03

As with many who are famous, ironically, they suffer from profound loneliness and isolation, despite being adored by fans all across the world. “Stranger in Moscow” is perhaps Michael Jackson’s way of expressing the darkness he feels, even if he’s the most famous in the world. Before he’s the King of Pop, he is first a human being who has not really had a normal childhood, with his schedule filled with rehearsal after rehearsal. Then, as he got more famous, the pressures just elevated, especially once he moved away from the group he was in. He found inspiration and needed an avenue to express his sadness, anger, seclusion, and isolation, all while looking out the window from his hotel room, while fans were screaming because they were excited and exhilarated to see the celebrity in him, for his work, which mostly remains memorable and has a certain timeless, enduring quality to them.

Truth be told, it’s not exactly easy to like this song, especially because it’s quite the departure from his usually uplifting, dance-worthy, disco-type songs. Perhaps, I’d rate this second to “Human Nature”, which gives off a similar vibe. But, as you know, the latter song has a dreamy arpeggio outro, which feels like a balm, no matter when you’re listening to it. But then again, he’s the King of Pop, so his music is an artful blend of genres, and he’s not there for you to like or dislike his work. The more I listen to it though, the more I started to like it, and for some strange reason, despite its dark lyrics, it gave me a good reason to appreciate my learning of Russian culture and language.

The team behind the song is the same one who worked on “Earth Song”, an anthem where Jackson’s earthy vocals are even more evident, which combines pop, blues and gospel.

Like many of Michael Jackson’s songs, regardless of whether he has written the lyrics, it usually has a hook, or something repeated, though it can sometimes feel too simplistic. In the case of “Stranger in Moscow”, despite the title, and simplistic lyrics (in certain parts), how “How does it feel,” is repeated several times, is indeed a smart move – something about his voice makes you just want to go listen to it, over and over.

One of the slowest songs Jackson’s ever written, it’s also one to showcase his vulnerability, while staying true to his title, the King of Pop.

The music video continues to be symbolic, as towards the end, the people in the video who were initially disconnected from themselves, find themselves in a new lens, with rain washing away that disconnect and gloom.

“Stranger in Moscow” was written during a period of intense media scrutiny in 1993. Despite him not being given a verdict yet, headlines would be sensationalised. Maybe it’s a good thing social media didn’t exist back then, otherwise there’ll be chances of videos where voices are misused and images distorted.

But, of course, today, we can only continue to acknowledge that for the most part, he was an icon, even if he’s not perfect. He gave until he couldn’t anymore… until news of his death was confirmed on the 26th of June MYT.

Today is the 3rd June 2026, a day where we remember the young boy with a certain aura and stage presence. From his early days in the group that was formed with some of his other brothers, to when he decided that a solo career was best for him, to now being revived through the help of social media. Like many of his fans, I like to think of him as more than a hashtag, because he certainly was (and still is). While the moonwalk isn’t exactly his idea, the way he incorporated it into his song about obsessed fans and the extent they would go to, just to have their favourite singer meet each other (which is said to have a darker twist… well, maybe in the US, it’s normal, but to those outside the US, you’d be met with anger and outrage, even). And the way he writes about his emotions can be rather intriguing, as is the case with “Stranger in Moscow” (especially for those who grew up outside of Moscow or Russia). Hence, the #MichaelJacksonForever on this day because though his heart is no longer beating, every fan would know that his heartbeat is in his songs, both literally and figuratively.