Humanities Information

Michael Jacksons Latest Album Has Flopped


One month after being cleared of sex assault charges, Michael Jackson's latest album, The Essential Michael Jackson, has flopped. In the first week of its release only 8000 copies were sold. At this pace it will take nearly one hundred years to equal his most popular album, Thriller, which has sold 40 million copies. Jackson may have been cleared of all charges, but his fans aren't buying his product. Is this a portent of things to come? Let's look at some of the reasons why Michael Jackson may be long "past peak" when it comes to entertaining in the US.

The Michael Jackson Trial got the attention of Americans in the first half of 2005 as the drama was played out nightly on cable news shows. Indeed, it seemed as if CNN and Fox News were battling to be the first one to bring the latest and greatest information to viewers. Finally, in June, the verdict was in: not guilty. The Jackson legal team breathed a sigh of relief and pundits predicted that Jackson would recover over the next year.

So, why has The Essential Michael Jackson flopped? Certainly it isn't because of the quality of the songs which include Jackson 5 favorites: "Rockin' Robin", "Ben", and "ABC" as well as "The Girl is Mine" recorded with Paul McCartney and and "I Just Can't Stop Loving You" with Seidah Garrett. True, it does not contain new material, but the song list should be popular enough to grab the attention of Jackson devotees. It hasn't. More than likely there are other reasons why it is a slow seller including:

1. The Trial. Jackson may have been cleared of all charges, but this is the second time he has been raked through the coals over alleged behavior. Whether you believe him to be guilty or not, all the publicity did nothing but hurt Jackson. Additionally, the trial just got over...why didn't record producers wait six months or more to release this album? Oh yeah, someone has to pay his legal bills!

2. Changing Tastes. American music tastes change quickly. What was acceptable a few years ago is not necessarily acceptable today. In Europe, Jackson's music is still widely accepted. Hmmm... me thinks that Germany or France may put up with him.

3. The Weird Factor. Okay, I have to mention it. Jackson just looks weird. Compared to when he was a kid and also a young adult, Jackson looks nothing like he used to look. Is he white? Is he black? Is he male? Is he female? These are some of the questions asked by fans and followers. Weirdness sells...to a point. Track the career of Boy George for comparison purposes.

Personally, I think Jackson was guilty of at least some of the charges and I believe that many fans think the same way. You can be a very good singer, but after awhile fans will tire of all the negative attention and go elsewhere. Witness O.J. Simpon's life post trial and you can expect Jackson to have a similar fate.

Unless, of course, Michael Jackson moves to Europe.

Matt writes on a variety of topics as well as designs and manages web sites. Please visit The Article Writer to preview his portfolio.


MORE RESOURCES:

06/01/2024
How does the digital transformation of agriculture affect carbon emissions? Evidence from China’s provincial panel data

Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, Published online: 01 June 2024; doi:10.1057/s41599-024-03223-x

How does the digital transformation of agriculture affect carbon emissions? Evidence from China’s provincial panel data

more info


06/01/2024
Beyond central-local relations: the introduction of a new perspective on China’s environmental governance model

Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, Published online: 01 June 2024; doi:10.1057/s41599-024-03082-6

Beyond central-local relations: the introduction of a new perspective on China’s environmental governance model

more info


06/01/2024
Exercising control in media during Covid-19: the “Stay at Home” campaign on Twitter in Greece

Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, Published online: 01 June 2024; doi:10.1057/s41599-024-03240-w

Exercising control in media during Covid-19: the “Stay at Home” campaign on Twitter in Greece

more info


06/01/2024
Exploration of a method for insight into accessibility design flaws based on touch dynamics

Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, Published online: 01 June 2024; doi:10.1057/s41599-024-03234-8

Exploration of a method for insight into accessibility design flaws based on touch dynamics

more info


05/31/2024
Hesitant or determined? The influence of social and environmental factors on settlement decision-making of rural in-migrants: evidence from Dali, China

Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, Published online: 31 May 2024; doi:10.1057/s41599-024-03188-x

Hesitant or determined? The influence of social and environmental factors on settlement decision-making of rural in-migrants: evidence from Dali, China

more info


05/31/2024
Unemployment, hustling, and waithood: exploring Zimbabwean urban male youth’s utilisation of ICT in soccer betting

Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, Published online: 31 May 2024; doi:10.1057/s41599-024-03230-y

Unemployment, hustling, and waithood: exploring Zimbabwean urban male youth’s utilisation of ICT in soccer betting

more info


05/31/2024
The impact of corporate social responsibility in technological innovation on sustainable competitive performance

Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, Published online: 31 May 2024; doi:10.1057/s41599-024-03193-0

The impact of corporate social responsibility in technological innovation on sustainable competitive performance

more info


05/31/2024
Breaching boundaries: reflections on the journey towards a transdisciplinary arts and sciences undergraduate degree programme to address global challenges

Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, Published online: 31 May 2024; doi:10.1057/s41599-024-03165-4

This commentary reflects upon the progress, limitations, and some of the pitfalls of one UK London-based HE institution’s development of a trans-disciplinary arts and sciences undergraduate degree programme specifically designed to build knowledge and confidence in students to both reflect upon and effectively respond in constructive and just ways to some of the ‘global challenges’ facing society. It does not challenge the importance and necessity of specialist expertise but sees the potential of a trans-disciplinary approach to education as not just complementary but increasingly valuable to a wider range of graduates. Graduates needed to lead systems change and facilitate wider appreciation and practical understanding of multidimensional problem-solving, the importance of stakeholder engagement and more holistic systems thinking, something that should not be limited to those who have the opportunity and means to study Masters or PhD degrees. As one of a few UK universities that offer inter-disciplinary or trans-disciplinary undergraduate degrees and with some added insights from a former colleague who now works on University College London’s (UCL) interdisciplinary BASc, we offer the following suggestions and advice for those interested in working towards developing trans-disciplinary provision. This includes the development of a financial model that allows students and staff to work between departments or faculties; an administrative structure that promotes communication and information sharing between different departments without compromising the requirements of data protection; the buy-in and support of senior leaders who both understand and can advocate for the benefits of a trans-disciplinary approach and explicit university-wide recognition of the staff who work on such programmes in terms of career progression and support for the trans-disciplinary research they undertake.

more info



home | site map | contact us