Michael Jackson - Invincible

For such a boldly titled and apparently driven attempt to reinstate Michael Jackson at the center of the pop world, Invincible is a listless thing. Split between scratchy funk workouts and midtempo ballads that might have appeared as Bad B-sides, the album plays on and on while never seriously promoting dancing or romancing. Its handful of weird moments--the resurrection-by-tape of Biggie Smalls on the bridge of the title track, for instance--are hardly large-scale bizarre like the first disc of HIStory. The title track turns out to be hardly the rampant egofest you'd imagine; instead, its subject is a female whom Jackson cheers on. Likewise, the most ear-catching moments of the "comeback" single "You Rock My World" come with Chris Tucker's jivey introduction. Despite a debt to "Payback"-era James Brown, "Rock" floats away like steam midway through. It's almost a relief when the old self-regard turns up: on the growling "Privacy," Jackson rants about muckrakers "stalking" him in search of "the stories you need to bury me," all this long after foundering divas and troubled boy-group members have replaced him on tabloid covers. The man may occasionally break away from the mirror but seems unsure where else to find inspiration. --Rickey Wright Amazon.com

Focus on the music!

Let's focus on the music. Forget about all the gossip, all the rumors and the BS talk about MJ's personal life. Music is what matters here. King of pop is back, and he rocks!

Invincible opens with "Unbreakable", a great uptempo tune with a nice&groovy background. Michael's trademark singing style is there, intact. Next song is one of my favorite: "Heartbreaker". Lyrics are well written and the music has the punch that all MJ fans like. Invincible (contrary to what all detractors say) is a bout a girl, not a megalomaniac self-proclamation. This album has a lot of paced and reflexive tunes that will get you mesmerized: "Heaven can wait", "Speechless" and "Butterflies" stand up over the rest. "You rock my world" is definitively an impressive song. Michel's voice flows smoothly over this addictive old-school synth background.

Invincible is an impressive album that will hook you from beginning to end. Give it a try, focus on the music and enjoy!
July 30, 2008

hi

i love michael jackson and everyone makes fun of me i dont care,but this cd i think....sucked.i can only remember one maybe two songs that i actually liked..and im leaning toward the 1song more...*sigh* June 3, 2008

Better than people realize

Unfortunately, this album was never given a chance to succeed in the U.S. Whether it was a rift with the record company, poor marketing, Michael's image as a weirdo, or a combination of all, fans just didn't get to hear any of this album unless they went out and bought it.

The best song on this CD is "Unbreakable," one of the most energetic dance songs he's ever produced, featuring a hard, hip hop beat. It's a little defiant and angry, but there's nothing wrong with that. "You Rock My World" was the CD's first single, and while it's no "Billie Jean" or even "Remember The Time," it's better than much of what we hear on the radio these days. "Whatever Happens" is a collaboration with Santana, and it's a song that takes listeners on a journey and tells a story. "Break of Dawn" and "Heaven Can Wait" are two above-average R&B ballads.

I realize MJ has set a standard so high that it's almost impossible to live up to his own legend. I also realize that he feeds into his own hype, which makes anything less than perfect seem to be a disappointment. Every MJ album from "Off The Wall" to "Dangerous" is phenomenal. "Invincible" is not at that level, but it's much, much better than the new material from "History." If you give this album a try and accept it for what it is rather than comparing it to his past work, you won't be disappointed. April 3, 2008

Lost

I had the cd before and i lost it and havent been able to find it anywhere. Then i was told to look on Amazon and i have been hooked. The cd was in great condition and thank you for having it at such a great price. March 18, 2008

Michael's Musical Meltdown

"Invincible" was released as a "comeback album" in 2001, two decades after Michael Jackson's landmark "Thriller." Oh, how the mighty have fallen. Lacking the creativity&genuine fun of its predecessor, "Invincible" is a sad,pathetic,tragic mess. MJ has become a ghost of his former self-- musically and humanly,and it shows. It's his sonic fall from grace. MJ wanders-unsuccessfully-into the worlds of Latin rock&hip-hop to become hipper to younger audiences.

The opening track,"Unbreakable",morbidly features postmortem vocals of the late Notorious BIG. It's a megalomaniacal song,complete with MJ's weird vocalizings. MJ showcases his heavy breathing in the femme fatale "Heartbreaker." The title track involves some odd rapping. The easy listening pap of "Break of dawn" has corny lyrics like "You and me making love." It sounds inspired by a Harlequin novel. The "hit single","You rock my world" has comedian Chris Tucker egging on MJ to try to get the girl,saying he won't get her (because he's NOT INTERESTED,maybe?) "Rock my world" is a decent track,perhaps because it evokes MJ's '80s glory days. There's the gender ambiguous love song "Butterflies",with "all I can do is sigh" and "I wish I could be with you all night." Whoever the "you" is isn't specified. For the rap fans,there's the passive-aggressive "Privacy",in which MJ blames the media for his problems. He plays the victim,begging for sympathy. MOST hip-hop is aggressive stuff,but this one is a "poor me." Carlos Santana is dragged in for instrumentals in the bland salsa of "Whatever happens." It's a thankless duet,and Latin rock legend Santana is left on the sidelines. "Lost Children" is a creepy lullabye. There are samples of MJ's children talking&laughing. Disturbing stuff. Finally,in the rap "Threatened",MJ declares,"I'm the living dead!" Never were truer words spoken.

"Invincible" is chock full of bland salsa,by-the-numbers hip-hop,and generic R&B. It's the King of Pap past his prime. Self-destruction never sounded sadder. February 29, 2008

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