Introduction:
There is hardly any other name which comes to mind, when you think of celebrities and scandals. Michael Jackson, remained a chart topper all his life, in whatever he did. Be it singing songs, making his private life a public mess, or changing the shades of his face. He did it all. I would be doing great injustice to the king if I elaborate more on this side of his story; poor fellow has been tormented enough by the media.
However, what CANT be ignored, would be his talent, the way he sings songs, how he drove the whole world crazy with chart topping numbers, year after year (excepting the recent 6-7 years, if I may be allowed to do so.). Equal number of people will agree to his fluid body movements, in the music videos of the 80?s.
I still remember watching him on the Javed Jaffery show at DD1 12 years back, Sundays, half an hour of pure MJ. That time the infatuation went along with the public hype created of this superstar, I didn?t quite much understand what he sang, the beats said it all.
What I cherish is dad giving me my first CD player 9 years back, and with it the twin CD packs of HIStory: the past, the present and the future. I was elated beyond measure, and haven?t lost the feeling since.
HIStory
Released in 1995 this album comprises the best of Michael?s songs.
The 2 CD pack consists of 30 songs, disc 1 containing his older hits, the past, and disc 2 his all new songs, the future.
Disc I
A must have for any person who loved Michael for his songs, even one of them. The songs in this collection are,
Billie jean
The way you make me feel
Black or white
She?s out of my life
Rock with you.
Bad
I just can?t stop loving you
Man in the mirror
Thriller
Beat it
The girl is mine (with Paul Mc Cartney)
Remember the time
Don?t stop ?til you get enough
Wanna be startin? something
Heal the world
Marked songs are the best songs in the album. Most of them are his old hits, and they have rightly ensconced as a collection.
These are dance numbers, leaving a few, meant as party songs.
Disc II
A beautiful experiment and a change in singing style, even the videos for these songs are not dance oriented.
Scream (Duet with Janet Jackson)
They don?t care about us
Stranger in Moscow*
This time around
Earth song*
D.S
Money
Come together
You are not alone
Childhood (Theme from Free Willy 2)*
Tabloid junkie
2 bad
History
Little Susie
Smile (An ode to Charlie Chaplin)
Although this one contains fewer hits, but they present an entirely new side to Michael Jackson. Most of the songs deal with the gentler side, and perhaps pain and loneliness he sees in this world.
I would beg anyone who listens to these to pay attention to the lyrics of the songs, getting them online or by any such means.
These must be listened to in solitude and be appreciated for the thought that went into their making, and beauty with which they have been sung.
After word
Michael Jackson may have lost himself in the throes of scandals and a public suicide of career, but he still remains one of the best singers of all times, and while listening to his songs the knowledge of his private life must be kept away. Only then the true beauty of his work can be appreciated.
After note
Ever wondered what made Michael white? No, its not plastic surgery, it?s a skin disorder by the name of Vitiligo, a rarely heard of disease, but quite common. Even I am suffering from this disorder but not to such an extent. Will write a review about it soon enough.
If anyone has anything else to add, please care to leave a comment.
Happy listening