| ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. | |
| PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. | |
| OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. | |
| NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Parents need to know that this is the first posthumously-released album since Michael Jackson's death, including unfinished, unpolished tracks that were supposedly not ready for release. There's a recurring theme about Hollywood and the fame monster, but overall the content is fine for fans young and old, with clean lyrics.
MICHAEL contains 10 tracks that Michael Jackson supposedly was working on but never completely finished before his death. Although there is some controversy surrounding the validity of every song, some of the tracks like "(I Like) The Way You Love Me," "Behind the Mask," and "Hold My Hand" are classic MJ, with lyrics about love and friendship, giving fans a little more of the lasting legacy that is the King of Pop. Akon, 50 Cent, and Lenny Kravitz are featured on the album as well. The digital booklet contains lyrics, backstory, and handwritten notes by Jackson.
If you and your kids are Michael Jackson fans, you will enjoy this album. The spirit of his music is captured, with songs like "Hollywood Tonight," "Monster," (with 50 Cent) and "Breaking News" touching on the reality of fame, celebrity, and life under a microscope. It makes the listener empathetic to MJ's last days and all the more sorry that such a talent was gone too soon. "(I Like) The Way You Love Me" and "Much Too Soon" elicit images of the old Michael the way he should be remembered.
Families can talk about releasing an album after an artist's death. Do you think this is appropriate? Why or why not? Do you think this album would sell as well if Michael Jackson were still living?
There's some controversy that some of the tracks feature an imposter only mimicking MJ's vocals. What do you think about his controversy? Do you think it's a publicity stunt? Do you hear any inconsistencies in the vocals on the album?
| Artist: | Michael Jackson |
| Release date: | December 14, 2010 |
| Label: | Epic |
| Genre: | Pop |
| Parental advisory: | No |