Introduction
"Invincible" is the tenth and final studio album by the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, launched on October 30, 2001. The album acts as Jackson's first full-length project in 6 years, following the release of "HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I" in 1995. "Invincible" was an extremely expected project that took around 4 years to complete, with Jackson working with numerous renowned manufacturers and songwriters like Rodney Jerkins, Teddy Riley, R. Kelly, and Babyface. The album showcased a mature and evolved sound, blending different categories like pop, R&B, soul, and electronic music.
Reception and Commercial Performance
"Invincible" got mixed to positive reviews from music critics. While some applauded Jackson's vocals, songwriting, and the production, others criticized it as being overproduced and lacking the infectious charm of his previous albums. In spite of the varied critical reception, "Invincible" debuted at primary on the United States Billboard 200 chart, selling over 366,000 copies in its first week. It also topped the charts in several other nations, consisting of the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Australia.
Nevertheless, it needs to be kept in mind that although "Invincible" was licensed multi-platinum in a number of countries, it failed to fulfill the enormous expectations set by Jackson's previous works. With over 6 million copies sold worldwide, it is considered as one of the lowest-selling albums of his career. However, its effect on the music market can not be minimized, as it still earned 3 Grammy Award nominations and spawned multiple hit songs.
Notable Singles
"Invincible" produced three main songs, which handled to accomplish numerous degrees of success:
1. "You Rock My World" - Released in August 2001 as the album's lead single, "You Rock My World" saw Jackson go back to his signature up-tempo pop noise. The track got favorable evaluations from critics and ended up being an around the world hit, peaking at number 10 on the United States Billboard Hot 100 and reaching second in the UK Singles Chart. The tune's accompanying video, directed by Paul Hunter, included Chris Tucker and Marlon Brando and was a homage to old Hollywood cinema.
2. "Cry" - The second single, penned and produced by R. Kelly, was released in December 2001. The psychological ballad featured a message of unity and change, encouraging individuals to unify and heal the world. Although not as commercially effective as its predecessor, "Cry" got a positive response from critics for its wholehearted message and strong vocals.
3. "Butterflies" - The 3rd and final single released from "Invincible" in February 2002, was a slow and sensuous R&B ballad that showcased Jackson's falsetto. Although it only reached a modest number fourteen on the United States Billboard Hot 100, "Butterflies" received extensive recognition from music critics and ended up being a fan favorite.
Legacy and Significance
Although "Invincible" might not be remembered as one of Michael Jackson's biggest works, it remains an important part of his discography as his last studio album. Numerous argue that the album showcased the advancement of Jackson as an artist, blending different genres, and delivering crucial messages through his music. The album noise likewise showcased his determination to explore new styles, strategies, and manufacturers.
In spite of the blended vital reception at the time, "Invincible" has given that gained a higher gratitude amongst fans and critics alike, with many considering it an underrated work of art. As Michael Jackson's swan song, "Invincible" stands as a testimony to the music icon's unwavering commitment to pressing borders and delivering extraordinary music experiences to his fans throughout the world.
Artist: Michael Jackson
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