Paul McCartney & Michael Jackson, Say Say Say | Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶

In the 27^th edition of Throwback Vibez (2024), we recollect and reflect on “Say Say Say” by Paul McCartney and 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 27^th edition of Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 (2024), we recollect and reflect on “Say Say Say”, performed by Paul McCartney and Michael Jackson.

“Say, say, say what you want / But don’t play games with my affection.” Ooh-wee! “Say Say Say” marks one of 23 top-10 hits by Paul McCartney and one of 30 top-10 hits by Michael Jackson.  This gem, which appears on McCartney’s 1983 album, Pipes of Peace, marks one of the biggest collaborations of all-time. Paul! Michael! That’s huge! Unsurprisingly, “Say Say Say” spent six weeks at no. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking in December 1983. In 1992, this superstar collab was certified platinum by the RIAA.  “Say Say Say” was written by McCartney and Jackson and produced by George Martin. The lyrics are memorable while the music slays.

“Say Say Say” features an electrifying groove from the onset, which sets the tone of this 80s pop classic. The instrumental is extra smooth. Instruments worth highlighting include the keys, guitars, harmonica (!), and those exuberant, rhythmic, and highly articulated horns. Both McCartney and Jackson serve up superb vocals.  The vocal chemistry, as well as the contrast between Paul and Michael is excellent.  Another pro from “Say Say Say” are the melodies, which are tuneful throughout.  McCartney handles the verses, while MJ takes the chorus, with variations:

“All alone, I sit home by the phone

Waiting for you, baby

Through the years, how can you stand to hear

My pleading for you, dear?

You know I’m crying, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh.”

Ooh-wee! The bridge separates itself from the verse and chorus – a solid lead into the third and final verse.  Ultimately, “Say Say Say” doesn’t require deep analysis lyrically or musically – it’s greatness speaks for itself.

🎙 Paul McCartney • 💿 Pipes of Peace • 🏷 MPL Communications Inc/Ltd / Concord Music Group, Inc. • 🗓 1983

Paul McCartney & Michael Jackson, Say Say Say: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 No. 27 (2024) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; MPL Communications Inc/Ltd / Concord Music Group, Inc.; OpenClipart-Vectors, Speedy McVroom via  Pixabay]