Interesting article: http://www.thedeadbolt.co...eature.php

How Michael Jackson Can Get His Career Back by Reg Seeton

After years of reading scandalous headlines about one of the greatest entertainers of the last century, it’s easy to rip on Michael Jackson. Hell, to some degree, Michael Jackson paved the tabloid way for Britney Spears, Lindsay Lohan, Paris Hilton, and the rest of Hollywood’s extraneous. After gracing the covers of nearly every tabloid rag imaginable, who knew, after a groundbreaking career in music, that Jackson would be such a pioneer in a completely different industry? It’s not a stretch to say that some tabloids wouldn’t be in business if Michael Jackson didn’t give them something to write about. It’s just a shame the guy isn’t making music.

How does a musical icon go from being one of the most popular entertainers of all time to tabloid piñata, seemingly overnight? Well, aside from the fact that palling around with little kids when you’re grown man wasn’t the wisest career move, Michael Jackson left himself wide open. When you live in a place called Neverland, hang out with a monkey named Bubbles, let giraffes roam around your backyard, doctor your face to look more like that alien from Close Encounters than the old King of Pop, and dangle your kid out of a window, it’s hard to defend yourself against the heat-seeking celebrity missile called the paparazzi.

If Michael Jackson is going to make a serious comeback, he needs to make it happen soon. The guy’s 49 years old, but he still has legions of loyal fans around the world that want to see him reclaim his rightful title as The King of Pop. The fact is, despite all of the serious allegations and legal battles over the years, and whether some will admit it or not, a lot of people are dying to see Michael Jackson make a comeback. Judging by some of the most popular Michael Jackson topics on such social networks as Digg, the fact that Thriller still sells about 60,000 copies a year, and that fans in the crowd at this year’s World Music Awards were nearly in tears as they awaited Jackson’s bungled performance, there’s no doubt that Michael Jackson is a hot topic. For a comeback, the guy still has a solid foundation to spring from. Add to that the millions of TV viewers who were secretly hoping Michael Jackson would take to the stage at James Brown’s televised funeral, and there’s still demand out there for everyone’s favorite moonwalker.

Still, Jackson has been entangled in deep legal weeds for what seems like an eternity. Currently, as many news reports indicate, Jackson still owes millions in old debt, which continues to get re-financed while new suits are being filed against the singer for unpaid fees, loans, and failure to honor previous agreements (just Google Michael Jackson, Prince Abdulla to learn more). It doesn’t take a genius to figure out that if all of the media reports are accurate, Michael Jackson needs to do something to stay afloat, and do it quick. The thing is, though; every time we hear a good idea that would enable Jackson to resurrect himself from the dead, it never comes to fruition.

So, how can Michael Jackson get his career back on track?

Thriller 25:

At least this is a start. Recent news reports indicate that Jackson is planning to release a 25th Anniversary edition of his top selling Thriller album , which sold over 100 million worldwide. Apparently, the new edition of Thriller may hit store shelves in 2008 and is said to feature newly re-mastered tracks of "Billie Jean", "Wanna Be Startin’ Something", "PYT," and "The Girl is Mine." As reports also suggest, the tracks were re-mastered with the help of such contemporary icons as Akon, will.i.am, and Kanye West, which should help in getting a new generation of fans to kick-start the Thriller machine all over again. Also, as reported by Rolling Stone, Jackson’s music attorney recently revealed that the new Thriller 25 will include four unreleased tracks, one of which is being hailed as a "killer" track by Jackson’s former producer. However, other recent news reports suggest that the new Thriller might not be released at all and that the work done by Akon, will.i.am, and Kanye West could serve as the launching platform for Jackson’s new album. We’ll have to wait and see, but Thriller 25 isn’t a bad opening act for an MJ comeback.

New music:

In 2007 the music world was abuzz with reports that Michael Jackson was planning a comeback album for 2008. As it turns out, it looks like that release might very well be Thriller 25, so fans might have to wait a while longer for a full-length original album. In the last few years, though, it’s been reported that Jackson has been working sporadically on new tracks for another CD. How this will all come together (if it comes together) is anyone’s guess, but Michael Jackson needs to get new music out there if he’s truly serious about resurrecting his career. Not just music for the sake of making it, but music made with the same heart, soul, and fire of his previous albums. Who knows; maybe that’s not what Jackson wants anymore, but the only thing he has to truly fall back on is his talent... and he’s got tons of it.

On a musical level, Jackson’s 2001 release, Invincible, wasn’t a bad effort despite lackluster sales. What sank the Invincible ship was the fact that Jackson’s legal headlines were getting in the way of his music, his public spat with Sony Music’s Tommy Mottola reportedly killed the album’s marketing campaign, and Jackson’s fans moved on to new artists in the six years between History and Invincible (Blood on the Dance Floor doesn’t count). It’s been six years since the release of Invincible and everyone knows that’s a lifetime in today’s music industry. For a guy who used to churn out an album ever three years - and good ones at that - Jackson needs to get his musical sh*t together and kick out a new CD while he can still make a comeback.

Quincy Jones:

Is it just me, or did Michael Jackson’s musical career start to jump-the-shark after parting ways with Quincy Jones? Sure, the Michael Jackson produced Dangerous and History weren’t bad albums at all. But when you worked with a producer who helped you create two of the biggest selling albums of all-time (Thriller and Bad), isn’t the answer to a comeback album right in front of you? Earlier this year, Quincy Jones announced that he wouldn’t be contributing to Jackson’s new album because he’s too busy, stating that he’s already been down that road, but he has talked to Jackson about working with him again. The reality is this: Jackson will only get one shot to make a full musical comeback and it needs to be done right. Although Quincy Jones is now 74, and he’s more into Jazz and hanging out with Herbie Hancock than making Beat It II, Jackson needs to find a way to get Jones on board, even if he has to wheel him into the studio himself. Any new album by Michael Jackson wouldn’t be what it needs to be without Quincy Jones at the helm.

Vegas, baby!

When rumors circulated in 2007 that Michael Jackson was planning a long-running show in Las Vegas to get his career back on track, a lot of people seemed to have mixed opinion. As the rumors gained a bit of momentum before they faded away, the idea of a Michael Jackson show in Las Vegas didn't seem like a bad idea from both a career standpoint and finacial recovery basis. The strange thing about a Michael Jackson show in Las Vegas is that he'd be following in the footsteps of Prince, which seems like an uncharacteristic move for Jackson, but it could be a decent business decision to get fans back on his side. Maybe even a few investors, too.

Visibility, accessibility, and coverage:

This may very well prove that miracles can happen, but Michael Jackson needs to make a lightning quick transition from tabloid sponge to press whore, so to speak. It’s that simple. Without new music to pitch, he’s nothing but tabloid roadkill. Hell, at least Britney has a new CD as a defense against the media’s merciless full-court press. On the media-whore front, it wouldn’t hurt Jackson to track down Clerks director Kevin Smith, who openly admits that he’ll do anything to see his name in print. After Smith’s bizarre encounter with Prince, at least the guy could get good material for his next live Q&A/stand-up DVD.

Although it might be impossible given his highly publicized trials, Michael Jackson is in desperate need of a make-over (if that makes any sense at all). One step in the right direction is Michael Jackson’s recent cover spot on the December 2007 issue of Ebony magazine to mark the 25th anniversary of Thriller, in which he also gives a rare interview. In order to change his image, Jackson needs to separate himself from the words "rare interview" and hit the ground running on the chat circuit in every way, shape, and form. Jackson needs to candidly open up about his life, his legal troubles, and the past allegations so the masses can somehow identify with a real person. Sure, he’s done that in the past and got burned, but this time Jackson needs to hit up Oprah, Larry King, Charlie Rose, and every other credible interviewer out there in order to get an ounce respect. On top of that, Michael Jackson needs to make friends with the online media since the Internet is quickly overtaking the traditional print media. In order to make a credible comeback, Jackson needs coverage, which all starts with something to sell.

[Disclaimer: Michael Jackson is reportedly working on an upcoming reality-talent series with his brother Jermaine, his father Joe Jackson, and actor Jamie Foxx. Jackson is rumored to be a mentor on the show and will make an appearance in December on the X-factor in Britain. Although we give props to Jackson for getting back to work and stepping into the public spotlight, this could very well put a nail in Michael Jackson’s comeback coffin and render this article moot.]

A world tour:

Recent online reports have suggested that after years of massive success, Michael Jackson no longer wants to, or feels the need to tour. Whether the suggestions are true or false, it’s hard to believe Jackson could conceivably crawl out from underneath his apparent financial difficulties without a successful worldwide tour. However, in order for Jackson to go out on tour and do it right, it would cost millions to do it right. Without some type of new revenue stream (ie: a new album and much more), it might be a tough gig to pull off. We do know that in the past Jackson’s tours have grossed up to $130 million, so two or three more albums and three more tours could work wonders.

2008 Comeback Special:

Elvis did in back in ’68, why not Michael in 2008? Hell, on the flipside of things, The Who televised their "final" show in 1982, and look what that did for their career.

2 for the price of 1:

Back in 1995, Michael Jackson teamed up with his sister Janet for the hit single "Scream," which went on the win three MTV awards and a Grammy in 1996. At the time, "Scream" was a surprise hit and featured one of the most cutting-edge and most expensive videos ever made. Although Janet Jackson made headlines in 2004 with Justin Timberlake after the famous wardrobe malfunction at Superbowl XXXVIII, it’s not like Janet has reined supreme on the charts since 2004. The advantage that the Jackson clan has over other artists is the fact the family has two fading superstars in its musical arsenal. Although in years past it might have been hard to say exactly which Jackson would get top billing on tour, both Michael and Janet could now share equal billing on both a tour and collaborative album without bruising their egos.

Weird Al:

For years Weird Al Yankovic made a ton of cash and a career off the coattails of Michael Jackson with parodies of "Beat It" and "Bad". It might not be a bad idea for Jackson to sit down with Weird Al and do something together. After all of these years, it would probably serve his career better if Jackson was in on the joke.

Never again hang out with little kids:

Duh!

So there you have it: a few mindless steps that could bring Michael Jackson back fron the brink of extinction. As we all know, Michael Jackson is clearly a man of his own destiny. If there's to be a Michael Jackson comeback of any sort, it needs to start now before what's left of his fan base reads any more headlines that begin with "Jackson sued..." Then again, maybe Michael Jackson doesn't want to come back. Maybe his time has passed. It's also possible that after all that's gone down in the eccentric and bizarre life of one of the greatest entertainers of the last century, that a comeback is simply impossible.



alright fair view this would be like a safe route to a comeback
and better then anything will.i.am would come up with but it would further re-establish the idea mike has lost it without Q wich i think its not true he seems to be not intrested in music anymore but that aside let him prove me that its not.

and on the further note i do not like the way Q backstabbed and talked rubbish about michael after trial. they probaly have there issues. i would loved it if Q said mike i got your back and when your ready we will hit the studio.


on the musical side of it , it would be better then anything will.i.am or gaykon or what ever can come up with.we might get treated with real instruments and some good music , who cares about the top 40 and todays youth? i dont putting down some real tracks is way better then mike singing about the hood about those tacky beats produced by these hot producers. and maybe it would be like a 4th part off the godfather trilogy ( off the wall , thriller , bad ???) and it is good they dont mess up that legacy even further
[Edited 11/20/07 8:26am]

I've said repeatedly that the only way for Michael to make any kind of comeback is to do an MTV Unplugged special.This could pave the way for a stripped-down,acoustic tour.He could play smaller,intimate theatres and thrill audiences with rare favorites like "I Can't Help It","Liberian Girl","Maybe Tomorrow",etc.No games,no gimmicks,no glitz.....just get up there and SING! These days,it's hard for people to remember that Michael actually has talent.An acoustic tour could remind people of that fact.

This is what Michael needs to do, just be Michael. This is what he doesnt need and the list is....

Kayne West
Will I Am
Timbaland
Justin Timberlake
Chris Brown
Scott Storch
Danja
Akon
JD

im sure you get the point, Michael needs to just be who he once was, by using these people all hes gonna be looked at is a 50 year old grasping for a audience that doesnt know him anyway, instead of grasping the audience that got him where he was.

lastdecember said:

I completely agree. I would be sickened to see MJ working with any of these people. I think a comeback concert would be great, but would it ever see the light of day? MJ seems to be too caught up in his fairytale life to be taking a music career seriously. I have to wonder if Graycap is right.

lastdecember said:

Remember the days when artists used to work with just ONE producer on an album? That would be a good idea for Michael.He should go into the studio with only one producer (Robin Thicke would be a good choice),write and record a dozen or so tracks and just release the damn thing! It's ridiculous seeing Michael bounce from one hip-hop producer to the next,taking several years and spending a fortune to get the album finished.This strategy hasn't worked for Michael.

.
[Edited 11/20/07 10:46am]

SoulAlive said:

Robin Thicke is just about the worst choice for a producer. Why would Michael want to work with the low-rent Justin Timberlake, and wind up sounding like him, too?
[Edited 11/20/07 10:46am]

VoicesCarry said:

Robin Thicke's album was the only good thing about pop music in 2007."Lost Without You" and "Can U Believe" were the best songs on the radio this year.I'm very critical about today's music,but even I rushed out to buy that album.

SoulAlive said:

Guess I wasn't listening to the same album you were

Here again Michael doesnt need to sound like anyone else but MICHAEL. I dont want to hear Timbalands stupid voice on his records, its bad enough he poisoned the Duran Duran tracks. I dont Michael and Akon duetting. I dont want Scott Storch using beats on Michael that he used on Paris Hilton and Brooke Hogans albums, i mean come on now. Michael just be you, a 50 year old thats been through a tough life and a great life , writed about that, i dont want to hear you sounding like Akon or Will I Am.

SoulAlive said:

I would love if he could prove me wrong, but his voice is not what it was. The overproduction he uses in the studio tells me he cant strip it bare. Musically he's done.

mynameisnotsusan said:

You're probably right

VoicesCarry said:

Mike has already worked with Thicke though, so why not again?

TheBoyfromtheBand said:

has he really? On what song?

SoulAlive said:

I have a slight variation on this. I've said before he should do a 'back to basics' tour or TV special, with a great,versatile, live funk band, and also stop making his records so relentlessly electronic and processed sounding, trying to chase another hit.

A proper, Jacksons reunion concert/ tour/ album, including full commitment from Michael and Janet makes sense in the short term imo. Even with all the rubbish that's gone down over the years, that group has a strong musical legacy, together and solo. It could also make it slightly easier for Michael to return to live performance if backed up by his brothers.

If his voice is still there, and he gets his stage confidence back (something which I suspect he has lost over the last several years), and he gets an intelligent, positive publicity machine behind him, and finally, never has anything to do with minors and does no songs about children ever again, he may yet have a decent future in music.

He does have various options for a comeback if he wants it badly enough and doesn't make a mess of it. But lots of 'ifs' there tho.

However, in reality, if and when a new record surfaces, I'd be surprised if it isn't another 'History'/'Invincible' type record, just a bit more up-to-date on the production. I don't think he knows what to do, or maybe just is no longer very interested in a music career. Imo, whatever he may try, he will never again reach the heights of commercial success he enjoyed in teh '80s and much of the '90s. Lightning rarely strikes twice. And being as isolated from reality as he appears to be doesn't help him when making realistic decisions either. Having nobody around who will say 'no' to you is never a good thing.

Time will tell.
[Edited 11/20/07 12:24pm]

SoulAlive said:

I don't think that's the only way, but definitely a way I would like to see Michael explore! He should have done that with Invincible already... many songs on that album would have been destined to go acoustic!

lastdecember said:

Yes, I'm not too fond of them either!

Miles said:

Agreed! That's also a way I could very well live with! A tour in the US definitely would make sense (don't care for the Jacksons album though)! Show the people why and how they fell in love with you the first place! Besides, it would indeed take pressure off Michael and also people would show up who mostly care for the Jackson 5 songs or even only the brothers... so that would be great!
[Edited 11/20/07 12:48pm]

SoulAlive said:[quote]TheBoyfromtheBand said:[quote]
Mike has already worked with Thicke though, so why not again?[quote]

has he really? On what song?[quote]

A song called "Fall Again." It is on The Ultimate Collection. You can hear it on YouTube as well. It is a nice song!
[Edited 11/20/07 12:39pm]

Rodya24 said:

I'll check it out.

The Jacksons are always talking about their legacy and family and how they support one another but I wish we could see them all together at once the way the Osmonds recently gathered on Oprah.

I think the variety special would be interesting (not like that fiasco they did in Vegas years back) with the latest generation making an appearance.

It seems the only time we see them together publicly is when it’s pertaining to Michael’s issues. If they don’t get along, oh well but it would be nice to see the first family of music together as a family making music one last time.

Miles said:

I agree,a Jacksons reunion might be a good idea.Everybody loves those songs.Michael needs to remind everyone why they became fans in the first place,and hearing those old songs agian might remind them.

SoulAlive said:

I just did. Totally average, as you'd expect from a boring no-mark like Robin Thicke. It starts off nice and it's good to hear Mike's voice, but it just doesn't go anywhere. It also sounds like Mike ran out of gas half way through and just cooed his way through the second half. The old Micheal would have gone to town and turned that treacle into something memorable, but here it sounds like he had one eye on the studio door.

OHHHHH my gooosh... that first post is too long... after a certain point.. when something is nonsense i just can't read it anymore.. I already have like 5 text books and a novel i have to read for school.. and thats already a bore.. and i have to .... so this is almost as painful... it woudl be easier to read if someone just summarized...

Graycap23 said:

lastdecember said:

I agree. Hasn't he learned from his last 2 major albums that the worst stuff that he puts out is the stuff that's trying too hard to be hip and current? And that the best stuff is what's simple, pure, and sounds heartfelt and actually ABOUT a subject matter people can relate to instead having a nervous breakdown about the children of the world or how much it sucks to be famous? leave the irritating beat-chasing out of his last 2 albums, and what's left is pretty great. admittedly, you still have a lot of slash and burn to do to euthanise the "We Are Healing the Lost Childhoods" moments, but after that, you've really got something, michael. Keep It Simple, Stupid.

Cinnie said:

F*ck Hova.....don't mis-quote me. I said it's OVER.

All MJ has to do is too not try and be akon or will.i.am or JT.. he just has to do it himself, and then he'll be sweet. I don't wanna hear any 'hip' shit. I wanna hear some 'Michael' shit!

Graycap23 said:

damn

That was a good article. I would love for Michael to return to his R&B roots (like "Off The Wall"), and kind of go easy on the pop. The last thing I want Michael to do is to follow today's musical trend.

Raze said:

HIStory is a great album! There is nothing wrong with that! If anything he should take that one as an example!

I think "Dangerous" has actually outsold "Bad" by this point.