After King of Pop's death, his influence still resonates in music
Five years after his death, Michael Jackson sounds more alive than
ever.
The style he patented back in the 1970s and 1980s has staged a comeback
on the pop charts in the last year, channeled through the pervasive hits of
Justin Timberlake, Robin Thicke, Bruno Mars, and Daft Punk. They all reference
the sumptuous, disco-era dance beats, spiraling falsetto vocals, and plush
production that would have fit right in with the peak style of Jackson’s greatest
solo albums: 1979’s “Off The Wall” and 1983’s “Thriller.”
On Mars’ current tour, he styles himself with the Afro, wide lapels and
velvet suits fans will remember from a far younger Michael J.
All this stands in stark contrast to the brand of pop which dominated
the scene in the year of the icon’s passing, 2009. Then, far more angular dance
sounds ruled, pounding through hits like the Black Eyed Peas’ percussive “Boom
Boom Pow,” or the new-wave-tinged Lady Gaga singles “Poker Face” and “Just
Dance.” Those songs ranked as the No. 1, 2, and 3 hits of 2009, according to
Billboard.
Less than 18 months after Jackson’s passing, his estate released his
first posthumous album, “Michael.” It earned tepid reviews and no small number
of accusations of exploitation.
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