The Curious Case of Michael Jackson's "Chicago": A Tale of Demos, Delays, and Disco Balls
We all know and love the King of Pop, but even the smoothest moonwalker has a vault full of secrets. One such secret? The story of "Chicago," a funky track that almost got buried deeper than Michael's sequined socks. Buckle up, music lovers, because this tale is wilder than a backstage brawl between a mime and a breakdancer.
From "She Was Lovin' Me" to the Windy City:
The story starts in 1999 with Cory Rooney, a songwriter with a knack for catchy tunes. He whipped up a demo called "She Was Lovin' Me," and let's just say it wasn't about baking cookies for grandma. This song was about a passionate, ahem, extracurricular encounter.
Somehow, this spicy song landed on Michael's desk. Now, Michael wasn't exactly known for singing about the seamier side of life, but something about "She Was Lovin' Me" clicked. Maybe it was the chance to unleash his inner bad boy, or maybe he just missed belting out a tune that wasn't about Billie Jean and her glove.
Hitting the Studio: The King of Pop Gets His Groove On
Imagine the scene: Michael rolls into the studio, shades on, fedora tilted just so. He hears the demo, a slow, funky beat with a hint of mystery. This is it, he thinks. This is the song that'll make parents clutch their pearls and teenagers lose their minds.
And lose their minds they almost did. Michael reportedly recorded the vocals in two sessions, showcasing both his smooth, low register and his signature high-pitched belts. Just picture him in the booth, eyes closed, channeling the emotions of a forbidden love affair. Chills, right?
The Great Vault Caper: How "Chicago" Got Lost in the Mix
So, why didn't "She Was Lovin' Me" (or "Chicago" as it eventually became known) make the cut for Michael's "Invincible" album? Theories abound. Maybe it was a little too steamy for the suits at the record company. Maybe several costume changes just weren't in the budget for the music video. Whatever the reason, the song ended up in the Jackson vault, gathering dust alongside leftover moonwalk shoes and a half-eaten bag of Thriller popcorn.
The Resurrection: "Chicago" Rises from the Ashes (and Sequins)
For over a decade, "Chicago" remained a mystery, a ghost of a song whispered about by hardcore fans. Then, in 2010, after Michael's passing, the song got a second chance. His nephew, Taryll Jackson, tinkered with it, but it wasn't quite ready for the spotlight.
Enter Timbaland, the Grammy-winning producer known for his futuristic beats. He took "Chicago," dusted it off, and gave it a 21st-century makeover. The result? A funky, modern track that still captured the essence of Michael's vocals.
**Finally Finding its Home: "Chicago" Hits the Charts (Well, Streaming Services) **
In 2014, "Chicago" was finally released on Michael's posthumous album "Xscape." Though it wasn't the lead single, the song found new life. It became a viral hit on TikTok, proving that even a song locked away for years can still get people grooving.
So there you have it, the story of "Chicago." A tale of heartbreak, hidden talents, and the enduring power of a good beat. So next time you hear the song, remember the journey it took to get there, and maybe do a little moonwalk in your living room. Michael would have approved.
