Michael Jackson is back in stores Tuesday with Michael, a new album of material released by his record label against the wishes of his estate. Rarely are the dearly departed treated with dignity in the music business.
Criticisms have already been lobbed at the album, including those of his mother, Katherine, and brother, Randy, who claim that one of the songs ( Break-Breaking News) ) features a lead vocal track that is not Michael's. That's not all. Some of the songs are genuinely new, but others date back to the Thriller era. Lenny Kravitz is on there, which makes sense, but so is Dave Grohl (huh?) and 50 Cent (say what?).
It will be argued that the record should not have come out, that Jackson himself would not have authorized its release -- were he alive -- until all aspects met his approval.
Judging by his previous studio outing, 2001's Invincible, I'd say he no longer held himself to such high standards.
Here is a song-by-song account of Michael, the first in what will undoubtedly be a string of posthumous releases from the late King of Pop.
HOLD MY HAND, FEATURING AKON
Rating: 4
This swooning, chorus-laden ballad is a great track. Originally written by songwriter Claude Kelly for Akon's forthcoming album, Hold My Hand took its final shape after a Jackson-Akon studio session in 2008. "Things will go better," Jackson sings, "if you just hold my hand." If only that were a possibility.
HOLLYWOOD TONIGHT
Rating 2 1/2
Jackson's infamous vocal ticks are prominent on Hollywood Tonight, though the Auto-Tune sheen hurts more than it helps. The song's tepid chorus ( "She's going Hollywood, she's going Hollywood tonight") attempts to swing like Smooth Criminal, but the result is ultimately a failure.
KEEP YOUR HEAD UP
Rating 3 1/2
Ballads are a staple of every Jackson album, dating back to his days in the Jackson 5. Another constant is his apparent fascination with choirs. On the inspirational Keep Your Head Up, a choir takes the tune into full flight for the finale.
(I LIKE) THE WAY YOU LOVE ME
Rating 2
A voicemail from Jackson at the outset of (I Like) The Way You Love Me offers his directions on how he would like to the song to proceed, which adds some humanity to the proceedings. It is essentially a love song, though it does little to stir emotions during its 4:33 running time.
MONSTER, FEATURING 50 CENT
Rating 4
Monster, an aggressive banger that recalls Bobby Brown's My Prerogative, is one of producer Teddy Riley's finest forays to date. Though it features a fine verse from rapper 50 Cent, the tune belongs to Jackson.
BEST OF JOY
Rating 3
It has been reported that Best of Joy was the final song Jackson worked on before his unexpected death in June of last year. "I am forever," he sings, over a series of coos and some gently picked acoustic guitar.
BREAKING NEWS
Rating 2 1/2
Jackson goes on the attack on Michael, with not one, or two, but four songs documenting his distaste for those who judge him. The paparazzi fall victim to his poison pen on the horntastic Breaking News, which has all the makings of a classic MJ song, but none of the delivery.
(I CAN'T MAKE IT) ANOTHER DAY, FEATURING LENNY KRAVITZ
Rating 2
This dynamic duo looks perfect on paper, but their collaboration is another unfulfilling experiment. Dave Grohl of Foo Fighters is behind the drum kit for Another Day, though it sounds as if he's hardly there.
BEHIND THE MASK
Rating 4
Jackson is at his most energetic on Behind the Mask, an original by Ryuichi Sakamoto's Yellow Magic Orchestra that Jackson recorded during the Thriller sessions. One of the best songs on this so-so set.
MUCH TOO SOON
Rating 1 1/2
The world's greatest entertainer channels Dan Fogelberg's snooze-tastic slab of AM gold, Longer, for reasons unknown to anyone but himself. The title may stir emotions but this leftover from the Thriller era is a washout.
Listen to the entire album for free here.
