Review: MJ book thankfully focuses on the music

Kudos to Joe Vogel for a brilliant exploration of Michael Jackson's artistic life -- which, in my view, is ONE with all the rest of him. Alas, some ugly remarks here prompt me to ask: How long do we try to educate the willfully ignorant? FACTS to refute stubbornly-held, creaky old myths about Michael Jackson's character are accessible for all -- provided they are interested and really want to know. After all, we no longer have to trudge through snow and sleet or slog through piles of dusty tomes to do our homework at the local library. We have Google, Wikipedia, and lots more tools available to find information without ever leaving home. YET, many wear prejudice and ignorance like suits of armor with visors pulled permanently down. At some point the Willingly Deceived must share responsibility with the Deceivers for the overall Deception.

I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it. I especially enjoyed that it covers Michael Jackson's later work, which is less known but more sophisticated and artistic than Thriller and Off the Wall. It's a nice gift book, but is serious and thorough enough that it could also be a textbook.

Why ruin an otherwise thoughtful review by adding: “We get it already: [MJ] was kind of a weird dude.” Could Mike Householder possibly amend this?

This well-written book deserves many more great reviews and some kudos to Joe Vogel's five-year detailed research process. You will read things here that no book has been able to share yet about the creative process of a true musical genius. Vogel also factually refutes the shallow, misguided critics who couldn't see beyond media hysteria to appreciate Jackson's music for what it really was: ground-breaking, innovative, complex, original and an integral part of the last six decades of so many people's lives. Joe Vogel's integrity of purpose is refreshing (and the first of many, hopefully) in showing the true nature of this important artist, the context in which he created, and the challenges he faced. Use more of your brain and read this book!

At least someone can see,and remember.

that is good news

It's about time we got a quality book about Michael Jackson's tremendous contributions, what influenced or motivated his work, and why he'll always be relevant. We're talking about our greatest American musical prodigy, and not just of a generation. He's at the very top in songwriting, video, dance, performance, iconography. He's suffered at the hands of sensationalistic media--mainly for being unapologetically "different" like just about every other great creative genius that ever lived--so it's really refreshing to have Vogel's book begin a serious examination of his life and creative choices. I expect it to provide fresh insights about this superlative artist, and it's about time.

Thank you Joseph Vogel ............. GOD BLESS you

It is said that singer/songwriters open their souls through their music and this could not be more the case with Michael Jackson, who wore his heart on his sleeve. Thank you Mr. Vogel for these great insights into his musical legacy.

I pre-ordered Joseph Vogel's book months ago based on all the positive feedback that was written about it. It is indeed worth its weight in gold. If you love Michael Jackson's music, you will love this book. I must admit that I found the articles mention of "We get it already: Michael Jackson was kind of a weird dude" a bit disconcerting in an otherwise positive article. If you read Vogel's book you will discover the genius of Jackson...not weird at all...he just thinks "outside the box" as all geniuses do.

I can't wait to get this book. How can a person with a name like Householder call anybody weird. I don't understand why these publications (other than a TMZ type) keep giving Michael Jackson articles to idiots to comment on. MJ has been gone now over two years and the stupid people still are coming out of the woodwork with ignorant things to say. To House-nitnit if you can't say something decent about a person who can no longer defend themselves then shut up and write about a person that is alive and can go after you for calling them other than their given name!

I have read the book and it breaks down each of the albums and songs, both sonically and lyrically. It examines the creativity of all those involved in crafting albums that were ground breaking and massively successful in sales. The combined sales of Jackson's 7 adult solo albums are in the 250 million range. Much has been written about Thriller but not enough has been written about Jackson's later work. Critics of the time were narrowly focused on critiquing the artist and not the artist's work. Many of those critic's comments were pedestrian and tinged with tabloid fodder, not even worthy of being taken seriously by music lovers. This book is a great read and is one that I will go back to while listening to each song discussed which includes every song on each album. Kudos to Joe Vogel for all the real research, unlike so many others, that he did in focusing on the creative life and work of Michael Jackson!

Wonderfully written....Thanks Joel....

focuses on the music and just that.....Finally!

His fans and the music world did know, now know it the other world too. Michael was a genius.

Wonderful article, Mr. Householder. Joe Vogel's book is indeed one of the best-written and most interesting and informative books about Michael Jackson and his music. Man In The Music takes us behind the scenes of Michael Jackson's creativity and allows us an inside view into the creation of Jackson's musical masterpieces. You are correct in saying that Jackson's music became the soundtrack to the lives of millions-his music inspired and impacted people of all ages, races, genders, religions the world over, and is continuing to gain new admirers and fans after his tragic death.

I would recommend Vogel's book to not only Michael Jackson fans, but to all music fans.

One critical note: I wish you would consider amending your first comment. Mr. Jackson was not a "weird dude" but a creative genius who thought outside the box and this is what makes his music so wonderful and memorable. He was also a caring and re-record setting
philanthropist who gave hundreds of millions of dollars to charities aiding his fellow man, animals and our planet. This does not qualify as "weird" in my opinion.

I have read this book and find it fascinating. I really liked the way the book details the songs past Thriller. Michael did some of his best work in the 90's and with Invincible. This book is a real comprehensive look at the genius that was Michael. Hope it gets to libraries for check out! It's true, it could also be a textbook as it sets the bar for the standards of great music.

Mr. Householder: Very nice review of a remarkable look into the creative genius of Mr. Jackson. Joe Vogel is able to weave an indepth study of each solo album, each
individual track and accompanying short films into historical context of each era, beginning in the late 70's and into the 2000s, and then finally Jackson's vision and plans for the future that will now not be seen or heard. Our great loss. One thing, though: could you drop the 'weird' reference. Really not necessary or needed here. Couldn't help yourself?

i thought his song was good and he was a good singer mj was the best the beat it song was good

I wish more of MJ friends would write about him, and when I say friends I don't mean his "doctors" or other who contributed to his leaving, I mean his friends.