Iezabellazaamemeamadios - I just can't stop loving you

This is my MJ Song, MJ Moment entry whether you like it or not.... hehe.

It was 1987 and 'Bad' was just released. We spent hours listening to the cassette in our friend's dorm. It was the 3rd term, final exam was over and we were all eagerly waiting for the dorm party.

Back then in STF, each third term's closure was the famous dorm party. Those were the old days when nobody really cared whether you wear tudung in the school/hostel. We watched Singapore TV until very late. Seniors were responsible to 'lecture' juniors whom they thought were not behaving according to the written/unwritten hostel rules. Short skirts (with slits) were acceptable (unless you need to go and see PSJ).

That year, Iezabellazaamemeamadios (that's C-8's glamorous name) juniors were told to perform during dorm party. We all sucked at singing and the time given was too short to put up a play, so we decided to dance to MJ's songs. We agreed on two songs from the album Bad; fast song was 'Bad' while slow song was 'I just can't stop loving you'.

Kak Q (Nor Naquiah), Kak Inn (Zuraini Azura), Paie and I worked together for choreography. I think we practiced for about a week for both songs. Kak Sam (Siti Aminah Ghazali) was not that keen to perform, tried to get away with it as she claimed she's too 'kejang' for dance moves (the picture below actually proved it). She was giggling throughout our practice sessions and was still giggling during the real performance. Her partner during the slow song was Andrilawati and it didn't help much as she's easily infected by Kak Sam's laughter.

We had to resort to using the easiest steps possible for the slow dance. Kak Inn wanted it to be hot and steamy but hey, all of us were under 18 and couldn't risk getting dorm party banned by the school after that night. The steps for Bad were almost similar to the video clip (minus the gangsters, fire and crotch grabbing, of course).

C-8 seniors gave us a really big hand (and lotsa hugs too) that night for our effort and 'energetic' performance. Kak Sam and Andri actually wasted a lot of energy after their non stop giggling, but everybody had so much fun that night.

R-L: Kak Sam, Andri (hidden), me, Kak Q, Ella, Kak Nonie, Paie and Kak Inn slow dancing to 'I just can't stop loving you' about 22 years ago.

1987 Iezabellazaamemeamadios. The juniors + Kak Su, Kak Zie, Kak Akmar, Kak Effa, Kak Zura and Kak Ros.

'I just can't stop loving you' later became one of my favorite songs during Valentine. Listen to it and you'll be reminded of how simple and beautiful love could be.

Some youtube videos for those who have never heard the song. This is the English version while this is the one with rare French lyrics.

While you're at it, do check out this clip to reminisce the good old 80's. It's loaded with 80's Hollywood celeb. It's a unique video and I think this is exactly how everyone feels trying to cope with this great loss. Deep down, don't we all still hope that it's just another publicity trick?

Thanks for the music and inspiration MJ. You are one unforgettable King and trend setter.