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
376 - Cleveland guy
I totally agree with your take. There are entertainers, and there are "artists." Being popular is not the same as creating work of quality and deep meaning and doing so consistently. If you want to see ARTIST who have done that look to the Beatles and the albums Revolver, Rubber Soul, Sgt. Peppers, and Abbey Road. Or, take a look at Fleetwood Mac's Rumors. Prince's Purple Rain, Bruce Springsteen's Born to Run, Born in the USA, or Darkness on the Edge of Town albums. There, you will see artist at work. To call MJ a musical genius is like saying the guy who painted poker playing dogs a greater artist than Monet just because you see those dogs everywhere.
377 - surprised
MJ is definitely a musical genius! i guess everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but have u ever heard his songs? such diversity - is a genius, legend, immortal thru his work
378 - Mj sucks
Most of the people responding about Michael's musical genius, probably have no experience with the music-making process.
379 - MJ Lover
Micheal Jackson wrote and danced like no other. [personal attack deleted]
380 - Rossy
well. In my opinion Michael Jackson was an amazing artist he had great abbilities. it will be really hard to replace him. who could dance with that exact rythm, if you see him in his performances he always have incredible coordination with the rythm of the music. also he sings perfect t the same time he dances and he never makes a mistake with the words of the songs.
he also tried to send positive messages by his music it's really important to try to make people think about taking care of our World and he tried to give people the best he can. he gave love I think he had a litle child soul he was a good man, but many people couldn't see that. he also made mistakes but he tried the best he can to do good to people. also he gave us his music, his talent and it was the most talented artist in his way. what he did was the best he can nd he was incredibly talented, incredible dancer and composer also amazing singeer.
381 - al
Well-said 'Mj sucks'!
I dont think he had any understanding of building a track from start to finish. Sugary over produced pop music. It has its place though I suppose. Although I doubt there are any "proper" artists that would hold him in high regard (Unless they've made money from him in some way).
382 - Wibbly Wobbly Sausages
Kurt Cobain haha
383 - vincent osawe
you said michael jackson is overrated,you got to talk about another michael jackson because the michael the world knows most is michael joseph jackson.michael is the only muisc artist with all talent.he can sing,dance,rap,write songs,play instruments,beatbox,and many more.michael jackson is the king of music.he has the power to come out with music that everybody in the world will like.you should write him a letter saying that he's overrated and a bet you that when he proves you wrong coming out with another album i promise your ass would buy it.michael is the best period i know it,everybody knows it,and most of all you know it.Think before you embarrass yourself like you already have.
384 - angel
nobody knows what happened michael had money and he was a nice person and people and oppurtunists around him felt they should take advantage of him by telling lies and making it turn into something big. there were jelous people also. mad because he was the only artist who ever in this whole entire world to ever sell out more albums than anyone, mad and jeleous because he is the first artist in this world to ever from the age of 5 being the best music performer and artist til his 40's nobody has ever been a big artist from age of 5 til 40's if the osmonds were to put out a new record now they won't get no play.
When you have sold more records than anyone in showbusiness history then they just have the tendency to try to pull you down.
He was a very powerful, influential and rich Black Man who
pissed some Whites off. Hurt The Beetles and Elvis, they didnt like that did they now you get it.
When District Attorney Tom Sneddon smugly announced that Michael Jackson was to be criminally charged, and that Neverland was being raided, he was so blinded by greed, jealousy and vengeance that he could not see that the degenerate family he had sided with, the Arvizo family, in order to try and take Michael Jackson's freedom from him, and ruin his reputation, all so that Sneddon could bask in glory, would actually bring Sneddon the ultimate humiliation. Sneddon's case against Michael Jackson was built on lies, and was created by liars, and Sneddon got exactly what he deserved, failure!!!
When Michael Jackson was put on trial, accused of having molested Gavin Arvizo -- who had learnt from his family how to extort people -- the media refused to tell the truth. The media refused to acknowledge, or discuss, what was actually going on in the courtroom that was favorable to Michael Jackson. The testimony that pointed to Michael Jackson's innocence, the success Michael Jackson's attorneys had in exposing the prosecution case for what it was, sham, was ignored by the media, the media refused to tell the truth.
When prosecution witnesses who desired to fill their pockets with Michael Jackson's money, who hoped to become rich by selling false stories, who falsely accused Michael Jackson, and who made up as many lies as possible, as horrible as possible, to extort as much money as possible from Michael Jackson, were exposed, it was ignored by the media, the media refused to tell the truth.
When the accuser, Gavin Arvizo, and his family, mother Janet Arvizo, and siblings Star Arvizo and Davellin Arvizo, stumbled over their lies, contradicted themselves continually, became argumentative when presented with facts that proved they were liars and extortionists, it was ignored by the media, the media refused to tell the truth.
When Michael Jackson's young cousin testified that the accuser, Gavin Arvizo, and Gavin's brother Star tried to get him to masturbate in their presence, it was ignored by the media, the media refused to tell the truth.
When it was revealed that Michael Jackson's former employees only claimed to have seen inappropriate behavior by Michael Jackson AFTER THEY WERE OFFERED MONEY AND PAID BY TABLOIDS/THE MEDIA, it was ignored by the media, the media refused to tell the truth. (Michael Jackson successfully sued these former employees many years ago, they still owe him money.)
When Michael Jackson's current employees testified that the accuser, Gavin Arvizo, and his family slept in guesthouses at Neverland (and not in Michael Jackson's bedroom), that they caused a great deal of trouble at Neverland, left a huge mess at Neverland, damaged and defaced property at Neverland, attacked the animals at Neverland, pulled knives on Neverland employees, stole from Neverland employees, stole from Michael Jackson, extorted Neverland employees by lying about their financial circumstances, extorted the government by lying about their financial circumstances, extorted other celebrities by lying to them and falsely accusing them, caused trouble wherever they went, and to whoever was unlucky enough to befriend them, overall having been shown to be users, liars, thieves, troublemakers and criminals, it was ignored by the media, the media refused to tell the truth..... until now.
Aphrodite Jones, a reporter, ashamed of her behavior during Michael Jackson's trial, having realized that she was wrong, has written this book - "Michael Jackson Conspiracy" - which is pretty much a compact version of Michael Jackson's trial. It details exactly what happened in the courtroom at Michael Jackson's trial (using actual trial testimony), the facts that were revealed and exposed, the witnesses and what they stated, how Michael Jackson's defense team managed to successfully destroy prosecution theories and witnesses on a daily basis, how the media did not want to report anything that was favorable to Michael Jackson or his defense team, how some media reporters had already secured deals to have access to Michael Jackson if he was to be found guilty and imprisoned (which is disgusting, because this behavior implies that these jerks preferred that a child had been molested so that they could profit), and how Michael Jackson was found NOT GUILTY by a jury that saw right through the lies, right through the Arvizo family, right through District Attorney Tom Sneddon and his sham case, and right through the media garbage that has been circulating for years about Michael Jackson.
So, if you want the truth about Michael Jackson, how he has become a target for liars who want to become instant millionaires, and the victim of a media that promotes and prefers lies, read "Michael Jackson Conspiracy".
385 - funso
why entertain a fool? The writer of this article is clearly the biggest fool in the world.
Micheal Jackson said a long time ago. When he stared breaking records for albums sales.. All the jealousy and speculation started.. He said some people in the business did not like that fact he has out sold Elvis and the beatles, which lead to these record companies exaggerating the success of these past artist..... A lot of people don't know actually that Micheal Jackson out Elvis and the Beatles long time ago, and the corrupt guys hated this, which they have then changes the record to claim success that the artist never achieve.
Also, people should believe it... Some people hate the fact MJ is a black guy.. A black that achieve greater succuess and influence that a white guy will always attract people that tried to undermine his achievements..... I hope people see that MJ life was more than music itself, but a lot of musical politics were involve in his life, which i believe he was framed by people that were jealous of him and wanted to destroy his image, but he greatest outshine this and these evil people hated him the more..
386 - Kumar
What is this garbage writing?! How can someone sing, dance and play an instrument?
Jackson was a genius. Always was and always will be.
387 - Ken D
your article is obviously based on a lot of ignorance get help there is hope for you to ignorance tomorrow genious tomorrow.
One
388 - Lori
No need to argue. MJ's record speaks for itself. The lies were just that, lies. Regarding author, only one word: JEALOUS
389 - Mo-ron
That ignorant moron must be a 20 year old apprentice.What a joke!
I have 2 words for you:career change.
390 - Frank
I strongly agree. Compared to the real black musical genius of the 19th century: Hendrix, Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, BB King, Buddy Guy, Junior Wells, etc, etc, etc. MJ was a novelty carnival act. His famed dancing you can see in any 1930's musical (including the moon walk), and he sang like a girl and had meaningless songs with immature lyrics. As a child he was extremely talented, as an adult he was way,way OVERRATED.
391 - S.M.
Well -
I don't know what to think. I've got mixed feelings on Michael Jackson. As far as his singing and dancing, I don't exactly think either of those is overrated. Yes, sometimes his voice had an androgynous tone but over the years, his vocals did improve IMHO and I can't contest the quality of his voice. As far as dancing - you know what, I never have really watched a lot of it, but I can acknowledge if he was a one-of-a-kind dancer.
The one problem that I see is with MJ's songwriting. When I say songwriting, I simply mean the shape of the melodies - not even the instrumentation or production, but simply and strictly speaking - the melodies.
I think Darryl has a point in questioning the musical genius of MJ, because I am too. I have all his major albums, so please, do not try to accuse me of not having his material. I do believe however that MJ has been brilliant at songwriting here and there, and had the capacity to be so. I will conclude that overall, he was a GOOD songwriter, but the best songwriter ever? That's where I have to stop. Sorry but there are TONS of songwriters better than Michael Jackson. MUCH better. In terms of musical complexity, lyrical complexity, etc.
I am also not to crazy about the fact that he never bothered to read music. Look - I took orchestra starting in 4th grade, and we learned how to read Three Blind Mice on the musical staff or whatever you call it. We learned what quarter notes and all that jazz (no pun intended) looked like. I'm quite dismayed that MJ never bothered to read what his music ever LOOKED like. If a 10-year-old can learn to read BASIC notes on the musical staff, how come MJ never bothered to try to learn even how to read a quarter note?
I will admit that many people around the world who are illiterate in all dimensions can play music very well. But people in the first world have the opportunity to learn how to read it, even in grade school. I'm sorry but there's no excuse for MJ not learning how to read music.
I would never say though that MJ isn't phenomenally talented in his OWN right. As far as singing, he is unparalleled, and dancing I might even say that, but by the same token there are so many different types of dancing that I consider talented, that it's like apples to oranges. I still stand by what I said - MJ is far from being the best songwriter we've ever had. He's excellent in his own right, but there are better.
392 - dale
Say what you want about his music... but you have to admit the "woooos" and "weeees" that he puts in almost every song gets old quick.
393 - Craig
Please!? How the hell can you call Kurt |Cobain a Musical Genius and say MJ is not? And to say that if Mj was left on his own in a studio he wouldnt be able to write any ything, well clearly you should do your research as MJ wrote, Billy Jean / wanna be startin something / beat it / dont stop til you get enough / speed demon / smooth criminal etc on his own, in fact if you do your reserach I think you'll find that most of his best music was written and composed by Michael Jackson! And yes I know Rod Temperton wrote Thriller! For me thats not MJ's best work. He also played guitar and drums on the Track Morphine, also written and composed by MJ, he played piano aswell! Just because he never played an instrument on stage does not discredit his status as Musical genius! U2 are a more over rated musical act!! Lets look at the facts Michael Jackson= Great singing voice, amazing dancer! Brilliant creative mind and to top it off can also play the guitar , drums and piano! I'd like to see you do better! i'd also like to see any of the so called Musical geniuses you listed achieve all that, especially Mr Cobain who based his career around 3 sloppy chords, he was a good song writer NOT a musical genius! Also I personally think that whilst Thriller is a great album, Bad / Dangerous / invicible are all equally as good on different levels. Ok so they didnt sell as much, may I point out that Thriller has been on the record shop shelves a lot longer than the other albums, also that was a landmark album and people will always measure his efforts against that, it changed the music industry forever, it is unfortuante that musicasl output is judged against previous albums instead of on individual merit! MJ is GOD end of!!!!
394 - JonnyB
[personal attack deleted] Just Because His music Is popular sounds good and isnt done by a hippy plus hi does play an instrument his Voice DUH!!! Its considred an instrument
395 - Shay Jackson
U r a pathetic and sad excuse for a writer. U remind me of these tabloids just trying to get attention by writing negative and false acussations. Even these high profile celebrity bloggers such as perezhilton or even tmz get facts before posting a blog. U r basically speaking of the top off ur head instead of doing hard core research. Then u resort to name calling? Wow so 2nd grade. U went totally off topic of the article u wrote up top clearly talking about Michael as an entertainer not his personal life (calling him a pedophile and even posted J. chandler's side of the allegation)need i say again OFF TOPIC! Hence, this shows ur dislike towards Michael. Michael wrote many songs;( I know they made a list But I am naming the ones I didnt see.) Liberian Girl, smooth criminal, this place hotel, speechless, heal the world, gone too soon, black or white, on the line,dangerous, give into me, they dont really care about us, one more chance, the lost children, you are my life,muscles (for diana ross),and he is the sole writer of these, he also co-wrote many songs such as remember the time, she drives me wild, in the closet, heavon can't wait, break of dawn, keep the faith, jam, p.y.t, the girl is mine, can u feel it, dance and shout ( to name a few) Michael impacted audience around the world. His this is it tour sold out within 15 mins. He is named chief in many tribes in africa who dont even own t.v sets! I dont need to defend the notion of him playing instruments bc ppl already did. So plz I ask daryl do some research before u rant again. Daryl u are hurtin ppl aswell not bc they are celebrities donot think they dont have feelings. How do u feel that ur writing bad stuff about ppl to make urself feel good.
396 - Shay Jackson
it says personal attacks are not allowed but u called michael a pedophile and even posted j chandler's side of the allegation. I think the poster V. is daryl aswell. I know the MJ fans who ripped u to shreds made u feel lyk dirt. I would of deleted this pathetic, sad post after the comments I read.
397 - ausk
MJ was a good entertainer. He was in no way a musical genius. In fact he was musically illiterate. He had no formal training in composition,, harmony,etc. and could not read or write down music. He was master of no instrument and his playing of piano, drums etc. was like so many of our modern "musicians"; rudimentary and by ear. His dancing was impressive and his private life bizarre. When you speak of musical genius, don't contaminate the likes of Bach, Beethoven, Mozart and thousands of true musicians by including his name. just the truth, no hype.
398 - Andy
This article is 100% spot on
399 - JD
He was a great dancer with innovative videos there's no shame in that, but in no way was he a "Musical Genius" Especially when most of the Music was created by Quincy Jones/Motown.
400 - overreation
so Tired of hearing this man's name. he's dead. move on.
401 - Akaash
this writer hasnt proved anything.. not a single thing ...HES JUST A HATER and thats the only thing i conclude.. dude ur confused urself..u dont know whether to take mj's side or not.. and ur dumb enough to not take his side so end of topic.. well done wasting ur time writing this article. He's trying to be like martin bushir(guy who did the documentary on mj) n get some popularity..LOL @ "MJ: Most overated" Really man i hate people like you..
402 - Akaash
"Personal attacks", how about u talking crap about MJ buddy? OH THATS NOT PERSONAL IS IT ?
403 - Andrew
You know a lot of people liked Hitler too, and still do till this day.
404 - Alpha Tauri
hahaha...What? You are probably under the influence of some serious mind altering drugs!
MJ=Genius,whether you like it or not.Deal with it!
405 - david
Michael jackson overrated? Why do you have the nerve to call him the self prclaimed King of Pop, when he was given that name? He did not give himself that title, why do you use hatred slurs to deteriote his image, making him seem less manly, this lets me know you are very envious of the greatest entertainer of all time, Michael could also play the drums, and the piano, but his fans wanted to see him dance, you don't come to see Michael jackson on a guitar, or drums, or even the piano.
His beat it song, was first recorded with MJ on the drums then he had Van Helen to the guitar rift.
Michael has the best selling album, and has inspired millions, nothing any other artist have done, not even Elvis has as many records as MJ, if you want to talk overrated talk Elvis presley.
406 - david
ausk, MJ been singing since he was 9, he wrote 46 of his songs, and also wrote hits for other artist.
How is he music illiterate? Some of his best songs, that never got radio play, were very well written by MJ, man is a legend. Like I said he can play the piano, and drums, you go to a MJ concert its the best the world has ever seen, hundreds faint at his concert, He is the greatest entertainer that has ever lived.
407 - Graham.
All of you claiming to be graduated music students wondering about the musical content and validity of his songs or songwriting ability, should really be slapped on the hand and go and do some more research.
If you are considering this article as a serious statement, then shouldn't you seriously question Elvis, The Beatles and so many others?
Some of the best musical ideas are the most simple, and at the fundamentals of what we perceive as music. As a music student myself, I know that we all study these simple ideas in great detail to help us apply these ideas for ourselves when we compose.
The point of music is communication. To feel a connection with the music and convey your own emotions, statements and arguments in a way everyone can understand, or in an universal format.
There's a reason he made millions and why we are all typing on this blog.
He made you press repeat on your CD players.
He made you buy every ticket for his sold out shows.
He made us all buy almost a quarter of a billion of his records.
He made you sit there and learn his songs because you found yourself engaged with the music.
In my opinion, that's musical genius.
408 - bloopp
i agree he's not a musical genuis, but he's a great performer/singer
409 - Sean
You need your head tested pal, I can only laugh at the way you've written this article without so much of a hint of research being done, Everyone has already given multiple reasons why Mj is a genius already but I will say this - To say Cobain is more talented than MJ is a joke, Cobain is a typical two bob artist who died tragically and somehow gets a legacy - Michael spent years earning his, enough said.
410 - get it right
The media/writer's/tabloids can not stand the fact that this beautifully talented genius of a black man can rise to the peak of fame and leave everyone else behind. Sweetheart Michael has raised the bar so high that no one will ever ever be able to reach it. I don't care who's name you throw out there. They won't compare. Michael might be gone in body, but he is not finished making music. His legend will live on forever. AND It is not nice to speak ill of the dead either. God don't like ugly.
Invensible IS under rated. I think that is one of the best CD's of 00. If you don't have you need to get it.
411 - You don't need to know.
*laughs hysterically at this article*
dude, two words: YOU FAIL.
according to merriam-webster, the second definition for genius is, and i quote: "extraordinary intellectual power especially as manifested in creative activity." now granted, if you wanna compare stars, the musicality of other rockstars may be more TECHNICALLY knowledgeable, but THAT is it. those are all things in due time that possibly can be taught. whereas michael jackson was exposed to music and only music and that's all he lived. michael jackson was consummately gifted, whether you like it or not. songs and melodies would just APPEAR to him. i have an emotional attachment to music, and as much as i try, the only way that happens for me is if i touch the piano. michael's ability was not a dime a dozen. additionally, as much as i LOVE prince and believe he is a musical prophet, if you were to ask him to let the music overtake him in the manifestation of movement, not much would come about.but that would happen to michael. and honestly, if U2 were that amazing, they would have had a more influential effect on the world, and honestly, i don't notice much :/. i notice prince. i notice stevie wonder. i notice MICHAEL JACKSON. i notice the beatles. i notice elvis. from the tone of your prose, your writing sounds nothing more than the rants and ravings of someone jealous and/or someone attempting to take away the only thing michael had left before he died, his music. because the media took everything else away from him. your biased propaganda will not get far. everyone's entitled to their own opinion, but because some perspectives are so extremely warped, some opinions sound ridiculous. *rolls eyes*
have a good day sir. god bless ?
412 - You don't need to know.
and another thing is people fail to realize that negative comments about someone will never hold in eternity. people waste their breath complaining. no one cares 5 seconds after you say it. just because you gained your little known "success" off of someone's misfortune along with the other people who agree with you, you guys fail to realize that it doesn't matter what you say. you will die in obscurity, and no one will remember you. michael jackson has been immortalized, whether you like it or not. period. it kind of stings, i know. :/ but you shorten your life when you complain about it. just live your life!
413 - Alex
Bono better than MJ?
Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha...................Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahha..................Hahahahahahahahahahahaaha.....
414 - Bloggychica
LOL
This article is certainly hilarious and attention grabbing. It's attention grabbing in the same sense that an article expounding the mediocrity of Whitney Houston's pre-21st voice would be, or one about the humanitarian character of Adolf Hitler.
I'm hoping that you actually know better than what you wrote, and you are just someone who wishes to put yourself out there using shock-value tactics.
Michael Jackson's music, some of which from before i was even born (i'm 20) sounds to my youthful ear, exponentially more worthwhile than the crap being shoved down my throat from today's popular contemporary acts. That is what you would call *timeless* music - the majority of which he wrote and composed his own damn self. My 80-something year old grandmother as well as my 3 year old nephew are fans of Michael's music. His music knows absolutely no generational bounds. The same cannot be said of pretty much any of the other musical acts of the 80s. Everyone has had the opportunity to point out the factual inconsistencies *cough* lies *cough* that you base your opinion on, so i won't belabor the point.
However, as i said, this article commendably does get itself noticed lol albeit for all the wrong reasons. It gives me the idea of going on my own blog and writing about The Most Underrated Musical Geniuses of All Time: Rihanna and Britney Spears.
That should just about garner similar amounts of traffic and responses...
LOL