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Michael Jackson: The ultimate makeover
The singer, in his "History" CDs, is working hard to prove that he's been the victim of evil schemes.
"Scream," which debuted at No. 5 on the Billboard singles chart, is too snarly-angry to connect with a wide audience. Its dated rhythm bed and melody- free tag line will turn listeners away after just a few spins. There are more substantial singles on the record. But there's also a lot of fluff - the title track, for example, and "Childhood (Theme From Free Willy 2)" - that begged for the editing-room floor.
Jackson works overtime to prove he's a good guy who's the victim of evil schemes. But what a persecution complex: In HIStory's variations on victimhood, he's hounded by salivating journalists ("Tabloid Junkie"),
stalked by the KGB ("Stranger in Moscow"), and a mark for extortionists ("Money").
Jackson has struck the victim pose before - what was "Billie Jean," after all? - but now he's playing the role with Broadway gusto, using the negative events of the last two years as fuel. On HIStory's best cuts, the street- corner-sassy "They Don't Care About Us," the new-jack kick "This Time Around," and the hip-hop-centered "Money" (which soars on the strength of its animated "Thriller"-esque chorus), Jackson proves he can still wring drama from conflict.
But his righteous fire gets tiresome. He complains. He whines. Where once he was dedicated to buoyant pop (think "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin' " or ''Beat It"), he now carries weighty adult concerns on his shoulders, and they nearly crush his songs.
In graphic detail, he sings about the death of an abused girl, "Little Suzie," suffocating us in his good intentions. He asks, in a cloying sob meant to elicit sympathy, "Where is my childhood? " And on the cluttered title track, he uses audio snippets of historical events to suggest that every day we are "leaving our legacy. " Deep thoughts from a guy whose claim to fame, just a few years back, was the ability to tease an exuberant, unapologetic pop hook from thin air.
Jackson should be asking "Where are my melodies? " There are a few stray addictive refrains scattered around. And every once in a while - particularly on the choruses that brighten "Money" and "Tabloid Junkie" - Jackson offers a glimpse of his old, effortless form. But, like the sedentary ''Scream," much of the up-tempo stuff never gathers momentum.
Maybe that's why Jackson gravitates toward the schmaltz that dominates the second half of HIStory. "Little Suzie" and the Chaplin tribute "Smile" are surrounded by studio-orchestra splendor. And the R. Kelly ballad "You Are Not Alone" comes from the Generic Production Number factory, complete with Quiet Storm strings. (Ever the trouper, Jackson sings it with overweening concern, as if he's comforting Bubbles or another of his animal companions. )
Jackson actually carries off "Smile," but the best part comes after the big finale, when he's heard singing and humming and whistling along with a cloppety-clop, stride-style piano track. As the music ends, Jackson laughs under his breath. It's as though, after spending more than 70 minutes shouting histrionic invective, he's finally able to breathe easily. Suddenly less seems at stake.
This was the place to start, not end - with a serious downsizing of the Michael Jackson mythology. Though his answering-the-charges vitriol might have provided him a therapeutic outlet, it didn't always yield memorable music.
The Life of Michael Jackson: From Child Star to Superstar
Aug. 29, 1958: Michael Jackson - seventh of Katherine and Joe Jackson's nine children - born in Gary, Ind.
October 1969: Motown releases Jackson 5 debut single, "I Want You Back"/"Who's Loving You. " Two million copies sold in six weeks.
January 1972: Got to Be There, Jackson's first solo album, released. Includes "Rockin' Robin. "
August 1972: "Ben," Jackson's ode to a rodent, is released.
October 1978: Jackson makes acting debut as scarecrow in The Wiz. Film's soundtrack contains hit "Ease on Down the Road," duet with co-star Diana Ross.
August 1979: Off the Wall released; 8 copies sold. Includes "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough" and "Rock With You. "
Dec. 1, 1982: Thriller released; 44 copies sold. Includes "Beat It" and ''Billie Jean. "
May 16, 1983: NBC airs Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever. Introduces 47 million American TV viewers to sight of Jackson moonwalking.
July 6-8, 1984: Jackson family Victory Tour opens in Kansas City.
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