I regard this song as one of Michael Jackson's greatest songs ever. And with a catalogue such as his, with or without the Jackson 5/Jacksons, that is an amazing feat.
This song shines because of its message, and it can be scrutinized as anti-semetic, or dissed because of the video made in Brazil, but one thing remains true. The message.
Michael Jackson even said himself, 'This is not a racist song, it is an anti racist song' and nothing can be further from the truth. Some of Michael's biggest hits have had similiar themes, from 'Beat It' to 'Black Or White'.
So why was this song not played on the radio and not huge like those mentioned above? Because the controversy surrounding the song inevitably ruined it's message.
This was the fifth (4th US) single released from his 1995 HIStory opus, and it stands out, whether it was big or not, as one of his crowning achievements.
This remix CD contains six remixes which do not alter, or affect the message of the song. . The rermixes do, however, bring the song to a bigger audience, at least that was their intent. The best remix and the one that brings the song to it's highest level, is 'Love To Infinty's Walk In The Park Radio Mix' which showcases that the song is indeed, danceable.
But the attempt to bring ths song to a wider audience failed, and like it or not, America will never realize exactly how great of a song they missed out on, for what ever reason. The song was a huge international success.
Lyrically, this song is powerful, emotionally this song is wrenching and on the level of a human being, this song tells a story of fear, hate, desperation and hope. The message is what shines in this song.
So buy it because of that, because you want to listen to music that enlightens your spirit and conscience. I guarantee you will not be disapointed. Michael Jackson never disapoints.
If you can, check out the two videos made for this song. They are captivating and brilliant and tower as great achievements in his career.
Five Out Of Five - Classic
