Michael Jackson, Black or White | Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶

In the 141^st edition of Throwback Vibez (2025), we recollect and reflect on “Black or White” by 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 they’re ancient – no fossils 🦴! All genres of music are welcome. In the 141^st edition of Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 (2025), we recollect and reflect on “Black or White” performed by Michael Jackson.

“Don’t tell me you agree with me / When I saw you kicking dirt in my eye.” Those are facts that the Grammy-winning King of Pop, Michael Jackson (1958 – 2009), sings in “Black or White”. “Black or White” is the eighth track from his 1991 album, Dangerous. Jackson penned and produced it with Bill Bottrell. A significant pop hit, “Black or White” spent seven weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100.  In 2022, the Recording Industry Association of America certified the single as triple platinum. It was nominated for the Grammy at the 35^th Annual Grammy Awards for Best Pop Vocal Performance, Male.  Earl Clapton beat Jackson with his moving, sad record, “Tears in Heaven”.

“Black or White” begins with a hard-rocking intro 🤘.  It features an entertaining skit between a dad (George Wendt) and son (Macaulay Culkin). Wendt tells his son to “Turn it off” (the music). Being the little rebel he is, Culkin switches his soundtrack to … wait for it… MJ’s “Black or White!” To quote Macaulay, “Sure, eat this!”  Maintaining the rock vibes, the groove of “Black or White” also embraces pop and the popular New Jack Swing brand of R&B.  Instrumentally, the musical backdrop slaps.  The drum groove is infectious, the guitar riffs go hard, and the synth lines are sweet, too!  The star of the show is Michael Jackson, who delivers commanding, expressive, and nuanced vocals.  The melodies are tuneful throughout, and the lyrics are memorable. “I took my baby on a Saturday, bang,” Jackson sings, and continues, in the first verse, “Boy, is that girl with you? / Yes, we’re one and the same.” Ooh-wee! The chorus is the centerpiece, varied every time, but concludes with the titular lyric, “It don’t matter if you’re black or white.” Notably, the brief third verse features a rap by L.T.B. (Bill Bottrell).  Bottrell raps, “See, it’s not about races, just places, faces / Where your blood comes from, it’s where your space is.” “Black or White” is socially conscious, finding Jackson crying foul regarding racism and promoting unity. He’s also critical of those who are spreading rumors about him.  Ultimately, it is one of the best songs from his Dangerous era.