Re: NEW SONG - Akon feat. Michael Jackson "Hold my hand" Audio pg.1; lyrics posts 188 /aired on radi
It amazes me that Michael Jackson himself can be so humble and realistic about his talent and music when he has discussed it with other artists and in interviews yet some of his own fans seem to miss the mark in that area.
What in the world are people talking about Michael lowering himself by performing with Akon? Are you saying that Michael is so talented and has such an ear for music yet can't recognize whether he and another artist is capable of producing something good for the public to listen to?
Michael constantly talks about how important it is for his music to make people feel something (he doesn't necessarily say what that feeling should be; and if he himself doesn't define it then we as fans certainly should not) and how important it is for his music to transcend class, gender, age, race, ethnicity, etc. This song can not be denied either of those traits. The music and words can make connections with people on an emotional level; keep in mind that making an emotional connection does not have to be the same as making some kind of prolific, life altering statement. It just has to connect in a person's life in terms of circumstances, other people, events, feelings, etc. That is all. It really is that simple and it is what has made Michael Jackson so successful with the general public--not earth-shattering profound musical statements. His music really survives on the melodies and the beats--not because he is saying such philosophical things in so many of his released music.
Michael himself has succeeded with plenty of "fluff" songs and "corny" lyrics. Sorry to break it to some but Billie Jean, PYT, ABC 123, Thriller, BAD, Dangerous, In the Closet, Remember the Time, and countless others have not been any more spiritually awakening than many of the songs out today. What separates them from many of the songs is simply the emotion that they evoke by making people feel a certain way when they hear the song, by making people want to dance, or by making people unable to get the melody out of their minds. And I also hate to say it but the lyrics of We Are the World can be said to be on point but corny; they are not so philosophical that they hold the key to the meaning of life; but the lyrics touched a chord in people's hearts. That is it.
And if he can create such songs with Akon or whomever else that do the same as those in his catalog of songs, then he continues to succeed and continues to make music that people will be unable to get out of their heads for decades to come. Just remember, Thriller was not immediately recognized on the scale it is today when it was first released. It was simply thought of by many, including those who helped put it together, as a really great album but nothing more. It is not up to music critics of any level (media to fans) to state to what degree a particular song will reach such importance in our culture. That is left to the public to determine by the feelings and circumstances that surround the song itself; that is what will or will not take it into the future for years to come; that is what will or will not determine its status as a classic.
I'm sure that Michael Jackson recognizes this. He himself has used the video to help cement many of his songs into classics that without such vivid imagery connected to them may have today just been "okay pop songs" not worthy of so much excitement.
Just remember that individuals simply choose their music by taste. Cultures and communities of people determine the music that stays alive for generations.
Both Michael and Akon helped to create a song with a great melody that can be enjoyed across demographics. In that, they have done what the needed and wanted to do.
