Michael Jackson: The King of Pop
While no one can truly replicate the unparalleled genius that Michael Jackson displayed, it’s worth exploring why he holds the title of the 'King of Pop' in the hearts and minds of millions across the globe. This article will delve into the reasons why Michael Jackson stands above all others, comparing him to contemporaries and predecessors such as Prince and Elvis Presley.
The Contemporaries
Several artists have been compared to Michael Jackson, with their own unique contributions to the world of pop music. However, none have achieved the same level of dominance and innovation. Let's take a closer look at a few:
Prince
Prince, a musical genius with a unique style and a vast catalog of hits, was indeed a contemporary of Jackson. As a contemporary, he had a massive influence on pop and RB. Yet, critics often point out that despite his legendary status, a comparison to Michael Jackson is inevitable. Jackson's expansive skill set, unparalleled stage presence, and innovative boundary-pushing of music are unmatched.
Beyoncé
Beyoncé is renowned for her powerful vocals, stage presence, and innovative music videos. She is a modern pop icon in the truest sense, but even she acknowledges that she cannot claim the title of the 'King of Pop.' Beyoncé has certainly made a significant impact, but Michael Jackson set the standard with his definitive voice and dance moves.
Justin Timberlake
Justin Timberlake, a former member of NSYNC, has had a successful solo career. Timberlake is known for his contributions to pop and RB, but his impact and influence are significantly different from Jackson. While Timberlake is undoubtedly a talented performer, his music often highlights his talents at a technical level, whereas Jackson was a multi-faceted musical genius who virtually invented a genre of music.
Lady Gaga
Lady Gaga's theatrical performances and diverse musical style have made her a significant mark on pop music. However, her influence and reach do not quite match that of Michael Jackson's. The very fabric of pop music changed with the introduction of Michael Jackson, and he remains a timeless icon.
The Weeknd
The Weeknd has garnered critical acclaim and commercial success with his blend of pop, RB, and alternative influences. However, his contributions cannot be compared to the innovative spirit and cultural impact of Michael Jackson. The Weeknd represents a continuation of the pop music tradition but falls short in terms of groundbreaking innovation.
Elvis Presley: A Historic Predecessor
In the annals of pop music, Elvis Presley was a pioneer who sold more music than anyone at the time. Elvis was also a top box office draw, which helped to cement his legacy as a king of pop. However, no matter how much he accomplished, his influence cannot be compared to the multifaceted genius of Michael Jackson.
The 5th Point: Jackson's Unparalleled Genius
Much has been said about Michael Jackson's talents, but the fifth point is the most crucial. Michael Jackson was a musical genius comparable to the likes of Beethoven, Chopin, and Liszt. He composed scores for piano, drums, guitar, and many other instruments, always making sure that they would be integral to his music. This level of technical expertise and musical knowledge is unmatched in the history of pop music.
Beyond just being a singer, Michael Jackson conquered multiple facets of the musical entertainment industry. He excelled in singing, composing for different instruments, dancing, and producing, both in songs and videos. He was among the best at each of these, making him a true all-around artist.
Around the world, Michael Jackson is recognized and respected, from cultures with little to no contact with the Western world. His name is almost a household word. References to his talents are common in contemporary music, as seen in Drake's lyrics: 'I can dance like Michael Jackson,' and Lil Nas X's 'I’m bad like Michael Jackson hee hee.' These references not only speak to Jackson's enduring legacy but also emphasize his unmatched status as the king of pop.
Conclusion: Michael Jackson did not 'win' the title 'King of Pop;' he earned it. He created it and remains the definition of that title. No one can 'beat' Michael Jackson as the king of pop, not as long as the term is used to describe the standard of excellence that he set. The definition of King of Pop is simply Michael Jackson himself.