They Don't Care About Us Review

07/13/2005 6:27 AM, AMG


"They Don't Really Care About Us" was the most controversial song on Michael Jackson's 1996 HIStory album. Since all but the initial pressing of the double album had excised lyrics for this song, it is no surprise that this single is filled with "censored" versions. Gone are the lines "Jew me, sue me" and "Kick me, kike me," which represent Jackson's most political and misguided lyrics. It is interesting, however, how the editing scissors were applied. The "Dallas Main Mix" has a smooth choral coda at the end that works well. But this version is the least censored, questioning why "kike me" is worse than "Jew me, sue me." The single version demonstrates an economy of purpose; this tight version is the most straightforward. The "Charles' Full Joint Mix" is a stripped-down ballad made more haunting with guest vocals by rappers Ill and Scratch. The "Love to Infinity's Walk in the Park Radio Mix" is a mellowed-out version that sounds good at first but creates a disconnect with the angry lyrics. It makes a powerful song seem trivial. It sounds like Will Smith's "Summertime" after a few too many beers. The "Classic Paradise Radio Mix" is the best here because the sped-up vocals match the emotion of the lyrics. Musically, it is similar to Madonna's "Like a Prayer." Overall, it is not clear who "they" are or who "us" is. Most obviously, "they" would be the media and "us" would be the Jackson family. This single also includes a remix of "Earth Song" and a fun club mix of "Rock With You," continuing Jackson's commitment to releases that are chock-filled with value. Racial slurs aside, Michael Jackson wrote an incendiary song inspired by his legal troubles (and ironically, John Lennon's "Give Peace a Chance"). The world would be a better place if he released music more frequently. ~ JT Griffith, All Music Guide