After a 10-year hiatus from recording, Rebbie Jackson returned in 1998 with what promised to be a successful comeback album, Yours Faithfully. The eldest sibling of the Jackson musical dynasty had quietly put a pause on her career after a signing with Motown in the late eighties fizzled with no output. Thus, it’s not surprising that what would turn out to be her lone album for brother Michael’s MJJ label—her last set to date—would include as an extra track her signature 1984 hit, “Centipede.”
Just as “Centipede” was penned and produced by Michael, the King of Pop pitched in again for his big sis on Yours Faithfully with the dreamy and comforting slow-jam “Fly Away.” Although a few promo CD copies of the single got out in some territories after the title track single failed to make traction, “Fly Away” remains to this day an album cut cherished by MJJ loyalists and longtime Rebbie fans.
After a 10-year hiatus from recording, Rebbie Jackson returned in 1998 with what promised to be a successful comeback album, Yours Faithfully. The eldest sibling of the Jackson musical dynasty had quietly put a pause on her career after a signing with Motown in the late eighties fizzled with no output. Thus, it’s not surprising that what would turn out to be her lone album for brother Michael’s MJJ label—her last set to date—would include as an extra track her signature 1984 hit, “Centipede.”
Just as “Centipede” was penned and produced by Michael, the King of Pop pitched in again for his big sis on Yours Faithfully with the dreamy and comforting slow-jam “Fly Away.” Although a few promo CD copies of the single got out in some territories after the title track single failed to make traction, “Fly Away” remains to this day an album cut cherished by MJJ loyalists and longtime Rebbie fans.
Co-produced by Stonebridge (Robin S.’s “Show Me Love”) and Nick Nice, “Fly Away” was originally recorded by Michael during the Bad Sessions in a more uptempo groove fashion. His original vocals were kept intact for the newly incarnated version on Yours Faithfully, with Rebbie delivering the verses in her distinctive, vibrato-laden alto style. The melodies fit her soft yet passionate approach flawlessly, as Michael’s harmonies and ad-libs on the chorus provide an innately soulful atmosphere. Together, the performances highlights the pair’s familial resemblance while showcasing subtle differences in tone that make the song memorably affecting.
Check out what you may have missed 25 years ago with our latest SoulTracks Lost Gem: Rebbie and Michael Jackson’s “Fly Away.”