The title could easily go to Bono who, along with U2, has recently produced “critically acclaimed” music that I, as well as others, believe most other bands would be kicked off of their labels for making. Then there are the Rolling Stones, a group many say should have quit a long time ago (they're wrong!). Bruce Springsteen is another candidate to some, while Tom Petty is easily overrated to others. There are some who even think the Beatles are overrated.
As much as some may dislike one or all of these acts, they do something that the self proclaimed “King of Pop” has never done: play an instrument live in concert! I would also bet that if these acts were left alone in the studio with no outside help, they would come up with something. What they come up with may not be impressive, but they certainly wouldn’t be lost like Michael Jackson, the act who is falsely described by many critics and fans as a “musical genius.”
Don’t get me wrong. Michael Jackson was (and stress the word) a very talented guy (or is it girl these days?): he hit convincing high notes; his dancing skills were quite impressive; and he had (and stress that word) a career that very few can ever dream of. But he is far from being a musical genius and to call him one insults true musical geniuses such as Prince, John Lennon, Bob Dylan, or Kurt Cobain.
You may argue that the fact Thriller is the biggest selling album of all time certainly puts Michael Jackson into the genius category. Tell that to Quincy Jones, the actual main producer of the album. Michael Jackson did take part in writing and co-producing many of the songs (He wrote the cheesy “The Girl is Mine” all by himself), but anybody who is familiar with other works by Quincy Jones can sense that he, not Michael, is the true genius behind this album.
Article comments
— go to most recent comments1 - Dorothy
Michael is a musical genius and will always be one. He has been in the music buisness since he was 9 years old (and there is hardly anyone who I know of who has lasted this long). He has broken boundries for all black people in the music buisness and "pop culture" itself. He has done things that no one will do for the next 200 years or longer. He has the biggest selling album of all time (and yes he does have to do with it) selling over 100 million copies( look that up in the recent Genisus Book of World records). He fought to be the first black person to be on MTV. If it weren't for Michael NOT one single black person would be on MTV (and there wouldn't be an MTV today). There wouldn't be a Justin Timberlake,Usher, Chris Brown, Omarion, Mario, Rkelly, and many others. These people whom I named have said Michael is thier influence. He is a musical genius because he can play instruments (piano, bongos, drums, guitar). His father had every single one of the Jacksons to play an instrument and so that is why Michael can play an instrument. He is a musical genius because he has thought of music videos as a "short film" he went over and beyond what any other singer would do. He made his "short films" have a beginning, middle and ending.His "short films" tell a story visually. He is a musical genius because he can dance. His dance is seen in many cultures around the world to on stage with Justin, Usher, Omarion, Mario, Chris Brown. He has invented his own dance movements to have others copy his dance. He is a musical genius because he can outsell a stadium within minutes even to this day. He can set up a show that would be talked about for years to come. He is a musical genius because his music can be heard for many generations because he pours out his heart and soul when he writes his music. His music influences many aspects of peoples lives. His music can influence many ages as well. I know people who are 5- 80 years old who love his music to this day. Michael is a musical genius if people give him a chance and not judge so quickly on what media has to say about him. Michael is here on earth to entertain and just give people a good time and to remember what music really is about.
2 - Travis
I cant believe this article is even being written. Michael Jackson overrated? Oh man, we have to assume the writer of this article is on something.
May i remind the writer that we are talking about the man who wrote and composed: Don't Stop Til Ya Get Enough, Billie Jean, Beat It, We Are The World, Bad, The Way You Make Me Feel, Smooth Criminal, Dirty Diana, I Just Can't Stop Loving You, Black Or White, Earth Song. And may i also remind the writer (who if he did his research) that Michael Jackson has been credited in multiple albums of playing the guitar, keyboard, and drums. (please refer to album credits for History, Blood On The Dance Floor and Invincible)
But anyways, ignoring Michael Jacksons phenomenal dance moves, incredible ability to sing multiple genres of music, and his electrifying stage performances, i guess thats not really talent? Infact, if we take this writers opinion to heart, i guess the word genius doesnt truly exist then.
The writer points out acts such as Kurt Cobain as "musical geniuses", acts who dont have a single grammy to their name. The same writer, says TWO TIME inductee of the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame is "over-rated".
Its sad that these insane opinions are out there. One thing however is clear, some people are just unable to overcome MJ's personal life traumas and give him credit for something usually everyone can agree upon, Michael Jackson is a musical genius.
Thank you.
3 - Travis
And may i also add, it is completely unrealistic to ever expect any singer to perform live with a microphone in one hand, while engaging in an intense dance routine all while playing a guitar and slamming away at the drums. As much as you dont wanna believe it, Michael is only human.
4 - John
you're an idiot. he plays musical instruments, everything from beat boxing the beats to songs like billie jean, which is the biggest hit off of thriller, to the piano an his talent in the studio goes with out saying. Listen to songs like Earth Song and Will You Be There, thats where his genius really is, and none of the acts you mentioned have ever put a song together like that. You're uninformed and i feel sorry for you, go buy the records, listen to them then look in the lining to see who did what on what song and you'll feel like a fool. Do not ever bash the King of Music. Best selling artist of all time, for a reason.
5 - Tina
I Totally disagree with your assessment. Michael Jackson DEFINITLY deserves all his success. He is possibly the most talented child star ever. He has natural, god given talent. You are wrong about several things also.
Off The Wall and Thriller were JOINT efforts by both Michael & Quincy and u seem to have CONVINIENTLY left out the fact that Michael wrote the biggest hits on the album by HIMSELF and co-produced them too. He wrote "Don't Stop 'Till You Get Enough" which was the biggest song on Off The Wall and lets not forget that MJ wrote, produced and came up with the baseline for the legendary "Billie Jean" which is considered to be one of the greatest pop songs ever.
Just because Michael doesn't play instruments like Prince, Stevie, etc. doesn't make him any less talented. You are way off the mark here. Michael Jackson is a genius. He is an excellent singer, dancer and performer. He is also a pretty good songwriter (I mean there is a reason why he was inducted into the songwriters hall of fame). Michael has choreographed quite a few numbers for his videos and he often comes up with the melodies for songs by himself. Also if Quincy was the real reason why OTW and Thriller did so well and not Michael, how come Quincy hasn't been able to duplicate that success since?
How come Michael was able to sell records without Quincy's help? Quincy helped produce "Bad" and that album sold less than "Dangerous" which was an album that came out a few years after "Bad" that Quincy didn't even work on. It's obvious you are just another one in the long line of "Lets bash Michael Jackson because it's the cool thing to do these days" wagon.
You wanna talk about overrated artists?
Talk about THe Beatles
Talk about Elvis Presley who NEVER wrote a song in his entire life.
Talk about Madonna who can neither sing or dance but is only good at generating publicity. NOW THAT'S WHAT I CALL OVERRATED.
You can't watch a video of little Michael singing "Who's Lovin' You" or his audition tape for Motown at 8 years old or his performance at Motown 25 and tell me the guy is overrated. He is one of the most naturally gifted artist I've ever seen. Michael has REVOLUTIONED dance, fashion and pop culture. He has made two of the most important albums in music history. He has the biggest selling album of all time as we alll know. He REVOLUTIONED music videos. He's the KING of the music videos actually. I'm willing to bet you are just another jealous Prince fan. You sir are full of s***t.
6 - Qweety
Michael Jackson was, and will forever remain, a TRUE musical legend. He could dance, sing, and perform far better at the age of 11 than any of today's "hot" and uninspiring acts. The music industry is in need of a massive jolt, I'm praying that he puts out another album and brings some life back to the sad music scene. Piracy ain't the only reason why album sales are down, the music and performers are just plain boring these days!
7 - Kayla
Ommggg i cant believe this!!!
Michael Jackson is the best ever. I would say Prince and Kurt Cobain and all them are over-rated. Their music is boring and is not going withstand any time or generations.
MJ is UNDER-RATED. More people need to know about his great talents. This man writes music, composes music, produces and creates ideas for music videos, plays instruments, dances amazinglyy!!, and has a great catchy voice. That isnt a genius??? This man has won sooo many awards its crazy. He has sold hundreds of millions of records. This isnt some average over-rated singer. Jeeeze, get real here. GO MJ FOREVER!!
8 - candy
I DON'T AGREE WITH YOU AT ALL. MICHAEL JACKSON IS A MUSICAL GENIUS AND ALWAYS WILL BE. TO SAY THAT HE IS NOT IS LIKE SAYING THE SKY IS NOT BLUE.
9 - Dave
yo man im no real mj fan but u gotta giv the man his props. he is da guy who opened all da doors for the black man in the music bizness. that alone is a mad genius. i dont even like da guys music but i gotta say da man is a music legend, i'll giv him that.
10 - andrew
your just another jealous prince fan. even the michael jackson haters wont agree with this article. u've got to be out of your mind if u want to go to an mj concert n watch him sit and play an instrument (which he can) rather than dance.
ps. dont get me wrong prince is a legend aswell but dont try n take anything away from mike and his success
11 - Steve
Clearly this article was written with out any research by the writer. He needs to listen to the Deluxe edition of Off the Wall when Michael's versions of his biggest hits off the album sounds almost identical to the final version, BEFORE Quincy ever stepped into the studio. Or, listen to Michael's beatbox versions of songs like Billie Jean, Who Is It, or Tabloid Junkie to hear that Michael IS the instrument. It's become so easy to knock Michael Jackson, because no one will question a negative comment based on the "fact" that he is different then most people. If you are going to be a writer, then research your topic. People pay to see Michael dance. His movement has inspired countless performers. But because he doesn't play piano, he is less? I think not, my friend. I highly, highly disagree.
12 - The Enabler
Yep, spot on. He's right up there on my Overrated list, second only to the Beach Boys.
13 - JC Mosquito
Geez, Daryl, you really like to stir the pot... but I'll back you up on this one. And even if by some standard MJ's a genius, you're certainly right in saying he can't possibly be a greater genius than Pince, or Dylan, or Stevie Wonder, or the Beatles as a collective or anyone else you named.
He had at least a few near perfect tunes: Beat It, Billie Jean, Wanna Be Starting Something, and a couple more, but they weren't works of a genius - just a hard working, talented musician/pop star, who also, some believe, grew up to be a very sad and pitiable adult.
He's too easy a target - leave the poor boy alone... I mean daryl, of course. ;)
14 - E
he's the best! ask all my R&B artist! Black and White
15 - Jerome
*******
What a load of crap.
A first grader could write "Heal the World"? The lyrics may be too sappy for you, but do me a favor and listen to an instrumental version instead, and then find me a 6 year old who can simply sit down and compose a song like that without any outside help. Really. Go ahead.
Your argument is weak all over the place. For example, you reference that he wrote "The Girl Is Mine" all by himself, decide that its too cheesy a song, and therefore the success of the Thriller album should not be attributed to Michael? Thats pathetic logic and you know it. He also wrote the major hit from that album, "Billie Jean," all by himself. And other hit songs from that album, too.
In fact, he's been composing hit songs for decades now, and in many cases as the sole composer. Hit records aside, there are outstanding musical compositions, solely his, that still can be found on his recent albums, even on "Invincible" (the song "Speechless"). And on "History" (the song "Stranger in Moscow"). Somehow I doubt you've ever listened to either of these songs. And if Michael's song "Heal the World" was too sappy a composition for your taste, you should listen to "Will You Be There" instead - also a song writely solely by Michael on the "Dangerous" album. That someone can just sit down in a room and create songs like those is truly a gift. I can't do that. You can't do that. Michael can.
For the record, "Invincible" passed the 2 million mark in sales in the United States a long time ago. Either way, to focus on the sales of that album as evidence of Michael's overrated status as a musical act is ridiculous to begin with; for example, another choice of yours of a non-overrated musical act choice, Prince, has released many albums that have sold far less than 2 million copies, especially in the last fifteen years. Had you been writing a story on Prince somehow I doubt you would even mention that, much less hold that against him as a means to discredit his great career and talent. Making sense now?
So what is it that makes a musical act NOT be overrated? Is it songwriting skills? Or popularity & sales? You can't seem to decide which one it is in this worthless article.
Either way, Michael has both. If you want to argue it's hit records that are the true measure of someone's talent, which you (incorrectly) did to discredit Michael's work in the 90s and 00's, next we can go with your choice of Bob Dylan as an act not overrated: Bob Dylan has never had a #1 hit in his entire career. Did you know that? Should that discredit his talent? Of course not. It's a ridiculous way to measure the talent of an artist. (As an extra bonus for you, I will point out that Bob Dylan's vocals ARE featured in a song that did make it to #1. Oh wait a second, that was "We Are The World" - a song that was composed by Lionel Richie and ... Michael Jackson. Oh my!)
As you see, a legitimate and more intelligent article on measuring an artist's true talent and musical gifts would not have referenced Michael's physical appearance. Or the fact that Michael chooses to collaborate with other artists on projects. Surely someone who has listed John Lennon as a musical genius, as you have, and rightly so, would not frown on collaborations! Do you see where I'm going with this?
Do you see now why your article is a load of crap?
16 - WBSS
People as ignorant as you won't ever be pursuaded no matter what you're told, but I'll try anyway. Michael is a brilliant vocalist and dancer, and his music is progressive, continually producing the highest quality sound production I've ever heard, and is unique in sound. He's tops. Music like what you hear on "Bad", since you want to diss that album, it utterly unlike anything I've ever heard. What does it matter if the cord progressions aren't new, the sound was, the way it emoted, the way it was recieved. Michael is one of the most brilliant musical composer of the 20th century, in my opinion. You don't understand what it takes to sing at the capacity in which Michael does. Technical attributes aside, of which he has many, Michael is a genius of execution, his timing is impecable, his emotive expression and inflection, his depth of voice, the many ways in which he can change the tone and quality in so many ways, with each song or even each line of a song. Technically, he's above most professional vocalist's by miles. A 4 octave range, seamless transition between registers, amazingly rich, beautiful quality, etc... Michael is the most underrated vocalist in recent history, even his own fans don't understand the crushingly huge talent of him as a singer. He's got a one in a zillion voice, quality, control, emotion. "Heal The World" is an amazing song with beautiful melody. The message of the song is one of peace, and if your small mind had taken the time to listen to the lyrics, you might actually find the content to be extremely perceptive. Michael is UNDERRATED, because when you've got idiots comparing mediocre talent like Justin Timberlake, Usher and Chris Brown to him, it shows a real lack of comprehension as to just how gifted Michael Jackson truly is. An ignorance you obviously have demonstrated here.
Michael is also an exteremly prolific artist, and one sign of his UTTER musical genius is the fact that he doesn't need to sit down at a piano or some other instrument to compose, rather, he hears entire pieces in his mind, whole, from strings, to percussion, to direction and body.
And one last thing, the human voice is the ultimate instrument, as is the human body, two art forms Michael has demonstrated total and unmateched mastery over.
To top it off, your "blog" is littered with grossly mis-informed information and show's nothing but your extreme biast and dislike of Michael as a person by launching personal insutls his way, producing no real reason's as to WHY you thinks Michael is overrated and not genius material. All you can say is he hasn't played an instrument live, but look at the credits of several of his songs, Michael is LISTED as having played drums, keyboards and guitar, that's live, in the studio. You fail to mention that Michael also wrote, on his own, "Billie Jean", "Beat It" and "Don't Stop Till' You Get Enough", and continues to produce songs as equally brilliant.
17 - Greg
Do some research before writing an article like that you moron. That is the trouble with the internet it allows morons like you to have the there opinions heard. What have you ever done great in your life?
18 - sheri
I disagree strongly with the opinion of the author of the blog, but completely agree with the author of the following comment:
Michael is a musical genius and will always be one. He has been in the music buisness since he was 9 years old (and there is hardly anyone who I know of who has lasted this long). He has broken boundries for all black people in the music buisness and "pop culture" itself. He has done things that no one will do for the next 200 years or longer. He has the biggest selling album of all time (and yes he does have to do with it) selling over 100 million copies( look that up in the recent Genisus Book of World records). He fought to be the first black person to be on MTV. If it weren't for Michael NOT one single black person would be on MTV (and there wouldn't be an MTV today). There wouldn't be a Justin Timberlake,Usher, Chris Brown, Omarion, Mario, Rkelly, and many others. These people whom I named have said Michael is thier influence. He is a musical genius because he can play instruments (piano, bongos, drums, guitar). His father had every single one of the Jacksons to play an instrument and so that is why Michael can play an instrument. He is a musical genius because he has thought of music videos as a "short film" he went over and beyond what any other singer would do. He made his "short films" have a beginning, middle and ending.His "short films" tell a story visually. He is a musical genius because he can dance. His dance is seen in many cultures around the world to on stage with Justin, Usher, Omarion, Mario, Chris Brown. He has invented his own dance movements to have others copy his dance. He is a musical genius because he can outsell a stadium within minutes even to this day. He can set up a show that would be talked about for years to come. He is a musical genius because his music can be heard for many generations because he pours out his heart and soul when he writes his music. His music influences many aspects of peoples lives. His music can influence many ages as well. I know people who are 5- 80 years old who love his music to this day. Michael is a musical genius if people give him a chance and not judge so quickly on what media has to say about him. Michael is here on earth to entertain and just give people a good time and to remember what music really is about.
19 - someoneinthedark
Jealousy is the tribute mediocrity pays to genius
20 - someoneinthedark
People as ignorant as you won't ever be pursuaded no matter what you're told, but I'll try anyway. Michael is a brilliant vocalist and dancer, and his music is progressive, continually producing the highest quality sound production I've ever heard, and is unique in sound. He's tops. Music like what you hear on "Bad", since you want to diss that album, it utterly unlike anything I've ever heard. What does it matter if the cord progressions aren't new, the sound was, the way it emoted, the way it was recieved. Michael is one of the most brilliant musical composer of the 20th century, in my opinion. You don't understand what it takes to sing at the capacity in which Michael does. Technical attributes aside, of which he has many, Michael is a genius of execution, his timing is impecable, his emotive expression and inflection, his depth of voice, the many ways in which he can change the tone and quality in so many ways, with each song or even each line of a song. Technically, he's above most professional vocalist's by miles. A 4 octave range, seamless transition between registers, amazingly rich, beautiful quality, etc... Michael is the most underrated vocalist in recent history, even his own fans don't understand the crushingly huge talent of him as a singer. He's got a one in a zillion voice, quality, control, emotion. "Heal The World" is an amazing song with beautiful melody. The message of the song is one of peace, and if your small mind had taken the time to listen to the lyrics, you might actually find the content to be extremely perceptive. Michael is UNDERRATED, because when you've got idiots comparing mediocre talent like Justin Timberlake, Usher and Chris Brown to him, it shows a real lack of comprehension as to just how gifted Michael Jackson truly is. An ignorance you obviously have demonstrated here.
Michael is also an exteremly prolific artist, and one sign of his UTTER musical genius is the fact that he doesn't need to sit down at a piano or some other instrument to compose, rather, he hears entire pieces in his mind, whole, from strings, to percussion, to direction and body.
And one last thing, the human voice is the ultimate instrument, as is the human body, two art forms Michael has demonstrated a total and unmatched mastering of.
To top it off, your "blog" is littered with grossly mis-informed information and show's nothing but your extreme biast and dislike of Michael as a person by launching personal insutls his way, producing no real reason's as to WHY you thinks Michael is overrated and not genius material. All you can say is he hasn't played an instrument live, but look at the credits of several of his songs, Michael is LISTED as having played drums, keyboards and guitar, that's live, in the studio. You fail to mention that Michael also wrote, on his own, "Billie Jean", "Beat It" and "Don't Stop Till' You Get Enough", and continues to produce songs as equally brilliant.
the girl is mine ... wasn't that a 'Beatle' singing on that one with him
21 - Elijah
actually, singing, as in using one's voice musically, is also considered as playing an instrument. some even believe that the human voice is the greatest musical instrument of all.
22 - Oscar
Oh man!! Using U2 in your articles again?? I realized you are unable to understand some words so i´ll make it as easy as i can to you: S..T..O..P W..R..I..T..I..N..G, B..I..C..H..O
23 - Dee
You must live a very boring and pathetic life to have the time to write such absolute B***SH**. Nothing in this article has a ounce of truth. You come across as just another empty headed, envious, pathetic piece of white trash. That feel the need to throw around ridiculous misleading tabloid garbage to undermind someone that makes you feel bad about all your own short comings. The fact has always been and always remain, that he is, and always will be the king of pop. And for the record he never acknowledged himself as that. Nor have you ever seen him say he was. The title was given to him. Because he earned it. unlike freaks such as the ultimate seriously over-rated "artist" Elvis Presley. Who white America and (white America only) call the "king of rock and roll". The real kings are the black artist who created the genre. Elvis was never about sh** but being a drug addict, womanizing, peanut butter and banana sandwich eating, TV shooting, fat, pedophile. Who died on a toilet as the joke that he was and is. He's so called talent was limited and he never even wrote his own music. But he gets credit for pioneering things he had nothing to do with. He's only real accomplishment was making it OK for white artist to steal from the black culture to further themselves. Michael Jackson (for the record) does play his own instruments in the studio, as many artist and producers that he has worked with, could tell you. He actually did use to play some instruments live on stage when he performed with his brothers(The Jackson Five) on their tours. He has every right to make a decision to not play them on stage anymore, and focus on the dancing. That doesn't make him any less of an artist. He also writes his own music. As well as co-directs and co-choregraphs his videos and tours. He never needed to nor does he now need to rely on any other artist to enhance his work. He is and always have been a very talented, hard working, sweet, compassionate MAN. Who deserves to be able to live his life and do his job, without the never ending pathetic attempts to destroy his legacy and life.
24 - Kingrey
What's wrong with you!? Your some guy trying to get his name out there. Grant it Michael's newer albums haven't doesn't good as his old ones. But how can you top Thriller, oh yeah, you can't. This attention you are trying to bring to yourself is completely unnecessary, to hate on the greatest performer in history.
25 - fu
get a life...