 |
| Michael "The King of Pop" Jackson |
| Michael Jackson....the name conjures up lots of emotions and opinions. Some remember him as the cherub faced tot who could not only dance but sing at an early age. Others remember him as the lead singer of The Jackson Five (and later The Jacksons). Still others refer to him as "Wacko Jacko" thanks to his constant tabloid apperances. But no one can dispute his moniker as "The King Of Pop." Michael first dabbled in disco with his brothers on their 1974 hits "Dancing Machine" and "I Am Love." But it would take four more years for the siblings to perfect the disco sound to solid club success. 1978 was a turning point in Michael's career. A role in "The Wiz" brought the 12" single of "Ease On Down The Road" (with Diana Ross) into clubs, but it only faired slightly better than the movie. The Jacksons however scored big with 2 mixes of "Shake You Body (Down To The Ground)" and the even more successful "Blame It On The Boogie." This was from the first album that the brothers were allowed full control over thanks to a move to Epic Records. Michael also removed himself from the Motown roster and followed the group over to Epic as a solo artist. Ready for a more adult image and sound Michael recruited music icon and legend Quincy Jones to help him achieve this. Together they crafted his breakthrough 1979 release "Off The Wall." No doubt that timing played an important part in it's success, disco was at its peak and the two delivered the goods to an eager dance floor. Besides the titled track and "Working Day And Night" the album also had two 12" hits with "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough" and "Rock With You." And as if that wasn't enough he also scored an adult contemporary hit with "She's Out Of My Life." The album out sold anything Michael or his brothers had done up to that point. Michael and his brothers had spotty sales and hits over the last several years and this success gave new life to both careers. This was only the tip of the iceberg and it's success caused Michael (and Quincy) to take three years to craft it's follow-up. Nothing could have prepared anybody for the success of 1982's "Thriller," since the magnitude of its success was simply unimaginable -- an album that sold 40 million copies in its initial chart run, with seven of its nine tracks reaching the Top Ten. Two achievements for the record books. This album is as good as it gets, something for everyone. And everyone, young and old alike bought into it. Besides the 12" singles (and disco hits) "Billie Jean," "Wanna Be Startin' Something," Thriller" and "Beat It" the album also had the schmaltzy smash "The Girl Is Mine" (with ex-friend Paul McCartney). Though the album is crafted and well done part of it's success is owed to MTV and Michael's opulent videos. Those videos were the first to be packaged and sold on their own video cassettes. How does one top the greatest album ever released? It's virtually impossible to duplicate a success of that magnitude. "Thriller" coasted along spewing hits for over two years, still it took three more years after that for the release of 1987's "Bad." Michael and Q expand the concept, pushed the envelope and expounded on his sound that the two had hatched for his previous two releases. This meant that he moved deeper into hard rock, deeper into schmaltzy adult contemporary, deeper into hard dance -- essentially taking each portion of "Thriller" to an extreme, while increasing the quotient of immaculate studiocraft. He wound up with a sleeker, slicker "Thriller." The album produced no less than seven 12" singles. Besides the smashes "Bad," "The Way You Make Me Feel," "Man In The Mirror" and "Dirty Diana." The album had the lesser hits of "I Just Can't Stop Loving You," "Another Part Of Me" and "Smooth Criminal." Michael once again rode the crest of this release for several years milking it for all it was worth. Unfortunately for Michael, who had always been fodder for the tabloids, a child molestation allegation in the early 1990's seemed to derail his career. It was easy for the public to accept the rumours as truth. Afterall remember Bubbles the chimp, the hyperbaric chamber pic of him sleeping and his odd choices for dates to the awards shows? The fact that Michael settled out of court seemed to be an admission of guilt to the average joe on the street. In any event Michael realized that when it came to his music he needed a fresh approach and that his time with Q had come to an end. For the multi-platinum number one 1992 release "Dangerous" he brought in Teddy Riley to helm the mish mash of assorted writer, producers and arrangers. The ploy worked and the album produced no less than four 12" smashes: "Black Or White," "Jam," "Remember The Time" and "In The Closet" (a duet with Madonna). The album, though a number one, would have ruled the world had it been released earlier. But instead it came out against the grunge sound and seems to almost be forgotten. After nearly a decade without a full new release Jackson's 2001 "Invincible" was a true let down. Of course all the rumours of failing finances and bizarre behaviour didn't help matters. Despite a high profile ad campaign the album came and went with a whimper. Michael still reaps the benefits of all the duets he's done throughout the years. Remember his club hit "Say, Say, Say" for one time friend Paul McCartney's album? Or the futuristic "Scream" with baby sis Janet? Those types of recordings have helped keep him in the public spotlight long after his own recordings paled. Here we are in 2005 and Michael is still in the spotlight, no longer for his sleek recordings but for ugly charges that could ruin him forever. No matter what the truth is or the eventual outcome of his current situation he is forever to be respected for the brilliance of his music. Thank you Michael! |
 |