Welcome Home, Michael

Michael Jackson's "Invincible" sold more than 350,000 copies during its first week and yet, that's still not enough to convince critics that MJ has what it takes to compete with today's artists. But they're looking at it all wrong.

The naysayers are comparing Michael to teeny boppers such as N'Sync and Brittany. But Michael has matured and so has his music.

One critic said that MJ should concede the title of King of Pop to N'Sync - who sold a crazy 1 million copies of their latest CD over the summer. Well if N'Sync are the new Kings of Pop so be it, all hail the new kings. But now R&B fans can welcome Michael back into the fold. "Invincible" may not appeal to the tweens, teens and pre-teens but it should go over very nicely with the 30 and over crowd.

Remember us? The group that works and actually has the money to buy CDs and expensive concert tickets? No matter, if the 18 and under crowd doesn't like it, it can't succeed right? Wrong!

In "Invincible" Michael goes back to his roots. I'm talking some good old "Human Nature," "She's Out of My life," brown skinned, big nose, Michael roots. What does the 18 and under set know about that?

The critics are sleeping on Michael because they're looking for that "Bad," "Black or White" Pop sound. Those songs were good in their time - but its a different time and once again Michael has shown he can hang in any period.

I challenge true R&B fans to listen to "Butterflies" and not enjoy it. It's vintage Michael Jackson - timeless music that can be played 15 years from now among the hottest songs of that day and give them a good run for their money. Its by far my favorite track on the whole CD.

There aren't many dance tracks on this one - probably another reason the critics are hatin'. Track 1, "Unbreakable" is Michael's chide to the haters. Make no mistake - its an arrogant track - but its a nice jam that sends a clear message: he doesn't have to be the King of Pop, because he's just the King, period. Move over Elvis!!!

"Unbreakable" includes a rap by the late rapper Biggie Smalls. Another sign that Michael has been moving around in circles we'd never expect, trying to keep his stuff fresh. Several other songs also include rap segments, including the title track, but by the third song that gets a little tiresome.

Go To Page: 1 2

Articles in this Topic    Discussions in this Topic