July 2009: Michael Jackson

Jul 01

Posted by: Michael R. Willow in 2009, Blog, Tributes

Michael Jackson performing

25 of June 2009! one of the most famous artists of the international music scene, Michael Jackson, the man who chose not to spend his whole life being a color, died after a long period of medical treatment. Thousands of his fans around the world feel devastated as Jackson was their idol, the man with the multiple talents, dancer, showman, singer, songwriter was their inspiration. Almost everybody has listened and sung his songs, everybody has felt his presence in the media. However the media did everything possible not to respect him but invaded, gossiped about his life.

We would not choose Jackson for the Artist of the Month feature just to take advantage of the current publicity around his name, nevertheless there are issues worthy to be mentioned and instead of remaining silent, which would be the best way to respect his memory, we choose to speak and reply to all those who accuse this great man, repeating stories made against him by the media and his enemies and particularly to point out his unique offer in popular music.

Jackson was one of the most extraordinary African – and not only – artists. Nobody can doubt his excellent skills both in singing, songwriting and dancing, a combination that, although possessed by other performers as well, became so wildly successful for the first time by him.

Jackson was accused of pedophilia but I will not stay long here because 1) the monthly tribute is a project based on the artist?s offer in music and how we benefited by his/her presence in the music scene and 2) it is strictly unacceptable to criticize an artist based on what he has done in his personal life. In fact we will never know if the accusations were true. The court decided he was innocent. Meanwhile, the court?s decision did not convict all the conservative, stubborn people (including “celebrities”) who still hate him. And the question is, if a politician did the same, what would the reaction of the public be? Do they understand what it is to become famous? Do they know that living in the show business, the artist has to confront dozens of ruthless enemies? This is the price of fame due to the unacceptable way the record companies and the media work! Unfortunately being an artist is not the easiest thing. Do they realize that Jackson used drugs in order to escape from stress and the reporters who were invading every single step of his personal life? Also, Jackson spent millions of dollars in donations to Africa and poor countries and he was the man who made the media more easily accessible for the black artists while before it was almost impossible for a black singer to appear on a magazine cover or have his videoclip featured on MTV. Reading the comments of these pathetic moaners on the “Have Your Say” section of BBC, was really shocking: “Why should we mourn for a criminal”?, “Why the BBC and CNN spend so much space on his death while there are so many problems in the world and people die every day”? what a pity. And the answer is, the death of one of the most important artists of the century, yes it is a proper event, because the arts are a part of our life.

A quick review of his music and albums

The production meets very high standards, the quality of the sound and the crystal, polished mastered mix down are distinguished while the unique rhythmic samples proudly take place in almost every song. Some who do not know a lot about studio production would say, “that happens when money talks”! A good production, however, does not have to do with money alone. It has been proved and I highly support that it is the knowledgeable use of the recording equipment that actually makes the difference. There is no doubt that Michael Jackson?s album production was not budget but I have come across more expensive productions, inferior in quality.

Michael Jackson was great in songwriting as well. A lot of people falsely believe that he did not write a lot of songs or not at all, however with a quick look through his albums we see that most of his famous songs are written by him. He was actually one of the few of African origin musicians who actually wrote their own songs, while most Africans excel as performers/singers.

Jackson?s early career in music is way different comparing to his subsequent material. Among his first four solo albums the most interesting are “Got to Be There” and “Ben”. Generally, up until the album “Forever Michael” he insists on the same soul, Broadway-style songs that if not notable, are pleasant and this mainly due to his outstanding interpretation and vocal skills ( his brilliant singing in “Dogging Around” makes this rather indifferent song a marvel for the ears). The first sign of a change in his music style can be found in his first “adult” album, “Off The Wall” with the incredible interpretation of the sensational “She’s Out of My Life” together with the interesting enough “Rock With You”.

And there comes the revelation with “Thriller” and Jackson’s music genius begins to unfold. “Beat It”, “Billie Jean”, and “Thriller” (by Rod Temperton) are the top tracks closely followed by “Wanna be Starting Something” while the rest of the tracks are not exceptional but decent enough to complete the album. Model songwriting and model singing pair up and introduce probably the most innovative and exciting combination of pop, r&b, dance and rock the world has ever seen. The work of producer Quincy Jones alongside Jackson was defining for the shaping of the unique arrangement but the raw material, the imaginative music ideas and lyrics are – as always – the most important component of success.

Jackson goes on with his restless songwriting in the next two albums “Bad” and “Dangerous”, where the hits multiply: “Bad”, “Smooth Criminal”, “Man In The Mirror” (by Ballard and Garrett), “The Way You Make Me Feel” , “Jam”, “In The Closet” , “Remember the Time”, “Black or White”, “Give in to Me”… The production becomes increasingly edgy and polished, touching perfection, twisting and turning and surprising with its diversity. Jackson is established as an explosive singer/songwriter/performer, the street-poser guy that millions love and many imitate.

The music goes on with “HIStory” and more passionate songs like “They Don’t Care About Us” (amazingly innovative with heavy drum sounds bursting out unexpectedly but not randomly), “Stranger in Moscow”, “Earth Song”, the excellent dance piece “HIStory”, “Little Susie”, “Smile” (by Charlie Chaplin), while a few of the songs (“2 Bad”, “Tabloid Junkie”) are there to express his anger for the well-known accusations against him.

With “Invincible” we come to an abrupt end. The album is totally indifferent with the exception of the quite interesting ballad “The Lost Children”. There is no genius flare in the songs, they are the songs that any pop/soul singer would do. The reasons might be multiple: Jackson’s personal circumstances or/and the possibility that greatness in conceptual songwriting cannot be forever perpetuated. However, we do not despise Michael for that; his contribution is so rich and overwhelming that “Invincible” is literally drowned in the sonic revolution of his previous work.

What is most impressive in Michael Jackson’s career is the live appearances. His combination of dancing and singing is something that belongs to him, that he discovered and developed, and makes what Michael Jackson is.

Why are his fans so much dedicated to him? It is not only that his existence in the music industry is so unique, but also because several of his songs are so outspoken about humanity. About the historic time, between 1970 and 1980 when the USA was under large-scale changes, the very conservative country entering a more liberal path. In fact we have artists like Lenny Bruce and some, mainly rock, bands (The Ramones, Twisted Sister) who speak of religion and the establishment, the beginning of the punk scene in Britain and the anarchism movement. All these circumstances made Jackson’s songs touch millions of people, people who were affected by the social changes. It would probably be too ambitious to claim that he made the change (like the song says) but then you never know what lies in the hearts of the people…

Some quotes from his lyrics:
“…Some things in life they just don’t wanna see/But if Martin Luther was livin’
He wouldn’t let this be…” They Don’t Care About Us
“…Your talk is cheap/Youre not a man/Youre throwin stones/To hide your hands…” Bad
“...We can change the world tomorrow/This could be a better place/If you dont like what Im sayin/Then wont you slap my face . . .” Bad
“...I told my brothers/Don’t you ask me for no favors/I’m conditioned by
the system…” Jam
“…Don’t Tell Me You Agree With Me /When I Saw You Kicking Dirt In My Eye…” Black or White
“…What about all the peace/That you pledge your only son…” Earth Song