* This is going to be my last review before Christmas, just wanted to wish everyone a happy Holiday!After his tragic death on June 25, 2009, the late King of Pop, Michael Jackson, is showing his fans the comeback he always dreamed of with his first posthumous release simply titled, "Michael". The album is filled with traditional Michael Jackson songs, as well as tracks that bring the artist into the new decade to hold his own against the new generation of singers. Surrounded by much controversy in the music industry and the release of the first single, "Hold My Hand", the album is a project that will please his die-hard fans as well as anyone who enjoys great music.
The album starts off with "Hold My Hand", a duet with hit maker Akon, who also wrote and produced the track. The song is an inspirational ballad, the type of music we were used to hearing from the King of Pop later on in his career. It will be a reminder of what Jackson would have accomplished if he were still alive today. The beats of "Hollywood Tonight" burst through the speakers to provide a traditional Michael Jackson music experience, the delivery of the lyrics helps that experience as well. It's nice to hear Jackson put his all into material that fits his style of music. The song itself is a fast paced track that showcases the artist that millions of fans fell in love with. No matter what the song, Michael always finds a way to make it his own. Another emotional and inspirational track comes in the form of "Keep Your Head Up". Jackson was great at providing amazing vocals that would get the listener to feel some sort of emotion, this track is another example of that talent. The song itself is soft and slow, which allows the King of Pop's voice to really shine in a way it had not for a while. The album continues with "(I Like) The Way You Love Me". Jackson was known for his numerous love songs, and while this one is good, it does not compare to its predecessors. The vocals on the track are nothing short of perfect; however, the material is very bland. Michael does not get to show the vocal range he has which is a shame. It is a good song, but nothing amazing or special. One of Jackson's biggest hits, "Thriller", finds its 2010 soul in the song "Monster". The vibe and lyrics will quickly have people believing that this track is in fact a sequel to the hit song. The track is dark and that actually creates an enjoyable experience. The featured guest, 50 Cent, provides a rap that actually compliments both Jackson's vocals and the song. It is clearly one of my favorite tracks off the album. "Best of Joy" is another average track included on the album that I do not think showcases anything new from Jackson. While the material, delivery, and vocals are great, the song just sounds like an unreleased track from a previous effort. It sounds a bit outdated to be released in 2010, but that is not Jackson's fault. To me, the track is forgettable but that does not make it horrible. Another favorite track of mine on the album is one that caused quite a bit of controversy. "Breaking News" is great from beginning to end, and actually caused me to get angry. The song to me, is Michael showing his frustration towards those that tried to bring him down. The King references himself in the track and I think it makes an impact of the listener. I do think MJ is present on the track, even though most say the vocals are not coming from him. The Lenny Kravitz assisted "(I Can't Make It) Another Day" is my personal favorite off the entire project. The song starts off slow, but picks up during the chorus where Michael really shines. The background guitar and drums cause the song to sound a bit like "Dirty Diana" which is an amazing feat to accomplish. Jackson sounds comfortable which allows both his vocals and the song to become a huge success. The jazz influenced "Behind The Mask" starts off with a long intro that actually makes the song sound like a live recording. Michael does what he does best, make his vocals the highlight of the song like they rightfully should be. The background production helps take the track to a whole new level. Everything comes together to create an amazing piece of work that showcases the talent of a great artist. The album closes with the somber "Much Too Soon", which shows Jackson singing about lost love. The lyrics and vocals are great as usual, but I have a problem with the people that completed the track. The instruments and beats do not compliment the song in any way, they make the song sound a bit cheesy. Michael's talent is present, it's just overshadowed by bad production which is a real disappointment. The album hits extreme highs, as well as a few bumps along the way, but the project is one that I am sure Jackson would have been proud of.
"Michael" is a project that faced criticism from the moment that it was announced. The unfinished tracks by one of the greatest entertainers ever show the comeback that the artist would have made if he were still here. The ten songs create an experience that showcases the artist we knew, and the new side of the artist that was emerging his death. Altogether, the album works and strictly basing the review on the music itself, for great vocals, amazing tracks, and a legacy that will live on, "Michael" receives a solid 88%.
Tracks to Hear: "Monster", "Breaking News" and "(I Can't Make It) Another Day"
0 Yorumlar