Ben, your question IS a matter of PERSONAL taste, so how can it be answered without more personal opinion? I think that the popularity of any artist has something to do with how well their newer songs are then accepted. Also, life experiences which took place while we heard those songs have bearing on our sensory perception in our memories. Do we associate a favorite song with fond memories such a school prom or first date? Or were we going through a wicked divorce during the release of a song? These things play a large role in our like or dislike of something.

I know Clapton is amazing, but "Layla" is not one of my favorite Clapton songs. Of course, I am a huge Beatles freak, but again, "Hey Jude" is not on the top of my favorite Beatles songs. Yet, both are certainly classics. Why? Their impact.

There is no answer to your question, Ben. It would be like my daughter saying to me, "Where is the Beatles' equivalent to 'I'll be Loving You' by New Kids On The Block." To her, the Beatles were not part of her life experience. So, they are not as real to her as those bands who came out while she was growing up.

You have your taste and there is no arguing that at all. People are entitled to their taste. It's a God-given right. But, an answer back to your question is just someone else's taste.

Personally, I feel the collaboration of songs with Quincy Jones and MJ to be my favorites of MJ and major classics in their genre.

Just as I may prefer the paintings of Rembrandt to those of Picasso, it does not make Picasso's work any less important.

Blessings,
Heidi

"And, in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make." Paul McCartney