Post by StevePulaski on Dec 8, 2010 19:19:59 GMT -5
Michael Jackson
Michael
★★½
Michael Jackson's death was arguably the best thing that had ever happened to him since his stardom in the eighties. That's a harsh thing to say, but it's definitely a fact; when celebrities die, their work and other projects become resurrected and are cherished more. Jackson died on June 25, 2009 (my birthday). Even though he died a little more than halfway through the year, he still became the number one selling artist of 2009. Michael Jackson was planning concerts titled This is it where he would perform some new songs and some classic ones as well such as Beat it and Smooth Criminal.
Due to Jackson's untimely death, the concerts were canceled, and a movie was released the same year showcasing some of Jackson's preparation and rehearsal for the shows. The movie (which I awarded four stars) was good, to an extent, but I believe that if the shows had happened we would have gotten a DVD/Blu-Ray of the actual concert rather than some choppy rehearsal footage which was clear to never have a release.
Moving on to Michael, it's Michael Jackson's first of ten posthumous works to be released under the Sony label after the rights to Jackson's music was sold for $250 million. The largest amount of money ever paid for a single artist. You would expect a very good album, or above average material from a name like Michael Jackson. Sadly, Michael doesn't deliver too much amazing, or comparable to his works in the eighties.
That may be my fault for comparing every one of his songs to him in the eighties, of course every artist isn't as good as they once were. But with Michael Jackson, even unfinished his work should be nothing shy of good. Too bad all the lawsuits and accusations made about the authenticity of his real voice on some tracks have made us think twice about this album. Bummer.
The album does have a few memorable songs, and since the album is only a mere ten songs (obviously trying to delay the inevitable of releasing a large amount of music at one time) I will go into every song in order of their appearance on the album.
The album opens with Hold My Hand, a duet with rapper/R&B singer Akon. The song is definitely a strong point of the album, and even in it's unfinished state it really is very well constructed. Lines are dropped with meaning and passion which is really what the whole song talks about. Not being alone, gathering with other people, holding hands, etc. Although the song is very good, Akon overstays his duet. This probably was originally Michael Jackson's song, but he wanted to give Akon a big part. Akon is known for his smooth vocal style, although it pales in comparison with MJ's soft voice. Akon does sing a lot on this track which is disappointing, since many will go into this song expecting Michael Jackson, but really hearing 80% Akon. But it definitely is a strong track regardless of who hogs the mic.
Hollywood Tonight is a catchy song, and utilizes MJ's voice with autotuning effect. The autotuning isn't really necessary, but flows nicely with the synths and umps the addicting beat provides. I do enjoy this track greatly, and while this and Hold My Hand are two completely different tracks, they stand as my two favorites on this album. The "must listen to" on the album.
After two high-points, the album goes downhill way too fast. Keep Your Head Up, (I Like) The Way You Love Me, and Monster are all mediocre and forgettable in their own way. Keep Your Head Up may only last four minutes, but it doesn't provide anything new or fresh. Just another "look on the bright side" song we got, like, two tracks ago with Hold My Hand. I'm not even sure what I heard was an authentic Jackson. Time to move on to another song.
(I Like) The Way You Love Me isn't very bad, and has a smooth beat and melody to it in it's favor. But the dry lyricism, the lengthy run on a small topic (like Keep Your Head Up make for a one time listen, sadly. Monster, with 50 Cent, respectively, is probably the worst duet Jackson has ever done. It's an unnecessary track that pretty much fails in the auditory department. Combing MJ and 50 was a lame idea because of their different musical paths. Weak track with questionable Jackson vocals.
Best of Joy was the final track Michael ever recorded. How they remixed it is fine, but there's nothing truly amazing about this track. The instrumental is pretty nice, and Jackson's vocals are definitely true. So this one isn't as bad as the last three, but there isn't a whole lot to work with here.
Breaking News is the hands down worst track on the album. It was released as promotion in early November, and needless to say, it's awful. I doubt Jackson is even the one singing the song. The idea was good, the opening is interesting, the beat is very catchy, but the execution was very poor. Plus the "hee-hee-hee" at the end of the track is the nail that seals the coffin. Just pitiful all around.
We are getting down to the final three, (I Can't Make it) Another Day features Lenny Kravitz and it's definitely upbeat for itself. Jackson and Kravitz do impressive vocals together. Whether it's in its finished state or not, it sounds perfect and is my favorite of the album next to Hold My Hand and Hollywood Tonight. Behind the Mask has a meaning like Breaking News where I can see what they wanted to do, but it's just a down note all together. The track becomes tiresome after a minute or so, and doesn't have "the Jackson spice" that most of his music has. Plus the constant "ee-ee-ee" is droning and unnecessary.
The final track Much Too Soon was leaked earlier this month. It's a nice way to end the album, and reminds me of Country Roads by John Denver for some reason. It has a soft flow, nothing screams at you, and is a soothing lullaby in its favor. It's almost an improved Keep Your Head Up, and ends Michael nicely.
Michael, for album standards, is fine, but for Michael Jackson standards, it's mediocre at best. With only around three memorable songs, of an already small sized album means not even half the album is very pleasing. Not to mention, I counted three songs (Breaking News, Keep Your Head Up, Monster) that don't sound like Michael. So that's three you can pass, and the other four are just average/slightly below average. Is this the best we're going to get? If so, we've got nine albums that Sony has to spit out before their contract with MJ expires, and if this is the best stuff, we're going to get some awful sounds in our iPods pretty soon.