labeled as popular music, ". . .which appeals to a variety of audiences in the mainstream of society." (Morse 1991, 45) In the past, his music has been categorized as Soul music, since it is music predominantly used by Black Americans. Jacksons songs in his early career certainly reflect this category since it involves a lot of powerful vocal renditions, downbeat rhythms and dark, ambiguous themes of faith love, betrayal and passion. Most of todays popular or pop music traces its roots back to soul music. This makes Jacksons songs have a generally welcomed appeal. His songs like Billie Jean, Shes Out of My Life, and Dont Stop Til You Get Enough, Ill Be There and Got to Be There reflect the characteristics of soul music. As Jacksons music evolved, his messages became more positive, the rhythms have become more upbeat and lively, and his lyrics speak of brotherhood, justice, hope, freedom, respect, peace and love. Examples of these include songs like, Black or White, Will You Be There, Keep the Faith and Heal the World. Jackson takes responsibility for his fame by expressing his ideals through his music. As a result, one can see an artist fully integrated in his work, where the artist, the art and the ideal are one.Throughout history, man has attempted to make the abstract concrete and to make the unknown understood. Man is a creature who believes in things beyond him and has an internal drive to express it in many ways. This has been evident in art. If left alone, man will begin to create. Mans role becomes that of a co-creator. Man does not only create useful things, but also things that express his deepest feelings and his highest ideals. Michael Jacksons art is just one of the myriad of contributions made by man. It is a gesture of humility on his part for sharing his talent and responding to the impulse that propels him to create. It is no doubt that his art brings him fame and admiration. It elevates him to legendary status. If one...
