83magic
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lately I've been seeing lists compiling the top r&b artists of all time. nothing official, just random public opinion.. Michael always seems to appear at the top. of course, i'm happy that his music remains on the conscious of the wider population, but is this justified?
there's no doubt that Michael's roots with the Jackson 5 are steeped in r&b. however, even they were labelled 'bubble gum' for songs like 'abc' and 'the love you save', which had more of a sing-song pop appeal.
I could understand if he was being judged solely for 'off the wall', but even that had 'girlfriend', 'she's out of my life', and 'it's the falling in love'.
beyond that, in the 80's specifically, Michael was pop. I don't think he ever lost some of those r&b elements, but it wasn't enough for him to be tied to that genre entirely in my view.
I would argue the same for whitney Houston, who also appears on these lists, but I digress..
what do you think? do you automatically associate Michael with r&b, or was he 'the king of pop' for a reason? would love to know your thoughts
there's no doubt that Michael's roots with the Jackson 5 are steeped in r&b. however, even they were labelled 'bubble gum' for songs like 'abc' and 'the love you save', which had more of a sing-song pop appeal.
I could understand if he was being judged solely for 'off the wall', but even that had 'girlfriend', 'she's out of my life', and 'it's the falling in love'.
beyond that, in the 80's specifically, Michael was pop. I don't think he ever lost some of those r&b elements, but it wasn't enough for him to be tied to that genre entirely in my view.
I would argue the same for whitney Houston, who also appears on these lists, but I digress..
what do you think? do you automatically associate Michael with r&b, or was he 'the king of pop' for a reason? would love to know your thoughts