4 of 10 Songs That Changed the World Belong to Michael Jackson
Music has always been one of the most powerful instruments of social movement and change in the world. It is known as the common language of peoples — sometimes speaking of peace and love, and sometimes serving as a call to struggle against discrimination, corruption, and injustice. Of course, not every composer or singer ventures into these themes in their work, though many have indeed tried to make a positive impact on a world filled with war and hatred through their music.
The website Take40 has compiled a list of the 10 songs with the greatest social impact, and it is fascinating to note that 4 of these 10 songs are by Michael Jackson, with "We Are The World" chosen as the most impactful musical work of all time.
1. We Are The World
This song was performed in 1985 by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie in collaboration with the large group USA for Africa, with the goal of raising awareness about famine in Africa. The group was comprised of great artists such as Bob Geldof, Bob Dylan, Billy Joel, Diana Ross, Tina Turner, Bruce Springsteen, Michael, and many others. The song sold more than 20 million copies and became the best-selling song in the world — until Elton John's song mourning the death of Princess Diana, Britain's beloved philanthropic lady, claimed that title.
Michael Jackson's song managed to raise millions of dollars for famine and hunger relief in Africa and saved countless innocent lives.
4. Heal the World
Michael Jackson wrote this song in 1991 with the goal of raising awareness about the suffering of children in third-world countries, especially Burundi. The song also inspired his charity foundation, which was established to help children around the world. Among the foundation's activities was the delivery of food and medicine to Bosnia, which was burning in the fires of war.
7. Man in the Mirror
In this song — one of his most famous works — Michael delivers the message that changing the world must begin with oneself. Change yourself in order to create positive change in the world.
9. Earth Song
This song emphasizes the importance of protecting the environment and the natural habitat of living creatures. "Earth Song" reminds humanity that we are not the only beings on this planet and that we must love and care for nature. Michael received the Genesis Award (from the largest animal protection organization in America) for this song.
Many other Michael songs deserve a place on this list, but the absence of one in particular is most strongly felt — and that is They Don't Care About Us — a cry of protest against many of the world's ills: social and racial discrimination, violence, and government corruption — a song that is, like elsewhere in the world, widely known and beloved in our country as well.
Source: eMJey.com / Take40
Music has always been one of the most powerful instruments of social movement and change in the world. It is known as the common language of peoples — sometimes speaking of peace and love, and sometimes serving as a call to struggle against discrimination, corruption, and injustice. Of course, not every composer or singer ventures into these themes in their work, though many have indeed tried to make a positive impact on a world filled with war and hatred through their music.
The website Take40 has compiled a list of the 10 songs with the greatest social impact, and it is fascinating to note that 4 of these 10 songs are by Michael Jackson, with "We Are The World" chosen as the most impactful musical work of all time.
1. We Are The World
This song was performed in 1985 by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie in collaboration with the large group USA for Africa, with the goal of raising awareness about famine in Africa. The group was comprised of great artists such as Bob Geldof, Bob Dylan, Billy Joel, Diana Ross, Tina Turner, Bruce Springsteen, Michael, and many others. The song sold more than 20 million copies and became the best-selling song in the world — until Elton John's song mourning the death of Princess Diana, Britain's beloved philanthropic lady, claimed that title.
Michael Jackson's song managed to raise millions of dollars for famine and hunger relief in Africa and saved countless innocent lives.
4. Heal the World
Michael Jackson wrote this song in 1991 with the goal of raising awareness about the suffering of children in third-world countries, especially Burundi. The song also inspired his charity foundation, which was established to help children around the world. Among the foundation's activities was the delivery of food and medicine to Bosnia, which was burning in the fires of war.
7. Man in the Mirror
In this song — one of his most famous works — Michael delivers the message that changing the world must begin with oneself. Change yourself in order to create positive change in the world.
9. Earth Song
This song emphasizes the importance of protecting the environment and the natural habitat of living creatures. "Earth Song" reminds humanity that we are not the only beings on this planet and that we must love and care for nature. Michael received the Genesis Award (from the largest animal protection organization in America) for this song.
Many other Michael songs deserve a place on this list, but the absence of one in particular is most strongly felt — and that is They Don't Care About Us — a cry of protest against many of the world's ills: social and racial discrimination, violence, and government corruption — a song that is, like elsewhere in the world, widely known and beloved in our country as well.
Source: eMJey.com / Take40