I was listening to my favorite Jacksons’ album Triumph and as usual, I was blown away by the brilliance of Heartbreak Hotel. The song, written, produced and arranged by Michael Jackson, is arguably the best studio work that Michael has done. The arrangement of the song is ingenious, the opening with a menacing string arrangement, well placed scream and pulsating rhythm, coupled with Jackson’s heartfelt vocals establish a landscape for a mind blowing sonic experience. The lyrical content is paranoid with a well defined narrative. Furthermore, the musicians on display are some of the finest in the history of music. How could anyone argue with a track that boasts instrumental work from key members of Stevie Wonder’s 1970's bands? Guitarist Mike Sembello, Keyboardist Greg Phillinganes, and bassist Nathan Watts, display the talents that made Wonder’s Innervisions, Songs In The Key of Life all time classics. Moreover, the inspired work of the other contributing musicians fused well and expressed Jackson’s vision. The percussion work alone is inspired, and the piano solo that closes the track encompasses all of the themes that Jackson weaved during the song, while bringing a sense of relief when it ends. In addition, the well placed guitar solo and the use of sound effects gives listeners the feeling that they are witnessing everything that Jackson describes in the song. Whenever I listen to Heartbreak Hotel I am reminded of the brilliance of Michael Jackson and when I look at the complexity of this song, its various rhythm changes and moods, I appreciate what Michael Jackson is capable of when he listens to his own vision and is not clouded by following trends. I only wish he would take this approach and get back to his roots instead of seeking out the “hottest producers” because Jackson has the ability to produce good music, sadly I don’t think he believes in his own muse anymore.

DorothyParkerWasCool said:

I don't think he's known what's been going on in his head for the past 10 years. Let's hope he figures it out for his sake and ours.

I HATED it when the powers that be changed the name of this song to "This Place Hotel" from "Heartbreak Hotel"...I really don't understand why it was done. It's not as if song titles can be copyrighted (they can't), so it can't be because another famous song out there has this title.

But, DPWC, I agree with your assessment of this one; it's my favorite highlight of the Triumph album. And I haven't owned it in YEARS. I need to pick it up again, because I've forgotten more about it than I remember - but "Heartbreak Hotel" is unforgettable. This song has a fierce swing to it. It puts a dip in your hip.

Another thread that makes me want to go cd shopping.

Supernova said:

Yeah, I don't know why they changed the name either, that "This Place Hotel" title is such a cop-out. I'm happy to hear that I brought this gem back to the fore for you. This song is a classic!!

My favourite Jacksons song.
/peace Manki

i AGREE WHOLEHEARTEDLY WITH WHAT YOU ALL HAV E SAID ...AND i THINK AND ALWAYS HAVE THOUGHGT THAT WHEN THEY CHANGED IT TO "THIS PLACE HOTEL" IT WAS THE DUMBEST THING EVER..SORRY FOR THE CAPS

manki said:

Same here.

Although I almost consider this a solo MJ song on a Jacksons album.

- M. Jackson -
©1980 Mijac Music (BMI)
Written, Arranged, and Composed by Michael Jackson
Lead vocals: Michael Jackson


We know MJ can't play any damn instruments (at least by this point in his life) so the rest of The Jacksons appear in the band credits. Hell, even Latoya gets a namecheck (Scream: Latoya Jackson)!

I'm not sure how Michael Jackson can really claim any Arranger credit:
1. It lists other people for the Horn arrangement and the Prelude (strings) arrangement. What did MJ really arrange then?
2. One must study orchestration for years to really arrange for those instruments because you need to know their range, what is easy for players to play, etc..

We know they are talented, but the Arranged credit makes me wonder how glorified the Big Type credits are for the album (Produced and Written by The Jacksons)?

DorothyParkerWasCool said:

Yeah,I think it was a dumb move to change the title to "This Place Hotel".What's the logic behind that? Yes,Elvis has a song called "Heartbreak Hotel" but there are MANY songs by different artists with the same titles!

The album desperately needs a remaster along with Destiny. I hope if that ever happens one day the title will be changed back. There have been other songs called Heartbreak Hotel since then. Most Jacksons fans outright REFUSE to call it This Place Hotel.