Underrated
Most of this isn't touching the great man's past material, that goes without saying, but there is still some brilliant material on the disc and little that doesn't provide enjoyment. While enjoyable and original as Michael always has been, there is a definite nineties vibe here, particularly on the beginning of the album with the upbeat dance-pop tunes. There is a slight new jack swing vibe also which you didn't get a lot of in the '00s. The three upbeat songs to kick the album off feature raps. Notorious BIG is on 'Unbreakable' and features a rap verse by The Notorious B.I.G. originally from 'You Can't Stop the Reign' by Shaq. This is decent although it doesn't match his verse on 'This Time Around' from HIStory. A rapper signed by Sony called Fats, is on the next two. These verses are unmemorable and his vocals have been mixed too low compared to the other vocals on the song that probably add to that feeling.
When you consider that many songs' genesis dates back a number of years prior to the release of this album, the slightly dated sound in some parts isn't too surprising. In saying that, the R&B ballads here still sound right at home in 2020.
While most of the upbeat tunes lack something previous MJ tunes didn't, the ballads are fairly good with the beautiful 'Speechless', 'Break of Dawn', 'Butterflies' and 'Don't Walk Away', (in which he reminds me of Tracy Chapman) working particularly well, and I think with Michael getting on in years this would have been more of what he would have created. The Carlos Santana featuring 'Whatever Happens' builds up nicely and is also a stand out late on in the album that I didn't find until I revisited this album. There are also moments of creativity with 'Heartbreaker' being the pick with its dubstep sound before dubstep was a thing. '2000 Watts' also has a unique sound that was one song I used to rank highly but almost every other song here has gone past it as I've listened to the album more and more. Surprisingly, it was originally Tyrese's song for his album of the same name. Having heard other Tyrese music I would assume there were changes to it but it's just an assumption. For another unique Jackson track, I recommend that you check out the leftover 'Shout'. Jackson raps over industrial-like production on the verses. I love it. It's like a higher tempo, more intense 'Do It' by Teddy Riley's Guy.
For the first time, Jackson had label issues throughout the creation of the album and the promotion suffered. They didn't agree on the first single. Jackson wanted 'Unbreakable'. The label wanted 'You Rock My World' and obviously got their wish. In retrospect, you could say that the label got that one right, but that would be about it. They missed the boat not giving songs like 'Butterflies' a proper release as a single and pushing anything else. While HIStory was an album with perhaps the most input from Jackson, producing and writing a number of songs himself, this album probably has the most outside influence. '2000 Watts', 'Cry', 'Whatever Happens', 'Butterflies', 'Break of Dawn', 'You Rock My World' seem to basically have been given to MJ to just sing and tweak.
Overall, there isn't a top 10 MJ song here, although it's one of the best, if not the best top 10s of an artist. There is very little filler, and I think MJ fans will find enough to enjoy on this disc.
Best Tracks: You Rock My World, Butterflies, Unbreakable, Break of Dawn, Speechless, Don't Walk Away, Whatever Happens
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