Just heard the new Michael Jackson single on Radio 1. Or rather, Akon featuring Michael Jackson, which is a bit rich considering it was a Michael Jackson song that he started writing before he died. Then someone decided to allow Akon to get his hands on it and finish it.
I have a few problems with this generally. How can Akon even begin to know what Jackson intended for the song? Normally it’s a spouse or relative or former band mate who is allowed to finish a song off, not some random performer. At least they may have had an insight into the writing process and had some idea about what the artist wanted. For all Akon knows, Jackson may have been about to abort the song (as he should have done) and never allow it to see the light of day.
Secondly, Akon has made the song his own, literally. The song start with what I find the quite egotistical phrase “Akon and MJ” as if Jackson was just on backing vocals. If Akon didn’t have that much to work with, don’t do it. The universe is clearly trying to tell you something!
Thirdly the song is dire and should have been left alone. It’s a blatant cash in and is yet another slight on Jackson’s musical legacy.
I am not a Michael Jackson fan, I just think there is enough bad music around without self-centred rappers jacking up a weak song in the name of tribute.
Related articles
- Michael Jackson & Akon: ‘Hold My Hand’ Premiere! (justjared.buzznet.com)
- “Check Out: Michael Jackson feat. Akon — “Hold My Hand— and related posts (consequenceofsound.net)
- Michael Jackson duet with Akon released online (cnn.com)
- Michael Jackson song with Akon to be released (ctv.ca)
- Joe Vogel: Review: “Hold My Hand” (Michael Jackson and Akon) (huffingtonpost.com)
