FOREVER - MICHAEL JACKSON

Michael Jackson is undoubtedly one of the most talked about personalities of our era! Unfortunately, of late, he has been hogging the limelight for all the wrong reasons. But let us not delve into that side of his life, the matter is in court and there are people to enforce the law, if he is proven guilty! There is so much more to 'MJ', loads and loads to talk about the man, and his music! I started listening to western music sometime around my 5th standard. I used to know only those songs which they played on the music channels like MTV and stuff. And obviously, those were Jackson's hey days so u can imagine the number of his videos that they played on TV.

I was immediately attracted by his music, and I used to yearn for his songs, whenever I switched on the TV. Great foot tapping numbers, and music that kindled a spirit of enthusiasm in the hearts of all listeners. The energy in his music - the voice, the dance, everything gelled so well and the result was a very tight package! I did not have much exposure to his vast range of music, other than the videos they used to play on TV. And it was only during my 10th standard, that I got introduced to Michael Jackson's music, in all its wonderful shades! I am very thankful to my very close friend, Ramakrishnan, in this regard. When we became good friends in the 10th standard, I had a better overall know-how of the western music scenario, than him. But he used to take me apart, when it came to one specific artist , 'MJ' !! There was a stage when he literally was crazy about MJ and his music. He had every album , and every single song ! As a matter of fact, as time rolled by, I started realising why this guy was so awestruck by MJ, he had reason to be! It has to be added that at present, the scenario has changed, and Rama has become an 'authority' in music. He's a fantastic guitarist and his knowledge of music, is way beyond mine! Some things 'do' change ! :) Really proud of the guy!!

Through the tapes and CDs that I got from him ( most of which are still with me, Rama hope u are not listening! ), I started listening to a different side of Jackson's music - the mellow songs. Until then, my understanding of MJ, was that he was just famous for fabulous foot tapping music. But I went on to realise that Michael Jackson was much much more than just pop music! His slow numbers are too good!! The lyrics make so much sense, and the melody attached to it, just blows your head off! Songs which immediately come to mind are - 'Stranger in Moscow', 'Will you be there'(Free Willy OST), 'Heal the World', 'Earth Song', 'Man in the Mirror'. There is so much meaning conveyed by all these songs! The videos are so emotionally attractive too. Considering all this, one tends to wonder that if MJ really meant a small percentage of all that he sang, then is it the same person who is being accused of all these outrageous crimes!! Its indeed a point to ponder!

After decades of enthralling fans with his amazing music, it looks as though Michael Jackson is on his way out, atleast as far the music scene is concerned. His last album "INVINCIBLE" , was relased in 2001, after a gap of 6 years. The album did prove to be a hit, but my personal opinion was that it was not as good as his previous albums! Some of the stand out songs that i heard, from "Invincible" were 'The Lost Children', 'Invincible', '2000 Watts', and 'Unbreakable'. Hope he does bring out one more album to once again re kindle that excitement amongst his fans! The man may fade, but the legend remains! The 'King Of Pop' will continue to rule the hearts of music lovers, for years to come!