"Cry" is a song recorded by American singer-songwriter Michael Jackson that features on his tenth and final studio album, Invincible (2001). The song was written by R&B singer-songwriter R. Kelly, who had previously written Jackson's 1995 single "You Are Not Alone". "Cry" was produced by Jackson and Kelly. It was released on December 5, 2001, under Epic Records as the third single from Invincible. "Cry" is a R&B ballad, with lyrics that highlight problems with the planet. The lyrics also urge people to unite to make the world a better place. The track, thus, recalls previous Jackson songs that promote peace and environmentalism. The song was released only in Europe with two B-side tracks; "Shout" and "Streetwalker". "Cry" received mixed reviews from music critics. The single had a moderate chart performance internationally, with its highest peak being number sixteen in Denmark, and its least successful charting country being Austria. The track was promoted with a music video, which was filmed by Nicholas Brandt. The video does not feature Jackson but shows people holding hands and standing side by side in a variety of settings, including a beach and a forest. Background "Cry" was recorded by American singer Michael Jackson for his tenth and final studio album, Invincible (2001). The song was written by R&B singer-songwriter R. Kelly, who had previously worked with Jackson on his 1995 single, "You Are Not Alone;" Jackson and Kelly's collaboration on "Cry" is the second of what would be three collaborations. "Cry" was one of the first songs completed for the album. The track was produced by Jackson and Kelly. Outside of the United States, the song was released on December 3, 2001, as the second single from Invincible, under Epic Records. The single was released with two B-side tracks, "Shout" and "Streetwalker". "Shout" was a previously unreleased song that was originally intended for Invincible, but was replaced at the last moment by "You Are My Life". "Streetwalker" had previously appeared as a track on the 2001 special edition of Jackson's seventh studio album, Bad. Like "Shout", it was replaced last minute by "Another Part of Me". Composition The themes of "Cry" are world issues such as isolation, war, and brotherhood. It also suggests if everyone pulls together as one, then they make a change to the world, with Jackson singing, "You can change the world/I can't do it by myself". Music critic Mark Brown