How the mighty have fallen. It happens throughout history: people trying to reclaim their past glory only to fail pathetically. Funerals are not entertaining, but let us not be too harsh. This is just a pop record or is it? In the mid-1980s, Michael Jackson could do no wrong. His album “Thriller” was a defining work of that era — the measuring stick by which all artists would have to compete for years to come. And let us not forget that it became one of the biggest commercial successes of all time achieving sales of 30 million copies worldwide.
Fast forward to the year 2001. Jackson is back with his first album of original material since 1991. He has also broken a record before the album was even released. “Invincible” has the dubious distinction of being the most expensive record ever made, with a studio bill estimated at $30 million. No small budget. But let’s take a look at the content.
With “Invincible” we see the once trendsetter playing catch-up. The production team and collaborators on this album read like a who’s who of the music biz. You’ve got the Notorious B.I.G (I thought he was dead), Babyface, Brandy, Rodney Jerkins, Carlos Santana, R. Kelly and last but not least Bubbles the Chimp. Even with all these talents on board, “Invincible” is a sterile effort. The songs don’t sound like music played by humans. Rather, they come off as the programmed work of a very talented robot.
The album is a lackluster effort with no real direction. Also Jackson’s singing is one of “Invincible’s” major annoyances. The hiccuping, the vibrating, the whoo-hooing. We know it’s his sound, but whatever happened to the concept of evolution.
“Invincible” has already topped the UK album chart, but then again so did Bob the Builder. I recommend this album to hardcore fans and people who enjoy tragic endings.
“King of Pop,” I don’t think so.
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“FEVER”: Kylie Minogue has been around the block a time or two. A veteran of the 1980s, she has probably dabbled in more musical genres than most artists would with several. Pop, rock, Indie, and dance music are all a part of Kylie’s past which has also seen her rise and dominate the charts, and also fall into temporary obscurity, with her former record label BMG dropping her once the hits stopped coming. But whoever made that decision must be kicking dust today.
Kylie shocked the music industry with her first single from “Fever,” the incredibly infectious “Can’t Get You Out Of My Head.” A single that not only spent several weeks at No. 1 on the pop charts, but also prevented Michael Jackson from reclaiming his position as the “King of Pop.”
The album is one of those that sparkle at every possible opportunity. It’s incredibly catchy and brilliantly produced. Kylie’s main message seems to be “if you want to have a good time you’ve come to the right place” or at least buy the right CD. She seems to have forsaken her pure pop roots for a more adventurous sound. Tracks like “More, More, More” and “ Love At First Sight” are guaranteed to get any party going.
There are no disastrous faux pas on this record, which — you must hand it to the 33-year-old diva — is no easy task, with so many pop acts still following that time-honored tradition of releasing an album with two hit singles and eight fillers.
Overall, it’s a very good dance album that won’t disappoint you, and it’s available at a record store near you.
