Say Say Say

Say Say Say is a song written and recorded by Paul McCartney and Michael Jackson, two of the most successful and influential musicians of all time, known for their work with The Beatles and The Jackson 5, respectively. The song was produced by George Martin, a renowned producer who had previously worked with The Beatles on numerous projects, including Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band and Abbey Road. Paul McCartney and Michael Jackson were both highly acclaimed artists, with McCartney being a key figure in The Beatles and Jackson being a successful solo artist, known for hits like Billie Jean and Beat It. The collaboration between McCartney and Jackson was a significant event in the music industry, bringing together two of the biggest names in Pop music and Rock music.

Background

The song was recorded in 1981, during a period of intense creativity for both Paul McCartney and Michael Jackson, who were both working on new material, with McCartney releasing Tug of War and Jackson releasing Thriller. The collaboration was facilitated by Quincy Jones, a producer who had worked with Jackson on Off the Wall and would go on to work with him on Bad and The Wiz. McCartney and Jackson had previously collaborated on The Girl Is Mine, a song that was released on Jackson's album Thriller, which also featured songs like Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'] and Human Nature. The song was also influenced by the work of other artists, such as Stevie Wonder, Elton John, and Fleetwood Mac, who were all prominent figures in the music industry at the time.

Composition

The song features a distinctive Pop music style, with a catchy melody and lyrics that explore themes of love and relationships, similar to other songs by Paul McCartney and Michael Jackson, such as Yesterday and I Want You Back. The song's composition is characterized by a simple, yet effective, melody and harmony, with a prominent Bass guitar line and Drum kit pattern, similar to the work of other musicians, such as John Lennon and Ringo Starr. The song's lyrics were written by Paul McCartney and Michael Jackson, with input from other songwriters, such as Linda McCartney and Rod Temperton, who had worked with Jackson on Thriller. The song's production was handled by George Martin, who had previously worked with The Beatles on numerous projects, including Revolver and Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band.

Release and Reception

The song was released in 1983, as a single from Paul McCartney's album Pipes of Peace, which also featured songs like So Bad and Pipes of Peace. The song received widespread critical acclaim, with many reviewers praising the song's catchy melody and lyrics, as well as the collaboration between Paul McCartney and Michael Jackson, who were both highly respected artists in the music industry, known for their work with The Beatles and The Jackson 5. The song was also a commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in several countries, including the United Kingdom and the United States, where it was certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). The song's success was also influenced by the popularity of other songs by Paul McCartney and Michael Jackson, such as Hey Jude and Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough.

Music Video

The song's music video was directed by Bob Giraldi, a renowned director who had previously worked with Michael Jackson on Beat It and would go on to work with him on Say Say Say and The Way You Make Me Feel. The video features Paul McCartney and Michael Jackson performing the song, as well as footage of the two musicians working together in the studio, similar to the music videos of other artists, such as David Bowie and Queen. The video was filmed in Los Angeles and features a number of notable locations, including the Sunset Strip and the Hollywood Hills, which were popular destinations for musicians and artists at the time. The video was also influenced by the work of other directors, such as Martin Scorsese and Francis Ford Coppola, who were known for their innovative and influential filmmaking styles.

Chart Performance

The song was a major commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in several countries, including the United Kingdom and the United States, where it was certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). The song peaked at number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, where it stayed for six weeks, and also reached number one on the UK Singles Chart, where it stayed for two weeks. The song's success was also influenced by the popularity of other songs by Paul McCartney and Michael Jackson, such as Let It Be and Rock with You, which were both highly successful and influential in the music industry. The song's chart performance was also notable for its longevity, with the song remaining on the charts for several months, similar to other songs by The Beatles and The Jackson 5.

Legacy

The song has had a lasting impact on the music industry, with many artists citing it as an influence, including Prince, Madonna, and Justin Timberlake, who were all highly successful and influential musicians in their own right. The song's collaboration between Paul McCartney and Michael Jackson has also been widely praised, with many reviewers noting the chemistry and camaraderie between the two musicians, who were both highly respected and accomplished artists. The song has also been covered by numerous artists, including A-ha, Wet Wet Wet, and Westlife, who were all popular and influential musicians in their own right. The song's legacy is also notable for its influence on the development of Pop music and Rock music, with many artists drawing inspiration from the song's catchy melody and lyrics, similar to the influence of other songs by The Beatles and The Jackson 5. Category:1980s songs