Michael Jackson’sInvincibleis truly a feat of musicality and production.Jackson started the project in 1997 and allegedly only finished eight months before it was released in October 2001. As of 2024, it still holds the record for themost expensive album ever produced. According to a 2003Vanity Fairarticle, “Sony advanced Jackson approximately $40 million to make it. In addition, Sony spent $25 million to market it.” Adjusted for today’s inflation, the total cost reaches over $71 million.
All that cost went towards an album marked with features from some legendary artists, including Slash and Carlos Santana. Perhaps more notably, a Notorious B.I.G. sample from the iconic rapper’s 1994 debut studio album. Theproducers on this album are stacked with top-tier talent of the day, such as Teddy Riley, Rodney Jerkins, and Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds, to highlight a few.
Invincibleserves as Jackson’s final studio album before his death in 2009. The timing was marred by a dispute with Sony over promotions, and, unfortunately, the release also coincided with the September 11 attacks in the U.S. There was no supporting tour for the album (Michael Jackson had a failed tour in 2007) and minimal promotions by Sony. Despite this, the album debuted at number one onBillboard’s Hot 200 while its singles achieved number ones across the globe.Jackson has stated the album is one of his favoritesand expressed he felt it has more to show thanThrillerin the long run.
16“You Are My Life”
Track 10
The segue into this track is a tough one.Jackson’s voice emerges quite soft, pretty, and angelic. You’ve just been hyped up into a harder rock mode as this falls directly after “2000 Watts,” and now abruptly switch to a traditional soft ballad. However, the song is strong in its form with a slow build. Jackson’s vocal tone adopts his trademark sound.
Jackson’s diction and enunciation are manipulated to better pierce through when he engages in the vowel sounds within the lyrics. He lets his vibrato at the end of his phrasing naturally inflect with minimal decisive manipulation.The added bounce on the chorus phrasing almost adds a gospel church vibe to the track.
15“Don’t Walk Away”
Track 12
Jackson’s vocals overtop a slow strumming guitar feel personal and private.A somber sound, his vocal inflections are considerably toned downas his voice nearly sounds like he is pushing through a weeping emotional state. Minimal production here, his vocals carry the song with the ballad instrumental lifting them up through the piece’s progression.
Jackson’s vocals overtop a slow strumming guitar feel personal and private.
Taking into consideration the storyline of the album, this track feels like a pleading as Jackson has just gone through intense scrutiny and personal invasion discussed in “Privacy” – he is asking his lover not to leave him.
14“Cry”
Track 13
“Cry” is a motivational, globally influential track that supports Jackson’s humanitarian efforts. Hiscare and consideration for underrepresented communities are ingrained in his brand. Here, he is encouraging others to take action, as he can’t do it all himself. He invites you to cry with him, but then be proactive about making a difference.
A pop artist utilizing their platform, placing a song on their album that is purely for philanthropy, is a rarity that I have yet to see other global artists take on in the modern music landscape. While the efforts are thoughtful and tremendous,this track isn’t the most memorable of the collection.
13“Butterflies”
Track 7
Thevibe is brought down a little in “Butterflies,“into a more controlled, melodic structure. Jackson takes a unique vocal approach in singing in a pressed, straight tone. He engages in a push-and-pull of his vowels. It builds anticipation and dictates the movement of this song.
Jackson takes a unique vocal approach in singing in a pressed, straight tone.
The same stylization is carried into the harmonic, layered vocals for the chorus. Lyrically,it is a sweet song, giving some innocence, depicting how he is given butterflies and fluttering feelings internally in the presence of his lover.
12“Threatened”
Track 16
The album’s closing track “Threatened” is a concoction of dark, heavy beats, reminiscent of the opening tracks, coupled with a more aggressive vocal tenacity from Jackson. He is at an engaged level, interacting as a victim that just may turn into the villain – warning “you should feel threatened by me.”It leaves a daunting feeling that Jackson is turning into the monster he’s long been portrayed as by the media. It doesn’t encompass the over-the-top production effects, but still encapsulates the dirty vibe.
The rolling sound feels like a dark character is seen within flashes in the dark of night. The piano hook keeps the song progressing at an intense, weighted pace. There is a big cat roar in the middle of the song, where a voice emerges as if reading a public service announcement about the monster. It is a purposeful effect that builds concern while playing into human fear.A poignant response from Jackson, providing commentary on his public life and internal turmoil.
11“2000 Watts”
Track 9
Halfway through the album, we return to the initial futuristic, millennium beats heard on the first three tracks with “2000 Watts.” A Teddy Riley and Tyrese Gibson produced track, you’re able to hear similar sounds in other pop and R&B acts of the timesuch as *NSYNC, Brandy, and Britney Spears.
Jackson starts this song in a notably deeper tone that nearly sounds like an entirely different person than what audiences associate with him. It’s just as strong and impactful as his higher, tenor-based voice. However,it is stunning to hear him evoke the same prowess in a completely different vocal range. This song has a rock-tinge to it, with what sounds like a gritty, distorted electric-guitar strum that has been situated within the instrumental structuring.
10“Break of Dawn”
Track 4
“Break of Dawn” serves as the first of a string of soft, slowed-down jams onInvincible. It’s thefirst appearance of Jackson’s tremendously sweet, buttery-smooth singing voice. It’s the first glimpse of a different emotional display thus far on the album.
“Break of Dawn” serves as the first of a string of soft, slowed-down jams onInvincible.
Lyrically, he’s courting his love, letting her know they’re going to make love “til he break of dawn.” The flute that flutters in throughout the track periodically adds a fantasy air, and lifts you up from the heavy, emotional display with the previous harder hitting tracks immediately before.Jackson’s vocal timbre teeters between sincere and impatient. His voice begins to grow more tense as the song progresses, matching the equal frustration of wanting to be with someone so intensely.
9“Privacy”
Track 11
I’m not the biggest fan of skits on music albums, butthe vocal skit used in “Privacy” is appropriate and sets the tone for what’s to follow. Jackson’s vocals emerge dark, dripped in frustration, mirroring the song’s subject matter. Literally, he is discussing experiencing constant invasions of his privacy. He is angry, vengeful, and at his end’s wit.
While the lyrics could be interpreted as a pleading to be given his privacy, the pressed texture of his vocals feel like an animal growling, warning one to stay away. Thissong features guitar by Slash, whose rock flair brings an elevation to Jackson’s increasingly crazed vocals toward the finale of the song.
8“The Lost Children”
Track 14
“The Lost Children” is a beautiful emotional displayof Jackson’s ability to invoke sentiment and inspiration through solid singing ability. The song structure plays into the emotional response by using simple music production and chord progression. This song creates a nostalgic response, but also leaves you feeling melancholy. Jackson utilizes an understated approach to let his sentiment come through stronger.
At the climax, about halfway through,Jackson adds a texture to his voice, mirroring his personal passion regarding the message of the song. The ending conversation with children leaves the listener feeling like they are in a peaceful forest. It takes you back to your own childhood memories and the simplicity of existing in the world during that time. How every child should feel so fortunate to get to experience their own childhood, absent of adult agendas.
7“Whatever Happens”
Track 15
A distinctly western whistling beckons you in “Whatever Happens” with anticipation as a guitar fervently strums to a buildup that breaks into the melody with Jackson’s vocals. A cocktail ofWestern and Spanish musicality coexist as Jackson takes his first vocal rest.
The distinctive guitar of Carlos Santana emerges. The song is full ofincredible guitar riffs. The standout of this track is Santana just weaving in and around Jackson’s singing. SometimesSantana takes over as the lead melody, sometimes he adds ad-libbed perfection with his plucking and cascading runs.
