Michael Jackson, a.k.a. Wacko Jacko, is facing 10 felony counts in a California courtroom that could put him behind bars for more than 18 years.
Strange, but it’s the same Michael Jackson, a.k.a. the King of Pop, who has given us some of the finest, most influential music since the debut of recorded sound.
While the jury is still out in Santa Maria – the molestation case should be passed on to them Friday – Jackson’s place in music history has been cemented for decades.
It is a storied career, one that began with the Jackson 5’s debut single “I Want You Back” in 1969 when Michael was just 11. His ability to channel James Brown’s dance moves and eventually redefine the sound of pop (with a hand from Quincy Jones) made him simply the biggest pop star in the world.
Whatever you may think of Jackson’s current musical relevance, you need only look across Jackson’s discography to see the potency of his contribution. Almost every record was a household name at one point. Some transcended pop culture and defined an entire era of radio and recording.
Like most artists, he enjoyed a prolific period. His came between 1979 and 1987, when he reigned over the world’s popscape and was an adored icon for millions. But as the spotlight swung away from Jackson in the past 15 years, he has struggled to redefine himself musically and personally.
Michael Jackson’s three most influential records show his career arc, from the pre-disco pop he pioneered with his brothers; his first adult solo project, with all its fresh promise; and his pop masterpiece, the best-selling disc of all time and a record that still defines post-disco pop.
1. “Thriller,” Michael Jackson, 1982: The obvious choice, for good reason. Not only does the seminal record kick off with the undeniable post-disco bass line of “Wanna Be Startin’ Something’,” this is also where we got “Beat It,” “Billie Jean,” “P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing),” “Human Nature” and the title track – an unbelievable source of early-’80s pop goodness.
True, “Thriller” is plagued by the ill-fated Paul McCartney-
duet “The Girl Is Mine,” a Top-10 ballad that hasn’t withstood time as well as its record-mates. But look past McCartney and Jackson harmonizing “The doggone girl is mine” and you’ll see the rest of the record, which became the biggest-selling album of all time with more than 45 million in worldwide sales and No.1 status in every Western country.
Of “Thriller’s” seven Top-10 singles, the one that never got respect as one of Jackson’s most epic tracks is “P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing),” a song many fans couldn’t hum without the record’s assistance. But give it another listen: While there are the staples of Jones’ production, don’t discount Jackson’s assured voice and presence, which never seemed more comfortable or natural.
2. “ABC,” Jackson 5, 1970:
The Jackson 5’s sophomore release is where the group set its true course of pre-disco pop. Michael Jackson and his brothers already had struck pop gold in “I Want You Back,” but this record brought on the standard-setting “ABC,” “The Love You Save,” and the lesser-celebrated “(Come ‘Round Here) I’m the One You Need,” all of which exemplified the luscious simplicity for which the band would become known.
They weren’t afraid to give multiple spelling lessons on the “ABC” LP: “S is for ‘Save me;’ T is for ‘Take it slow;’ O is for ‘Oh, no;’ P is for ‘Please, please don’t go.’ ” With Michael’s undeniable voice fronting the operation – and stealing the spotlight at every turn – the record not only paved the way for future releases from the Jackson 5, a group that remains one of the most successful black pop-soul bands in history, but also for the work Michael Jackson would go on to accomplish.
The juxtaposition of fuzzed-out guitars and clean piano in the song “ABC” – along with the varying Jackson voices, which get more of a workout here than anywhere else within their greatest hits – gives the song an astonishing relevance, even today. It is packaged for mass consumption, with simple chords and kindergarten-level lyrics, but the song’s lively, youthful vibe ensures that it’s a dance-floor jam nearly 35 years after it was written.
3. “Off the Wall,” Michael Jackson, 1979: This is undoubtedly the path that led Jackson to “Thriller,” and while it is a sometimes awkward growth spurt, it also captures Jackson at a time of innocence and uninflated ego. “Bad,” the 1987 record that spawned five No.1s, was an accomplishment – but it was also slightly smug, with Jackson flexing and “hooo”-ing when he didn’t need to. This makes “Off the Wall” an even more enjoyable listen.
It’s nearly impossible to make out what he’s saying in “Don’t Stop ‘Till You Get Enough,” but it’s better that way. The lyrics are inane. The beat is anything but. Horn-accented and guitar-fueled, this song is all about Jackson’s upper-register, the vague yet intoxicating croon that was amazing because Jackson still possessed it at 25. “Rock With You” was pure adult-contemporary saccharine, but it was still great 1980 radio.
Don’t forget about the pseudo-beat boxing that led into “Workin’ Day and Night,” a mindless disco confection that was fun and slightly ahead of its time. But it’s the title track’s classic structure and harmonies that are the album’s standouts. It had everything – from Jackson’s trademark sustain to the remarkably soft R&B-light production. It signified a change in Jackson, who seemed to be making the conscious decision to become one of the biggest stars the world has seen.
Pop music critic Ricardo Baca can be reached at 303-820-1394 or rbaca@denverpost.com.
