Let’s talk about Michael Jackson vs. Chris Brown

Musically, I like Chris Brown. I understand that his personal life makes him essentially the most problematic star we have ever had, but given his artistry, I’m a fan. He can sing, dance, act, rap, write, etc. He’s got the entire package, perhaps even greater than Usher Raymond, who has been the gold standard of R&B for years because the late 90s. Usher’s catalog is healthier than Chris Brown’s; I do not think that is debatable, but they’re each great at what they do. Chris has something extra, though, that makes the Chris Brown vs. Usher discussion price listening to.

And then there’s Michael Jackson. You’ve heard of him. Another problematic superstar (all of them appear to be) who was probably essentially the most famous man on Earth for a time. Michael Jackson could sing, dance, act, understood theatrics, and had an unassailable catalog. Michael Jackson has several of the best-selling albums of all time, and for good reason—Off The Wall and Thriller are incredible works. Period.

When Mike (any longer we are going to call Michael Jackson Mike) died in 2009, his glory days were long behind him. He still attracted attention, as evidenced by ticket sales “This is it” list of live shows he was speculated to play in London in 2009 and 2010. But even a slowed down Mike was a category above the remaining. He simply was. Do you understand how significant and good you’ve gotten to be to have the worldwide status of 1 name under the name “Michael”? Mike was the very best of all of them. He may not have had the very best voice, but he was a fully amazing singer and his live shows were legendary. I attended a “Bad” concert in West Germany in 1988 (I do not remember which city we saw it in, but I used to be living in Frankfurt on the time) and I still keep in mind that concert vividly. As much as I keep in mind that concert, I also remember listening to the album time and again, together with hundreds of thousands and hundreds of thousands of other people.

That’s why I’m all the time amazed by the Chris Brown vs. Michael Jackson arguments. Again, I’m a Chris Brown fan (and in his favor he closed (“the next coming of Michael Jackson” talk). Recently, chatting with Stephen A. Smith, R&B singer and podcaster Tank said that Chris Brown is healthier than Michael Jackson, indicating that it is solely a matter of evolution.

I do not agree with Stephen A. Smith as much as I would really like to, but his response was appropriate, not simply because the statement was crazy, but since it’s simply not true. Chris Brown, I might argue, is a generational talent and some of the complete artists on the market at once. And I feel Brown has reached his plateau. His run-ins with the law and his destructive actions, combined with the era during which he’s making music, make it difficult for an artist like him to achieve his full potential unless he really decides he desires to achieve this. Chris Brown has megahits, but I do not think he’s had an album that is on par with any of Mike’s albums. That’s not even a criticism, but somewhat a feature of that era of music; a variety of people consider Usher’s Confessions to be the last great, noteworthy R&B album — which got here out in 2004. Music artists invest heavily in singles, and the algorithm that ensures a song explodes in streaming. Chris has a little bit of middle child syndrome, which J. Cole references in his song the identical namewhich talks about the issue of being an artist who bridges eras. Chris has been around long enough to have all these amazing videos, award show appearances, and truly iconic songs under his belt. But his catalog of music is where the argument loses steam.

In comparison, most individuals who know Michael Jackson can name his albums because they were influential after they were released and are still in rotation. Mike’s music and albums are here to remain. “Thriller,” for instance, will outlive us all. In the era that Michael Jackson was making music, the album was the first unit of measure. Artists may not view them the identical way today, but they still make and release full-length albums, so that they still matter.

Music

Mike also benefited from working with Quincy Jones, who found a approach to refine Mike’s sound and goals into what became Mike’s profession (and thus fame), very like Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis helped Janet Jackson reach her creative peak. I don’t know if Chris Brown had one producer who really had the ear in a way that allowed him to search out a singular sound and vision to create a legendary and everlasting body of labor. I’ve looked through the credits for all of Chris Brown’s albums, several of which have incredible songs, and the list of producers reads like a who’s who of the most popular producers. Coupled with the indisputable fact that the albums were less R&B and more of the rap/R&B fusion that dominates the sound of R&B today, his music has its highlights, but do any of his albums keep on with your ribs in a way that stands the test of time? I’d say no.

And that’s the actual divider. Chris Brown, like many others, was influenced by Michael Jackson and understood the pressure of being seen because the rightful heir to the throne. Chris Brown’s performance, presence, prime quality entertainment and musical offerings are clear indicators of why comparisons to Michael Jackson are made (same goes for Usher). I’m sure Chris is even honored by this, while maintaining a humble attitude, knowing that Michael was truly an alien, considered one of a form, a standing that Chris may sooner or later achieve with some work.

Do I feel Chris Brown could catch as much as Mike? I do not think so, but that is not Chris’s fault. I feel Michael Jackson was too big for too long with albums that may outlive us all; I’m undecided ANYONE could top Jackson. Not Chris. Not Beyoncé. No one. Talent-wise? Sure. Chris has every talent you can want in an individual. I used to say that adding Chris Brown to any record immediately improved it – his presence and vocals alone were enough to raise any song. I still think so. I just think Mike is an unattainable goal and truthfully, it isn’t price trying. I doubt anyone could top the space Michael Jackson has in my lifetime.

Maybe someday it’ll occur, but I would not be surprised if in 100 years persons are still trying to search out the subsequent Mike.