Michael is a musical genius and will always be one. He has been in the music buisness since he was 9 years old (and there is hardly anyone who I know of who has lasted this long). He has broken boundries for all black people in the music buisness and "pop culture" itself. He has done things that no one will do for the next 200 years or longer. He has the biggest selling album of all time (and yes he does have to do with it) selling over 100 million copies( look that up in the recent Genisus Book of World records). He fought to be the first black person to be on MTV. If it weren't for Michael NOT one single black person would be on MTV (and there wouldn't be an MTV today). There wouldn't be a Justin Timberlake,Usher, Chris Brown, Omarion, Mario, Rkelly, and many others. These people whom I named have said Michael is thier influence. He is a musical genius because he can play instruments (piano, bongos, drums, guitar). His father had every single one of the Jacksons to play an instrument and so that is why Michael can play an instrument. He is a musical genius because he has thought of music videos as a "short film" he went over and beyond what any other singer would do. He made his "short films" have a beginning, middle and ending.His "short films" tell a story visually. He is a musical genius because he can dance. His dance is seen in many cultures around the world to on stage with Justin, Usher, Omarion, Mario, Chris Brown. He has invented his own dance movements to have others copy his dance. He is a musical genius because he can outsell a stadium within minutes even to this day. He can set up a show that would be talked about for years to come. He is a musical genius because his music can be heard for many generations because he pours out his heart and soul when he writes his music. His music influences many aspects of peoples lives. His music can influence many ages as well. I know people who are 5- 80 years old who love his music to this day. Michael is a musical genius if people give him a chance and not judge so quickly on what media has to say about him. Michael is here on earth to entertain and just give people a good time and to remember what music really is about.

I cant believe this article is even being written. Michael Jackson overrated? Oh man, we have to assume the writer of this article is on something.

May i remind the writer that we are talking about the man who wrote and composed: Don't Stop Til Ya Get Enough, Billie Jean, Beat It, We Are The World, Bad, The Way You Make Me Feel, Smooth Criminal, Dirty Diana, I Just Can't Stop Loving You, Black Or White, Earth Song. And may i also remind the writer (who if he did his research) that Michael Jackson has been credited in multiple albums of playing the guitar, keyboard, and drums. (please refer to album credits for History, Blood On The Dance Floor and Invincible)

But anyways, ignoring Michael Jacksons phenomenal dance moves, incredible ability to sing multiple genres of music, and his electrifying stage performances, i guess thats not really talent? Infact, if we take this writers opinion to heart, i guess the word genius doesnt truly exist then.

The writer points out acts such as Kurt Cobain as "musical geniuses", acts who dont have a single grammy to their name. The same writer, says TWO TIME inductee of the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame is "over-rated".

Its sad that these insane opinions are out there. One thing however is clear, some people are just unable to overcome MJ's personal life traumas and give him credit for something usually everyone can agree upon, Michael Jackson is a musical genius.

Thank you.

And may i also add, it is completely unrealistic to ever expect any singer to perform live with a microphone in one hand, while engaging in an intense dance routine all while playing a guitar and slamming away at the drums. As much as you dont wanna believe it, Michael is only human.

you're an idiot. he plays musical instruments, everything from beat boxing the beats to songs like billie jean, which is the biggest hit off of thriller, to the piano an his talent in the studio goes with out saying. Listen to songs like Earth Song and Will You Be There, thats where his genius really is, and none of the acts you mentioned have ever put a song together like that. You're uninformed and i feel sorry for you, go buy the records, listen to them then look in the lining to see who did what on what song and you'll feel like a fool. Do not ever bash the King of Music. Best selling artist of all time, for a reason.

I Totally disagree with your assessment. Michael Jackson DEFINITLY deserves all his success. He is possibly the most talented child star ever. He has natural, god given talent. You are wrong about several things also.

Off The Wall and Thriller were JOINT efforts by both Michael & Quincy and u seem to have CONVINIENTLY left out the fact that Michael wrote the biggest hits on the album by HIMSELF and co-produced them too. He wrote "Don't Stop 'Till You Get Enough" which was the biggest song on Off The Wall and lets not forget that MJ wrote, produced and came up with the baseline for the legendary "Billie Jean" which is considered to be one of the greatest pop songs ever.

Just because Michael doesn't play instruments like Prince, Stevie, etc. doesn't make him any less talented. You are way off the mark here. Michael Jackson is a genius. He is an excellent singer, dancer and performer. He is also a pretty good songwriter (I mean there is a reason why he was inducted into the songwriters hall of fame). Michael has choreographed quite a few numbers for his videos and he often comes up with the melodies for songs by himself. Also if Quincy was the real reason why OTW and Thriller did so well and not Michael, how come Quincy hasn't been able to duplicate that success since?

How come Michael was able to sell records without Quincy's help? Quincy helped produce "Bad" and that album sold less than "Dangerous" which was an album that came out a few years after "Bad" that Quincy didn't even work on. It's obvious you are just another one in the long line of "Lets bash Michael Jackson because it's the cool thing to do these days" wagon.

You wanna talk about overrated artists?
Talk about THe Beatles
Talk about Elvis Presley who NEVER wrote a song in his entire life.
Talk about Madonna who can neither sing or dance but is only good at generating publicity. NOW THAT'S WHAT I CALL OVERRATED.

You can't watch a video of little Michael singing "Who's Lovin' You" or his audition tape for Motown at 8 years old or his performance at Motown 25 and tell me the guy is overrated. He is one of the most naturally gifted artist I've ever seen. Michael has REVOLUTIONED dance, fashion and pop culture. He has made two of the most important albums in music history. He has the biggest selling album of all time as we alll know. He REVOLUTIONED music videos. He's the KING of the music videos actually. I'm willing to bet you are just another jealous Prince fan. You sir are full of s***t.

Michael Jackson was, and will forever remain, a TRUE musical legend. He could dance, sing, and perform far better at the age of 11 than any of today's "hot" and uninspiring acts. The music industry is in need of a massive jolt, I'm praying that he puts out another album and brings some life back to the sad music scene. Piracy ain't the only reason why album sales are down, the music and performers are just plain boring these days!

Ommggg i cant believe this!!!

Michael Jackson is the best ever. I would say Prince and Kurt Cobain and all them are over-rated. Their music is boring and is not going withstand any time or generations.

MJ is UNDER-RATED. More people need to know about his great talents. This man writes music, composes music, produces and creates ideas for music videos, plays instruments, dances amazinglyy!!, and has a great catchy voice. That isnt a genius??? This man has won sooo many awards its crazy. He has sold hundreds of millions of records. This isnt some average over-rated singer. Jeeeze, get real here. GO MJ FOREVER!!

I DON'T AGREE WITH YOU AT ALL. MICHAEL JACKSON IS A MUSICAL GENIUS AND ALWAYS WILL BE. TO SAY THAT HE IS NOT IS LIKE SAYING THE SKY IS NOT BLUE.

yo man im no real mj fan but u gotta giv the man his props. he is da guy who opened all da doors for the black man in the music bizness. that alone is a mad genius. i dont even like da guys music but i gotta say da man is a music legend, i'll giv him that.

your just another jealous prince fan. even the michael jackson haters wont agree with this article. u've got to be out of your mind if u want to go to an mj concert n watch him sit and play an instrument (which he can) rather than dance.

ps. dont get me wrong prince is a legend aswell but dont try n take anything away from mike and his success

Clearly this article was written with out any research by the writer. He needs to listen to the Deluxe edition of Off the Wall when Michael's versions of his biggest hits off the album sounds almost identical to the final version, BEFORE Quincy ever stepped into the studio. Or, listen to Michael's beatbox versions of songs like Billie Jean, Who Is It, or Tabloid Junkie to hear that Michael IS the instrument. It's become so easy to knock Michael Jackson, because no one will question a negative comment based on the "fact" that he is different then most people. If you are going to be a writer, then research your topic. People pay to see Michael dance. His movement has inspired countless performers. But because he doesn't play piano, he is less? I think not, my friend. I highly, highly disagree.

Yep, spot on. He's right up there on my Overrated list, second only to the Beach Boys.

Geez, Daryl, you really like to stir the pot... but I'll back you up on this one. And even if by some standard MJ's a genius, you're certainly right in saying he can't possibly be a greater genius than Pince, or Dylan, or Stevie Wonder, or the Beatles as a collective or anyone else you named.

He had at least a few near perfect tunes: Beat It, Billie Jean, Wanna Be Starting Something, and a couple more, but they weren't works of a genius - just a hard working, talented musician/pop star, who also, some believe, grew up to be a very sad and pitiable adult.

He's too easy a target - leave the poor boy alone... I mean daryl, of course. ;)

he's the best! ask all my R&B artist! Black and White

*******

What a load of crap.

A first grader could write "Heal the World"? The lyrics may be too sappy for you, but do me a favor and listen to an instrumental version instead, and then find me a 6 year old who can simply sit down and compose a song like that without any outside help. Really. Go ahead.

Your argument is weak all over the place. For example, you reference that he wrote "The Girl Is Mine" all by himself, decide that its too cheesy a song, and therefore the success of the Thriller album should not be attributed to Michael? Thats pathetic logic and you know it. He also wrote the major hit from that album, "Billie Jean," all by himself. And other hit songs from that album, too.

In fact, he's been composing hit songs for decades now, and in many cases as the sole composer. Hit records aside, there are outstanding musical compositions, solely his, that still can be found on his recent albums, even on "Invincible" (the song "Speechless"). And on "History" (the song "Stranger in Moscow"). Somehow I doubt you've ever listened to either of these songs. And if Michael's song "Heal the World" was too sappy a composition for your taste, you should listen to "Will You Be There" instead - also a song writely solely by Michael on the "Dangerous" album. That someone can just sit down in a room and create songs like those is truly a gift. I can't do that. You can't do that. Michael can.

For the record, "Invincible" passed the 2 million mark in sales in the United States a long time ago. Either way, to focus on the sales of that album as evidence of Michael's overrated status as a musical act is ridiculous to begin with; for example, another choice of yours of a non-overrated musical act choice, Prince, has released many albums that have sold far less than 2 million copies, especially in the last fifteen years. Had you been writing a story on Prince somehow I doubt you would even mention that, much less hold that against him as a means to discredit his great career and talent. Making sense now?

So what is it that makes a musical act NOT be overrated? Is it songwriting skills? Or popularity & sales? You can't seem to decide which one it is in this worthless article.

Either way, Michael has both. If you want to argue it's hit records that are the true measure of someone's talent, which you (incorrectly) did to discredit Michael's work in the 90s and 00's, next we can go with your choice of Bob Dylan as an act not overrated: Bob Dylan has never had a #1 hit in his entire career. Did you know that? Should that discredit his talent? Of course not. It's a ridiculous way to measure the talent of an artist. (As an extra bonus for you, I will point out that Bob Dylan's vocals ARE featured in a song that did make it to #1. Oh wait a second, that was "We Are The World" - a song that was composed by Lionel Richie and ... Michael Jackson. Oh my!)

As you see, a legitimate and more intelligent article on measuring an artist's true talent and musical gifts would not have referenced Michael's physical appearance. Or the fact that Michael chooses to collaborate with other artists on projects. Surely someone who has listed John Lennon as a musical genius, as you have, and rightly so, would not frown on collaborations! Do you see where I'm going with this?

Do you see now why your article is a load of crap?

People as ignorant as you won't ever be pursuaded no matter what you're told, but I'll try anyway. Michael is a brilliant vocalist and dancer, and his music is progressive, continually producing the highest quality sound production I've ever heard, and is unique in sound. He's tops. Music like what you hear on "Bad", since you want to diss that album, it utterly unlike anything I've ever heard. What does it matter if the cord progressions aren't new, the sound was, the way it emoted, the way it was recieved. Michael is one of the most brilliant musical composer of the 20th century, in my opinion. You don't understand what it takes to sing at the capacity in which Michael does. Technical attributes aside, of which he has many, Michael is a genius of execution, his timing is impecable, his emotive expression and inflection, his depth of voice, the many ways in which he can change the tone and quality in so many ways, with each song or even each line of a song. Technically, he's above most professional vocalist's by miles. A 4 octave range, seamless transition between registers, amazingly rich, beautiful quality, etc... Michael is the most underrated vocalist in recent history, even his own fans don't understand the crushingly huge talent of him as a singer. He's got a one in a zillion voice, quality, control, emotion. "Heal The World" is an amazing song with beautiful melody. The message of the song is one of peace, and if your small mind had taken the time to listen to the lyrics, you might actually find the content to be extremely perceptive. Michael is UNDERRATED, because when you've got idiots comparing mediocre talent like Justin Timberlake, Usher and Chris Brown to him, it shows a real lack of comprehension as to just how gifted Michael Jackson truly is. An ignorance you obviously have demonstrated here.

Michael is also an exteremly prolific artist, and one sign of his UTTER musical genius is the fact that he doesn't need to sit down at a piano or some other instrument to compose, rather, he hears entire pieces in his mind, whole, from strings, to percussion, to direction and body.

And one last thing, the human voice is the ultimate instrument, as is the human body, two art forms Michael has demonstrated total and unmateched mastery over.

To top it off, your "blog" is littered with grossly mis-informed information and show's nothing but your extreme biast and dislike of Michael as a person by launching personal insutls his way, producing no real reason's as to WHY you thinks Michael is overrated and not genius material. All you can say is he hasn't played an instrument live, but look at the credits of several of his songs, Michael is LISTED as having played drums, keyboards and guitar, that's live, in the studio. You fail to mention that Michael also wrote, on his own, "Billie Jean", "Beat It" and "Don't Stop Till' You Get Enough", and continues to produce songs as equally brilliant.

Do some research before writing an article like that you moron. That is the trouble with the internet it allows morons like you to have the there opinions heard. What have you ever done great in your life?

I disagree strongly with the opinion of the author of the blog, but completely agree with the author of the following comment:
Michael is a musical genius and will always be one. He has been in the music buisness since he was 9 years old (and there is hardly anyone who I know of who has lasted this long). He has broken boundries for all black people in the music buisness and "pop culture" itself. He has done things that no one will do for the next 200 years or longer. He has the biggest selling album of all time (and yes he does have to do with it) selling over 100 million copies( look that up in the recent Genisus Book of World records). He fought to be the first black person to be on MTV. If it weren't for Michael NOT one single black person would be on MTV (and there wouldn't be an MTV today). There wouldn't be a Justin Timberlake,Usher, Chris Brown, Omarion, Mario, Rkelly, and many others. These people whom I named have said Michael is thier influence. He is a musical genius because he can play instruments (piano, bongos, drums, guitar). His father had every single one of the Jacksons to play an instrument and so that is why Michael can play an instrument. He is a musical genius because he has thought of music videos as a "short film" he went over and beyond what any other singer would do. He made his "short films" have a beginning, middle and ending.His "short films" tell a story visually. He is a musical genius because he can dance. His dance is seen in many cultures around the world to on stage with Justin, Usher, Omarion, Mario, Chris Brown. He has invented his own dance movements to have others copy his dance. He is a musical genius because he can outsell a stadium within minutes even to this day. He can set up a show that would be talked about for years to come. He is a musical genius because his music can be heard for many generations because he pours out his heart and soul when he writes his music. His music influences many aspects of peoples lives. His music can influence many ages as well. I know people who are 5- 80 years old who love his music to this day. Michael is a musical genius if people give him a chance and not judge so quickly on what media has to say about him. Michael is here on earth to entertain and just give people a good time and to remember what music really is about.

Jealousy is the tribute mediocrity pays to genius

People as ignorant as you won't ever be pursuaded no matter what you're told, but I'll try anyway. Michael is a brilliant vocalist and dancer, and his music is progressive, continually producing the highest quality sound production I've ever heard, and is unique in sound. He's tops. Music like what you hear on "Bad", since you want to diss that album, it utterly unlike anything I've ever heard. What does it matter if the cord progressions aren't new, the sound was, the way it emoted, the way it was recieved. Michael is one of the most brilliant musical composer of the 20th century, in my opinion. You don't understand what it takes to sing at the capacity in which Michael does. Technical attributes aside, of which he has many, Michael is a genius of execution, his timing is impecable, his emotive expression and inflection, his depth of voice, the many ways in which he can change the tone and quality in so many ways, with each song or even each line of a song. Technically, he's above most professional vocalist's by miles. A 4 octave range, seamless transition between registers, amazingly rich, beautiful quality, etc... Michael is the most underrated vocalist in recent history, even his own fans don't understand the crushingly huge talent of him as a singer. He's got a one in a zillion voice, quality, control, emotion. "Heal The World" is an amazing song with beautiful melody. The message of the song is one of peace, and if your small mind had taken the time to listen to the lyrics, you might actually find the content to be extremely perceptive. Michael is UNDERRATED, because when you've got idiots comparing mediocre talent like Justin Timberlake, Usher and Chris Brown to him, it shows a real lack of comprehension as to just how gifted Michael Jackson truly is. An ignorance you obviously have demonstrated here.

Michael is also an exteremly prolific artist, and one sign of his UTTER musical genius is the fact that he doesn't need to sit down at a piano or some other instrument to compose, rather, he hears entire pieces in his mind, whole, from strings, to percussion, to direction and body.

And one last thing, the human voice is the ultimate instrument, as is the human body, two art forms Michael has demonstrated a total and unmatched mastering of.

To top it off, your "blog" is littered with grossly mis-informed information and show's nothing but your extreme biast and dislike of Michael as a person by launching personal insutls his way, producing no real reason's as to WHY you thinks Michael is overrated and not genius material. All you can say is he hasn't played an instrument live, but look at the credits of several of his songs, Michael is LISTED as having played drums, keyboards and guitar, that's live, in the studio. You fail to mention that Michael also wrote, on his own, "Billie Jean", "Beat It" and "Don't Stop Till' You Get Enough", and continues to produce songs as equally brilliant.

the girl is mine ... wasn't that a 'Beatle' singing on that one with him

actually, singing, as in using one's voice musically, is also considered as playing an instrument. some even believe that the human voice is the greatest musical instrument of all.

Oh man!! Using U2 in your articles again?? I realized you are unable to understand some words so i´ll make it as easy as i can to you: S..T..O..P W..R..I..T..I..N..G, B..I..C..H..O

You must live a very boring and pathetic life to have the time to write such absolute B***SH**. Nothing in this article has a ounce of truth. You come across as just another empty headed, envious, pathetic piece of white trash. That feel the need to throw around ridiculous misleading tabloid garbage to undermind someone that makes you feel bad about all your own short comings. The fact has always been and always remain, that he is, and always will be the king of pop. And for the record he never acknowledged himself as that. Nor have you ever seen him say he was. The title was given to him. Because he earned it. unlike freaks such as the ultimate seriously over-rated "artist" Elvis Presley. Who white America and (white America only) call the "king of rock and roll". The real kings are the black artist who created the genre. Elvis was never about sh** but being a drug addict, womanizing, peanut butter and banana sandwich eating, TV shooting, fat, pedophile. Who died on a toilet as the joke that he was and is. He's so called talent was limited and he never even wrote his own music. But he gets credit for pioneering things he had nothing to do with. He's only real accomplishment was making it OK for white artist to steal from the black culture to further themselves. Michael Jackson (for the record) does play his own instruments in the studio, as many artist and producers that he has worked with, could tell you. He actually did use to play some instruments live on stage when he performed with his brothers(The Jackson Five) on their tours. He has every right to make a decision to not play them on stage anymore, and focus on the dancing. That doesn't make him any less of an artist. He also writes his own music. As well as co-directs and co-choregraphs his videos and tours. He never needed to nor does he now need to rely on any other artist to enhance his work. He is and always have been a very talented, hard working, sweet, compassionate MAN. Who deserves to be able to live his life and do his job, without the never ending pathetic attempts to destroy his legacy and life.

What's wrong with you!? Your some guy trying to get his name out there. Grant it Michael's newer albums haven't doesn't good as his old ones. But how can you top Thriller, oh yeah, you can't. This attention you are trying to bring to yourself is completely unnecessary, to hate on the greatest performer in history.

get a life...

"a groundbreaking artist who paved the way for other African American performers"

yeah, it was a lucky thing for Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, Louis Jordan, Chuck Berry, Miles Davis, Dorothy Dandridge, Ella Fitzgerald, Lena Horne, Billie Holiday, etc, etc, that Michael Jackson paved the way for African American performers.

This is where I stopped reading because it's obvious you don't know what you are talking about. That comment would be almost be insulting if it didn't show how ignorant you are.

Daryl, You dont need to play a musical instrument to be a musician e.g. Ladysmith black Mambazo. I would also like to point out that Quincy Jones was producer on the Michael Jacksons albums: off the wall; Thriller and Bad, not the writer, in fact the only song credited to quincy jones for writing in all three of the albums is P.Y.T. Rod Temperton wrote Thriller, Rock with you and off the wall. Michael Jackson wrote Don't Stop till you get enough, Wanna be startin somethin, Beat it, Billie Jean, Bad, The way you make me feel, Smooth Criminal to name a few. So your a little mean for only giving him credit for the one (the girl is mine) in your article, you should do more research if you wanna back up your argument. Anyone who wrote those songs and dances in such a way you can't take yours eyes off him is a musical legend to me. but thats my opinion and your entitled to yours.

It's a well known fact that Daryl has the worst taste in music ever, so I wouldn't take his opinion too seriously. This is a guy who recently claimed Pat Benatar as one of the best singers ever! Pat Benatar! And Laura Brannigan!!

As well as being totally clueless about Michael Jackson's musical abilities, you seem to fail to understand what the word rated means.

The very fact he has massive selling albums and critically acclaimed albums means that MORE people than most actually RATE him. Therefore you saying he is overrated does not make sense.

The fact you or someone else may not like the music of a very popular artist does not make that person overrated. I dislike U2 with a passion, but does that mahe them overrated? Ofcourse not, because the people who DO rate them, actually LIKE them.

Therefore you are using an extremely redundant term.

overrated?, are you on drugs?, it's people like you who need to be shot, how can you say that an icon like mj is overrated? it doesn't matter what you think anyway, when mj is gone from this planet he will be remembered as the number 1 artist of all time, what will you be remembered for?

Shit article...

hate it.

You better have more information if you want to call him overrated...your data is wrong

You only wrote this to create a controversy

You should call him Jacko Wacko like the other stupid newspapers do...it would be more sincere than this shit you wrote

WHAT A DUMBASS DO YOU KNOW WHAT YOU'RE TALKING ABOUT.... HOW THE HELL CAN YOU OVER RATE MICHAEL JACKSON FORGODS SAKE...ALL YOU'VE DONE IS RESEARCHED BLOODY STATISTICS AND STUCK THEM IN YOUR BULLSHIT.

FOR THOSE CELEBRITIES ARE NOTHING COMPARED TO MICHAEL HE'S A BLACK MAN WHO HAS DONE VERY WELL FOR HIMSELF THROUGH DEDICATION AND HARD WORK HE HASN'T BEEN PUT UP THERE BY OTHER PEOPLE HE HELPED HIMSELF HE'S AN INDEPENDANT MAN SO BACK OFF.

I SEE YOU WANT OTHER WHITE ARTISTS TO BE ABOVE HIM AND YOU FEEL THEY ARE MORE SUPERIOR THAN HE IS WELL LET ME PUT THAT STRAIGHT TO YOUR TINY BRAIN YOU ARE WRONG!!!!

MICHAEL DESERVES EVERY BIT OF RECOGNITION HE GETS.

AND BTW I'M NOT A RACIST LIKE YOU SEEM TO BE!!!!

A BLACK MAN AND HE'S DONE SOOOO WELL DO YOU KNOW HOW HARD IT IS FOR THE BLACK COMMUNITY TO BE MORE SUCCESSFUL THAN ANY OTHER RACE ESPECIALLY IN AMERICA....YOU OBVIOUSLY DON'T KNOW!!!

YOUR ARTICLE IS RIDICULOUS YOU SHOULD BE EMBARRASSED FOR YOURSELF WRITING SUCH NONESENSE!!!!

You are absolutely wrong. You know the difference between Michael and all those other acts, Prince, Bono and The Rolling Stones (you choose them as geniuses is laughable) and this is what makes MJ a genius. He's been performing since the age of 5. 5 again 5. Do you know what the average 5 year old is capable of. You must not have children. Theyre not capable of much besides, eating, pooping and crying. At age 5 Michael was supporting his family performing at night clubs. Like Sammy Davis Jr., and if that isn't a musical genius what and who the hell is? It especially aint Bono or Prince. They might play instruments live but no one wants to hear them, and they at their peak is selling what Michael sells now, but you guys say he's fallen off. Michael uses his body as an instrument which is the hardest one to play. You should know that you're white. How many white people can dance? I know right now you're scratching your head trying to count on one hand. How many white people can play a gutiar? Every last single one of you guys. See the artists you've mention (I'm still laughing Bono man come on) need an accessory in order to be entertaining, and even with that accessory the entertainment is minimal. Michael just needs to step on stage to be thrilling. That is what makes MJ a genius. Bono I'm still laughing.

No offence but this article is rubbish. I'm not even a fan of MJ but calling him 'overrated' would be like calling water an 'unnecessary addition to human luxuries'. Whoever wrote this article needs to get his/her head sorted out ;)

The person that wrote this article has a biased view from the start. Micheal Jackson's biggest and best hits are written, produced, arranged and made by himself. Such as Billie Jean, Dirty Diana, Don't Stop 'Till You Get Enough, Earth Song, Stranger In Moscow... and the list goes on. Quincy Jones aint the one that wrote them songs for him, he didn't make the music for him, he didn't produce them, that guy didn't even want to put Billie Jean on Thriller for Godsakes. Shows how much he knows, and he stole the co-producing rights on it when Michaels original sounds exactly the same as the final. You may not know it but MJ actualy plays alot of instruments, he's played some in some of his songs. If Mike was left in the studio alone he'd make some amazing shit just like he has for the past 40 years.

Don't judge a person by his lifestyle, which alot of people have done of Mike. Judge him on what is fact or fiction.

The last comment is true. Michael actually plays alot of instruments and used that skill alot on the invicible album, hes never played them on stage but wouldn't the fans be dissapointed if he had a jam on the keyboard instead of doing the moonwalk. The Invincible album, not his best but still underated by the media, if any one of those songs was released by a different artist the media would have praised it.

Im sorry, but, WHAT THE HELL?

You my friend, talk the biggest load of bull Ive ever heard.

Im not a massive fan of Jackson but OVERATED? Are you kidding me? The guy IS a musical legend, you are talking complete and utter garbage.

Go home, and think about what you have said. You silly person, you obviously know nothing about music what-so-ever.

Michael Jackson overated? Madness.

Some of Michael Jackson's most incredible demonstrations of raw, unprecedented musical talent actually comes from his various and hardly known music-related court depositions and candid interview moments. Were he to produce a DVD documenting the process he uses to create music, you can bet it would be a staple in every professional and aspiring musician's life. The problem is that he seems to hold back a lot of his abilities, and only uses them during the production stages of his music in the studios. But, if you watch the music depositions and listen to how he composes and produces songs, or take a look at the interviews where he beatboxes and talks about laying the foundations to tracks, you'd have a whole new appreciate for the genius that he is. I think Brett Ratner said it best last month:

RATNER: Michael does not even belong. It's like God is channeling through him. Even if he sits here with us, and just sings like three notes, it's like, "Oh my God." It's beyond anything. I've worked with a hundred of the biggest artists in the world, from Madonna to Mariah Carey, and he is just beyond. He's at a whole other level, spiritually. He's got the God spot. Everyone has it, everyone has that God spot, but it's just the way he's in tune with it. He has it. It's right there, and when he starts to sing, God has just opened it up for him. That's why he's not comfortable around people and things, because he's just such a unique-he feels blessed just to be himself. "I can't believe I'm Michael Jackson." [Laughs.] That's what it is, really. He is one of the most unique people. I've spent a lot of time with him, so has Chris. Just sitting in the back of a car, and music playing, and then him, he moves like God is going through him. Not to knock Usher or anybody else, but you see when they're dancing, they're like, "One, two, three, four." He's just like, natural. He's amazing, he really is amazing.

"to call him one insults true musical geniuses such as..... or Kurt Cobain."

Daryl, you maybe correct in your characterization of MJ, and I can even appreciate your p.o.v.,BUT, you lost all credibility with me when you mentioned Cobain as a musical genius...HA!!

Talk about someone who can't play their f*cking instrument. What next? BECK should be held up as high as the great classical composers because he composes all his music on a computer and they didn't?!

*Smirk* You slay me....:)

Michael Jackson.,an artist, musician, performer.., humanitarian.., a person with a great soul. as a musician he's majic. he's genius. as a performer on stage he's just not from our planet. as a human bieng... so sensitive and true.., some times too true and kind that he falls into trouble and doesn't realise that his associates using his name, image,wealth up. I had the pleasure of getting know this remarkable personality and as from the first time i met him up to present day he's not changed a bit inside. after all his trebulations and trials and personal trauma he went through he's unchanged. He's one of the most strongest guy's i've ever come across. Amaizing. He's truely an inspireation. Such personality's in his calibre appaers just once. as same as people like mahatma gandhi, martin luther king, mother theresa, ect..

*BTW* I would have to say that MJ wasn't just an impressive dancer... He is the only dancer that has influenced an entire generation (besides James Brown)!! That man can f*cking move naturally,flawlessly. It's sick to watch and it makes me envious. And on top of that, he can sing. Let's not go there...

Pooh, I have never seen so many good responses on an article about Michael Jackson. I agree with everyone who bashes this article.

A true genius gets inspired by other genius people and puts his own originality to it. If he inspires people to do the same thing then he is a genius. Nothing more, nothing less.

This article and the responses should be placed on the world wide tabloids and in all the tv-news channels of the world. And should be talked about for weeks.

Go Mike, the world loves you and will be forever thankfull for your gift to mankind.

Take it your a Michael Jackson Hater Daryl? It's difficult for some people to seperate the man from his music. He does have a strange lifestyle now but nobody can say hes not a music legend. Thriller was so successful because of the people Michael got to help with the album. to begin with he had Quincy Jones to help produce the album (he didn't write any of the songs by the way, just produced it) then when he released thriller, he got John Landis (a movie director) to direct the video. Thats when thriller really took off, because nobody had ever seen a music video like it. Then he got a rock legend Eddie Van Halen to play guitar in Beat it which attracted even more interest. So How you can say thriller was only successfull because of Quincy Jones I have no idea. PLEASE Do some research before you publish your next article.

who is this joke who wrote this article, MJ is the best of all time everybody no's that. i cant beleave all that crap he wrote, fool

A little jealous on Michael Jackson, eh?

So Kurt Cobain is a musical Genius and Michael Jackson isn't? That's hysterical.

Michael's instrument is his voice and his dance, of which he has superior talent to everyone you mentioned as geniuses. You also, strangely, left out Stevie Wonder but had Bob Dylan and the aforementioned Cobain.

It was Elizabeth Taylor who dubbed him The king of pop at a music award show in the late 80's, the the media and the fans took it from there. Michael never refered to himself as the king of pop, you made that up, like most of the so called facts.

Your entire article is over-rated.

You do not know what you are talking about.

You owe it to yourself to at least RESEARCH your topic before writing it out as if you know everything.

You don't, I'm sorry.

Micheal is extremely talented and plays a variety of musical instruments. The fact that he doesn't do so live doesn't negate the fact that he is a musical genius.

Think about it: Coming up with songs that TRANSCEND the language and TIME barrier (Billie Jean STILL sounds as good as it did back in the 80s) takes a lot! It takes a genius to come up with that.

I'll say it again, you do not know what you are talking about.

Actually Michael plays several instruments, as you will see if you look through his album sleeves. On Morphine, he played every instrument in the song including drums, percussion and piano. The fact that he doesn't feel the need to strut around on stage clutching a guitar unlike some performers I could mention, doesn't mean he can't play them. Michael has always said he's a dancer first and foremost - where precisely do you suggest he puts his drum kit while he's trying to moonwalk across a stage?

My personal bug bear is with artists like Prince who feel the need to SHOW themselves playing their instruments in every single video, almost to prove to their audience, "hey look, I'm talented!"

Mind you, I might have given this article more credence had you not put Bob Dylan in the category of "musical genius". And you criticise those who call MJ one...

LOL! I see the Michael Jackson fanatics, you know, the few in the world that are left, have emailed each other about this article.[Deleted]

Michael Jackson was a great entertainer at one point. For me, that's as far as it gets. [Deleted]

thanks daryl for saying it like it is although you give the guy WAY too much credit. He was the male Britney Spears before she existed all he does is lypsynch and sing wee hooo chammm on. His voice is all a squeak and it's funny that his fans call you "racist" when Michael is as white as they come. I hope all of you who negatively commented get molested like Michael has done to thousands of children.

I think you've actually lost your argument completely in that last comment. you were on about him being overrated now you've just proved it was a lame attempt at putting the man down over a molestation charge he was cleared of a few years ago. Im not a big MJ fan nowadays but he was cleared fair and square, so get over it jealous man. He will always be a musical legend.

"Talk about Madonna who can neither sing or dance but is only good at generating publicity. NOW THAT'S WHAT I CALL OVERRATED."

And I will say this although I'm not a Madonna fan this shows the jealousy of Jackson freaks. She at least extended her musical career beyond 1983 and didn't self destruct like Jackson. She has become a pretentious old woman but at least found her way and records music that sells.

I believe this same person insulted Bono who does a lot for children instead of molesting them.

I never said he didn't play a musical instrument. I just never saw him play one in concert. I never said he wasn't talented but just said he wasn't a musical genius. You guys sounded like I insulted your mother!

Oh, and for those of you who ripped on me for bringing up U2 and Springsteen again. I did NOT insult them in this article; I complimented them. They play instruments: something so rare for musical artists to do in this world.

Thanks, Jackson fans. [Deleted]

For the avoidance of confusion, I just want to let you all know that I have deleted Daryl's offensive remark.

The Comments Editor

i only read the first few lines and i just didnt bother reading anymore as this write is an idiot who wrote this article simply based on mj`s life rather than on his talent,,,just do us all a favour u loser getlost,,before u judge michael jackson do ur research first then write an article about him, and judge prople and honestly.

I agree Madonna has had a wonderful career. But its not that much different from Jacksons to be fair. Madonnas last album sold 8 million world wide the same number as Jacksons last album. and Madonnas life hasnt exactly been sqeeky clean either. The price to pay as both are eccentric stars. They both know what will make the headlines, and both use that knowledge which doesn't always go in thier favour.

That was a wrong opinion dude, but it's yours, you own it ...I hope you change it soon

I think A lot of people feel your a little unfair on your article, because you state Michael Jackson is the most overrated musical act ever but dont back it up with anything substansial. He has written songs, preformed them, inspired many new artists and sold million upon millions of records, so why isn't he a musical genius. Although the article does stray from the truth I can sort of understand where your coming from on the instruments comment. it's great seeing a band play live. Michael Jackson is just a different type of musician.

Daryl-

I am a famous journalist who is very "popular" among Jackson fanatics. I say your article is, perhaps, the most accurate article ever on Jackson. Whenever I write about the pervert, I get lawsuit threats from his fans and publicist. Isn't it so sad that some people live their lives through a criminal sex pervert? Keep up the good work!

Your article Daryl just lost all its credibility. You actually have to comment on your own article, because your being shut down by not just Jackson fans but people in general.

Many people who left comments on this article admitted to not being Jackson fans at all. You really are a sad sad person. Its unfortunate you know, that your opinion is so janted and biased. I dont even know what to say about it, i guess just some will never be confident enough with themselves to seperate the controversy from the music. It takes a brave soul to be able to do that, someone you do not have.

Your opinion does not bring out the truth, but rather your own insecurities about yourself. Your bashing a man you have never met. Your so sure about him molesting kids, but have you ever seen it? Or maybe Daryl, maybe you have a little secret about MJ molesting you? If not... you cannot say he is guilty of that crime.

If you actually watched and followed the trial, you would see MJ was innocent. I suggest to you (although i know you wont ever bother reading it), to purchase Michael Jackson Conspiracy by Aphrodite Jones. Jones is a journalist for Foxnews and has came out and reported that the media has an agenda to defame and bring down the celebrity of Michael Jackson. You need to do your research buddy. Opinion only goes so far.

Michael jackson is a musical genius. One of the greatest the world has ever seen. You however...are nothing more then some hate filled hick imposing your biased thoughts that have no credibility whatsoever.

Cheers.

Rf???

Omg is that Roger Friedman. I bet it is. You buddy have your own set of issues. I know a few people who want you dead. You are the one who needs to get their head checked.

Daryl-

One more thing-a fellow writer of mine who used to work at Entertainment Weekly was told, back in 1991, that in order to review his album Michael Jackson had to be called "King of Pop." This went out on all the press releases for his Dangerous album. They tried to get people to call him the "King of Pop, Rock and Soul" but that failed.

In 1995, after HIStory bombed, Michael Jackson and Sony records had a "few good friends" at Billboard Magazine. They convinced Billboard to make double disc albums count as two albums and that's why you have all the extra platinum numbers on HIStory. It should also be noted that "You Are Not Alone," the single from HIStory, was actually a flop but Sony was able to get music retailers to discount it for 99 cents, one third the price of a regular single. Michael should thank Sony for sticking by him for so long but eventually, like everyone else, they jumped off the ship.

" They play instruments: something so rare for musical artists to do in this world."

Daryl, now you are just showing your lack of experience in music & showcasing the fact that you are a slave to the mainstream pop world.

There's no doubt, the "old-school" MJ was a musical force to be reckoned with. He did play an instrument...His Voice. He can also beatbox like crazy and has used those samples to create some damn good tunes. I can agree that maybe ,nowadays, he hasn't released anything brilliant but look what he has went through. Still, this does not take away from his genius. And, though I did take some time to think about your point of view, that last statement truly shows your lack of musical education!

Madonna was your basic hit making machine, while Michael Jackson progressed into writing songs about things that matter. Even if you don't like his music(I'm not much for it either)you cannot dispute that fact!!

I need to also add the fact that many of these people here commenting are street team members from Michael Jackson's camp. They hire people to call radio stations and request his songs as well as others to harass writers who may not happen to like Jacko. You'd be surprised at the other things I found out - wish I had your email address.

Roger Friedman, [Edited] how dare you speak this rubbish about micahel

"Madonna was your basic hit making machine, while Michael Jackson progressed into writing songs about things that matter"

I guess this shows your lack of musical knowledge as well. Madonna was no "hit-making" machine. She wrote or cowrote most of her songs and even though she started out writing cheese bombs, "Like A Prayer" and "Ray of Light" are two of the most critically acclaimed albums ever. Unlike Michael Jackson, she is still a hitmaker which is why her latest hit "Hung Up" tied her with Elvis for the most top ten singles ever.

It's one thing to dislike Michael Jackson's music and personal life but it's another to address it as "over-rated." It's obvious you don't understand the definition of "over-rated." Why don't you visit dictionary.com and see what it says, hm? There's no way any informed human being in their right mind would use the words "Michael Jackson" and "over-rated" in the same sentance without being a little absent minded. While you're at that, how about you do some actual research before writing articles you clearly know nothing about. You just look stupid. Michael Jackson is (and stress THAT word) a musical genious, if not more.

So the author of this pathetic article had his comments in defense of his viewpoint deleted by the moderator because they were essentially "offensive" in nature?

LOL. Way to prove your case man!

I'd definitely say you lost this argument.

Don't quit your day job.

I love Michael!

Brian, I usually like your feedback a lot. But nowhere did I state that MJ wasn't musically talented. This article is about him being overrated. And yes, I agree, I have to get out of the "pop" music realm more.

Yes, there was a time after the MJ trial that the over active fans sounded very stupid with MJ because everyone was so sure he was guilty despite a not guilty verdict. These days, it is those who think that he is a sexual predator that seem very stupid. The facts of his trial are out there to look at, like as mentioned above the book Michael Jackson Conspiracy by Aphrodite Jones, and another book I enjoyed called The Trials of Michael Jackson by Lynton Guest. Both examined his trial from different perspectives, and both drew the conclusion that MJ simply did not commit any crime. For journalists to come out stating that he is a pervert, they shouldnt be journalists at all if they lack the ability to examine ALL facts.
So I say to those reporters that they are so certain that MJ is a pervert, get over yourselves, and learn to report all facts truthfully if you want any credibilty. If you can't do that, just stop reporting. We are not interested in what you have to say.

As for the claim of this article, what a waste of time writing. To understand MJ and his musical talent you must listen to ALL his music. You must stop juding MJ's private life, and learn to really listen to the music. The lyrics, the tune, and for MJ, the dance. Clearly the author here does not know anything if he can claim that MJ does not play a musical instrument, when it is a fact he can play the Piano, which he does beautifully, the guitar, and drums. Has anyone studied MJ as he listens to the music of other artists? It is like he is studying very note of the music and vocals. If you listen to what MJ has to say about writing music in interviews, he is clearly excels where most acts today can not. MJ can take a topic and can make meaningful music to the topic, that entertains you and gets the message accross at the same time, like Heal The World. Personally in this day in age we need more people telling us to Heal the World than we need some of the degrading music out there today.

Michael Jackson is not only a musical genious, he is artist. I don't mean an artist in musical terms, I mean artistically. Singing, dancing, acting, playing instruments, he can do it all.

I would like to point out, that look at Pavorotti this week who died. He did not play any musical instrument, he had his amazing voice, and the world respected him for it. So according to this article he also cannot compare to most acts today because he did not play a musical instrument on stage?

Imagine MJ on stage as the author would have him called a musical genious. MJ starts with a dance, sings a bit, runs over to the instruments and takes over from the band, plays a bit of music on the instruments, runs back out to the front of the stage, sings and dances more and runs back to the insruments again all night long during over 100 concerts on his BAD Tour, 60 on the Dangerous Tour and 80 on the HIStory Tour? That would be quite a show wouldnt it? He would be so tired it probably wouldnt sound good.

Well done Michael Jackson for all your achievements, and best of luck for the future.

"LOL! I see the Michael Jackson fanatics, you know, the few in the world that are left, have emailed each other about this article.

Michael Jackson was a great entertainer at one point. For me, that's as far as it gets."

I wholeheartedly agree with you, Daryl.

Don't worry about his supporters - they enjoy shoving their opinions down people's throats. They believe Jackson is the target of a "conspiracy" to destroy him, and, in their minds, you [and RF] are now part of it! LOL

Michael Jackson is the best
This article is pure bull***t and everyone here knows it!

Seriously, are you twelve years old? It appeared so from the standard of the writing and arguments present in your article.

Rubbish article. The author doesn't even support his claims with substantial facts. I love how you made it seem like the only song Michael ever wrote was "The Girl Is Mine" when he has written some of the most memorable songs in pop history (Beat It, Billie Jean, Don't Stop 'Till You Get Enough, etc.).

I just don't understand that why ALL OF THE ARTISTS in the entire world you choose to single out Michael Jackson. Elvis Presley, Madonna and others are what you called TRULY OVERRATED. You may not like Michael Jackson as a person but he's not overrated, come on man. You are full of it.

One of the worse "articles" I have ever read in my life.

If you are going to call Michael Jackson overrated at least come up with something better than this. I have noticed too many inaccuracies in this article and the fact that you consider KURT COBAIN-KURT FRICKIN COBAIN A MUSICAL GENIUS says it all.

You lost all cerdibility with that one.

You have it all wrong, the most overrated artist ever is without a doubt Madonna or Hagdonna as I like to call her.

I'm not even much of a Jackson fan, but he does deserve all the success he's had. The man is a musical legend.

"...she[Madonna] is still a hitmaker which is why her latest hit "Hung Up" tied her with Elvis for the most top ten singles ever."

My point exactly! She has had to re-vamp her identity & style several million times to follow the trend in order to keep the hits-a-rollin. I never said she didn't write her own music,I mean, I hope she did.

Daryl, I guess we need to put this in perspective. Michael Jackson was doing more at the age of 9 then all of the "Artists" you mentioned in your article. When he finally broke free of the Jackson 5, he astounded the world with his trend-setting style. His genius lies in the fact that he didn't follow anyone. He, in my opinion, took over where Elvis left off. In the "Pop Realm" he is a pioneer. I would think that you would understand that the best.

You dumb little bitch. You just wrote this article to gain attention. Michael has the best selling album, huge concerts, a league of fans and a lot more, 40-year staying power and still moving; and a nobody like you have the guts to say he is overrated. Your momma!

LOl. I can't even believe he used MADONNA as a reference. I don't care how many records she has sold because she DOES NOT have any talent and is most CERTAINLY NOT in same category as Michael Jackson as far as talent goes and guess what no one ever says Madonna is very talented except for her DELUSIONAL fans. At least with Michael people admit that he's very talented (well most people anyway who haven't let the media brainwash them or don't let their dislike for him as person get in the way of being rational).

Madonna is a no talent gawd awful hack. I don't even know how you can bring her into this. Btw, Michael has been in the business longer than ALL THOSE ARTISTS YOU MENTIONED including PRINCE, MADONNA, AND OTHERS.

Michael's been a recording artist since the 1960's and has sold MORE RECORDS than Madonna and other with HALF THE ALBUMS. I think that's pretty incredible. He's only had 5 albums compared with Madonna and Prince's 10+ and still managed to outsell them both and still has the biggest selling album of all time.

It really doesn't matter if you think he's overrated though because anyone with good sense or who has good taste in music or anyone who know's about MJ's ENTIRE career (not just from OTW and on like you seem to only have knowledge of) will tell you differently. You are misinformed. Michael is a musical genius to a lot of people including myself so who cares what you think buddy?

A lot of people disagree with you and to most of the world MJ is a musical genius so continue to live in denial Daryl. It's all good.

Talk about being way off the mark. I am not a Jackson Fanatic by any means whatsoever but you are wrong here. I don't really care for MJ as a person but as a musical artist, few compare. He is in a league all by himself. He's definitly not overrated.

#82 -- September 8, 2007 @ 13:51PM -- Me

The screen name "Me". How original.

You dumb little bitch.

A bitch called Daryl? Boy, what a hard time she must have had growing up.

You just wrote this article to gain attention.

Why else would one write anything?


Now go back to your toys and stop bothering the grown-ups.

"but dont back it up with anything substansial."

Look at his other articles. He never does.

"Don't quit your day job."

I don't think he has one. I believe he's unemployed.

The entire article is bullshit.

Obviously you wanted some attention, & you got it. Good job. If you were to write an article on any of those people you consider "musical geniuses", it would've went unnoticed.

How embarassing you must feel to have wrote this artical. What a load of rubbish. You clearly just dont know anything about any one of michael jackson's amazing talent's, AND THAT IS THAT!!!

It seems the only person who is over-rated is the writer behind this weird article.

An outstanding talent never to be compared to anyone else. He's in a class of his own. Many wish they had the kind of talent that he has, those whom have lived the Ghost of Jelousy.

Theres alot of good music out there, but still it's not Michael Jackson. He's on a whole nother level so far above everyone else that you can't even make comparisons to his musical genious.

He's been at the top for at least three decades almost four. And theres such a huge gap between MJ and all other performers, he has nothing to worry about, no one else will every get close to the level hes on.

I am not even going to bother to elaborate an answer for this article. I am just going to state that I strongly disagree with it !

Michael Jackson IS a musical genius. This is a fact recognized by people more prominent than the writer of this article.

This article is not worthy of being taken seriously !

Well said Bluemeli.

Michael is the biggest and best entertainer in the world. The world is hungry for his return to the spotlight where he belongs.

Michael Jackson is one of the greatest singer/dancer's in the world. The world welcomes him with open arms. Good things do happen to good people!

Michael is a natural and regardless of his personal life no one , ever, can take that away from him!

Is this the same blogger who once said that THE CULTURE CLUB were the most underrated band ever! LMAOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Then in this article he goes on to say that Kurt Cobain is a musical genius but Michael Jackson is not! lol. The whole thing is a joke. I can't take this guy seriously.

After being falsly accused of the most heinous of crimes, his career ruined by the jealous money-grabbing people and their pointy hatted friends. I hope, that Micheal can continue to share his genius with the public without crosses burning on his lawn or lynching in the press like yours.

Hey RF, Interesting sunopsis on The commenters. Let me guess, your theroy of the street team members from Michael Jackson's camp commenting and phoning radio stations is yet another lie plucket out of the michael jackson haters guide. You really have an inventive imagination, shame you can't use it for something more useful than slagging of a pop legend.

Daryl I'd like to thank you for creating this debate, even though it wasn't intesional. Everyone has the right to there opinion. You just dont have much to back your argument up except with half truths and lies, which probably came from RF's catalogue of far fetched nonsence.

This bullshit article is unbelievable!

The level of talent of this man has been gifted with is immeasurable. No question he was and still is a musical legend.

guppy: "My point exactly! She [madonna] has had to re-vamp her identity & style several million times to follow the trend in order to keep the hits-a-rollin."

ok... madonna was a POP STAR. the constant media/image manipulation was what made her great. she toyed with everything. and she made some great music. she also was all over the headlines, she created and destroyed fashions based on personal whims, became a hollywood star just by trying it, a book publisher just by trying it... hell, she even started the whole celeb save africa by adoption trend. before madonna, only elvis and the beatles had such total media control. music was only one facet of what made madonna great.

as for daryl's article... a bunch of pish, as usual. michael was a great performer on stage and in the studio, a fine songwriter, a gifted musician and a highly original... individual. he had his time where he was the greatest living pop star (79-87). but pop stars don't last. the beatles fell off (after breaking up), bob dylan fell off... pop moves very fast and leaves strange lives in its wake.

This tabloid writer and "journalist" is the best proof! I mean honestly that people are ignorant.

Haters dont deserve to be in his presence, he is the most gifted talented person to ever hit this erra and made a huge mark in this world. It's the sick people and society and the higher ups who ruined his glory. Just listen to the music and open your eyes.

The good people and the good Presidents strike out and the evil ones wins. But Michael is back and didnt let them win.

He is the best entertainer anywhere and people who say different are just fooling themselfs. Admit or not - the man is a LEGEND.

Michael Jackson is a musical genius and his music plays on for the new generations. He is the greatest entertainer to ever walk the earth.

Daryl I'd like to thank you for creating this discussion. I`m a journalist too, and let me notice:

The generation that grew up listening to Michael Jackson are still his fanbase and The fans who discovered Michael. The other artists are still learning what kind of amazing entertainer he is. All the fans in the middle respect his talents - and you/we are to respect that.

Michael Jackson really is the greatest entertainer ever, inspite of of excentric lifestyle. Don't believe what Media says. Michael will climb to the top again and Bravo for him.

People ignore the haters including media, if you can't reason with a haters so don't even bother, let them languish in their hate.

I love my country and my country believes that everyone is innocent until proven guilty. He was proven innocent by a court of law. All the hate - esspecially in the media against Michael Jackson - in the world won't change that. Ain't nothing you can do to stop him!

Michael Jackson - he is a no doubt - a musical LEGEND. Daryl, better live with it.... will bring him right back up to the top of the music world.

Right were he belongs. Ain't nothing you can do to stop him!

what, MJ is over-rated? I have a good laugh, thanks to the writer(is he on drugs?).

I firmly believe that his music will rule the charts again. I think thats exactly what is needed to revive pop music, once again, coz it has drifted a long way from what I would call art.

Most of whats out there now is here today and literally gone next week. I agree he is a'LEGEND' always will be.

Why so many positive MJ posts?!? Simple! MJ is loved for the generous person he is, and only hated by rednecks who don't/can't read past he first page of the newspaper or figure out how to get their live in to use the remote to get the Media.

Michael is loved by many people. I think he will make a great come back. I am looking forward to his music.

I glad that he is not letting his pass stop him from growing. Come on Michael, knock em dead!

Michael Jackson is certainly one of the most gifted performers of our time. I find myself with sympathy for him. I would go see him in concert and I would give his new album a listen.

Michael Jackson was, is, and will always be my favorite artist, he's the one who inspired me to start singing, i love that even after those horrible lies were said about him that he's still willing to give everyone another chance and perform for us, he's honestly my HERO!

Whether you like him or not, disagree with his lifestyle, or just plain don't like him at all....Michael Jackson is still one of the greatest if not the greatest performer/singer of all time.

With all the negative news about Michael, all in all, i have always enjoyed watching Michael perform and listen to his music. He is an amazing entertainer and always will be. He knows how the entertaining business is, and will succeed. I look forward to seeing him back.

Michael Jackson is still the greatest ever. Like a lot of people, I grew up listening to his music. I watched all of his videos and to this day I own every single one of his albums from Off The Wall to Invincible. To this day, no other recording artist has even come close to Michael's status. He is a LEGEND.

dear Daryl D,
you have perfectly right:
Michael Jackson is not a musical genius,
he is THE BIGGEST MUSICAL GENIUS of all time!!!

I don't agree with the sentiments of this article at all but unless there's a huge party going on at somebody's house, I'd like to know why so many comments are coming from the same IP address? Do you know what I mean Sandra
Mandy
Sabine
Justin
Sarah
David
Sabine
Shannon
Sabine
Sandra
Michael Berrin
Samantha
Mark Swarn
Sabine
Thorbird
Bluemeli

Do you?

Now knock it off before I ban the lot of you.

Kids!

The Comments Editor

Excellent article. You are a good writer because you get under people's skin. I still can't believe this whacko has fans or is it the same person commenting over and over. Michael has always been a semi talented goon who waves his hands all over the place and sings the same song OVER and OVER. He began the downfall of popular music. Worse of all, he uses young kids for his sexual pleasure.

You want a TRUE musician, lets talk about Bob Dylan. Hell, even Prince puts Michael Jackson to shame. Frank Sinatra is another example. Michael Jackson is on the level of a fallen Mel Gibson.

I can't believe what you've wrote. Have you actually heard his albums. for your infomation MJ does play instruments so you've got that wrong for a start. in fact i'm not even going to bother explain to you want you've just said because i feel sorry for you, you really don't have clue.

well, most of you guys said it all for me, so no need to say it again. I agree with everyone who thinks that this article is crap. The furthest thing from the truth that I ever heard. Michael Jackson IS a musical genius, and he is my favorite musical genius ever....Do me a favor and do your research before you write another crappy article......Michael should sue- cause this is unbelieveable.....laughable, even...

yes - dear editor. The same IP - the same fan community here. I, along with millions of others in his Fan Family, of every age group, from all over the globe, anticipate even more greatness from the new era of his career.

I have a whole lot more to say on! Hell yes and we fans all around the world and we couldn't be happier.

I'm so glad we fans didn't let the sick people break him, as hard as they tried.

This is why we feel so passionate about the legend and the image of Michael Jackson. We as an army of fans are the only force that can stop the destruction of the legend of Michael Jackson.

We stand up for MJ, back him up and let the ignorance be your muse! He deserves defending!

Wow!!! I play the guitar and piano, pretty well, and have performed the guitar a few times at shows, so does that mean Im a musical genius? I hope it does, cos I cant sing or dance to save my life, or entertain at all in general, or have hit songs, or break racial barries in music, or have the biggest selling album etc etc but cos I played an instrument live a few times- IM OFFICIALLY A MUSICAL GENIUS!!? YAY!! bingo.

God this one of the shittest articles Ive ever read. Im no big jacko fan, but saying he is overrated? Now that, my friend is pure shit. He has achived so much in his life time, things people dream of all their lives, hes changed music videos forever (Thriller) and has impacted pop music that will go down in history. Love it or hate it? Its true. There may be artists out there who have better songs than him, perform live instruments amazingly, and are musical geniuses themselves, i agree- but you cannot say Michael Jackson is not a genius. He IS a genius and deserves that recognition.
However this is your blog, so its your opinon. Im just saying its shit, like most other people- but you know, what ever floats your boat
If posting a fuckload of shit is your thing, then... cool.

there has never been or ever will be anyone like michael jackson..he is a musical genius,he writes the music for the instruments and tells the musicians to play it..it is a joke that you think he is over-rated.The fact that nearly every musician out there,e.g beyonce,usher,justin timberlake all refer to michael as their influence proves it!..the album invincible was still a good album,it just wasnt 'AMAZING'!!..He is the best entertainer in the world,when ppl watch him they are mesmorized by his music,dancing and stage shows.

Daryl, if you enjoy getting a lot of responses to intentionally outrageous claims, if that floats your boat, then you will have much happiness in your future. You can simply write a series of articles on supposedely overrated musical acts that will generate hostility from their respective fanbases.

If, on the other hand, you are trying to make a defensible point, you would do well to define your terms.

What constitutes "genius"? For example, Beethoven was a genius, Voltaire was a genius, Archimedes was a genius. Are you convinced that pop musicians deserve the label? What are the criteria that elevate one to genius status?

I hope you're not suggesting that MJ would cross the genius line if he could strum a Les Paul on stage while singing "Bad."

That's right Sabine! Some of these haters are just MAD because despite what they say Michael Jackson still has millions of fans all over the world (his Number one's cd has already sold 7 million copies worldwide and it was released DURING the trial) and NOTHING NOTHING NOTHING they can say about him is going to change our minds about him. Michael is a genius and there WILL NEVER EVER be another artist like him again. EVER. He is one of a kind. An artist like Michael Jackson who is possibly the biggest star that ever lived only comes around once in a lifetime.

Michael will be remembered forever while you haters wont even be given a second though. Michael is the s**t, so too bad bitches! MJ FOREVER!

He is not a musical genius? Well, someone show you the guinness world records book:

Most Successful Concert Series - Guiness Book Of World Records
Michael Jackson sold out for seven nights at Wembley Stadium, London, England in the summer of 1988. A total of 504,000 people saw Michael perform July 14-16, 22-23, and August 26-27, 1988.

Biggest Selling Album Of All Time - Guiness Book Of World Records
Michael Jackson's "Thriller" Album is the biggest selling album of all time, with over 50 million copies sold worldwide. Thriller is also the biggest selling U.S album with sales of 25 million copies.

80's Most #1 Hits
By The End of the 1980's MIchael Jackson had more #1 hits than any other artist for the decade.

Awards
Michael has more awards than any other artist.

Entertainer Of The Decade
With the #1 (Thriller)and #2 (Bad) ranked albums in the world Michael was the 1980's Entertainer Of The Decade.

Most Grammy Awards - Guiness Book Of World Records
Michael won a record breaking 8 Grammy Awards in 1984, more than any other artist in one year.

Largest Contracts - Guiness Book Of World Records
$890 million (Sony Music) Contract, with prospective earnings of $1 billion.

Greatest Audience - Guiness Book Of World Records
The highest-ever viewership was 133.4 million viewers watching the NBC transmission of Super Bowl XXVII on June 31, 1993. Michael was spotlighted during the half-time peformance.

Highest-Paid Commercial Spokesperson - Guiness Book Of World Records
Pepsi Cola paid Michael Jackson $12 million to do 4 TV commercials.

Bad Tour - Guiness Book Of World Records
Michael Jackson's world tour brought in a record gross revenue of over $124 million during September 1987-December 1988.

100 Million Records
Michael has sold over 100 million singles and albums outside of the U.S.

Billboard Charts
Michael Jackson is the first person in the 37 year history of the chart to enter at # 1, with his single "You Are Not Alone". Michael broke his previous redord held by his single "Earth Song" which debuted at #5.

Biggest Selling Video
Michael Jackson's "The Making Of Thriller" is the biggest selling video to be released by an artist.

Billboard "Hot 100" Singles Chart
Most #1 Hits by Male Artist (13)

#1 Debuts
Michael's "Bad", "Dangerous", and "HIStory" albums all debuted at #1.

Consecutive #1 Singles
Jackson 5 were the first group to ever have four consecutive #1 singles.

#1 On Charts
In 1983 Michael became the first artist to simultaneously hold the number one spots on Billboard's rock albums and rock singles charts, as well as the R&B albums and singles charts.

First Video
Michael Jackson was the first black artist to have a video aired on MTV.

Absolutely not. Michael has had endless strings of hits, all written by him and with meaning. Earth Song - environmentalism, Black or White - anti-racism, Beat It - anti gang violence etc. He plays countless instruments and basically changed the face of music - the first black artist on MTV, the first music video with a storyline.

Without Michael, Beyoncé, Justin Timberlake, Britney Spears, Ne-Yo, Rihanna, Mariah Carey... wouldn't be here.

If you want to talk overrated, then make a post about Madonna or Elvis!

Funny isnt it?

Funny how people like Kera and R.F dont have the intelligence nor the brain capacity to actually come up with any decent points, or arguments. Instead, the only thing they have to say is that Jackson is a 'pervert' or a 'child molester' who 'touches' little boys.

pathetic, and incredibly ignorent. Michael Jackson is no child molester, he is a guy who given his life to help children around the world.

This article is a joke, as most of the comments have shown. Michael Jackson will go down in history as a musical icon and legend, not a child molester or pervert.

Im no huge Jackson fan, but please.

Daryl - Get a job and an understanding of music

R.F - Stop pretending to be Roger Friedman(sp), you are not him, get a grip.

Kera - Get out of your backside and think before you speak/type, you are talking some very silly things.

Richard and James T., your posts were spot on!

Goodness, how the Hell can this poor excuse for an article actually end up being listed at Yahoo! News for Michael Jackson? Oh yes that's right: it's a negative one. What next? Will your next article claim that Stevie Wonder's rubbish and that Justin Timberlake's a genius? You clearly don't even know anything about Jackson as an artist. Well unless you're misrepresenting things on purpose...

For instance, given the way you're talking about "Invincible" or the Madison Square Garden concert, where he allegedly relied on other artists such as Eminem to create sparks, well it's quite obvious that you probably have never even heard the full album, and have definitely not even seen that show. For starters, Eminem was not there, nor had he been invited. Secondly, the audience was pretty much yawning their heads off throughout both shows, and didn't start going crazy until Michael Jackson came out on stage. Had you been there during the entire MJ bit, and especially when he performed "Billie Jean", this blog entry would have never seen the light of day. On both nights, Michael Jackson had the whole Garden at his feet and in a trance, something not even the strongest hater in the world could deny. So much for him apparently not being capable of "creating sparks" without the help of other artists... As for "Invincible", had you heard the album (at best you might have read the booklet credits, you know, to sound credible), you'd know that Brandy is completely unaudible on the track she was featured on (no, no, no clues, I won't tell you wich one it is, you'll have to do your own research for a change). So I don't quite think she can qualify as someone Jackson "relied" on. Carlos Santana played the guitar on one track out of 16, big deal. As for JERKins and Riley, I don't see what's wrong with him collaborating with producers on a few tracks, that's what they're there for. It's not like they did all the work.
That said, I will admit that I wasn't that crazy about "Invincible" after so much anticipation, although it was still 1000x better than any of the crap played on the radio at the time.

Then saying that Quincy Jones was the only real talent behind "Thriller"... Oh my... That took guts, buddy. I'll give you credit for being über-adventurous by saying that. I also heard some young French female DJ say the same thing a while back... Man did I tear her words to shreds. She was just like you: no clue what she was talking about. While she loved Michael Jackson's music, she'd constantly deny him any talent whatsoever, giving credit to everyone and their dog but not to him. She did that because it was supposedly cooler to be anti-Jackson, but wasn't too sure why. She didn't know that, in addition to "The Girl Is Mine" and "PYT", Michael Jackson wrote and composed 3 of the most successful singles on the album himself, namely "Billie Jean", "Beat It" and "Wanna be starting something". The home demos he made for these songs - without any Super Q intervention yet - are just as powerful and cutting-edge as the final versions that were released. I mean, you are indeed entitled to your own opinion, but to me your just showing your blatant bad faith here, which is quite amusing, actually. I think that you were hardly convinced by your own assessments as you were typing them, lol.

And what's this "MJ doesn't play instruments live, so he ain't no musical genius" drivel about? How restrictive is that? As stated above, he can play several instruments (especially the piano, which he mainly uses for creative purposes, he doesn't usually play it to entertain people). So what if he doesn't feel like performing with them live? When he's on stage I'll bet you anything he prefers the dancing to anything else. He has nothing left to prove, he's wonderful at everything else, so why should he force himself to do something he probably doesn't even enjoy all that much? Besides, you don't have to play instruments to be a musical genius! His voice is amazing, and his beat-boxing is unreal! The little we know about the creative process Jackson uses for his songs is fascinating. He imitates every single sound and instrument with his voice, layer after layer, then records them separately, adds the melody, dictates all the arrangements, and that's when he gets musicians together if he can't materialize the music himself, but he'll tell them exactly what sound he's looking for and have them start over and over again until they get it to match his own imagination.

Whoever had the indecency to compare Michael Jackson with Madonna has serious issues. The woman is intelligent, ambitious and desperately hard-working, granted, but talented? She's the biggest joke the music industry has ever known. She is only successful thanks to the people who work for her, she is nothing more than the product of excellent marketing. But talented? No. Never has been, never will be. That's the reason why she just keeps on trying so hard these days. She's getting old and she knows full well that if she loses her physical fitness, then she's lost everything, because she hasn't got what matters in order to last after 50 without a great body: artistic substance.

So I am sorry, Daryl D, no matter what you say, Michael Jackson is all but overrated, he deserves every ounce of success he's had and he is (stress the word) indeed a Musical Genius. Unlike many, many currently successful maintsream artists, Jackson's genius will go down in history and will live on forever. His King Of The World stardom years may be over, but that won't stop him from making magnificent and inspiring tunes in the future.

@ the poster named RF: Deluded much? You wish Jackson had a street-team to harrass everyone who doesn't like him, that could comfort you into hating him so much. Too bad that he actually hasn't. These posters are all real people who lead real lives (and who also have a bit of common sense, unlike you). They are separate individuals who respect Michael Jackson as the incredibly gifted musician that he is, which you just can't stomach.
So what are those things that you found about his camp? Huh? Why don't you share your secret findings with all of us here? Oh and by the way, stop pretending to be Roger Friedman, everyone knows that despite his ridiculous obsession with Jackson, he doesn't believe Michael Jackson was guilty. Nice try, though.

GO M! That was excellent.

On a neutral point of view, (and leaving out his personal life) because of reading this, I'm in two minds about whether he was actually a musical genius after all.

I agree with you Daryl on many points, most of all that he was great entertainer, perhaps the greatest ever - and that that popularity defiantly gone forever.

On a personal thought I think that it is a real shame that he has gone, despite how fascinating it has been watching him self-destruct and bit-by-bit destroy his career, he did in his own way add something special to the industry.

But it depends on how you'd define a "genius." In a way, for many, creating the four great epics (Off The Wall, Thriller, Bad, Dangerous) could be genius enough.

And Daryl, you do seem to be going out of your way to try and describe everything after Dangerous as a failure. History (1995) can be described as a failure in the United States perhaps, but Daryl there is land and life outside of the US you know, and sales of 18-million is nothing to ignore.

Invincible was the final make or break album, it flopped worldwide.

He still can do the odd good song or two, but nothing will ever be good enough to get him back the career. "The rise and fall of Michael Jackson" is a good way to describe his career.

As for a musical genius, maybe. He is better described a once upon a time musical legend. I think this pretty accurate.

I would say anything else, MJ is a MUSICAL GENIUS, and if somebody says to me that MJ is not a genius, that can only be God
MJ the real king of pop

God please have some mercy on me, MJ is the Greatest male artist ever, MJ is a living legend have some respect!!!!!!!!

Well just goes to show you ignorance is bliss?
This person most likely doesn't even know Mr. Jackson personally let alone anything else. Also, did you ever notice that the ones who knock him are the ones who know the most about him and his music?
I find that utterly interesting. God bless you anyways Daryl I guess you don't know any better since you have to use someones name of this magnitude to even get someone to look at it?

In fact Daryl, here you go. Obviously, Michael needed others to create a spark at the 30th show, no way could he POSSIBLY have done the performence below.

Nope, cant feel the spark at all.

To Michael:

If Jackson's supporters believe that this article is full of moonshine, then why are they giving it the time of day? Why are they commenting on