Michael Jackson, Keep The Faith | Music Lifts

In the 37^th edition of Music Lifts (2025), we’re uplifted by Michael Jackson, the King of Pop,  performing “Keep The Faith.”

Welcome to Music Lifts, featuring songs that encourage, inspire, and uplift the spirit; songs that exude fortitude, positivity, and resolve, even in the face of adversity.  Featured songs aren’t genre-specific; songs may or may not be faith-based. The goal is for these songs to make you feel better – be LIFTED to new heights!  So, for the 37^th edition of Music Lifts (2025), we highlight “Keep The Faith” as performed by Michael Jackson.

The King of Pop, the late, great Michael Jackson (1958 – 2009), is the ultimate encourager and uplifter on “Keep The Faith”.  It’s all positive vibes on the 13^th track from his 1991 album, Dangerous.  Notably, “Faith” was one of only five non-singles from the LP.  Running nearly six minutes long, Jackson penned the song with Siedah Garrett (b. 1960) and Glen Ballard (b. 1953). Jackson produced it, while Bruce Swedien (1934 – 2020) co-produced. Notably, it features a gospel choir arrangement by Andraé Crouch (1942 – 2015) and Sandra Crouch (1942 – 2024) featuring the Andraé Crouch Singers.

“Keep The Faith” may be a non-single from Dangerous, but it marks another special track.  “Faith” thrives off refined and sincere vocals by Michael Jackson. His tone is beautiful and genuine. When it’s time to up the ante, he shows off the assertiveness and soulfulness of his instrument.  To reiterate, the lyrics are encouraging, thoughtful, and uplifting. “And you can say the words like you understand,” he sings in the first verse, and concludes, “But the power’s in believin’, so give yourself a chance.” Can I get an amen? Similarly, in the second verse, he sings, “And you can go by the feel ‘stead of circumstance / But the power’s in believin’, so give yourself a chance.” Amen, again! The chorus, the centerpiece, features a tuneful melody with unique harmonic underpinnings:

“So, keep the faith, don’t let nobody turn you ‘round

You got to know when it’s good to go

To get your dreams up off of the ground, ah

Keep the faith, baby, yeah

Because it’s just a matter of time

Before your confidence will win out

Believe in yourself, no matter what it’s gonna take

You can be a winner, but you got to keep the faith.”

Woo! The sound is early 1990s, New Jack Swing, mixed with gospel-pop/gospel-R&B vibes. The bridge distinguishes itself from the verse and chorus, continuing to tout the power of faith (“I know that keepin’ the faith means never givin’ up on love”). At the end of the bridge, we get a timely key modulation, which ups the ante. During the chorus following the key change, the choir adds even more oomph, soaring to higher heights. Biting horns also up the ante.  In addition to his encouraging melodies, Jackson amps us up with his electrifying ad-libs only the way he can do them! How can you not “Keep The Faith” listening to this encouraging, faith-laden, timeless ‘90s gem?!

---

Michael Jackson » Dangerous » MJJ Productions Inc. » 1991

Michael Jackson, Keep The Faith: Music Lifts 🎶 🏋 No. 37 (2025) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; MJJ Productions Inc.; BD Jewel, Dave H, Jean-Daniel Francoeur, Joshua Brown, Vansh Mehta from Pexels; AcatXIo, OpenClipart-Vectors from Pixabay]

---