Michael Jackson, “Ben” | Throwback Vibez

In the 1^st edition of Throwback Vibez (2023), we recollect and reflect on “Ben” by the late, great King of Pop, Michael Jackson. 

The vibes, the vibes, those Throwback Vibez ! Throwback Vibez is a column that celebrates awesome songs from the past.  The records that grace this column are older, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re ancient – no fossils ! All genres of music are welcome. In the 1^st edition of Throwback Vibez (2023), we recollect and reflect on “Ben”, performed by the late, great King of Pop, Michael Jackson. 

A decade before Michael Jackson would unveil the likes of “Billie Jean” to the world, the 13 year old was singing about a rat .  Not just any rat of course, but “Ben”. Furthermore, his 1972 solo album was also titled Ben. “Ben, the two of us need look no more,” he sings sentimentally in the opening line of the first verse.  He continues, on his first no. 1 hit as a solo artist, “We both found what we were looking for / With a friend to call my own / I’ll never be alone.”

Because “Ben,” penned by Don Black and Walter Scharf, is so thoughtful and focused on sincere friendship, the fact that the song is a soundtrack cut in a horror movie about a rat is unimportant. If you have never seen the 1972 film or read a synopsis, it is shocking how different it is compared to this sweet song by a teen music icon .  Jackson’s tone is absolutely gorgeous, showcasing him as the once-in-a-generation wunderkind that he was.  Besides bring the tender lyrics to life with his awe-inspiring instrument, the production and orchestration supporting him ( The Corporation) – strings and rhythm section – are utterly stupendous.

“Ben, most people would turn you away

I don’t listen to a word they say

They don’t see you as I do

I wish they would try to

I’m sure they’d think again

If they had a friend like Ben.”

So sweet!

Michael Jackson • Ben • Motown • 1972

Michael Jackson, “Ben”: Throwback Vibez No. 1 (2023) [: Brent Faulkner, John Alan Sperry, PIRO, Motown, The Musical Hype, Pixabay]