The song was first performed during the Jacksons' Victory Tour. Michael started to sing "Ben", but stopped and proceeded to sing "Human Nature". It was also performed during Michael's Bad World Tour and Dangerous World Tour. Jackson also performed the song live during his 1996 Royal Brunei concert. It was going to be performed for Jackson's This Is It concerts, which were canceled due to his death; however, it was included on the posthumous album to coincide with the concerts. Live versions of the song are available on the DVDs "Live at Wembley July 16, 1988" and "". Toto has performed the song in some of their shows with vocals by Joseph Williams.
Live performances
Human Nature (Michael Jackson song)
Human Nature (Michael Jackson song) | Live performances
Jacksons' Victory Tour, Bad World Tour and Dangerous World Tour. Bad World Tour and Dangerous World Tour. Brunei The Jacksons' Victory Tour, Michael's Bad World Tour and Dangerous World Tour.
when was "human nature" released?
user
July 3, 1983
assistant
is it michael jackson song?
user
Yes
assistant
who was the record label for it?
user
Sorry. I cannot find the answer based on the context.
assistant
where did its live performances take place?
user
The song was first performed during the Jacksons' Victory Tour. Michael started to sing "Ben", but stopped and proceeded to sing "Human Nature". It was also performed during Michael's Bad World Tour and Dangerous World Tour. Jackson also performed the song live during his 1996 Royal Brunei concert. It was going to be performed for Jackson's This Is It concerts, which were canceled due to his death; however, it was included on the posthumous album to coincide with the concerts. Live versions of the song are available on the DVDs "Live at Wembley July 16, 1988" and "". Toto has performed the song in some of their shows with vocals by Joseph Williams.
Human Nature (Michael Jackson song) | Live performances
Just a dummy lyric and a very skeletal thing—I get goosebumps talking about it. I said, 'This is where we wanna go, because it's got such a wonderful flavor'". However, Jones was dissatisfied with the original lyrics for the verses and asked John Bettis, who had written lyrics for hits by the Carpenters and the Pointer Sisters, among others, to write new lyrics for the song. He completed the song in two days. Jones asked if the song could be included on Jackson's album, to which Porcaro and Bettis agreed.
Human Nature (Michael Jackson song) | Production
The "Los Angeles Times" concluded that it was Jackson's delivery that made the "middling ballad" take off.
Human Nature (Michael Jackson song) | Release and reception
"Human Nature" is a 1982 song performed by American singer Michael Jackson, and the fifth single from his sixth solo album, "Thriller". The track was produced by Quincy Jones and performed by members of Toto with Michael Jackson providing vocals. It was originally written by keyboardist Steve Porcaro, based on a conversation he had with his young daughter Heather after a boy pushed her at school, Porcaro said "he probably likes you and it's human nature". Porcaro, along with some of his bandmates from the band Toto, had been assisting with the production of "Thriller", but he had not intended for "Human Nature" to be used by Jackson.
Human Nature (Michael Jackson song) | Introduction
The first version of "Human Nature" was written and composed by Steve Porcaro of Toto. He wrote the song when his first-grade daughter came home crying after a boy pushed her off the slide. He blurted out three reasons for the incident to comfort her: the boy liked her, people can be strange, and it's "human nature". He recorded a rough demo of the song in their studio while the Toto song "Africa" was being mixed. Fellow Toto band member David Paich had prepared some demo tracks for producer Quincy Jones to listen to as possible songs for "Thriller" and asked Porcaro to make Jones a tape with the songs.
Human Nature (Michael Jackson song) | Production
However, "Thriller" producer Quincy Jones inadvertently heard a demo version of the track and thought it would be a great fit for the album. Jones then brought in songwriter John Bettis to rewrite the verses, whose lyrics are about a passerby in New York City. "Human Nature" was released as a single on July 3, 1983. Like the four "Thriller" singles before it, the song became a top 10 hit in the US, reaching number seven on the "Billboard" Hot 100. It also reached number two on "Billboard" Adult Contemporary chart. It is certified Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
Human Nature (Michael Jackson song) | Introduction
Running low on cassette tapes, Porcaro used the tape on which he had already recorded his "Human Nature" demo, putting Paich's songs on the reverse side and marking that on the label as the side that Jones should listen to. Jones listened to Paich's songs but did not think they were right for "Thriller". However, he did not stop the tape when the songs finished playing, and the cassette deck playing the tape had "auto-reverse" capability, meaning that it started playing the other side as soon as the first side was finished. As Jones described it, "All of a sudden, at the end, there was all this silence, there was: 'why, why, dah dah da-dum dah dah, why, why'.
Human Nature (Michael Jackson song) | Production
The credits are shown next, with a montage of rehearsal clips and "This Is It" being played in the background. After the show, a live recording of "Heal the World" was played. Then, the audio of "Human Nature" was played, with a clip of Michael rehearsing it in early June (the 3D Screen was not set up yet). Then, a clip of what could have been a Dome Project video of "Heal the World" was shown, in which the girl that appeared in the "Earth Song" video was shown holding the world and a signed message, by Michael, saying "I Love You".
Michael Jackson's This Is It | Summary
In Canada and the Netherlands, the single reached number 11. The single was not released in the UK. The song garnered positive reviews from music critics. "Human Nature" has been sampled by numerous artists, including Nas with "It Ain't Hard to Tell" , and Teddy Riley who remixed SWV's single "Right Here (Human Nature Remix)", with a sample of "Human Nature", the remix reaching number two on the "Billboard" Hot 100.
Human Nature (Michael Jackson song) | Introduction
They later added that the song was a "soft rocker". Reflecting on "Thriller", "Slant" expressed their fondness of the song, stating that it was "probably the best musical composition on the album and surely one of the only A/C ballads of its era worth remembering". The magazine added that the track's "buttery harmonies" were powerful. "Stylus" also praised the song, describing it as "the smoothest of ballads". However, they further added that the music "does little to embody the song's message" and that it couches Jackson's "glazed voice" in "bubble synths and drum pillows". About.com's Bill Lamb looked back on the track 25 years after its release.
Human Nature (Michael Jackson song) | Release and reception
"Human Nature" was released on July 3, 1983, as the fifth single from "Thriller". It was not released in the UK for unknown reasons. the song achieved chart success in the US. Reaching number two on "Billboard"'s Hot Adult Contemporary chart and number seven on the Hot 100, the song became Jackson's fifth Top 10 hit from "Thriller". "Human Nature" charted at number 27 on the R&B singles chart. In the Netherlands the single reached number 11. John Rockwell, of "The New York Times", stated that "Human Nature" was a "haunting, brooding ballad" with an "irresistible" chorus. Allmusic noted that the "gentle and lovely" "Human Nature" coexisted comfortably with the "tough, scared" "Beat It".
Human Nature (Michael Jackson song) | Release and reception
On July 16, 1996, Jackson performed Earth Song at the Brunei Royal Concert at Jerudong Park Amphitheatre in Bandar Seri Begawan. Similar to the World Music Awards performance, Michael sang the line, "Tell me what about it". The song was also performed on Jackson's HIStory World Tour from September 1996 to October 1997. It was later performed at the MJ & Friends concerts in June 1999. During the Munich performance on June 27, 1999, the middle section of the bridge collapsed into the air and came falling down instead of pausing in mid-air. The fall caused severe back pain to Jackson.
Earth Song | Live performances
He felt that the song "set down a blueprint for what would become known as adult R&B". Kelefa Sanneh of "Blender" described the "soft-serve balladry" of the song as a "silk-sheets masterstroke". In a 2008 IGN review, Todd Gilchrist explained that the elements of "Human Nature" worked better today than they did before. He added that it may be because modern R&B "sucks". Tom Ewing, reviewer for Pitchfork Media, described the song as "meltingly tender", with MTV adding that it was an "airy ballad". "Rolling Stone" claimed that the "most beautifully fragile" "Human Nature" was so open and brave it made "She's Out of My Life" seem phony.
Human Nature (Michael Jackson song) | Release and reception
The song was performed during HIStory World Tour (1996-1997). It was also slated to be performed in the "This Is It" concerts in London, which was scheduled to run from July 2009 to March 2010. On selected nights, "Stranger in Moscow" was going to be performed instead of "Human Nature". The shows were cancelled due to Jackson's untimely death in June 2009.
Stranger in Moscow | Live performances
It was reported that Jackson had recorded the song for release with his planned summer tour but after his death it was shelved until producers in Los Angeles remixed the vocals with an orchestral accompaniment. On September 23, 2009, it was reported that the film's new song "This Is It" would be released on October 12, 2009, sixteen days before the film's release. On October 9, it was confirmed that the song would debut online the following Monday at midnight, receiving its world premiere on MichaelJackson.com. On September 21, 2009, Sony released a 45-second clip of Jackson rehearsing his performance for "Human Nature" and also released stills from the video clip.
Michael Jackson's This Is It | Marketing
They also opened for Michael Jackson on the HIStory World Tour (December 1996, early to mid-1997). At the ARIA Music Awards of 2006 they won Highest Selling Album for "Reach Out: The Motown Record". In May 2009 they began a residency performing a Motown-themed show on the Las Vegas Strip and in April 2014 they completed their 1000th show. In November 2019 Human Nature were inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame.
Human Nature (band) | Introduction
After the concert, Jackson was rushed to a hospital.
Earth Song | Live performances
The rapper then revealed that he actually enjoyed the kiss, posting a picture of the moment on his Instagram account. Madonna included "Human Nature" on the first section of her Madame X Tour (2019–20), featuring her doing a spreadeagle position.
Human Nature (Madonna song) | Live performances
Jackson's intent for the recording was to capture the intensity and spontaneity of a live performance, but without the distraction of noise from the crowd. He requested that the audience remain silent while his performance was recorded. The music was mixed live from microphones on each musical instrument and sent directly to a stereo digital tape recorder. Unlike most live recordings, no post-recording mixing or overdubbing was performed. Regarding the album, Joe says: ‘I want to clear up two myths about this record which still crop up all the time. Myth 1: During the live recording of the album, the audience was forbidden to applaud.
Big World | Production
The song was never performed live, but an instrumental interlude was played on the first leg of his Dangerous World Tour, from June to December 1992.
Someone Put Your Hand Out (Michael Jackson song) | Live performances
The song was not performed by Jackson on any of his world concert tours. He did, however, perform a small segment of the song in his interview with Oprah Winfrey in early 1993. An instrumental portion of the song was supposed to be used during the "This Is It" comeback concerts in London, which were canceled due to Jackson's death.
Who Is It (Michael Jackson song) | Introduction
The video sequence for "Earth Song" is shown next, featuring a little girl who wanders through a forest, falls asleep, and wakes up to find the forest destroyed by man. Jackson then performs the song, with his voice being heard at the end telling of the dangers of Global Warming and the lack of reversible time left. He then performs a quick version of his song "Billie Jean". Michael is then seen talking to all crew members and wishing everyone the best for the London performances. At a sound check, Michael performs "Man in the Mirror" with strong backing vocals.
Michael Jackson's This Is It | Summary
He did note that Jackson's performance of "Earth Song", which consists of using Jackson's voiceover to emphasize his environmental concerns while a bulldozer threatens to eat him, was well intentioned—because it brought attention to environmental concerns—but felt it was a little over the top. Paras felt the film showed an "exacting and refreshingly funny side of Jackson to be revealed" and "had Jackson lived, we never would have seen those moments" and felt the film was a proper way to "finally say goodbye" to Jackson.
Michael Jackson's This Is It | Critical response
Other than a few television appearances at the time of its release, Janet would not perform this song live or on tour until 2008. She included it in the "Pre-Control Medley" section of her "Rock Witchu Tour". Jackson also included the song in her performance at the 2010 Essence Music Festival, held in New Orleans, Louisiana. The song is also used during the DJ intermission on the 2017-2019 State of the World Tour.
Say You Do (Janet Jackson song) | Live performances
As the remix also appeared on the soundtrack to the film "Free Willy", an alternate version of the "Human Nature Remix" video was produced featuring scenes from the film along with clips of Michael Jackson performing "Human Nature" during his 1992 Dangerous Tour. The "Human Nature" remix is the more recognized version of the single and is the one that is usually performed at SWV concerts. However, the group has also occasionally performed the original version (complete with the rapped bridge).
Right Here (SWV song) | Music videos
This plays directly into the green screen adaptation of soldiers dancers for "Bad" which are also used for "They Don't Care About Us" which is shown next. From here, the film shows Michael directing Ortega and his band for his solo rehearsal performance of "Human Nature" which he performs a cappella, then acoustic and finally with full band. Green screen rehearsals for the video vignette for "Smooth Criminal" come next (with scenes from his film "Moonwalker" as well as the film "Gilda" featuring Rita Hayworth singing "Put the Blame on Mame"), with dress rehearsals of the song following, including parts of the vignette intertwined with the dancing.
Michael Jackson's This Is It | Summary
It appeared in live form on the album "Live 1980/86". Another live version of the song was released on a bonus CD with Jackson's 2003 album "Volume 4". In 2003, an author for "Billboard" dubbed the song an "old favorite". "Paste" called the track "infectious".
I'm the Man (song) | Release
Human Nature performed "Earth Angel" live on "Sunrise" on September 1. Human Nature performed "Will You Love Me Tomorrow" and "Runaound Sue" live on "Dancing with the Stars" on October 28. Human Nature released a music video for "Runaround Sue" on October 10 and "Will You Love Me Tomorrow" on October 17 via their VEVO account.
Jukebox (Human Nature album) | Promotion
Although the song was not released as a single, the live performances of "Dangerous" remained a staple of Jackson's concerts since the third leg of the Dangerous Tour. "Dangerous" was a song that involved group choreography, similar to "Smooth Criminal", which also appears as part of the mix in later performances. There were five live performance versions of "Dangerous", although Jackson nearly always lipsynced this song: For the Michael Jackson and Friends concerts and on, Jackson wore a red shirt instead of the original white shirt and tie, but the tie was kept in. For all of the performances but at the Apollo Theater and the American Bandstand one, Michael would have an armband in his black jacket.
Dangerous (Michael Jackson song) | Live performances
"Childhood" was performed as an instrumental prelude to "Smooth Criminal" during the HIStory Tour. It was also performed live during the by Cirque du Soleil and is featured on the "Immortal" remix album. The song was planned to be performed by Jackson at a concert in New York City with HBO in December 1995, but the concert was cancelled due to Jackson being in the hospital after collapsing during rehearsals for the concert.
Childhood (Michael Jackson song) | Live versions
The final location was in Warwick, New York, where a safe forest fire was simulated in a corn field. The video was also included on the video albums: "HIStory on Film, Volume II", "Number Ones" and "Michael Jackson's Vision".
Earth Song | Music video
"Human Nature" is a R&B track where the sound of drums and the sample is heard looping throughout, with Madonna sarcastically asking rhetorical questions based on her real-life actions over the last two years. The song received mostly positive reviews from music critics who have later noted its anthemic and empowering nature. "Human Nature" became a moderate hit in the United States, peaking at number 46 on the "Billboard" Hot 100 and at number two on the Hot Dance Club Play chart. In the United Kingdom, the single entered the chart and peaked at number eight and it also charted within the Top 10 in Italy and the Top 20 in Australia.
Human Nature (Madonna song) | Introduction
Larry Flick from "Billboard" commented that the original version has a "rigid funk/R&B beat-bottom" that "marks an intriguing contrast to loose, personality-driven vocals" by Cheryl Gamble, and noted that she is further supported by "En Vogue-style backing vocals and a sassy rap break" by Tamara Johnson. "Complex" described the Human Nature Remix as "pure genius." "Smash Hits" gave the remix 4 out of 5, adding that "Michael Jackson's Human Nature is the perfect vehicle for their high harmonies and they have turned his old choirboy rendition into something with much more sass and soul. It's a welcome revival of a good tune.
Right Here (SWV song) | Critical reception
"Bad" was performed during Jackson's "Bad" world tour concert series from 1987 to 1989, in both the first and second leg, as the final song in the first leg and sixteenth song in the second leg in the setlist. The song was also included on the first leg only of Jackson's Dangerous World Tour. A small snippet of the song was set to be sung during his performance of "They Don't Care About Us" during his This Is It concerts, which never occurred due to his death. A live version of the song at Wembley 1988 and Yokohama 1987 are available on the DVD "Live at Wembley July 16, 1988".
Bad (Michael Jackson song) | Live performances
Michael Jackson performed the song as part of the "Jackson 5 Medley" (which also included the songs "The Love You Save" and "I'll Be There") during all of his world tours - the Bad World Tour, the Dangerous World Tour and the HIStory World Tour. The song was to be performed at Jackson's This Is It comeback concerts in London, which were cancelled due to his death. The song was performed live at the in 2001, in which Jackson reunited with his brothers on stage for the first time since 1984.
I Want You Back | Live performances
Usually during these performances, Jackson would bring a female audience member up on stage with him while performing the song. Before concluding the song, he would often pause briefly to physically display distress, which he amplified by shielding his face and acting as if he were crying. The live performances of the song were featured on the "", "", and "" DVDs. Live audio is available in the "Live at Wembley July 16, 1988" CD, included as a bonus on "Bad 25", and the 1981 live album, "The Jacksons Live!"
She's Out of My Life | Live performances
Next Kobe Bryant spoke about Jackson's humanitarian work, and Magic Johnson (who had appeared in the music video for "Remember the Time") recalled his memories of Jackson. Accompanied by a dancing chorus, Jennifer Hudson performed "Will You Be There" a song Jackson wrote and performed for the 1993 film "Free Willy" which is also from his "Dangerous" album, along with the dancers who would have been on stage with Jackson for his O2 concerts. John Mayer played guitar on a mainly instrumental version of "Human Nature" from Jackson's "Thriller". Brooke Shields then spoke about the personal time she spent with Jackson, read excerpts from "The Little Prince", and said that his favorite song was Charlie Chaplin's "Smile", which was then performed by Jermaine Jackson.
Michael Jackson memorial service | Service
In 1996, Michael Jackson was given a special Artist of a Generation award. At the ceremony he accompanied his single "Earth Song" with a stage show, culminating with Jackson as a 'Christ-like figure' surrounded by children. Jarvis Cocker, of the band Pulp, mounted the stage in what he would later claim as a protest at this portion of the performance. Cocker ran across the stage, lifting his shirt and pointing his (clothed) backside in Jackson's direction. Cocker was subsequently questioned by the police on suspicion of causing injury towards three of the children in Jackson's performance, who were now on stage.
Brit Awards | Michael Jackson and Jarvis Cocker (1996)
The performance of the song on August 26, 2001, at The Palace of Auburn Hills was recorded and released in the live video album, "Drowned World Tour 2001". Madonna performed the song again on her 2008–09 Sticky & Sweet Tour, while playing an electric guitar and adding vocoder voice effects on the background harmonies. The singer was dressed in a black leotard and fishnet tights. She also wore a white hat and black leather boots. During the performance a video backdrop portrayed American singer Britney Spears trapped in an elevator and trying to get out, while kicking the walls. At the end of the performance, the doors opened to reveal Spears saying the phrase "It's Britney, bitch", from her song "Gimme More" (2007).
Human Nature (Madonna song) | Live performances
The performance featured Slash as the song's guest guitarist. A highlight of Jackson's solo concert tour performances of the song is that he would begin the song on a cherry picker (which he would also later use with "Earth Song" during the HIStory World Tour) after performing Thriller. Another live version of the song is available on the DVD "Live at Wembley July 16, 1988". The song would have also been performed as part of the This Is It concerts which were canceled due to Jackson's death.
Beat It | Live performances
"Human Nature" was written and produced by Madonna and Hall. The song was recorded and mixed by Frederick Jorio and P. Dennis Mitchell with Robert Kiss working as an assistant engineer during the sessions and Joey Moskowitz doing the programming. Musically, "Human Nature" is a R&B song with a hip-hop influenced beat. It also includes a looping sample from the song "What You Need" performed by hip-hop group Main Source along with the sound of slamming doors, therefore its writers Shawn McKenzie, Kevin McKenzie and Michael Deering are also credited. "Human Nature" begins in a trip hop style with the sound of bass and drums and Madonna whispering "express yourself, don't repress yourself".
Human Nature (Madonna song) | Recording and composition
Jackson also would perform this song as part of "Off the Wall" medley during This Is It shows, which were scheduled to begin in July 2009 and end in March 2010. However, shows were cancelled due to singer’s death in June 2009.
Off the Wall (Michael Jackson song) | Live performances
The next night, after an introduction from the show's host, Vince Gill, Jackson performed "Where Were You" seated on a stool, with an orchestra and backing singers behind him. At the conclusion of the five-minute-long song, the audience gave him an immediate standing ovation. This performance, along with the Vince Gill introduction, is used as the song's music video.
Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning) | Promotion
The film begins with a short text introduction stating the purpose of the footage and its intent "For the fans...". After short dialogues from various dancers, Kenny Ortega is heard talking through the original concert opening sequence involving a body suit made from screens which display fast clips and images with bright intensity from which Jackson emerges on stage. Immediately after this, Jackson begins "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'" first solo, which pauses half-way through and a small snippet of Jackson singing his song "Speechless" a cappella is shown. Jackson is then joined by dancers and completes the first number. A short clip showing rehearsals of the "toaster" mechanism is shown before rehearsal footage of "Jam" is played.
Michael Jackson's This Is It | Summary
Madonna explained that she intended the video to stand as an analogy of Spears' career, saying "Didn't that explain what I thought? 'I'm not your bitch, don't hang your shit on me". On November 6, 2008 in the Los Angeles show at Dodger Stadium, Spears joined Madonna onstage halfway through the performance. Aidin Vaziri from Gibson.com was positive in his review, saying that the best moment of the tour was when Madonna picked up her black Les Paul guitar and emulated musician Slash while performing the song. Paul Schrodt from "Slant Magazine" was negative in his review of the performance, saying that by the time the performance of "Human Nature" had started, "it's the same as all her shows: A remixed mind-fuck".
Human Nature (Madonna song) | Live performances
The performance was included on the "Sticky & Sweet Tour" live CD and DVD release, recorded during Madonna's four shows in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in December 2008. In 2012, Madonna performed the song on The MDNA Tour as part of the third segment of the show. She performed the song while her dancers moved mirrors around her, as she removed articles of clothing. At her concert in Istanbul on June 7, 2012, Madonna briefly exposed her right breast to the audience, before covering it up again. This prompted criticism about her age, with Sophie Wilkinson from "Heat World" asking, "at 54, is she too old to be getting a boob out?" The striptease towards the end of the song continued in other cities where the tour visited, and most of the times the singer had messages written across her back talking about social issues.
Human Nature (Madonna song) | Live performances
Michael's voice shows early signs of changing (as this concert was three days before his 14th birthday), he's still singing in a high-pitched voice but throughout most of this set he's straining to do so, at times screeching to hit the notes he once could sing the years prior. Some songs were transposed to a lower key and Michael sang alternate phrasings to prevent his voice from cracking.
Live at the Forum (The Jackson 5 album) | Introduction
Earth Song was first performed on November 4, 1995 on the German TV station, Wetten, dass..?, along with Dangerous. The next performance of the song was at the Brit Awards on February 19, 1996. During the performance, singer Jarvis Cocker ran onto the stage while Jackson was dangling off the edge of the crane. He lifted his shirt, pretended to break wind and gave Jackson the V-sign. The 1996 World Music Awards was the next performance of the song on May 8, 1996. During the ending of the song, Jackson sang the line, "Tell me what about it", which was not heard in the song.
Earth Song | Live performances
The single peaked at number 10 in the United Kingdom, number 27 in Ireland, and at number 69 in the Netherlands. On the Eurochart Hot 100, "Human Nature" reached number 29 in April 1991. Outside Europe, it peaked at number 38 in Australia.
Human Nature (Gary Clail On-U Sound System song) | Chart performance
Jamie King was brought in to direct the video, which was produced by Pulse Evolution and Tricycle Logic. A day after the coverage, the live performance of "Slave to the Rhythm" was uploaded to Michael Jackson's Vevo YouTube Channel. Among Jackson's fans, reception of the performance has been mixed; some fans believe that an impersonator was used.
Slave to the Rhythm (Michael Jackson song) | Live performance
Jackson performed "Any Time, Any Place" on "Saturday Night Live" along with "Throb". During the performance of "Any Time, Any Place" on the Janet World Tour which occurred through 1993 and 1995, Jackson selected a man from the audience to the stage, and sat on his thigh. An instrumental interlude of the song was included on the Velvet Rope Tour in 1998 right before the performance of "Rope Burn", where Jackson picks an unsuspecting member of the audience onto stage and teases them with her performance which included a lap dance. The performance of the song at the October 11, 1998 show in New York City, at the Madison Square Garden, was broadcast during a special titled "The Velvet Rope: Live in Madison Square Garden" by HBO.
Any Time, Any Place | Live performances
The last time this song was performed in October 2001 on concert that was held in Washington D. C. as a tribute to the victims of September 11 attacks. The instrumental introduction to the song was played at the end of Jackson's memorial service, while his casket was being carried out; followed by the appearance of a spotlight shining on a microphone on an empty stage. After a closing prayer that incorporated themes from the song, the spotlight remained shining on the lone microphone. The song is also featured as the final number in "Michael Jackson's This Is It".
Man in the Mirror | Live performances
Rothkopf stated that: "But the true value of this raw rehearsal footage is its emphasis, less known, on MJ's laserlike attention to detail, as he works his band and troupe up to speed. A firm floor manager himself, he's often exposed—and probably wouldn't have approved of this film. (One on one, "High School Musical"s Kenny Ortega, meanwhile, treats him with kid gloves: "I agree, Michael.") But to see him sweetly lose himself in "Human Nature" ("I like living this way...") is to feel a creature of the stage finally returned home, and possibly on the cusp of redemption." Peter Paras, of "E! Online" felt that watching Jackson and his performances in a positive aspect is the "genius and the sadness of the entire film".
Michael Jackson's This Is It | Critical response
Jackson has performed the song on five of her tours, janet. Tour, Rock Witchu Tour, the Number Ones, Up Close and Personal, Unbreakable World Tour, and the State of the World Tour.
You Want This | Live performances
Jackson performed a live, extended version of the song at the 1988 Grammy Awards. He also performed the song as the ending of the concert during the Bad World Tour's second leg, and regularly as the ending of the Dangerous World Tour. Live versions of the song are available on the DVDs "Live at Wembley July 16, 1988" and "". The song was rehearsed for the HIStory World Tour, but was cut from the final set list. On July 16, 1996, Jackson also performed "Man in the Mirror" at the Royal Concert Brunei for the last time prior to the benefit concert.
Man in the Mirror | Live performances
Author Chris Wade wrote in his book, "The Music of Madonna", that "Human Nature" lifted the sadness emanated from the first few tracks from the album. "There's a great beat to this, a brilliant vocal where Madonna answers herself with whispers and an unforgettable chorus," Wade added. Matthew Rettenmund wrote in his "Encyclopedia Madonnica" that "inspite of the chart performance", the song has become a modern "self-empowerment anthem". Charles Aaron from "Spin" described the song as "slinking through [Hall's] low-ridin', gum-smackin' groove, Maddy's hard-bitten ingenue expresses no regrets, but this time you feel for her." Aaron highlighted the lyrics "Would it sound better if I were a man?" as subversive and coy.
Human Nature (Madonna song) | Critical reception
Jackson received the Genesis Award: 1995 Doris Day Music Award, given each year for animal sensitivity. In 2008, a writer for the Nigeria Exchange noted, "'Earth Song' drew the world's attention to the degradation and bastardization of the earth as a fall out of various human activities".
Earth Song | Environmental recognition
A version was released on the 2004 DVD "". Jackson would have performed the song for the This Is It concerts which never took place due to his sudden death. The rehearsal for it, which took place on June 23, was not featured in the film "This Is It" (although it appears briefly on the DVD/Blu-ray bonus features), but was confirmed to have been part of the concert, along with "Dirty Diana", "Dangerous", "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough" Rock With You Off The Wall", "You Are Not Alone", "You Rock My World", "Heal the World" and "Stranger in Moscow" rehearsals, which were also not seen in the film.
Will You Be There | Live performances
Amy Odell from "The Huffington Post" said that criticizing the gesture based on her age sends "a very archaic message", adding that "Women who are 53 still have breasts and... sex drives!". The performance of the song at the November 19–20, 2012, shows in Miami, at the American Airlines Arena were recorded and released in Madonna's fourth live album, "MDNA World Tour". In April 2015, Madonna performed "Human Nature" along with her 2005 song "Hung Up" as a medley at the Coachella Festival during Drake's act, sporting thigh-high boots and a tank top that read "Big as Madonna". She then went on to kiss Drake, whose shocked expression was popular on the Internet.
Human Nature (Madonna song) | Live performances
"Human Nature" is a 1991 song performed by English singer and record producer Gary Clail. It is produced by Adrian Sherwood and features Lana Pellay on backing vocals. The song was released as the first single from his second album, "Emotional Hooligan". The song peaked at number 10 in the UK. It was also the theme tune to BBC 2's TV-show "Snub". It was originally intended to use a sample of a speech by Billy Graham on the track, however his representatives refused permission, so the song used portions of the speech re-recorded by Clail. However some promo 12" singles featuring the Billy Graham sample were pressed and distributed.
Human Nature (Gary Clail On-U Sound System song) | Introduction
"Human Nature" is a song recorded by American singer Madonna for her sixth studio album "Bedtime Stories" (1994). It was written as an answer song to her critics, who had panned her provocative image of the previous two years and Madonna's release of sexually explicit works. Written and produced by Madonna and Dave Hall, "Human Nature" includes a looping sample from Main Source's 1994 track "What You Need", therefore its writers Shawn McKenzie, Kevin McKenzie and Michael Deering are also credited. The track was released on June 6, 1995, by Maverick Records as the fourth and final single from "Bedtime Stories".
Human Nature (Madonna song) | Introduction
Madonna has performed "Human Nature" four times on tour. During the 2001 Drowned World Tour, she performed the song dressed as a cowgirl while slow-riding on a mechanical bull, which was considered by Rob Mancini from MTV News as "magical". For John McAlley from "Entertainment Weekly", Madonna "prompts the oddly natural sight of lap-dancing a mechanical bull". Similar review was shared by Alexis Petridis from "The Guardian", who noted that the media had heavily reported on the tour making all the details available from much before the London show that he reviewed. Nevertheless, Madonna riding the bull and performing "Human Nature" was one of the "most startling moments" of the tour according to him.
Human Nature (Madonna song) | Live performances
Michael Jackson was given a special Artist of a Generation award. At the ceremony he accompanied his single "Earth Song" with a stage show, culminating with Jackson as a 'Christ-like figure' surrounded by children. Pulp frontman Jarvis Cocker mounted the stage in what he would later claim as protest at this portion of the performance. Cocker ran across the stage, lifting his shirt and pointing his (clothed) bottom in Jackson's direction. Cocker was subsequently questioned by the police on suspicion of causing injury towards three of the children in Jackson's performance, who were now on stage. No criminal proceedings followed.
1996 Brit Awards | Michael Jackson and Jarvis Cocker
In 1995 singer Michael Jackson came out with the hit "Earth Song" which was about environmental and animal welfare. The production of the music video had an environmental theme, showing images of animal cruelty, deforestation, pollution, poverty and war. Jackson and the world's people unite in a spiritual chant—"Earth Song"—which summons a force that heals the world. Using special effects, time is reversed so that life returns, war ends, and the forests regrow. The video closes with a request for donations to Jackson's Heal the World Foundation. The clip was shown infrequently in the United States.
Environmentalism in music | Popular music from the 1960s–2000s
It portrays Jackson filming a DVD for her boyfriend in a futuristic apartment setting, displaying her multiple personae. An alternate live video, filmed in London, was included on Jackson's "From janet. to Damita Jo" compilation. Jackson performed the song on television shows including "Top of the Pops", "Hey! Hey! Hey!", and "Festivalbar".
Just a Little While | Introduction
Jackson's performance at the event has remained unavailable in its entirety. A sole video clip of "Dangerous". was officially published by C-SPAN, acknowledging that copyright issues prohibit any further releases. However, a soundboard recording of the full concert leaked in 2016. Other clips from the rehearsals for "Heal the World" and "Black or White" leaked in subsequent years. The latter features Dave Navarro from Jane's Addiction and Jackson's friend and choreographer, LaVelle Smith Jr.
Michael Jackson: Live at the Apollo 2002 | Rarity
Jackson did not record with the band; instead, Calvin Weston was hired in his place to play simultaneously with Denardo Coleman. They recorded all the album's songs on the first take without any equipment problems. The album's recording session was captured using a Sony PCM-1600 two-track digital recorder, a rare item at the time. According to journalist Howard Mandel, the passages played by the band sounded neither very soft or loud on the album, because it had been mixed with a middle-frequency range and compressed dynamics. Because of the equipment used, Coleman did not embellish the album with added effects and avoided overdubbing, multi-tracking, and remixing.
Of Human Feelings | Recording and production
"Earth Song" is a song by American singer Michael Jackson from his ninth studio album "". It was released on November 27, 1995 as the third single from the album. It is a ballad that incorporates elements of blues, gospel and opera. Jackson had a long history of releasing socially conscious material such as "We Are the World", "Man in the Mirror" and "Heal the World". However, "Earth Song" was the first that overtly dealt with the environment and animal welfare. "Earth Song" was made for the "Dangerous" album but it failed to make the final cut. The song was written by Jackson and produced by Jackson, David Foster and Bill Bottrell.
Earth Song | Introduction
He conceptualized a song that had an emotional message. According to bassist Guy Pratt, Jackson was recovering from plastic surgery at the time of Pratt's recording, and hid under a mixing desk in the studio. He passed instructions for Pratt to an assistant, who pretended that Jackson was not in the room.
Earth Song | Production
Clinton singing along in 'We Are the World', the first President to aspire, however futilely, to hipness." As a prelude to his song "Heal the World", "We Are the World" was performed as an interlude during two of Michael Jackson's tours, the Dangerous World Tour from 1992 to 1993 and the HIStory World Tour from 1996 to 1997. Jackson briefly perform the song with a chorus at the 2006 World Music Award in London, in his last live public performance. Jackson planned to use the song for his This Is It comeback concerts at The O2 Arena in London from 2009 to 2010, but the shows were cancelled due to his sudden death.
We Are the World | Notable live performances
Michael Jackson: Live at the Apollo was a concert by Michael Jackson. The concert was performed at the Apollo Theater in New York City on April 24, 2002. The concert was a fundraiser for the Democratic National Committee and former President Bill Clinton. The money collected would be used to encourage citizens to vote. It raised almost $3 million. Dave Navarro played guitar during the song "Black or White". This would be Jackson's final on-stage performance.
Michael Jackson: Live at the Apollo 2002 | Introduction
Dewey Bunnell and Gerry Beckley—two members of the three part band—conveyed their gratitude toward Jackson for choosing their song as a musical template for "A Place with No Name". In their statement to MTV, the musicians also expressed regret that the pop singer's fans did not get to hear the finished version of the track while Jackson was still alive: We're honored that Michael Jackson chose to record it and we're impressed with the quality of the track. We're also hoping it will be released soon so that music listeners around the world can hear the whole song and once again experience the incomparable brilliance of Michael Jackson [...] Michael Jackson really did it justice and we truly hope his fans—and our fans—get to hear it in its entirety.
A Place with No Name | Response from America
Michael Jackson’s voice is heard on: "Beat It," "Human Nature," "Billie Jean," "I Want You Back," "I Wanna Be Where You Are," "I'll Be There," "Rockin' Robin," "ABC," and "Dancing Machine." On all other songs, the Michael Jackson vocal part is performed by Anthony Harrell, Jason Weaver or Kipp Lennon.
The Jacksons: An American Dream | Plot
Michael Jackson - Lead Vocals Marlon Jackson - Vocals Jackie Jackson - Vocals
Jackson 5 (Live in Mexico) | Performances
Of the album, Sony said, "Disc one will feature the original album masters of some of Michael's biggest hits arranged in the same sequence as they appear in the film" and stated that "the disc ends with two versions of the 'never-released' 'This Is It' [...] This song is featured in the film's closing sequence and includes backing vocals by Michael's brothers, The Jacksons and Alvin Chea of Take 6." Sony added that the second disc will feature previously unreleased versions from Jackson's "catalogue of hits", along with a spoken word poem entitled "Planet Earth" and a 36-page commemorative booklet with "exclusive photos of Michael from his last rehearsal".
This Is It (concert residency) | Documentary and album
"Trouser Press", describing the song's lyrics, wrote: "[A]fter calling Michael Jackson a liar and noting that Bono is not 'the new messiah,' Jim Bob blurts out, "'f you buy this record today / It's not true what the advertisements say / Your life won't be greatly improved / But Christ you've got nothing to lose / And we've got so much to gain.' Honesty — what a sick concept. Perhaps significantly, the song was added to the US edition and omitted from the UK."
Post Historic Monsters | Lyrics
Jackson also included the song in her performance at the 2010 Essence Music Festival, held in New Orleans, Louisiana. The song was also included on the tour which happened the following year.
Make Me (Janet Jackson song) | Live performances
Credits and personnel adapted from "Bedtime Stories" album liner notes.
Human Nature (Madonna song) | Credits and personnel
The accompanying music video for "Human Nature" was directed by Jean-Baptiste Mondino, who had previously directed Madonna's videos for "Open Your Heart" and "Justify My Love". It was shot over two days, May 6 to 7, 1995 at Raleigh Studios in Hollywood, California and was created under Palomar Productions' Anita Wetterstedt. The video was choreographed by Jamie King, who later directed Madonna's concert tours. "She wanted me to dance in her 'Human Nature' video. I didn't want to do it, but she begged", he stated. King was one of the dancers in the S&M attires hanging down from a swinging trapeze in the video.
Human Nature (Madonna song) | Development
He concluded that the collective rendition of the song was altogether "choppy and disparate." Jon Pareles also wrote negatively about the performance. He stated that it "became a shambles as [a] stageful of guests missed their cues or couldn't be heard". Jackson's appearance during the "What More Can I Give" performance was later edited out of American Broadcasting Company's airing of the show. The company were forced to take the action after representatives of Jackson informed them that CBS had demanded that the singer not perform on a network show before a Jackson special being broadcast on their channel the following month.
What More Can I Give | Live performance
Jackson collaborator will.i.am said it was "disrespectful" to release the material as Jackson was not able to approve it.
Michael (album) | Background
It was released on 10 November 2008, which peaked at No. 10. Adam Greenberg of AllMusic explained that "[t]he vocals are consistently strong, though they are undeniably of the boy band variety. There's melodramatic emotion pumped into everything here. While it works well for some of the ballads (the Bangles' 'Eternal Flame' in particular comes off well), it can seem a little much for the bouncier tracks." They followed in mid-December with three performances at the Sydney Opera House fronting the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Guy Noble. They also performed with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra in Melbourne (February 2009), and the West Australian Symphony Orchestra in Perth (February–March).
Human Nature (band) | 2008–13: American breakthrough
Michael Jackson's This Is It is a 2009 American documentary–concert film about Michael Jackson's rehearsals and preparation for the concert series of the same name scheduled to start on July 13, 2009, but cancelled due to his death eighteen days prior on June 25. The film includes additional behind the scenes footage, including dancer auditions and costume design. The film's director, Kenny Ortega, confirmed that none of the footage was originally intended for release, but after Jackson's death, it was agreed that the film would be made. The footage was filmed in California at the Staples Center and The Forum.
Michael Jackson's This Is It | Introduction
Allmusic gave a positive review of the album, stating "... the songs are uniformly well-crafted and hook-laden, in particular the highly atmospheric "From a Moving Train," and the jangly "Wednesday Morning." Nevertheless, the album was rated only two stars out of five.
Human Nature (America album) | Reception
The song was also included in the set lists for the second leg of Jackson's 2018 State of the World Tour, and her 2019 Las Vegas residency, .
Doesn't Really Matter | Live performances
Following the success of "The Christmas Album", Human Nature returned to the studio to record a new album; this time, an album of covers from the 1950s and 60's. In 1989, the first song Human Nature ever sang together was "Earth Angel" by The Penguins. Group member Toby Allen said; "For us…the 'Jukebox' record is kind of going back to our roots and revisiting it…that classic doo-wop stuff was what we did when we got together." He continued, "We've developed enough over the years that we can go back to the past in a confident manner." The album will be supported by a national tour in April/May 2015.
Jukebox (Human Nature album) | Background
Of the nine cover versions of Michael Jackson's music, all of which were released as singles, five debuted on US and Canadian top 100 charts, and ranked in the same order in both countries. "Smooth Criminal" debuted in the US at number twenty-six on the "Billboard" Hot 100, with sales of 108,000; only nine songs sold more digital downloads that week. "Human Nature" debuted at number fifty-six, "Black or White" at number sixty-four, "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin at number seventy-eight and "Bad" at number eighty. "Smooth Criminal entered the "Billboard" Canadian Hot 100 chart at number twenty-eight, and was followed by "Human Nature" at number sixty-two, "Black or White" at number sixty-nine, "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin at number eighty-eight and "Bad" at number ninety.
Michael (Glee) | Chart history
Due to the controversy, the scheduled single was cancelled.
Monster (Michael Jackson song) | Introduction
"Working Day and Night" was performed by both of The Jacksons' tours, and two of Michael Jackson's first two world concert series tours as a solo artist. The song was performed by The Jacksons' Triumph Tour in 1981 and Victory Tour in 1984. In Michael Jackson's solo tours, the song was performed live on the Bad World Tour from 1987-1989, and the first two legs of Dangerous World Tour in 1992. Song was rehearsed for third leg of Dangerous World Tour in 1993, but it was ultimately removed from setlist due to allegations made against him in August 1993. A live version, recorded at one of The Jacksons' 1981 Madison Square Garden concerts, was released as a track for a live album, "The Jacksons Live!".
Working Day and Night | Live performances
'Did I say something true?' Yes. But tooting your own horn about it just sounds petty". Rooksby said that the repetition of the sample was "wearing" and it "did not suggest that the world of the singer was very appealing". Calling it the singer's "best excursion into the sounds of hip-hop and R&B", Jude Rogers from "The Guardian" placed the track at number 15 on her ranking of Madonna's singles, in honor of her 60th birthday. "Entertainment Weekly"s Chuck Arnold called it a "defiant declaration [...] the original unapologetic bitch", listing it as Madonna's 24th best single.
Human Nature (Madonna song) | Critical reception
"Remember the Time" was rehearsed for the Dangerous World Tour but was ultimately cut due to wardrobe malfunctions. At the 1993 Soul Train Music Awards, the song won the award for Best R&B/Soul Single - Male. Jackson appeared with an injured foot and on crutches, but was able to perform the song seated in a chair, surrounded by dancers.
Remember the Time | Live performances
The song was included on Michael Jackson's "The Ultimate Collection" and it has been remixed on the "Immortal" album in 2011 and was performed live during the "Immortal World Tour (Cirque de Soleil)" as well as "". A live version of the song is available on the 2012 DVD "Live at Wembley July 16, 1988". On March 23, 2014, a video clip of a live performance of the song from the Victory Tour was uploaded to the Jacksons' official YouTube account.
This Place Hotel | Performances
"Human Nature" was a success on the dance chart, peaking at number two on Hot Dance Club Play. It also peaked at number 35 on Hot 100 Singles Sales, number 58 on Hot 100 Airplay, and number 57 on Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs. In Canada, "Human Nature" debuted at number 90 on the "RPM" Singles Chart on July 10, 1995. It reached a peak of number 64 on the chart and was present for a total of seven weeks only. In the United Kingdom, "Human Nature" entered the chart at its peak position of number eight, but rapidly descended down the charts, being present for a total of six weeks only.
Human Nature (Madonna song) | Chart performance
She was described to be among "hundreds of screaming teens and a line of media photographers" during the event. Jackson initially planned to perform "Just a Little While" during an outdoor concert held at New York City's Battery Park for "Good Morning America", but it was omitted from the set list for unknown reasons.
Just a Little While | Live performances
Jackson performed the song on The Jacksons' Destiny Tour's (1979) second leg, as well as the Triumph Tour (1981) and the Victory Tour (1984). He performed the song only on the first leg of his Bad Tour (1987), his first solo tour. During the HIStory World Tour (1996), the song was included on the "Off the Wall" medley (also featuring the songs "Rock With You" and "Don't Stop 'Till You Get Enough") on some concert playlists. A live performance of the song can be seen in One Night in Japan, a bootleg live album and DVD release of Jackson's 1987 concert in Yokohama, Japan, during the Bad tour.
Off the Wall (Michael Jackson song) | Live performances
In 2008 Human Nature performed for the first time in the United States, with a two-month engagement at Atlantic City's Tropicana Casino. In April they performed with Mary Wilson on the Australian TV show, "It Takes Two", where they sang two duets from their "Get Ready" album: "It Takes Two" and "River Deep, Mountain High". Sony issued a compilation box set, "The Motor City Collection", on 19 April 2008 – to coincide with Wilson's duets – which peaked at No. 18. The group teamed up with their previous producer Eliot Kennedy to record their ninth studio album, "A Symphony of Hits", with the Prague Philharmonic Orchestra.
Human Nature (band) | 2008–13: American breakthrough
He felt the video was a "mini retrospective" of Jackson's life and criticized the "Stop Hatin'" stop sign, feeling that it was promoting press censorship and discussion about the darker aspects of Jackson's life.
This Is It (Michael Jackson song) | Music video
They performed the song in a similar choreography from the music video. During the "4 Minutes" performance on the Sticky & Sweet Tour, Madonna wore a futuristic robotic outfit designed by Heatherette. She coupled it with metallic plates on her shoulder and a wig with long curled hair. Madonna and her dancers emerged from behind backdrops, on which Timbaland and Timberlake appeared, to perform their lines. An apparent duet between Madonna and Timberlake ensues, with Timberlake singing and dancing his part from the screens. He joined Madonna in person, for the show at Los Angeles's Dodger Stadium on November 6, 2008, the same show in which Britney Spears appeared alongside Madonna to perform "Human Nature".
4 Minutes | Live performances
The band wrote much of "Human Performance" while recording the album at Dreamland Studios, New York: "We were living there, working around the clock, and there was never any time where we couldn’t be loud. It created an environment where we all encouraged each other to explore." Vocalist and guitarist Andrew Savage likened the experience to recording The Beatles' "White Album": "I imagine it’s what recording [that album] would’ve been like except the whole band was getting along and nobody’s girlfriend was there."
Human Performance | Background and recording
It seems tame now, but it was just the beginning of the more sexualized image she took on in the '90s." VH1 also called it a "fiery rendition." Regarding the performance, Jackson explained, "In the concert, I normally open up my blouse, but for the MTV Awards we found this really neat top that had snaps instead of buttons. So when I undid it - the whole thing went!" It was performed on the Rhythm Nation 1814 World Tour, in a "pyrotechnic interpretation" which ends using illusionary magic of Jackson transforming into a panther in a cage. During the act, "menacing, feline dancers forced Jackson into a cage and covered it with a silver cloth.
Black Cat (song) | Live performances