by Michael Jackson: The King of Pop Who Created Some of the Most Unbelievable Music Ever
Michael Jackson is undoubtedly one of the greatest music icons of all time. From a young age, his incredible talent was undeniable. As the lead singer of the Jackson 5, he captured the hearts of millions with his soulful voice, polished dance moves and stage charisma. However, it was his solo career that propelled him into legend status. With smash hits like “Beat It”, “Billie Jean”, and “Thriller”, Michael Jackson demonstrated a level of artistry and showmanship that was unparalleled. His music broke barriers and inspired people of all ages and backgrounds. Even today, decades after his passing, Michael Jackson’s music remains as relevant as ever.
One of the things that made Michael Jackson so special was his dedication to his craft. He was a perfectionist who pushed himself to create the best music possible. Michael wasn’t content with just creating pop songs; he wanted to make art. This drive led him to constantly evolve his sound and style over the years. From the bubbly disco-influenced Off the Wall to the moody, atmospheric Bad, Michael proved he couldn’t be pigeonholed as just one thing. However, there are some qualities that define Michael Jackson’s music: irresistible grooves, transcendent melodies, lush harmonies and inspired songwriting. These elements, combined with Michael’s unmatched ability to connect with listeners, are why his music stands in a league of its own.
When Michael Jackson’s album Thriller was released in 1982, it took the world by storm and changed music forever. Thriller was a masterpiece that produced seven hit singles, including classics like “Billie Jean”, “Beat It”, and the epic title track. Thriller became the bestselling album of all time, with over 66 million copies sold globally. Listening to Thriller, one hears the work of an artist operating at the peak of his powers. The production is slick and cutting edge, fusing pop, rock, R&B and disco. Michael’s singing is transcendent – he seamlessly shifts from tender and soulful to ferocious and edgy. And, of course, every track makes you want to dance. From the funky basslines on “Billie Jean” to the cinematic strings on “Thriller”, the album practically oozes with magic.
One of the standout tracks on Thriller is, fittingly, “Thriller”. The 14-minute horror-themed music video was a revolutionary moment for the genre. But the song itself is no slouch either. Drawing from 1950’s horror films, the track tells a campy narrative about movie monsters coming to life. The lyrics are dark and playful, brought to life by Michael’s supple vocals. The chorus is infectious – try not singing along to “Cause this is thriller, thriller night!”. Backed by ominous synth lines and hard-hitting beats, “Thriller” marked a high point of Michael’s songwriting and imagination. It captures his brilliance as both a pop craftsman and an accomplished showman.
Beyond the major hits, there are also plenty of hidden gems in Michael Jackson’s catalogue that reveal his versatility as an artist. Songs like “Liberian Girl”, “Earth Song” and “Stranger in Moscow” showcase his talent for creating mood and atmosphere. On the silky “Liberian Girl”, Michael pays tribute to the beauty of African women over lush harmonies and a globe-trotting rhythm. “Earth Song” is an epic anthem that builds from a lone choir into a booming gospel-influenced plea for environmental awareness. And “Stranger in Moscow” is a brooding, introspective ballad carried by Michael’s quiet strength. These tracks demonstrate his unique ability to craft sonic worlds rich in emotion and storytelling.
Of course, one cannot talk about Michael Jackson’s genius without mentioning his legendary dance moves. Michael quite literally wrote the book on contemporary pop choreography, creating iconic dances like the moonwalk that are still imitated today. What’s remarkable is how Michael’s dancing was so intricately woven into his music. Each of his groundbreaking music videos showed him unveiling new moves that organically flowed with the beats and lyrics. From the jazzy shuffle of “Billie Jean” to the zombie shuffle of “Thriller”, Michael’s dances have become just as definitive as the songs themselves. His influence on subsequent generations of pop/R&B artists is undeniable.
Michael Jackson’s live performances also provided stunning displays of his singing, dancing and commanding stage presence. His 1988 run of shows at London’s Wembley Stadium on the Bad World Tour demonstrated him at the height of his powers. Michael was tireless on stage, effortlessly dancing across multiple sets over two hours, all while belting out his hits in perfect voice. He had crowds of over 70,000 utterly mesmerized, a testament to his ability to connect on a massive scale. Indeed, Michael Jackson was on a level all his own when it came to putting on a show. His vision raised the bar for what audiences expected from live pop spectacle.
Of course, part of Michael Jackson’s appeal was that he wasn’t just an entertainer; he was an innovator. Throughout his career, he worked with top producers and engineers to pioneer new recording techniques to achieve his signature sounds. The “gated reverb” effect on his drum tracks made them punch through mixes with explosive power. Lush vocal layering gave his voice an ethereal, otherworldly feel. Michael even helped popularize beatboxing in pop music, using his mouth to create unique percussive sounds. And by the 1990s, he was experimenting with early forms of electronic dance music. Michael was always ahead of the curve when it came to musical technology.
Beyond his technical innovations, Michael Jackson also broke barriers with his artistry. He was one of the first black artists to find massive mainstream success on MTV, demonstrating how pop music could unite people of all races. The socially conscious themes on songs like “Man in the Mirror” and “Heal the World” showed he wanted to use his music to spread positive messages, not just entertain. And stylistically, his music fused genres in ways that hadn’t been done before – merging R&B songwriting with rock guitar solos and operatic chorals. Michael proved pop music could be highly artistic, personal and socially relevant.
Of course, a big part of Michael Jackson’s appeal was also his unique persona. From his sparkly gloves and glittery jackets to his soft-spoken speaking voice, he crafted an image that was both regal and approachable. He maintained an air of child-like innocence and wonder, even as he unleashed ferocious funk on stage. Michael really created the template for the modern pop star – an entertainer who lived as large offstage as on. Fans were drawn not just to his music, but to the world and imagination he represented. No other star has quite captured public fascination in the same way; he was simply incomparable.
Looking back now, it’s clear that Michael Jackson’s musical legacy is monumental. His albums continue to sell phenomenally well, decades after their release. Modern pop stars from Justin Timberlake to Bruno Mars to The Weeknd openly share how Michael influenced their music. Shining a light on issues like racial barriers, poverty, and the environment, the themes in his music remain as relevant as ever. And as long as dance floors exist, DJs will be pumping out Michael Jackson jams to get feet moving. Michael demonstrated creativity, passion and innovation throughout his career. His music showed limitless possibilities for what pop music could achieve. There may never be another performer quite like Michael Jackson, but his recordings will live on forever.
The term “genius” gets thrown around a lot, but it undeniably applies to Michael Jackson. As a singer, dancer, writer, performer and visionary, he had no peer. His music fused catchy melodies with trailblazing sounds, consummate skills and technical innovations. Songs like “Billie Jean” and “Don’t Stop Til You Get Enough” mix craftsmanship with raw funky energy; ballads like “You Are Not Alone” demonstrate emotional vulnerability; anthems like “Man in the Mirror” inspire millions. From Off the Wall to Bad to Dangerous, Michael’s catalog boasts some of the most brilliantly produced, intricately arranged pop music ever recorded. It’s no wonder Michael Jackson is regarded by so many as the greatest entertainer of all time.
Yet for all his global fame, Michael remained humble. He gave generously to charity, especially benefiting children’s causes. He mentored and encouraged up-and-coming talents. And he always put his fans first. Michael seemed to sincerely appreciate the support and love the public gave him. It was never about awards or charts for Michael; it was about bringing joy to audiences through his craft. This humility and humanity are what truly made him a remarkable icon.
Of course, Michael Jackson’s story had its tragic elements too. His unimaginable fame seemed to isolate him from normal human connections. He often expressed longing just to have a typical childhood and freedom. And in his final years, he faced terrible accusations that tarnished his name, even if he was eventually acquitted. Michael was not perfect; he faced demons and made mistakes like anyone. But even amid controversy, his artistic legacy remains peerless. The beauty he brought into the world through his music far outweighs any scandal.
There are not enough words to fully capture the genius of Michael Jackson. His talent was transcendent; his impact revolutionary. As a performer, he dared to dream bigger than anyone before him. His music united people across divides and created cultural moments that defined eras. He infused pop with a level of artistry and humanity that raised the standards forever. Even decades removed from his peak, Michael Jackson’s music still feels vibrant, relevant, even magical. Those sounds and rhythms he crafted will continue inspiring new artists and fans forever. Michael’s legacy is eternal, and his unforgettable music will always be the soundtrack to millions of lives.
In closing, while Michael Jackson himself may be gone, his artistic genius will be remembered for generations to come. No single song can encompass the diversity, innovation and sheer brilliance of his body of work. Michael reached unparalleled heights of creativity and performance throughout his career. Music may never see another entertainer quite like him. But if we listen closely to the profound inspiration in his songs, Michael Jackson will continue lighting up our lives with moments of joy, moments of connection – and moments of pure pop perfection.
