"Cry" is a song written by R&B singer/songwriter R. Kelly, for singer Michael Jackson. It was the second single release from Invincible, but was only released in Europe and Australia. The song peaked at #25 on the UK single chart.
| "Cry" | |
|---|---|
| Song |
Song information
The second single from Jackson's 2001 album Invincible was also one of the bigger ballads of the album. The song is similar to Jackson's "Man in the Mirror" and "Heal the World," as in all three songs, Jackson has a full choir and an uplifting theme, another similarity between the three is how the main key of the song is lifted up a half-step. For example, in "Man in the Mirror," the main musical key of the song begins in G Major, but then towards the end of the song, where the message of the song is sent to the listener, "making a change", the musical key is then raised up a half step to G Sharp Major. The song protagonist is told that "You can change the world" however the author cries out "I can't do it by myself!" The backup vocals are done partially by R. Kelly. Though originally set to be released in the U.S., it was replaced by "Butterflies" when it began getting airplay in later 2001 and early 2002.
Music video
The video does not feature Jackson, instead people from all over the world holding hands, symbolizing unity. This is represented in the song, which says, "If all cried, at the same time tonight". Though the video was never a hit anywhere, Jackson was thinking of remaking it for the US/Canada release. By that time, Sony cancelled any and all promotion for the album, including singles and videos.
Track listing
- "Cry" – 5:01
- "Shout" – 4:17
- "Streetwalker" – 5:49
Credits
- Written by R. Kelly
- Produced by Michael Jackson and R. Kelly
- Lead vocals by Michael Jackson
- Choir arrangement by R. Kelly
- Percussion: Paulinho Da Costa
- Keyboard programming by Michael Jackson and Brad Buxer
- Guitars by Michael Landau
- Recorded by Mike Ging, Brad Gilderman and Humberto Gatica
- Mixed by Michael Jackson and Mick Guzauski
External links
- Lyrics at Lyrics007
- Cry Lyrics (by Michael Jackson )