Remember the Time

"Remember the Time" is Jackson at the peak of new jack swing. A smooth, mid-tempo single from Dangerous, it looks back on a lost love with warmth and regret over a slick, swinging groove. Teddy Riley, the architect of new jack swing, co-wrote and co-produced it, giving Jackson's early-1990s sound its crisp, street-savvy edge. Released in 1992, it became one of the album's biggest hits. The song is elegant and danceable, with a hook that lingers. Its lavish video, directed by John Singleton, set the story in ancient Egypt, casting Jackson as a performer summoned to entertain a royal court, alongside a starry cast. The clip's opulence and choreography made it a standout of the era. Romantic, polished, and rhythmically rich, "Remember the Time" captured Jackson adapting to a new decade's sound while keeping his gift for melody intact.

Jackson created "Remember the Time" with Teddy Riley and Bernard Belle for the Dangerous album, with Riley and Jackson producing. Riley's new jack swing style shaped the track's crisp, swinging rhythm. The song's short film, directed by John Singleton and set in ancient Egypt, featured a notable cast and elaborate production, expanding the single into a cinematic showcase.

The track rides a smooth new jack swing groove, blending a swinging, syncopated beat with polished R&B melody. Crisp programmed drums, a warm bass, and glossy keyboard textures give it a sleek, early-1990s sheen. Jackson's vocal is tender and controlled, gliding over the rhythm with soulful phrasing. The hook is memorable and singable, and the arrangement stays smooth and danceable, balancing romance with a modern urban edge.

The song helped Jackson stay current by embracing new jack swing, connecting him to the sound dominating early-1990s R&B. Its Egyptian-themed video, with its star-studded cast and rich staging, became one of the era's most talked-about clips. The track remains a fan favorite for its groove and melody and stands as a highlight of Jackson's Dangerous chapter.

"Remember the Time" appeared on the Dangerous and HIStory tours, performed with smooth choreography that matched its swinging groove. Its polished R&B feel offered a stylish, romantic change of pace within Jackson's high-energy sets and remained a favorite among fans of his 1990s material.