Does Michael Jackson's new album honor his legacy?

Does Michael Jackson's new album honor his legacy?
The reviews are in for the superstar's album of previously unreleased material, "Michael." Is it a worthy coda to the King of Pop's career?
posted on December 16, 2010, at 7:30 AM
Fans may be ecstatic over the release of the posthumous album

Fans may be ecstatic over the release of the posthumous album "Michael," but critics wonder if there is any of the real Michael Jackson to be found in its tracks. Photo: Corbis

Best Opinion: Entertainment Weekly, LA Times, Wash. Post

Nearly a year and half after his death, Michael Jackson has a new album out this week. The record, simply titled "Michael," is a collection of previously unreleased material, unfinished tracks, and B-sides, mostly from the latter stages of the megastar's career. But "Michael" has stirred considerable controversy, with critics saying the vocals have been manipulated so much that it's not clear it's actually Jackson singing, and fans and celebrities have expressed outrage that the material is even seeing the light of day. Is "Michael" any good — and would the superstar have approved of it?

It is not bad, but leaves you wondering: "Michael" is "arguably stronger" than Jackson's 2001 release, Invincible, says Leah Greenblatt at Entertainment Weekly. It's a "solid" effort "as far as musical epitaphs go" — the "airy, danceable" track "Monster" is a highlight. But Jackson was famously a perfectionist in the studio, and listening to the album, "it's hard not to not wonder what he would have done differently — or if he would have wanted us to hear it at all."
"Michael"

This should not be part of Jackson's legacy: There isn't much reason to pick up this "10-track batch of Jackson leftovers," says Chris Richards at The Washington Post. Obviously, the King of Pop couldn't personally approve the album, but "many of these tunes are bland enough to make you wonder if he had any hand in it at all." To pass off these pale imitations as real Michael Jackson songs is "sickening stuff."
"Album review: Michael Jackson, 'Michael'"

It underscores the mystery surrounding Michael: The album "can't help but feel like the work of zombie hands," says Margaret Wappler at The Los Angeles Times. The posthumous production process, which involves "many different creators," raises "as many questions as it answers." It's anyone's guess what Jackson would have done with the songs, and that unknowability reminds listeners that he's "still a mystery, the ultimate phantasmagoria of pop music."
"Album review: Michael Jackson's 'Michael'"

MUSIC REVIEW : R Kelly's Love Letter

The best selling R&B artist of the decade , R Kelly is back with a brand new album.

What is interesting to see in this new album by R Kelly is that , Kelly is back in the production of the songs in full swing.

All the songs are produced by R Kelly himself.

Remember the last studio album of R Kelly - Untitled had a bunch of new producers.

The Album begins with Love Letter , this song has a fantastic start with Kelly reciting those lovely words.But overall its an average opening track.

The next track in the album is Number One Hit , this song is better than the previous one . It has catchy beats.


Now the fun really begins from Lost In Your Love , beautifully written and composed. The melody stays with you.

R Kelly has done an outstanding job, both as a producer and as the lead singer.

This track is going to be loved by the young Kelly fans in particular and also by his old loyal fans.

The fun continues with Just Can't Get Enough , brilliant vocals and arrangements. People will love this song if it is well promoted.

The next song Taxi Cab , is just an average song with heavy arrangements.


But the next track Radio Message is another treat to hear. R Kelly fans have something to enjoy for a long time. This song stays in your mind. Again R Kelly's vocals shines like a bright sun.

Rest of the songs are average to good with few exceptions like How Do I Tell Her? , this song straightly comes from R Kelly's heart. The ending of this song is a treat to listen.


Over all the album is excellent in every department and R Kelly has a winner in his hand. I hope Kelly takes all effort to promote this album.

Unlike many of Kelly's other albums, this album is having better lyrics and adult rated lyrics are avoided.

I hope the masses will like this album and this album has everything to increase the fan base of Kelly.

The album is likely to have a tough battle with Michael Jackson's Michael at the charts.

Overall : 9/10.