Michael Jackson, hated and loved by many, understood by none. Enter the world of the King of Pop, journey with him through the ups and downs known as his life. Access his mindset and mood by means of music. Rather than view the icons life under the microscope, listen to it through the headphones…
Michael Jackson “Life Under the Microscope”
1. “Remember the Time” by Michael Jackson
Born baby of the family:
I chose to include this song for a number of reasons. One being that I felt it was appropriate to open Michael’s playlist with a song of his own. Another reason being the irony presented in this song in relation to Michael’s current situation. When composing this song Michael was apparently serenading a female; however now the first thought that comes to mind when hearing this song, is “Do you remember a time when Michael Jackson was only Michael Jackson”, just a regular child, before the music?
2. “Daddy” by Juelz Santana
Pushed and worked hard by his father:
The relationship Michael and his brothers shared with their father was always a well publicized and criticized topic. Years after the Jackson5 had gone their separate ways, Michael even commented in interviews of how he felt he was abused and missed treated by Joseph. The song “Daddy” by Juelz Santana relates the undying affection a father has for his son. Stating regardless of whether or not I ever have to beat you I will still love you.
3. “Family Business” by Kanye West
Formed the successful group, the Jackson5:
As a result of the pressure placed by Joseph on Michael and his brothers they family actually achieved great things. As the title of this Kanye West classic suggests, the Jackson5 had actually become a family business. The group was selling out tours and driving fans crazy all over the world. At this point in his life Michael was first put on the pedestal that he would spend the majority of his life attempting to escape.
4. “Takeover” by Jay Z
Stole the spotlight from his brothers:
Although the lyrics of this song may not accurately reflect Michael stage in life at this point, there is most definitely a correlation with the title. This song entitled the “Takeover” represents a stage in Michael’s early music career where he began receiving all of the attention from the fans and media. As Michael realized how much he was truly adored he began to take over more lead songs and positions within the group.
5. “Celebration” by Kanye West
Became successful as a solo star:
At this point of Michael’s music career he had earned the right to celebrate. Michael had stepped out and away from the restrictions of Joseph and the group and had become his own person. As a solo artist Michael released myriad record breaking albums including the infamous classics Danger and Thriller.
6. “Black or White” by Michael Jackson
Had issues with surgery and fitting into a social class:
Most speculation regarding Michael’s sanity began at this point in his life. After a series of surgeries and an obvious difference in his skin tone it was commonly said and that Michael was attempting to be and desired to be white. The release of this song fulfilled its desired purposed and silence many of Michael’s critics. This song showed how superficial and fake those who chose to judge Michael on his skin color were.
7. “Somebody’s Watching Me” by Rockwell
Constantly under public scrutiny and judgment:
This song alone may perhaps be capable of summing up the life of the pop icon in a nutshell. Rockwell’s “Somebody’s Watching Me” conveys the spirit of what Michael’s life has been like since the surgeries and controversy regarding his skin color. At this point in Michael’s life every single move he made was observed and scrutinized as if the media was going out of their way in an effort to slander Michael’s name.
8. “Hard Knock Life” by Jay Z
Faced many allegations, became the ridicule the public:
Around this time derogatory nicknames were created for Michael Jackson such as “Wacko jacko” or “monkey.” Michael experienced many financial issues as well as numerous sexual allegations for indecent behavior with young children. The song “Hard Knock Life” is meant to relate the dilemmas, ridicule, and embarrassment Michael was forced to live with.
9. “Guilty Until Proven Innocent” by Jay-Z and R. Kelly
Found not guilty in legal cases:
As the title of the song implies, Michael was found “Not Guilty” in court and had his name as cleared as possible. Aside from escaping jail time this was a major triumph for Michael morally as well. Especially in a time when he had been presumed to be guilty until proven innocent, as the song by Jay Z and R. Kelly implies. This was actually one of the biggest trials of Michael’s life it was often rumored that had even ceased to eat.
10. “High Road” by Fort Minor
Withdrawal from the public eye:
After overcoming the trials and tribulations that Michael has most recent faced, instead of worrying about going through such events and ridicule again. Michael has chosen to take the High Road and walk by and past anybody and everybody attempting to restrict his success or hold him back in any way or fashion.
