Michael Jackson: the King of Pop

by PaulWilliams staff writer

He is the only man who is able to draw Marlon Brando out of hiding for an award show, shut down Times Square in New York city, and have his new album reach nu~ber one on the Billboard charts this week. Who is he? The king of pop, Michael Jackson, who in case you did not know, released his latest album "Invincible," on Oct.30, 2001.

Despite mixed reviews of his new album, it will enter the charts at number one this week. The 16track CD will feature guests like guitarist Carlos Santana, the departed rapper Notorious B.I.G. and actor Chris Tucker. The video for the first song of the disc is "You Rock My World," which features movie actors including Tucker, and it has been on heavy rotation on both MTV and VHl. During the weekend of Halloween, also on heavy rotation on both of those channels, was the

'Invincible'

by SharvonUrbannavage

staff writer

The new album from Michael Jackson, "Invincible;• offers a combination of new-school pop and R&B music mixed with the distinguished Jackson-style songwriting for a hit release that is bound for platinum status.

"Invincible,'' which was released on Oct. 30, features a wide span of producers ranging from R&B stars such as R. Kelly, Babyface and Teddy Riley along with producer Rodney Jerkins of Darkchild Entertainment.R&B singer •• Tyrese also appears as a guest writer on "2000 Watts." Even Jackson's 4- lfy year-old son, Prince, appears on the album for the song "The Lost Children." has people not only buying his

In 1985, after co-writing and new album but also several of his performing "We Are The World;' older albums. Later this year, he is Jackson's career would start to expected to release his older al- down spiral. He destroyed his rebums with bonus tracks: lationship with McCartney and

At just 4 years of age, Michael upset Beatles fans when he bought joined his brothers and formed the the collection of John Lennon and Jackson 5; he was the front man Paul McCartney songs from the and lead vocalist. After having ATV Music Company.There were hits under Motown like "ABC," rumors spreading that he was tak"The Love You Save," and "I'll be ing drugs to change his skin color there" in the late 1960s. In the mid to white and sleeping in cham'70s, Michael, putting his solo ca- bers. "Bad," the title of his 1987 reer on hold, then filmed the record, which was produced by movie, "The Wiz," which was Jones did not live up to the expecmoderately successful. Quincy tations of "Thriller." Then in Jones, who would produce 1992, after releasing "DangerMichael's first solo album, "Off ous," Jackson became the target of The Wall," produced the sound- more allegations and rumors. Altrack to the film. " Off The Wall," legations of sexual abuse by Jackhad two number one hits and re- son's young friends, as well as ceived Grammy awards. what looked like a staged mar-

The first track on the album, "Unbreakable," is Recent photos used with permission from the defining song of Jack- www.MTll.com son's new image and personality. In an interview with TV Guide, Jackson said that the song's message says "that I'm invinci- a·Jackson's new album was released on Oct.30 and has already topped the charts. ble. You can't hurt me. Knock me down, I get back up." The song also features a rap sample from the late Notorious B.l.G. Hard pop-style beats support the first three tracks of the album, including "Heartbreaker" and the title track "Invincible." The pace then turns to a softer, smoother rhythm with the love ballads "Break of Dawn" and "Heaven Can Wait"

The first single released from the album, "You Rock My World" opens with a skit featuring Jackson and comedian Chris Tucker. "Butterflies," the second single to be released, is reminiscent of Jackson's '80s hit "Human Nature" from his Thriller album.

This mix of soulful ballads, R&B tracks and Jackson's famous style of singing makes for an appealing listening experience for both old and new Jackson fans.

'Jackson puts on his shades, after performing at a concert in the mid '80s. ,,.,1"h rP'" , r

Next, the team of Jones and riage between him and Lisa Marie Jackson worked on one of the Presley, had the media swarming most commercially successful al- for more. bums ever. "Thriller," which was After his release of a double released in 1982, had a long run of album, "History: Past, Present, successful singles like "Beat It," Future," it was discovered that "Billie Jean," and the most infa- Jackson had married again. This mous "Thriller." The album won time to a woman named Debbie seven Grammy awards for Jack- Rowe, with whom he had two Michael Jackson Halloween spe- son. Another hit which, came out children. The marriage ended in cial, "Michael Jackson's Ghosts." in 1993, was his duet with Paul October 1999.

Jackson also stopped traffic at McCartney, a song titled, "Say, Despite personal obstacles, Times Square in New York, at his Say, Say." Jackson would follow Jackson has succumbed the media first-ever in-store appearance at that up with the largest individual mayhem. After all, he did not_earn ..!.1;~YJ!_gi~.B~C:,0!9~_S~J~:.'J!vs_!!!_-__-~P.Q!1~8f§!,riJL4..e~l_~Y£r,sign~~~\~ of pop for nothing. cent frenzy concermng Jackson Pepsi. ·

The Michael Jackson Fan Club

P.O. Box 181275

Corpus Christi, TX 78480 www.mjfanclub.net