The King is Back!

Okay so his printed name in some fancy font would have been more than enough to satisfy the full page requirement of this article because such a legend needs no form of introduction (if he does to you...there isn’t much hope for you in this world).

However, in light of the fact that:

The world is bursting with different opinions, and a good argument is always enjoyable (others may genuinely not like the guy and his work). They must be taught…

There are a good number of young ‘uns who tend to glorify the likes of Limp Bizkit and Sisqo to heights so far out there’s hardly any space in their airy heads for much else (fear for many of today’s kids)! They must be taught…

In fairness, Mr. Jackson has been on hiatus for quite a while (and whenever he did make some sort of appearance, he was easily mistaken for an oppressed Afghan woman). He must be taught!

(Um, Jacko, you are not under Taliban surveillance, and for the millionth time…you are NOT a woman!!)

Let’s take a brief trip down Michael Jackson lane—Pedophilic tendencies aside—to refresh the universal mind of the immense impact this guy has made in the world of music…and culture, in general.

Coming out (not of the closet, mind you) with his older brothers as the youngest of the stupendous Jackson Five gave Michael his formal introduction into the pop world, having fans swoon at the little Afro sweetheart. Little did they know that Michael was insecure and unaware that he would amount to anything…

"You and I must make a pact, we must bring salvation back, where there is love, I’ll be there…"

Not meaning to leave his siblings in the dust, divine providence had Michael go solo. Having grown up in the public’s eye, the Jackson boy-turned-man had to reinvent the image that was to further his own career. Oil-slicked hair, glitter to beat the most sequined outfit of German Moreno, his own version of a fedora hat, and that blinding white glove.

(Little did we all know it was not for the look, but for his obsessive-compulsive nature to keep clean while grabbing his crotch.)

"Billy Jean is not my lover, she’s just a girl…"

(And maybe he wasn’t sure of what his sexual preference was…)

The guy not only started a fashion trend, he dictated a culture! Halloween was all about Michael Jackson’s Thriller. For a good two years. Too many fools were walking around with the same red jacket, a call to save democracy was close to happening as Neo-Nazism was never more apparent.

(At this point, white kids were still using coal for their faces to fit the Jackson part. I guess Michael felt for them…he went and got his own color changed.)

"Why, why? Tell them that it’s human nature…"

(This is what the doctors told Michael’s family when they asked about the intense shade of Magenta he turned every time he vacationed in the Bahamas.)

More than 10 albums later (and around five shades lighter), the Dangerous and Jam period found a semi-softer side to the performer, having a strong affiliation to the universal kid, belting out anti-racist raps that gave Macaulay Culkin the ride of his life! His thirst for short film videos definitely made one hell of a cultural ruckus!

"It don’t matter if you’re black or white…"

(Hmmm, minor objection. If it "don’t matter," why are you so concerned about your own skin? Just a thought.)

Softness turned to mush as time went on, with Michael continuing the "We Are The World" fervor with soulful songs on healing the planet. The music was not highly stylized, but the heavy intrigue, astounding world tours, and over-all charisma that embodied the superstar was more than enough for the world to keep on gravitating towards him.

"There are people dying, if you care enough for the living, make a better place for you and for me…"

(Like he needed a better world. He had his own theme park in his backyard, for goodness sake!)

Skip ahead around six years…

(His Blood On The Dance Floor effort was there, but let’s just leave it at that. A mere collector’s item.)

Fast forward to the present.

Amidst all the relationships that failed, children he supposedly had, operations (face and other) he had to bear, rumors and lawsuits he had to dispel, the man caused a stir every time he made a public appearance…which was maybe all of six times since his last tour.

For whatever reason he may currently hold in his heart…the man is back! With an Invincible vengeance. All new songs! But "all new" may just have to stop there. (Apart from the fact that he grew a goatie. Unbelievable how hair sprouts from plastic…)

The same predictable (yet sometimes addictive) Jackson rhythm. The look? Not too far removed from the hat, loose button-down shirt over a white Hanes camisole, black pants, and shiny loafers. A few shades whiter, but nothing shocking anymore. His strut? Same slick moves….he’s still crazy over his crotch, and he can very well still spin (albeit a little slower).

So why even bother with Michael Jackson’s latest effort if he doesn’t really have much to offer but a bucket full of new songs?

Never mind that the guy has sold more records worldwide than any other artist in the last 30 years. Never mind that he’s garnered 36 Top 10 hits including 13 #1’s. Never mind that Thriller is the biggest selling of all time with worldwide sales approaching 50 million units.

That the album will sell. It definitely will. Fans won’t hesitate. Collectors have no choice. It’ll be a no-brainer Christmas gift on many a shopping list. But again…what would urge the regular non-enthusiast to dive into the world of Michael Jackson?

Be curious. Real curious. An iconic figure big as this guy is—and still continues to be, like it or not—should not be put on the backburner "just because." Michael Jackson, in all his weird splendor, has affected the lives of millions. And it would be a damn shame for anyone to write him off as a "has been" without giving him a chance.