It’s unfair to narrow Michael Jackson to a performer: Jackson played with emotions, his own and the audience’s. A prime example of this is She’s Out of My Life, a vulnerable, stripped-down ballad that represents raw and aching heartbreak. The song is unlike Jackson’s high-energy hits; here, everything is slowed down, and the focus is entirely on Michael’s voice and its deep pain.

The song’s simplicity is core to its magic: Jackson’s delicate and hesitant delivery emphasizes a sense of him reliving memories he’s tried to repress. The conclusion almost rings as though Jackson is breaking apart, his voice cracking with tears (which — a small tidbit — is an unscripted moment of vulnerability that producer Quincy Jones felt was too powerful to discard for something more polished).

Michael Jackson – She’s Out of My Life (Official Video – Upscaled)

Written by Tom Bahler, She’s Out of My Life was not written for Jackson, but Jackson’s potential for elevating this track was realized by Quincy Jones, who knew Jackson’s ability to perform deep emotion. He was proven correct when the song reached the Top 10; it was a tough bet, as he was pushing to prove that Jackson was an artist beyond his role as a performer, but the bet paid off!

The lyrics are straightforward with their reflective nature, as the narrator speaks of a love he might’ve taken for granted, realizing far too late that his lover has left. This universal message makes it a profoundly relatable track, and the message is kept center-stage even in the music video, which is entirely one-shot, with Jackson’s loneliness emphasized as he sits on a stool under a spotlight. No surprises though, considering that Jackson was known for his music video prowess, such as the infamous video for Thriller, directed by none other than Martin Scorsese.

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Michael Jackson – Thriller (Official 4K Video)

With hindsight, Quincy Jones didn’t only make the right decision; he made the best possible decision: The song remains one of Jackson’s most heartfelt, proving that while he was capable of spectacle, Jackson was best when he was emoting.

For more of Michael’s legendary performances, follow his official social media pages—because his music still moves the world.