OK So I've read a lot of critics and even org members hers who claim that Michael doesn't really sing on certain songs, but whispers and hiccups them instead.

Now I can see why this might be the truth, seeing as part of "Jam" he kind of raps his verses

but lets get technical:

When he busts into the chorus, isn't he singing then? Isn't he hitting notes? If he was rapping, wouldn't it be full force rap? Is it a combo of whispering and spoken word? What would you "label" it?

The other song that comes to mind is from HIStory, "Tabloid Junkie." I could also make a case for "Blood On The Dance Floor" (the title track) on the verses. What is this style called? I've always been curious..if he isn't singing, then what do these people call it? Cus I always thought, like I said above, he was hitting actual notes. (So therefore it wasn't a full force rap.)

What are some other examples of Michael doing this? And what is it called?

Why not put it positively instead and say the guy is versatile

not anybody could pull off the whispering or the so called hiccups

my problem isn't necessarily with the whispers and hiccups. he was doing that in his hey-day. it's the angry spitting out of lyrics rather than singing them that bothers me. Jam being a perfect example of it.

well MICHEAL JACKSON is the KING OF POP... and he is nearly 50... so just give him some slack... he's been singing for over 30 years...

I am gald that Mike got rid of that "hiccups singing" on Invincible.
But yeah, Mike´s incredibly versatile. I love the way he sings Shout and Heaven can wait for example. I´ll never understand how he could sing Shout. Or speaking of Tabloid Junkie - listen to Little Susie or Smle after that - breathtaking.
I can´t speak technically though. I have never studied that. I know nothing about it.

whispers and hiccups are nothing compared to the sneezing he did on "Speed Demon"

Versatility is definately an MJ strong point. He has certainly vocalized many unique tones and sounds over the years.

_

KidOmega said:

I'm still trying to figure out which songs that Michael "whispers". Are you sure that you are not speaking of Janet. Now everyone knows that Janet "whispers" through most of her songs. I have NEVER heard ANYONE say that Michael whispers in any song, even sexy ballads like "Butterflies". Again, tell me what songs does Michael "whisper". Of course, maybe my definition of "whisper" is different that other people. Janet "whispers", Michael does not.

dag said:

I agree that Michael is a very versatile vocalist. In fact, I think that he is the most versatile singer that we have in the music industry today. He can do it all-ballad, rock, r&b, dance jams, classic tunes, pop, broadway, etc. He can do things with his voice that I have never seen anyone else do. Does anyone remember his impromtu performance of "Who Is IT?" during the Oprah interview? He was making sounds with his mouth that had me looking around to see where they were coming from. Quincy Jones said that it was amazing how MJ could imitate ANY instsrument perfectly. I really think that Michael can play more instruments than drums and piano. There was an interview with one of his session guitar players. He said that Michael just sat and watched him play and then picked up the guitar and played the same thing perfectly. Michael is such a perfectionist that I don't think that he feels comfortable playing on stage. I really think that he should; of course, the media would lie, twist and manipulate it into something negative, as they always do.
[Edited 11/25/06 18:33pm]

he is the king of pop... and he's nearly 50.... give him a break

TotalAlisa said:

I was not dogging Michael's style with my post or anything just for the record. I was just honestly, asking, what the style was considered. Cus I remember when Jam came out, and I would say to people "I love how Michael sings those verses. It is almost like rapping." People would chime back "Nah nah it ain't singing he ain't singing there." And I would say, "Okay well I dig the way he raps." And they would go "No no no no. He ain't rapping there." So I was mainly curious, what it is then....?

JasonStar said:

I just like how he sings, raps, talks, hiccups and everything