HIStory - His story

Many people don't fully realize what an important album this was for Michael Jackson when he released it in the summer of 1995. By this point, he was surrounded by controversy: charges of child abuse, his marriage to Lisa Marie Presley, his alleged plastic surgeries, etc. The purpose of HIStory's carefully-planned two discs, so it would seem, was to remind the listening public of just how important Jackson is in the entertainment world.

The first disc contains Jackson's ubiquitous greatest hits, including "Billie Jean", "Heal The World", "Beat It", and "Rock With You". There are a couple of questionable absences, such as the #1 hit "Dirty Diana", but the hits which are included make up for that.

The second disc is the arrowhead of Jackson's declaration of worth and, yes, innocence. Let's not forget that Jackson was a member of one of the original boy bands, and boy bands are often known for having other people write bubblegum songs for them. As Jackson grew in age and maturity, his songs increasingly came from his own pen.

Through his life experiences, many of which must be a living hell, his songs became increasingly autobiographical. What I love about Michael Jackson is that he is honest. Even within his now garbled lyrics and industrial beats, there is much to be appreciated. Sure, I miss the Michael Jackson of the 60's and 70's, and even the 80's. But the present-day Jackson is certainly no less valuable (or talented) in the music world.

HIStory was the most hyped album of its time and was moderately successful, but it made Jackson's point loud and clear. As egotistical as it may seem, it showed that Jackson is still standing strong (hence the symbolic statue on the front cover) through all the controversy in his life.

HIStory is a crucial, pivotal chapter in the ongoing story of Michael Jackson, the boy band prodigy who evolved into an embattled worldwide megastar. Fortunately, the end to this story is nowhere in sight.