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Album Review: Invincible by Michael Jackson
In 2001, one of the most influential pop artists in musical history released what would be his last studio album during his lifetime. Four years had already passed since Jackson's last album in 1997, "Blood on the Dancefloor," a rather experimental album that collected remixes of his previous hits from the album History. At the end of the 90s, the singer set out to compose a completely new album, ensuring the collaboration of some of the greatest producers and music composers of the time, including Rodney Jerkins, Babyface, and Teddy Riley. Yet, behind the scenes, there were also some of the best sound engineers to make "Invincible" an original and unprecedented album.
Michael Jackson has always been known and renowned for his productions that are ahead of the times with arrangements and melodies. In addition, Michael brought in some great voices for the choruses and features, including the late rapper Notorious Big and Brandy, not to mention the melodious and haunting sound of Carlos Santana's guitar. After two intense years spent in the recording studios of New York and Los Angeles, and with the impressive budget of 45 million dollars, the album "Invincible" was born, preceded by great expectations and the more than promising promotional single "You Rock My World". But let's move on to the critical analysis of the 16 tracks present on the album:
"Unbreakable" is the opener chosen to introduce the listener to an atmosphere of electronic sounds and syncopated drum and keyboard rhythms. Michael's voice is energetic and furious, singing about his resilience to the challenges he has faced in life, affirming that despite everything, he is still standing. The track is a fusion of hip-hop and urban, with a virtual rap interlude featuring the late Notorious Big, who passed away in '96. The piece is very powerful and would have been a great hit single if it had been released.
"Heartbreaker" has a frenzied electronic and digital drum rhythm, full of presence, where Jackson sings about a cold love with a woman whose only amusement is breaking hearts. The rhythm is very hip-hop, echoing the rhythmic pattern of the previous track with R&B influences. The bridge is very sophisticated and well-supported by the choir, making it a good electronic piece.
"Invincible", the third track, is the album's title track and follows the rhythms and electronic drums of the previous songs. In this song, the singer talks about his attempt to win over a woman who is perpetually dissatisfied and almost unreachable on an emotional level. The antiseptic atmosphere makes the track a bit rigid to listen to, but it's certainly very danceable, and indeed it would also make a good club banger. Michael's final vocalizations are sensational and impassioned.
"Break of Dawn", the hip-hop atmosphere tried so far gives way to more melodious and soft tones with this fourth very relaxing and "smooth" track. The theme of the song is very romantic and sensual without falling into vulgarity. The electronic drum slows, allowing the R&B to flow toward sweet atmospheres accompanied by bird songs and synthesizers and keyboards that evoke the morning atmosphere. Michael's voice is very relaxed and pleasant to listen to.
"Heaven Can Wait", the soft atmosphere becomes almost dreamy when the choir opens this track with very R&B vibes. An ethereal and angelic love surrounds the listener with this heavenly song. The singer's romantic voice is appreciated for its remarkable peaks and highs, but the choir plays a fundamental role in the chorus, highlighting Michael's intent to stay alive to continue loving.
"You Rock My World", the ballad's atmospheres give way for a few minutes to a mid-tempo now considered a Michael evergreen. This is the first single from the album, and having received a rather warm welcome, it greatly increased the expectations for this album. The keyboards and choirs take us back to a romantic and danceable '80s atmosphere, one of the best tracks of the album, accompanied by a video that takes us back to the times of "Smooth Criminal".
"Butterflies", the pace slows down again with "Butterflies," a very R&B piece full of soft melodies and very extensive vocalizations. Jackson's falsetto reaches great heights in this song with dreamy atmospheres. Jackson's voice is sometimes accompanied by a female voice, merging with Michael's to create a wonderful and much-appreciated vocal synergy. This song echoes the rhythm of "I Can't Help It" by Jackson himself on the "Off the Wall" album from 1979.
"Speechless", Michael's a cappella voice opens this very symphonic and soft-sounding track. Michael's warm voice is simply sublime and moving; "Speechless" is truly a magnificent artistic gem. The choirs and orchestra alternate with incredible mastery, and everything concludes once again with Michael's a cappella voice that truly leaves us speechless.
"2000 Watts", the electronic drum of this track brings us back to reality after the dream of "Speechless". Perhaps the overly energetic rhythm of the track, breaking the harmonious atmospheres of "Speechless," does not fully embrace the listener. The peculiarity of this track is the singer's voice, which was pitch-altered to lower it by two tones, making it difficult to recognize unless due to the cadence of the words.
"You Are My Life", this melodic R&B piece with soul elements is dedicated to Michael's daughter. A love dedication perhaps a bit too sappy but inevitably touching the soul of those who listen. The piece was arranged by Baby Face.
"Privacy", the soft tones stop, replaced by the album's rock track. Perhaps rock is the least present element in this album, much more oriented toward R&B. "Privacy" is a protest cry where the singer claims his right to privacy in his everyday life. The singer's voice is stressed and altered, but it hits the mark, accompanied by a solo from guitarist Slash.
"Don't Walk Away", is the twelfth track on the album, a very romantic and sad piece in which Michael sings of a love lost that he never wanted to lose. What remains are the memories. Vocalizations dominate this song, especially in the choruses well accompanied by strings and violins.
"Cry" is Richard Kelly's signature piece that addresses the social themes of brotherhood among all men marked by a common destiny. The tones are hopeful and cry out for unity among the peoples of the world. The piece is a crescendo starting from the beatbox to the drums, accompanied by piano, reaching its peak with increasingly resounding soul-gospel choirs in the finale.
"The Lost Children", in this piece, Michael sets aside all his million-dollar collaborations to write and compose solely on his own this anthem to childhood and love for children. The atmospheres are sweet and prayer-like, with an unexpected bridge accompanied by the acoustic guitar taking us into long-forgotten atmospheres. The finale is marked by a choir of children's voices.
"Whatever Happens", all the passion and romantic love are captured in this splendid track by Michael Jackson and Carlos Santana. Perhaps the best track on the album, Jackson's voice is painful and passionate narrating about enduring love despite the adversities. Santana's guitar interludes transport us to Latin places; this track would have been an excellent closing single for the album, perfect for romance in the European and Latin market.
"Threatened", the voice of a 70s presenter, Rod Serling, introduces us to the eerie and spectral atmospheres of this last track, where the frantic rhythms, electronic drums, and electronic sounds remind us of the first three tracks of "Invincible". Michael assumes the guise of an evil spirit that does not leave in peace those who tormented him in life; the computerized rap of Rod Serling is ingenious, and the gloomy atmospheres recall the funky disco of "Thriller" or "Ghost".
In conclusion, Invincible is a highly collaborative and super-produced album, and despite expectations, it did not achieve the desired result, even though the 12 million copies sold remind us that the album was still a notable success. What is striking is that once again, Michael hits the mark, creating a work that could easily have passed for a contemporary 2011 record, ten years that don't show for this magnificent and passionate album that will forever remain etched in musical history despite attempts of boycott by the record label itself, Sony, following contractual issues with the singer. If the album had received an excellent advertising campaign bolstered by a few more music videos, the fate of the album would have certainly been brighter and more memorable. Invincible is presented as a misunderstood work that holds pleasant surprises. It certainly deserves a purchase.
Tracklist Lyrics Samples and Videos
01 Unbreakable (06:27)
Artist: Michael Jackson f/ Notorious B.I.G
Album: Invincible
Song: Unbreakable
Typed by: sahoob_h@hotmail.com
[Michael Jackson]
Now I'm just wondering why you think
That you can get to me with anything
Seems like you'd know by now, when and how I get down
And with all that I've been through, I'm still around
Don't you ever make no mistake
Baby I've got what it takes
And there's no way you'll ever get to me
Why can't you see that you'll never ever hurt me
'Cause I won't let it be, I'm too much for you baby
Chorus [Michael Jackson]:
You can't believe it, you can't concieve it
And you can't touch me, 'cause I'm untouchable
And I know you hate it, and you can't take it
You'll never break me, 'cause I'm unbreakable
[Michael Jackson]
Now you can't stop me even though you think
That if you block me, you've done your thing
And when you bury me underneath all your pain
I'm steady laughin', while surfacing
Don't you ever make no mistake
Baby I've got what it takes
And there's no way you'll ever get to me
Why can't you see that you'll never ever hurt me
'Cause I won't let it be, see I'm too much for you baby
Chorus (2x)
[Michael Jackson]
You can try to stop me, but it won't do a thing
No matter what you do, I'm still gonna be here
Through all your lies and silly games
I'ma still remain the same, I'm unbreakable
[Notorious B.I.G.]
Uh, uh, what, uh
I'm a lime to a lemon, my CeCe women
Bringin in ten G minimums to condos with elevators in 'em
Vehicles with televisions in 'em
Watch they entourage turn yours to just mirages
Disappearing acts, strictly nines and macs
Killers be serial, Copperfield material
My dreams is vivid, work hard to live it
Any place I visit, I got land there
How can players stand there and say I sound like them
HELLO?!
Push wigs back and push six Coupes that's yellow
Plus clips that expand from hand to elbow
Spray up your Day's Inn, any 'telle you in
Crack braggin sick of braggin how my mink be draggin
Desert ease street sweeper inside the beamer wagon
I rely on Bed-Stuy to shut it down if I die
Put that on my diamond bezel, you're messin with the devil
WHAT!!
Chorus (3x w/ Ad Libs by Jackson)
You can't touch me
You can't break me
You can't stand with me
'Cause I'm unbreakable
OWW!
GO ON!
02 Heartbreaker (05:12)
Deceitful eyes, she's got those come get me thighs
she only knows how low that she can go
She speaks the lines that can control my mind
Wherever she goes I know my eyes follow
She blew a kiss, I swear that it was meant
only for me, then spoke with her body
her only goal is just to take control
And I can't believe that I can't tell her no
[CHORUS]
That girl I can't take her
should have known she was a heartbreaker
that girl I can't take her
should have seen right through her she's a heartbreaker
That girl I can't take her
should have seen it coming heartbreaker
that girl I can't take her
should have seen right thriough her
she's a heartbreaker
She plays a game with such an innocent face
I didn't know heartbreaking was her case
Her actions confess and put me through the test
I was surprised that I was caught inside
Now she's thinking that I will never know
ans she'll keep playing until I let her go
But I hope in time that she will finally realize
I'm onto her game and she'll get played the same
[CHORUS 2x]
I never thought that I would stop dreamin' about you
Stop being without you
But everyone told me so, to stop caring about you
and start being without you
but I'll find a way to go and start doin' without you
and stop talkin' aboout you
and what will she say?
She will say I was the man that got away
[RAP ]
[CHORUS OUT]
07 Butterflies (04:42)
All you gotta do is just walk away and pass me by
Don't acknowledge my smile when I try to say hello to you yeah
And all you gotta do is not answer my calls when
I'm trying to get through
To keep me wondering why, when all I can do is sigh
I just wanna touch you
{Chorus}
I just wanna touch and kiss and i wish that i could be with you
tonight cause you give me butterflys inside inside and i
All I gotta say is that I must be dreaming, can't be real
You're not here with me, still I can feel you near me
I caress you, let you taste us, just so blissful listen
I would give you anything baby, just make my dreams come true
Oh baby you give me butterflies inside
{chorus}
If you would take my hand, baby I would show you
Guide you to the light babe
If you would be my love, baby I will love you, love you
'Til the end of time
{chorus} (2x)
08 Speechless (03:20)
Your love is magical, that's how I feel
But I have not the words here to explain
Gone is the grace for expressions of passion
But there are worlds and worlds of ways to explain
To tell you how I feel
But I am speechless, speechless
That's how you make me feel
Though I'm with you I am far away and nothing is for real
When I'm with you I am lost for words, I don't know what to say
My head's spinning like a carousel, so silently I pray
Helpless and hopeless, that's how I feel inside
Nothing's real, but all is possible if God is on my side
When I'm with you I am in the light where I cannot be found
It's as though I am standing in the place called Hallowed Ground
Speechless, speechless, that's how you make me feel
Though I'm with you I am far away and nothing is for real
I'll go anywhere and do anything just to touch your face
There's no mountain high I cannot climb I'm humbled in your grace
Speechless, speechless, that's how you make me feel
Though I'm with you I am lost for words and nothing is for real
Speechless, speechless, that's how you make me feel
Though I'm with you I am far away, and nothing is for real
Speechless, speechless, that's how you make me feel
Though I'm with you I am lost for words and nothing is for real
Speechless
Your love is magical, that's how I feel
But in your presence I am lost for words Words like, "I love you."
11 Privacy (05:06)
Ain't the pictures enough, why do you go through so much
To get the story you need, so you can bury me
You've got the people confused, you tell the stories you choose You try to
get me to lose the man I really am You keep on stalking me, invading my
privacy Won't you just let me be 'Cause your cameras can't control, the
minds of those who know That you'll even sell your soul just to get a story
sold
I need my privacy, I need my privacy
So paparazzi, get away from me
Some of you still wonder why, one of my friends had to die
To get a message across, that yet you haven't heard
My friend was chased and confused, like many others I knew
But on that cold winter night, my pride was snatched away
Now she get no second chance, she just ridiculed and harassed Please tell me
why Now there's a lesson to learn, respect's not given, it's earned Stop
maliciously attacking my integrity
I need my privacy, I need my privacy
So paparazzi, get away from me
Now there's a lesson to learn, stories are twisted and turned Stop
maliciously attacking my integrity
I need my privacy, I need my privacy
So paparazzi, get away from me
I need my privacy, I need my privacy
So paparazzi, get away from me
I need my privacy, I need my privacy
So paparazzi, get away from me
13 Cry (05:02)
Somebody shakes when the wind blows
Somebody’s missing a friend (Hold on)
Somebody’s lacking a hero
And they have not a clue when it’s all gonna end again
Stories buried and untold
Someone is hiding the truth (Hold on)
When will this mystery unfold
And will the sun ever shine
In the blind mans eyes when he cries
You can change the world (I can’t do it by myself)
You can touch the sky (It’s gonna take somebody’s help)
You’re the chosen one (I’m gonna need some kind of sign)
If we all cry at the same time tonight
If people laugh when they’re feeling sad
Someone is taking a life (Hold on)
Respect to believe in your dreams
So tell me where were you
When your children cried last night
Faces filled with madness
Miracles unheard of (Hold on)
Faith is found in the winds
All we have to do is to reach for the truth, the truth
You can change the world (I can’t do it by myself)
You can touch the sky (It’s gonna take somebody’s help)
You’re the chosen one (I’m gonna need some kind of sign)
If we all cry at the same time tonight
And when that flag glows there’ll be no more wars
And when all cause I will answer all your prayers (Prayers)
Show the world…
You can change the world (I can’t do it by myself)
You can touch the sky (It’s gonna take somebody’s help)
You’re the chosen one (I’m gonna need some kind of sign)
If we all cry at the same time tonight
15 Whatever Happens (04:56)
He gives another smile, tries to understand her side
To show that he cares, she can't stay in the room
She's consumed with everything that's been goin' on
She says
Whatever happens, don't let go of my hand
Everything will be alright, he assures her
But she doesn't hear a word that he says
Preoccupied, she's afraid
Afraid what they've been doin's not right
He doesn't know what to say, so he prays
Whatever, whatever, whatever
Whatever happens, don't let go of my hand
Whatever happens, don't let go of my hand
Whatever happens, don't you let go of my hand
Don't let go of my hand
Don't let go of my hand
He's working day and night, thinks he'll make her happy
Forgetting all the dreams that he had
He doesn't realize it's not the end of the world
It doesn't have to be that bad
She tried to explain, "It's you that makes me happy,"
Whatever, whatever, whatever
Whatever happens, don't let go of my hand
Whatever happens, don't you let go of my hand
Whatever happens, don't let go of my hand
Whatever happens, don't you let go of my hand
Whatever happens, don't let go of my hand
Whatever happens, don't let go of my hand
Whatever happens, don't you let go of my hand
Whatever happens, don't let go of my hand
[Carlos Santana:] Thank you, man!
[Michael Jackson:] Thank you, Carlos!
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Other reviews
By Ilpazzo
The feeling you get listening to this album is like being in a Ferrari Testarossa that just can’t start.
What saddens me is that today’s generation could not experience the true power of this music genius.
By ronnie92
In making Invincible, it’s as if MJ was undecided about whether to take the path of his origins or the modern one.
The album will be (perhaps) remembered for its extraordinary ballads and for being the only flop… of MJ’s career.
By Darius
"Invincible" intends to pursue a more intimate and profound self-analysis in a less bombastic manner and with a much less angry tone.
"You Rock My World" ... is tasty, danceable, engaging in itself, perhaps the track on the album where he performs with the most assurance and confidence.
