Remember The Time - Background and Composition

Background and Composition

"Remember the Time" was released as the second single from Michael Jackson's eighth studio album, Dangerous on January 14, 1992. The song was written by Teddy Riley, Michael Jackson and Bernard Belle, and was produced by Riley and Jackson. "Remember the Time" is three minutes fifty nine seconds long. The song's music was compared to Jackson's 1979 single, "Rock with You" from his Off the Wall album. According to co-writer Teddy Riley, the song is about Jackson falling in love with Debbie Rowe in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

However, it should also be mentioned that when the single was originally released in 1992, Jackson dedicated the song with love to Diana Ross. Jermaine Jackson also confirmed this in his book, "You Are Not Alone: Michael: Through a Brother's Eyes." On page 194 Jermaine writes, "...that song was, as Michael told me, written with Diana Ross in mind; the one great love that, as far as he was concerned, escaped him."

"Remember the Time" is a pop and new jack swing song. The lyrics recall a youthful love affair: "Do you remember when we fell in love/We were young and innocent then". Instruments for "Remember the Time" include a piano and guitar. The song is set in the key of an original F Minor with Jackson's voice range from Eb3 to C5. The song's tempo is moderate at 116 beats per minute.

"Remember the Time" did not feature on the setlist for the Dangerous World Tour, but it was rehearsed. At the 1993 Soul Train Music Awards, the song won the award for Best R&B/Soul Single - Male. Jackson appeared with an injured foot and on crutches, but was able to perform the song seated in a chair, surrounded by dancers.

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