audio review : 2000 Watts ( song ) … Michael Jackson

There seems to be a conceptual conflict with this being both a “dance” anthem and music to blast in your car at “high speed”; it would be hard to do both at once; but the main issue is the deepening effect on the lead vocals. It’s an artistic decision that, on an official Michael Jackson song, borders blasphemy.

The cut; literally the missing title song cut from Tyrese’s newest album, oddly enough; starts in the middle (mediocre) lane but soon reaches “the next level” as Michael Jackson puts you in the groove. It’s his ad-libs during the peak that boost it. The beat, whether you’re driving or dancing to it, is also a banger.

my rating : 4 of 5

2001

audio review : Invincible ( album ) ... Michael Jackson

audio review : Who Is It ( song ) … Michael Jackson

This song; easily one of Michael Jackson’s best; is simply majestic. Its orchestral highlights; there’s a string prelude and a cello break before the final chorus section; and Epic vibe make the concept of a man’s wife leaving him for “someone else” seem rather trivial in comparison.

It’s the end of the world for him though. “I am the damned, I am the dead, I am the agony inside the dying head,” he laments, “This is injustice; ‘woe unto thee’; I pray this punishment would have mercy on me.” Those are the poetic ramblings of a heartbroken man.

my rating : 5 of 5

1991