Ethereal, blissful, and dreamy, “I Can’t Help It” is a fascinating document of three musical titans—Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, and Quincy Jones—operating at the peak of their powers.

“I was at home and [Stevie Wonder] invited me to the studio, and he played me this song [‘I Can’t Help It’],” Michael revealed in a 1983 interview. “I said ‘I love it!’ I said ‘What is it? When are you going to put it out?’ He said ‘I’m not putting it out.’ He said ‘It’s for you.’ I said ‘Woo!’ Like I was so excited because he is so good and the melody is so good. I just love him to death. I’m not joking. He’s a master.”

Maestro co-producer Quincy Jones wraps the song’s innocence and sensuality in an intoxicating fog of bubbling synth-bass, jittery hi-hats, mellow horns, and silky strings. “Love to run my fingers / Softly while you sigh / Love came and possessed you / Bringing sparkles to your eyes,” Jackson exudes with so much warmth. “Like a trip to Heaven / Heaven is the prize / And I’m so glad I found you, girl / You’re an angel in disguise.”

Despite its relatively low profile, “I Can’t Help It” is on the short list of the best quiet-storm grooves ever released by any artist.

Listen to the opening bass line of "I Can't Help It".



Now listen to the bass at the :37 mark on Beyonce's "End Of Time".



Not saying they're the same, but I'm not saying they're not.

[Edited 12/29/17 10:30am]

Gretchen Parlato / Esperanza Spalding

Maysa / Mitchell Coleman Jr. feat. Ralph Tresvant

Stevie Wonder / Susaye Greene (co-writer) & Soulkiss

You can hear a similar bassline before the chorus in Beyonce's Deja Vu

John Legend did a nice cover too, great way to introduce it to younger generation though nothing beats the original.

It is truly a perfect song. Thank you for sharing this, the fact he didn't even consider that being for him (first) says a lot about how humble.

alphastreet said:

You can hear a similar bassline before the chorus in Beyonce's Deja Vu

John Legend did a nice cover too, great way to introduce it to younger generation though nothing beats the original.

It is truly a perfect song. Thank you for sharing this, the fact he didn't even consider that being for him (first) says a lot about how humble.

I forget if that one was on my radar as well. And it might have well been the first of the two that I remember thinking "Hmmm, sounds familiar, Bey".

Tangoterje Remix

MJ's I Can't Help It =

I used to ignore this masterpiece of a song, could you imagine that? such a fool I was. Wonderful song, wonderful music and a marverlous vocal delivery from Michael.