Can Michael Jackson still deliver like the mutha he was back in the late 70s/early 80s?

I know this question was asked in 86/87, then again in 1990, and again after the 1993 allegation, and then again in 1999/2000. But I think now more than ever, Michael Jackson has the oppurtunity to go Thriller style and bl0w everybody away!

I was looking over Invincible, and the newbies on The Ultimate Collection. There is Thriller-status (or potentially Thriller-status) material that Michael has recorded in the last 5 years. You Rock My World, Break of Dawn, Butterflies, The Way You Love Me and Beautiful Girl are just as good, or could be just as good with more work, as the songs on Thriller.

Also, he can still deliver a great stage show IMO. The Apollo concert was great, MSG was allright (even though Michael didn't do much), and the MJ & Friends (even though it was a while ago, 7 years) was amazing. Plus, according to his publicist he was dancing from 4am until court time during the trial. He even hurt himself from dancing too much. He's got a shit load more to give performance/stage-wise.

His latest songs seem to be heading in the right direction, and if he picks up were he left off with songs like Butterflies, he's gonna make some great music for his next album. He's got it in the bag, now he just has to make the right decision with regards to who produces his next album, how he'll promote etc.

I think Michael Jackson will come back Thriller style. But that's just my opinion, what's yours?

What is the Apollo concert? Was it around the time of the MSG concert? I thought MSG was the only concert he had since the MJ and Friends in 1999.

An experimental album would be great and it wouldn’t be so devastating if it flopped if it didn’t take him 4-5 years between each album. He’d just move on to the next album. Maybe it’s really time for him to finally do that acoustic album. Why is it so difficult for this guy to put out more music if he makes hundreds of songs per album? Being a perfectionist is not always a good thing.

only idiots & fools who were standing at the court-house, releasing doves for each count, believe that!

I feel as long as there's an audience, he can come back. He may not be as big as he once was, but I think he can pull off a great album. It took me nearly 4 years to finally grow into Invincible but I appreciate it now. Suzzane De Passe said in the new A&E documentary that Michael was better as simply Michael. It was when the whole "King Of Pop" and the world records came into play when it sorta became a gimmick for him and it seemed like he wasn't feeling it. I think Michael needs to find his love for music again and focus on making a solid set.

Can he even sing anymore?

Of course it can he just needs some sense talking in to him, he needs to change his tack with his fans and public and do something a bit different and unexpected.

lilgish said:

Go away and listen to Invincible, then you'll know, specifcally Speechless, or the acapella version of You Rock My World. He's not lost a thing vocally.

AlliUK said:

yea, but that's on wax. I'm talking about live.
[Edited 9/6/06 15:42pm]

2)Timbaland. I didn't want to believe this guy could bring it as a producer, but he proved me wrong with SexyBack. That song grew on me like crazy.

JasonStar said:

Hell Naw! He needs a producer who can deal with layered sounds. Pharrel is laying eggs too. Stay away from modern producers.

lilgish said:

I would love to hear what other things Chad and Pharrell have tucked away for MJ. Pharrell has said a million times how it would be his crowning achievement to work with him. He has songs just waiting for MJ to say the word.

waw2002 said:

Just a variety concert from 2002. It wasn't televised. I can't even remember what it was in aid of, but Bill Clinton went up and played the saxophone, and Michael did a few numbers with Dave Navarro. Apparently even MJ's harshest critics were impressed. It's where this pic came from:

I think Michael could still bring it if he did the following:

2)Timbaland. I didn't want to believe this guy could bring it as a producer, but he proved me wrong with SexyBack. That song grew on me like crazy.

3)Pharrell Williams. "Like I Love You" is one of the best songs EVER. If only Michael would have used it. Oh well. I'm sure Pharrell could write another. And it would be waiting for Michael

JasonStar said:

That's exactly what he should not do. Hell, I don't want to see Michael turned into some run-of-the-mill modern R&B act. Steer clear of the 'hip' producers, Michael.