Michael Jackson has mistakenly been given the title of "musical genius."
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.…
Article comments
726 - Andre
I feel like Michael was one of those .. "oh my friends like him so i must like him too" artists. Many times music groups and people who have succeeded in music bussines started out well and after that the work was done for them .. after that all thats left of the actual artist is the face, image and the name he/she has created for themselves. Michael became famous because he was different .. but his music wasnt that great .. good but not amazing. But the main quiestion seems to be was Michael and only Michael behind his succes .. OF COURSE NOT .. HE GOT MORE HELP FROM WRITERS AND OTHER PROFESSIONALS than any talented artist could ever hope for.
727 - Jeff
The most overrated artist to ever "Moonwalk" the face of the Earth. The only thing worse than his music are his fans.
728 - Frederik
What a fancy thing to call oneself!
I almost laughed so hard I had to lie down when i read your 2007 "article":
"Michael Jackson: The Most Overrated Musical Act Ever"
I don't understand how you can call yourself freelance writer. I could be that if i wanted. I would just have to sit down and write a load of crap about a musician. Have you ever researched something before you write? Well you haven't with the article I am referring to.
I am sure many have told you since that Michael was credited with playing multiple instruments on his songs. He made the Billie Jean demo all by himself in his studio. Michael Jacksons concerts where never supposed to be him singing and playing instruments. It was too simple for him.
Michael Jackson was a musical genius in every sense of the word. And you can't change it. Nobody can.
Michael Jackson has changed music forever. He had a true talent for performing, music, magic and love.
You must have a very bad taste in your mouth. I don't believe that anyone could be as stupid as you seem right now... I feel bad for you.
Envy is a bad thing. Michael was and is and will remain the greatest musical artist the world has ever seen. He will outlive you by ages.
His legacy will be the greatest most talented music the world has ever seen and yours will be shitty articles spredding hate and stupidity.
With hopes of you being well afterall,
Frederik, Denmark
[Personal contact info deleted]
729 - Don Sarmiento
MICHAEL JACKSON IS THE GREATEST ENTERTAINER THAT EVER LIVED.
730 - Gelgamark
Kurt Cobain? That whoosh you hear is your credibility flying out the window. Only a true moron would cite that 2 chord howler as a "genius". Disgraceful.
731 - mfranz
I smell a li'l something... Jealousy.
732 - MJRocks
Are u fucking out of your mind... u btter give credite to MJ, because he is, he will be the King Of POP... no one can ever ever take that from him...
RIP MJ.. Iluv u
Luv from India
733 - Gitte
I have beeen a Michael Jackson fan since I was 11 years old, that is 33 years ago, and I have never EVER heard anyone speak about him that way you do. He was not only a musical genius, but also the greatest dancer, entertainer, and creator the world have ever seen. I will love him to the end of my days :)
734 - kELLY
have u ever listened to Jam by MJ ? Its fucking brilliant ! And have you never seem MJ perform as a child ? Stevie is a prodigy as well but he cant' dance better than Fred Astaire ,now can he ? I don;t think Bono can dance either . I dont see Bono winning no awards for video's And How many Grammy's has Bono won ? Prince is the only one who comes close and he himself concedes MJ is the man . Prince & Michael were friends & respected each other FYI .Did you know MJ had a patent on the shoe he wore to do the famous LEAN move on the smooth criminal performance ,or did you want to give credit to QJones for that as well ?The whole concept of Smooth criminal video was created by MIchael NOT QJONES You really ought to do your frigging homework before you blab your mouth . I consider myself an expert on Michael so if you have any questions let me know .And as far as Bono being a humanitarian ,I read only 3% actually goes to charity {scam } he also {Bono { did not travel around the world visiting hospitals & orphanages before every single concert all over th world for over 43 yrs TOP THAT !!!!!!That's what makes Michael special the most, How many times are Bono , Stevie ,or Prince { Lov them all except Bono } in the Guiness Book of world records? MJ is in there about 10 times or more I forgot the exact number but u can check if you don't believe me Sorry but all you have done is make yourself look stupid by writing this idiot blog You should be thanking the man for donating so much {over 4 million & counting } time , money & energy towards the betterment of humanity This is a shameful persecution of an innocent man by you & all the other hateful people that say mean things about MJ . He is loved all over the world not just for his singing and dancing ,but his humanity .It 's all about L-O-V-E PS Michael owns the Beatles & Elvis he is a fucking genius ADMIT IT !!!!!Thanks for being an ingrate !
735 - MJRocks
@Kelly thank you so much for your lovely comment.... seriously this guy neeeded a good bashing n u did it well..i appreciate it...
RIP MJ
Luv India
736 - maxwell
I agree with the writer that MJ is overrated. Being able to dance well and write a few hit songs doesn't mean that MJ warrants the label musical genius.
737 - Tim
Wow... I see this blog continues to add comments. Well I've seen some comments and I'm ashamed to be a MJ fan at the moment. Some of y'all make the "Beliebers" sound intelligent.
Also to clear things up, "Thriller" didn't actually sell a hundred million albums, it only sold between 51-65 million, which is still a large number of record sales (far from the 44 million AC/DC sold with Back in Black, the second best-selling album of all time).
And people supporting their beliefs of "musical geniuses" on record sales, poll numbers and their personal preference have gotta calm down. That only gives people who don't necessarily like Michael at all even more ammo to dismiss Michael as some has-been 80s pop star that has a freakish cult group of diehards.
I think he was seriously musically talented. I mean he did come up with arrangements and composed what he heard and he had the musicians to bring it out. But that was when he was "hungry" (between 78 and 91 I should say). His genius came with the marketing and his own stage prowess. But even then he was only bringing elements from things he had seen as a child to the stage for a new generation.
I can see why the author would think he was overrated especially in the way the media operates now. Also, I think Michael (and probably Epic, Quincy and his management people) are to blame for what has happened in pop music. Thanks to Michael, that made easier for the Justin Biebers to step in...which is unfortunate considering Bieber wouldn't have stood a fair chance with a 12-year-old Michael from the Motown era. Now that's genius.
738 - baha
Justin Bieber can play various instruments and does so in his concerts? Does that make him a musical genius? No, of course not.
Just because Michael didn't play instruments on tour doesn't mean he couldn't.
I can't believe how biased and ignorant this article is you know, how can you say 'He wrote the cheesy “The Girl is Mine” all by himself' and completely ignore the fact that he wrote Billie Jean and Beat It? It's also wrong how some people give a lot of the credit to Quincy Jones for Thriller. Did you know he didn't even want Billie Jean on the album? Oh and "anybody who is familiar with other works by Quincy Jones can sense that he, not Michael, is the true genius behind this album" is bullshit.