alphastreet said:

I could relate to the anger on Scream, the hope on Smile, the inner strength in 2Bad and the sadness of childhood (at one point) so it's not like I can't relate to HIStory either. Plus I think though HIStory is musically diverse, it may be musically heavier as a whole than Velvet Rope, and at the time of it's release, I was more into smooth r&b/hip hop over pop even though I like everything overall and always loved how diverse the two artists are. It was exciting when I got HIStory, and would play it often as well as watch his videos constantly after school, old and new in 1995-1997, plus I would tape him on all the entertainment programs that were being positive for sometime, and got VHS tapes off people at school, I was so lucky then. I would see HIStory tour clips on TV, would go on the internet to read MJ news and was dying to see him so badly, but he never made it here though I'm not in the US.

That's a good point someone made about homophobia, Janet was one of the first, if not the one to help me realize it's okay to be different in a hetereosexist world and not be ashamed, man that girl really taught me a thing or two about my sexuality! What About also was inspirational and made me interested in issues about what abused women experience and what to do to help them. Together Again was a hit in the same year I had to deal with a difficult family death, and songs like I Get Lonely, Can't Be Stopped and Special were easily relatable, was a freshman trying to find my place. I kept waiting for the title track to be released though cause it was so musically ambitious and she always released a title track. It was so awesome seeing her in person too in this era, it was my first time.

I love both MJ and Janet's music in different ways. MJ will always be the most talented in the family but Janet created her own place in music history separate from her family and made the most of her own talent, with many memorable songs that are highly personal to people's lives in a way similar to Michael's songs as a soundtrack to our lives. Quite frankly, having Janet come back and perform live helped me overcome a long period of not being able to listen to Michael for a long time--it was too painful. After I went to see Janet sing a heartfelt tribute to her brother in person, I was able to listen to Michael's music again...and feel the joy and lifeforce which will always be present in his legacy...as well as in the best of Janet's music. "Together Again" is an anthem that echoes in my heart for the people I have personally lost in my life...and I truly believe that we will, in the end, be reunited. Music is the reminder of that in the face of obstacles in this life.

How can people not like you are not alone? The video is another story though I can’t watch it but I do agree compared to the other songs on the album that song did not fit I rarely listen to it now. When I listen to HIStory I go straight to Scream , They Don't Care About Us , Stranger In Moscow , This Time Around , Earth Song , Money , 2bad and D.S. the rest I can’t listen to all the time. Childhood and Little Susie I don’t like I never really like when Michael does those types of songs I can’t explain and History I only like the remix on BOTDF…. But I learn to appreciate the album more these days. Janet’s album I will say it is too long like others mention I was listening to it yesterday and was like is this album ever going to end.

babybugz said:

How can people not like you are not alone? The video is another story though I can’t watch it but I do agree compared to the other songs on the album that song did not fit I rarely listen to it now. When I listen to HIStory I go straight to Scream , They Don't Care About Us , Stranger In Moscow , This Time Around , Earth Song , Money , 2bad and D.S. the rest I can’t listen to all the time. Childhood and Little Susie I don’t like I never really like when Michael does those types of songs I can’t explain and History I only like the remix on BOTDF…. But I learn to appreciate the album more these days. Janet’s album I will say it is too long like others mention I was listening to it yesterday and was like is this album ever going to end.

I don't hate YANA, it just didn't fit the album to me.

Timmy84 said:

babybugz said:

How can people not like you are not alone? The video is another story though I can’t watch it but I do agree compared to the other songs on the album that song did not fit I rarely listen to it now. When I listen to HIStory I go straight to Scream , They Don't Care About Us , Stranger In Moscow , This Time Around , Earth Song , Money , 2bad and D.S. the rest I can’t listen to all the time. Childhood and Little Susie I don’t like I never really like when Michael does those types of songs I can’t explain and History I only like the remix on BOTDF…. But I learn to appreciate the album more these days. Janet’s album I will say it is too long like others mention I was listening to it yesterday and was like is this album ever going to end.

I don't hate YANA, it just didn't fit the album to me.

No I agree it didn’t fit but overall like I said before I appreciate the album more now. I would listen to it in the past but only certain songs it really is his best album.

babybugz said:

Timmy84 said:

I don't hate YANA, it just didn't fit the album to me.

No I agree it didn’t fit but overall like I said before I appreciate the album more now. I would listen to it in the past but only certain songs it really is his best album.

Right. Definitely his greatest album in terms of subject matter, even the overall flow of it.

I guess TVR, but I wouldn't call either 'great.' Michael's best was Off the Wall; Janet's best was Rhythm Nation.

I got tired of hearing MJ bitch and grunt on HIStory; the only song I really like is "You Are Not Alone." Beyond that it's a never-ending stream of angry, embittered lyrics over a bunch of weird, noisy sounds. He should have trimmed his anger at the LAPD and the tabloid media to no more than three songs. And his old ass cover of "Come Together" was an extremely tacky add on.

As for TVR, the *concept* is better than the actual album. I respect what it wanted to do more than what it actually did. It was way too schizophrenic: one minute she's happy and wanting to dance...then she's introspective...then she's wanting to have sex...then she's needing a hug...then she's angry...then she's a lesbian...and so on and so forth. Then add all the silly interludes and that horrid cover of "Tonight's The Night."

Both albums were too overproduced and annoying to listen to. But, TVR has a little more depth and has aged slightly better, so it gets my vote.

Again, neither album is their best.

chamber said:

I guess TVR, but I wouldn't call either 'great.' Michael's best was Off the Wall; Janet's best was Rhythm Nation.

I got tired of hearing MJ bitch and grunt on HIStory; the only song I really like is "You Are Not Alone." Beyond that it's a never-ending stream of angry, embittered lyrics over a bunch of weird, noisy sounds. He should have trimmed his anger at the LAPD and the tabloid media to no more than three songs. And his old ass cover of "Come Together" was an extremely tacky add on.

As for TVR, the *concept* is better than the actual album. I respect what it wanted to do more than what it actually did. It was way too schizophrenic: one minute she's happy and wanting to dance...then she's introspective...then she's wanting to have sex...then she's needing a hug...then she's angry...then she's a lesbian...and so on and so forth. Then add all the silly interludes and that horrid cover of "Tonight's The Night."

Both albums were too overproduced and annoying to listen to. But, TVR has a little more depth and has aged slightly better, so it gets my vote.

Again, neither album is their best.

And you call yourself a fan

Back when I was a kid I used to not like certain songs - LIKE "Childhood". But now as I'm listening to it, I don't know why I thought it sucked. This is actually a very touching song. And I love the strings in it.

babybugz said:

How can people not like you are not alone? The video is another story though I can’t watch it

You don't like seeing Michael's little balls peeking out from underneath that towel?

babybugz said:

How can people not like you are not alone? The video is another story though I can’t watch it but I do agree compared to the other songs on the album that song did not fit I rarely listen to it now. When I listen to HIStory I go straight to Scream , They Don't Care About Us , Stranger In Moscow , This Time Around , Earth Song , Money , 2bad and D.S. the rest I can’t listen to all the time. Childhood and Little Susie I don’t like I never really like when Michael does those types of songs I can’t explain and History I only like the remix on BOTDF…. But I learn to appreciate the album more these days. Janet’s album I will say it is too long like others mention I was listening to it yesterday and was like is this album ever going to end.

EASILY

chamber said:

I guess TVR, but I wouldn't call either 'great.' Michael's best was Off the Wall; Janet's best was Rhythm Nation.

I got tired of hearing MJ bitch and grunt on HIStory; the only song I really like is "You Are Not Alone." Beyond that it's a never-ending stream of angry, embittered lyrics over a bunch of weird, noisy sounds. He should have trimmed his anger at the LAPD and the tabloid media to no more than three songs. And his old ass cover of "Come Together" was an extremely tacky add on.

As for TVR, the *concept* is better than the actual album. I respect what it wanted to do more than what it actually did. It was way too schizophrenic: one minute she's happy and wanting to dance...then she's introspective...then she's wanting to have sex...then she's needing a hug...then she's angry...then she's a lesbian...and so on and so forth. Then add all the silly interludes and that horrid cover of "Tonight's The Night."

Both albums were too overproduced and annoying to listen to. But, TVR has a little more depth and has aged slightly better, so it gets my vote.

Again, neither album is their best.

I think Michael’s best two are Off The Wall and HIStory I do prefer off the wall over it but because of the subject matter and it being more personal HIStory has a slight edge over it. But I can see how people would disagree HIStory overall is an acquire taste.

vainandy said:

babybugz said:

How can people not like you are not alone? The video is another story though I can’t watch it

You don't like seeing Michael's little balls peeking out from underneath that towel?

LOL I’m sorry that video makes me cringe LAWD

babybugz said:

chamber said:

I guess TVR, but I wouldn't call either 'great.' Michael's best was Off the Wall; Janet's best was Rhythm Nation.

I got tired of hearing MJ bitch and grunt on HIStory; the only song I really like is "You Are Not Alone." Beyond that it's a never-ending stream of angry, embittered lyrics over a bunch of weird, noisy sounds. He should have trimmed his anger at the LAPD and the tabloid media to no more than three songs. And his old ass cover of "Come Together" was an extremely tacky add on.

As for TVR, the *concept* is better than the actual album. I respect what it wanted to do more than what it actually did. It was way too schizophrenic: one minute she's happy and wanting to dance...then she's introspective...then she's wanting to have sex...then she's needing a hug...then she's angry...then she's a lesbian...and so on and so forth. Then add all the silly interludes and that horrid cover of "Tonight's The Night."

Both albums were too overproduced and annoying to listen to. But, TVR has a little more depth and has aged slightly better, so it gets my vote.

Again, neither album is their best.

I think Michael’s best two are Off The Wall and HIStory I do prefer off the wall over it but because of the subject matter and it being more personal HIStory has a slight edge over it. But I can see how people would disagree HIStory overall is an acquire taste.

^^^ I love Off The Wall--I bought it the moment it came out. I've often wondered how Michael's life and career would have fared if Thriller had never happened...or at least didn't become the Mega-hit that it did. If Michael had "normal" stardom in the 80s... But that is woulda/shoulda/coulda... I love Off The Wall because of MJ's joy of life and music... But that is how I will always remember him...as the joyous singer from my youth!

purplethunder3121 said:

alphastreet said:

I could relate to the anger on Scream, the hope on Smile, the inner strength in 2Bad and the sadness of childhood (at one point) so it's not like I can't relate to HIStory either. Plus I think though HIStory is musically diverse, it may be musically heavier as a whole than Velvet Rope, and at the time of it's release, I was more into smooth r&b/hip hop over pop even though I like everything overall and always loved how diverse the two artists are. It was exciting when I got HIStory, and would play it often as well as watch his videos constantly after school, old and new in 1995-1997, plus I would tape him on all the entertainment programs that were being positive for sometime, and got VHS tapes off people at school, I was so lucky then. I would see HIStory tour clips on TV, would go on the internet to read MJ news and was dying to see him so badly, but he never made it here though I'm not in the US.

That's a good point someone made about homophobia, Janet was one of the first, if not the one to help me realize it's okay to be different in a hetereosexist world and not be ashamed, man that girl really taught me a thing or two about my sexuality! What About also was inspirational and made me interested in issues about what abused women experience and what to do to help them. Together Again was a hit in the same year I had to deal with a difficult family death, and songs like I Get Lonely, Can't Be Stopped and Special were easily relatable, was a freshman trying to find my place. I kept waiting for the title track to be released though cause it was so musically ambitious and she always released a title track. It was so awesome seeing her in person too in this era, it was my first time.

I love both MJ and Janet's music in different ways. MJ will always be the most talented in the family but Janet created her own place in music history separate from her family and made the most of her own talent, with many memorable songs that are highly personal to people's lives in a way similar to Michael's songs as a soundtrack to our lives. Quite frankly, having Janet come back and perform live helped me overcome a long period of not being able to listen to Michael for a long time--it was too painful. After I went to see Janet sing a heartfelt tribute to her brother in person, I was able to listen to Michael's music again...and feel the joy and lifeforce which will always be present in his legacy...as well as in the best of Janet's music. "Together Again" is an anthem that echoes in my heart for the people I have personally lost in my life...and I truly believe that we will, in the end, be reunited. Music is the reminder of that in the face of obstacles in this life.

I was dreading Janet's show too for the first time in my life cause of Michael, but I found myself enjoying the tributes and jumping and screaming/singing those songs out without tears like I got during Beyonce's tribute in 2009. I felt sad when I heard MJ's kids were crying during it and had to escorted out and realized my pain will never be like theirs though I always knew it, it was a confirmation. Things probably got easier for me since too. I can listen to him fine now most of the time, but I have such a hard time looking at him in music videos and performances now, this morning I tried after months and would just play with my phone instead to keep from crying or getting angry. But when I saw clips of him smiling at the camera and stuff like that at press conferences, I burst into tears. I'm still working on the healing.

I also agree MJ is the most talented in the family and both have great soundtracks Even though I know Janet is MJ's sister, I'm not always thinking it when watching her, I'm captivated by her too.

vainandy said:

babybugz said:

How can people not like you are not alone? The video is another story though I can’t watch it

You don't like seeing Michael's little balls peeking out from underneath that towel?

Those weren't his balls, it was a gerbil, don't be gay *big hug*

As for You Are Not Alone, I like it and have good memories of it being a hit that summer/early fall and it's a sweet reassuring song, but R. Kelly was writing really good jams in the late half of the 90's, and I think I Believe I Can Fly sounds a little superior to it, and IMO better. I wish it was MJ's song.

alphastreet said:

vainandy said:

You don't like seeing Michael's little balls peeking out from underneath that towel?

Those weren't his balls, it was a gerbil, don't be gay *big hug*

TotalAlisa said:

GettOffMyLand said:

HIStory is a strange one for me. I love it and the songs are very personal. I love the fact that MJ was angry on it! The videos were great! Saying that there are things that I don't like (if we are talking as a complete package). The cover is awful. Just really disappointing. I hate the fact it was packaged in with a greatest hits. Also it feels like a random collection of songs rather than a well laid out album. I rarely listen to it from start to finish because the songs are so different (not a bad thing, but as a sequence of songs???).

Velvet Rope makes me sad. It is an amazing album to me in terms of the way it flows, the themes and the music. I miss Janet albums like that. Janet what happened??? That was the last time a Janet album made me feel a certain way. You went from an artist with something to say to a randy cougar.

It seems like MJ just put together an album without cohesion. Why the heck was "come together" on the album it didn't fit. That song should have been released with the bad album. It was like he recycled some previous songs on this album instead of making a new album with completely new songs. Where as the velvet rope had a theme and very cohesive.

janet jackson should do another velvet rope, but instead of the depression theme, she should do more of spirtitual theme about her trying to find happiness or finding it.

Not to pick on you in particular but I find this reason an empty argument.

Cohesion is subjective. We don't know all the options that were available to each to say that it could have been better.

HIStory hold together as an album. An album doesn't need to be thematic or a concept album to be cohesive.

There are so many more elements I would give priority to from the songwriting, instrumentation, vocalist, singing, lyrics, production, sound, whether it resonates with me and why.

I know a great album and whether I like an album long before I get to thinking about it's 'cohesion.'

mancabdriver said:

I'm a Janet Jackson fan and I am most of the time biased towards her BUT objectively I choose TVR.

Plus I can relate to the album more "everyone has the need to feel special" right? I don't really have problems with the media and my childhood was quite happy.

Give me a break.

badujunkie said:

TotalAlisa said:

It seems like MJ just put together an album without cohesion. Why the heck was "come together" on the album it didn't fit. That song should have been released with the bad album. It was like he recycled some previous songs on this album instead of making a new album with completely new songs. Where as the velvet rope had a theme and very cohesive.

janet jackson should do another velvet rope, but instead of the depression theme, she should do more of spirtitual theme about her trying to find happiness or finding it.

I couldn't disagree with this any more, it would be impossible. The overriding theme of HIStory (part 2) is 'fall from grace,' alienation, racism, the superficialities that separate us from one another, feeling isolated, discrimination, self-doubt, suspicion, paranoia. "Come Together" fits perfectly. Along with "Tabloid Junkie," "Stranger in Moscow," "Scream," "This Time Around," "Earth Song," "HIStory."

TVR is an extremely cohesive and strong concept and theme for an album, but HIStory is just as tied together lyrically and thematically, if not, even moreso.

That said, I love HIStory but my vote goes to TVR, probably my fave album by anyone, ever, along with Mama's Gun!

Never thought I lived on a planet where that could be said.

I don't think VR is my favourite album EVER, but I did feel very close to it at one point cause I could really relate to it. My favourite MJ album is Bad (and maybe all time) and favourite Janet album is Rhythm Nation.

Know what else I remember? Big Janet fans expected another Velvet Rope and settled with All For You, while All For You settled better with the public at large than Velvet Rope. Though I did love All For You, it didn't beat Velvet Rope to me, though now I appreciate it way more and think it's aged really well.

[Edited 7/12/11 22:10pm]

chamber said:

I guess TVR, but I wouldn't call either 'great.' Michael's best was Off the Wall; Janet's best was Rhythm Nation.

I got tired of hearing MJ bitch and grunt on HIStory; the only song I really like is "You Are Not Alone." Beyond that it's a never-ending stream of angry, embittered lyrics over a bunch of weird, noisy sounds. He should have trimmed his anger at the LAPD and the tabloid media to no more than three songs. And his old ass cover of "Come Together" was an extremely tacky add on.

As for TVR, the *concept* is better than the actual album. I respect what it wanted to do more than what it actually did. It was way too schizophrenic: one minute she's happy and wanting to dance...then she's introspective...then she's wanting to have sex...then she's needing a hug...then she's angry...then she's a lesbian...and so on and so forth. Then add all the silly interludes and that horrid cover of "Tonight's The Night."

Both albums were too overproduced and annoying to listen to. But, TVR has a little more depth and has aged slightly better, so it gets my vote.

Again, neither album is their best.

Michael's best is not 'Off the Wall.'

I'd put 'Invincible' on the same level as 'Off the Wall.'

I also just realized Velvet Rope came out at a time when so many female artists were independent in their music in all the genres, or angsty in their music speaking out. I had yet to find an album by a female that would sit with me musically, and VR did it for me when it came to those themes.

No one needs to argue their point view - or hope to be right. People are just stating their own preference. It's no different to saying what do you prefer Peanut Butter or Jelly? It's all subjective - if you love TVR over HIStory its ok - and if someone else loves HIStory it's ok too. Just let us know why, and be open to other's letting you into rediscovering music you might have over looked.

Oh and who am I kidding - Peanut Butter totally rules.

SUPRMAN said:

TotalAlisa said:

It seems like MJ just put together an album without cohesion. Why the heck was "come together" on the album it didn't fit. That song should have been released with the bad album. It was like he recycled some previous songs on this album instead of making a new album with completely new songs. Where as the velvet rope had a theme and very cohesive.

janet jackson should do another velvet rope, but instead of the depression theme, she should do more of spirtitual theme about her trying to find happiness or finding it.

Not to pick on you in particular but I find this reason an empty argument.

Cohesion is subjective. We don't know all the options that were available to each to say that it could have been better.

HIStory hold together as an album. An album doesn't need to be thematic or a concept album to be cohesive.

There are so many more elements I would give priority to from the songwriting, instrumentation, vocalist, singing, lyrics, production, sound, whether it resonates with me and why.

I know a great album and whether I like an album long before I get to thinking about it's 'cohesion.'

when you have songs that were recorded 1985 from the Moonwalker thrown in, then that Fs up the cohesion for me. IMO that just threw the album off. Even when i was a little kid i didn't quite get the flow of the album. I listen to it sooo much and LOVED the videos especially the Earth Song. But I just enjoy the Velvet Rope more.

Im basing my opinion on which one I have enjoyed more. Truthfully the MJ album makes me a little sad, this was before he even died.

Yeah there is a lot of pain on it, I always loved angry, aggressive and vulnerable MJ in the music though I also love earlier stuff before Thriller and like switching between the two which is why I love him for all the diversity, and though I was sad for him before the death too, now that he's physically gone, it's all real stuff man.... Come Together never bothered me on HIStory though I also had wondered if it was older for a few minutes. The Beatles have timeless music and MJ had heavy beats anyway on the album, so it still worked IMO.

About Janet doing another Velvet Rope, I remember her saying during Damita Jo she wants to do an album on racism and pain or something like that in some interview. She should definitely do a smooth and deep album with an angry track here and there for her next project, it will be awesome and genuine, possible her HIStory...HERstory (though I know TLC has a song like that)

[Edited 7/12/11 22:30pm]

alphastreet said:

I don't think VR is my favourite album EVER, but I did feel very close to it at one point cause I could really relate to it. My favourite MJ album is Bad (and maybe all time) and favourite Janet album is Rhythm Nation.

Know what else I remember? Big Janet fans expected another Velvet Rope and settled with All For You, while All For You settled better with the public at large than Velvet Rope. Though I did love All For You, it didn't beat Velvet Rope to me, though now I appreciate it way more and think it's aged really well.

[Edited 7/12/11 22:10pm]

I think people can relate to the velvet rope more, then MJ History. Only because he was talking about issues that someone of his caliber deals with. I didn't know who Don Standon was at the time

I also feel like many songs on the MJ's album sounds very dated and not in a good way. Like the songs: D.S., Money, Tabloid Junkie, This time around, 2bad, and little susie. BUT his stronger songs like You are not alone, stranger in moscow, earth song, and scream, THESE ARE CLASSICS and will album stand against the test of time.

alphastreet said:

purplethunder3121 said:

I love both MJ and Janet's music in different ways. MJ will always be the most talented in the family but Janet created her own place in music history separate from her family and made the most of her own talent, with many memorable songs that are highly personal to people's lives in a way similar to Michael's songs as a soundtrack to our lives. Quite frankly, having Janet come back and perform live helped me overcome a long period of not being able to listen to Michael for a long time--it was too painful. After I went to see Janet sing a heartfelt tribute to her brother in person, I was able to listen to Michael's music again...and feel the joy and lifeforce which will always be present in his legacy...as well as in the best of Janet's music. "Together Again" is an anthem that echoes in my heart for the people I have personally lost in my life...and I truly believe that we will, in the end, be reunited. Music is the reminder of that in the face of obstacles in this life.

I was dreading Janet's show too for the first time in my life cause of Michael, but I found myself enjoying the tributes and jumping and screaming/singing those songs out without tears like I got during Beyonce's tribute in 2009. I felt sad when I heard MJ's kids were crying during it and had to escorted out and realized my pain will never be like theirs though I always knew it, it was a confirmation. Things probably got easier for me since too. I can listen to him fine now most of the time, but I have such a hard time looking at him in music videos and performances now, this morning I tried after months and would just play with my phone instead to keep from crying or getting angry. But when I saw clips of him smiling at the camera and stuff like that at press conferences, I burst into tears. I'm still working on the healing.

I also agree MJ is the most talented in the family and both have great soundtracks Even though I know Janet is MJ's sister, I'm not always thinking it when watching her, I'm captivated by her too.

^^^ I have read some of your posts about struggling with MJ's death and I think you are doing just fine. If you can listen to his music again, smile, and feel joy in it, then you have come a long way. I still don't watch the videos but I am okay--better than okay--listening to his music again now. I can go back to hearing it the way I did when I was care-free and remembering when Michael was, too. But seeing Janet perform helped me--and I truly think that when she performs, it also helps her come to terms with her brother's death. I have had several family members pass in the last few years, so in a strange way, seeing Janet perform allowed me to release MJ and my own family members... People deal with grief on many levels, but music helps me, as well as many others, to heal and go on... Janet is full of life, hope, and inspiring people...which, in turn, inspires me.

TotalAlisa said:

alphastreet said:

I don't think VR is my favourite album EVER, but I did feel very close to it at one point cause I could really relate to it. My favourite MJ album is Bad (and maybe all time) and favourite Janet album is Rhythm Nation.

Know what else I remember? Big Janet fans expected another Velvet Rope and settled with All For You, while All For You settled better with the public at large than Velvet Rope. Though I did love All For You, it didn't beat Velvet Rope to me, though now I appreciate it way more and think it's aged really well.

[Edited 7/12/11 22:10pm]

I think people can relate to the velvet rope more, then MJ History. Only because he was talking about issues that someone of his caliber deals with. I didn't know who Don Standon was at the time

I also feel like many songs on the MJ's album sounds very dated and not in a good way. Like the songs: D.S., Money, Tabloid Junkie, This time around, 2bad, and little susie. BUT his stronger songs like You are not alone, stranger in moscow, earth song, and scream, THESE ARE CLASSICS and will album stand against the test of time.

I agree those 4 you named are classics. Though TDCAU and Stranger in Moscow were not hits here, I'm surprised at how many people know and love those songs, and have done so for so many years! I've known so many people who own HIStory since it came out and I remember them liking the singles too cause it was my junior high years, but I didn't know of those kids liking those two though I know people now who do. The others you named, I really like them too though I would choose Dangerous tracks over them. However, I appreciate them for their moralistic messages and the emotions they can bring out if we care for MJ. When I came to understand people treated him badly cause it makes them money and learned more details of the allegations since I was miraculously kept from all that despite knowing of him, it all made sense. Earth Song was a single here, so I think people did know it though I don't recall anyone talking about it much until his death, though I know someone who had their teacher play the video in science class a few years ago.

purplethunder3121 said:

alphastreet said:

I was dreading Janet's show too for the first time in my life cause of Michael, but I found myself enjoying the tributes and jumping and screaming/singing those songs out without tears like I got during Beyonce's tribute in 2009. I felt sad when I heard MJ's kids were crying during it and had to escorted out and realized my pain will never be like theirs though I always knew it, it was a confirmation. Things probably got easier for me since too. I can listen to him fine now most of the time, but I have such a hard time looking at him in music videos and performances now, this morning I tried after months and would just play with my phone instead to keep from crying or getting angry. But when I saw clips of him smiling at the camera and stuff like that at press conferences, I burst into tears. I'm still working on the healing.

I also agree MJ is the most talented in the family and both have great soundtracks Even though I know Janet is MJ's sister, I'm not always thinking it when watching her, I'm captivated by her too.

^^^ I have read some of your posts about struggling with MJ's death and I think you are doing just fine. If you can listen to his music again, smile, and feel joy in it, then you have come a long way. I still don't watch the videos but I am okay--better than okay--listening to his music again now. I can go back to hearing it the way I did when I was care-free and remembering when Michael was, too. But seeing Janet perform helped me--and I truly think that when she performs, it also helps her come to terms with her brother's death. I have had several family members pass in the last few years, so in a strange way, seeing Janet perform allowed me to release MJ and my own family members... People deal with grief on many levels, but music helps me, as well as many others, to heal and go on... Janet is full of life, hope, and inspiring people...which, in turn, inspires me.

Aw thanks, I'm glad you understand, though I'm also aware that I got too attached to him for years, like obsessed because of running away from my own stress and using him as escapism and feel mad at myself cause I have an addictive personality and that's why I'm struggling with the grief for so long, I couldn't cry it out all at once and before it happened, I was already struggling mentally anyways and dealing with another crisis, with this being the last straw, so it's still sinking in. I also feel guilt for my feelings, especially if I start acting irrational with them out of love.