awesome track. Michael was at his peak vocally around 1985-1990. I would love to hear the multi track of Who is it . If that excists.

[@chrisliepe]

I don't know anyone who has been able to locate it... I'd love to do that one as well!

[@ir.viviane596]

Amazing, Michael era fora do normal. É incrivel ouvir como foram construidas suas músicas. Eu que sou completamente ignorante sobre assunto, pergunto.... Essa quantidade de camadas era coisa do Michael, dos bons artistas de antigamente? Hoje ainda fazem composições com essa quantidade de camadas e detalhes? Se alguém puder me responder agradeço;

[@devendasmusic]

The explanation on the snare was really cool