Jump to content

Invincible (Michael Jackson album): Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Content deleted Content added
m sp
m clean up
Line 96: Line 96:
{{Main|Michael Jackson: 30th Anniversary Celebration}}
{{Main|Michael Jackson: 30th Anniversary Celebration}}


It was reported that the album had a budget of twenty five million dollars set aside for promotion.<ref name="promotioninfo" /><ref>{{cite web|url=https://nationalpost.com/arts/michael-jackson/story.html?id=1732696|title=Key Facts about Michael Jackson's life|first=Katherine|last=Laidlaw|date=June 25, 2009|work=[[National Post]]|publisher=[[CanWest|CanWest Global Communications]]|access-date=February 13, 2010}}{{Dead link|date=February 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> Despite this, however, due to the conflicts between Jackson and his record label, little was done to promote the album.<ref name="tara 611">Taraborrelli, p. 611</ref> Unlike with Jackson's post-''Thriller'' studio albums, there was no world tour to promote the album; a tour was planned, but cancelled due to conflicts between Jackson and Sony, and the [[September 11 attacks]] (the latter of which had also motivated many other artists to cancel their then-upcoming concerts in late 2001 and early 2002.)<ref>{{Cite web|url = http://www.mtv.com/news/1455976/michael-jackson-shocks-al-sharpton-by-calling-tommy-mottola-a-racist/|title = Michael Jackson Shocks al Sharpton by Calling Tommy Mottola a Racist|website = [[MTV]]|access-date = February 25, 2021|archive-date = March 8, 2021|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210308065920/http://www.mtv.com/news/1455976/michael-jackson-shocks-al-sharpton-by-calling-tommy-mottola-a-racist/|url-status = dead}}</ref> There was, however, a special [[Michael Jackson: 30th Anniversary Celebration|30th Anniversary Celebration]] at Madison Square Garden in early September 2001 to mark Jackson's 30th year as a solo artist. Jackson performed "You Rock My World" and marked his first appearance onstage alongside his brothers since [[the Jacksons]]' [[Victory Tour (The Jacksons tour)|Victory Tour]] in 1984.<ref name="guardian">{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2001/sep/08/taniabranigan|title=Jackson spends £20m to be Invincible|first=Tania|last=Branigan|date=September 7, 2001|work=The Guardian|access-date=February 13, 2010|location=London|archive-date=January 16, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130116044622/http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2001/sep/08/taniabranigan|url-status=live}}</ref> The show also featured performances by [[Britney Spears]], [[Mýa]], [[Usher (entertainer)|Usher]], [[Whitney Houston]], [[Tamia]], [[Backstreet Boys]], [['N Sync]], [[98 Degrees]], and [[Slash (musician)|Slash]], among other artists.<ref>George, p. 50–53</ref> The show aired on [[CBS]] in November 2001 as a two-hour television special and was watched by 45 million viewers according to Nielsen. <ref>{{Cite web |title=Michael Jackson Special To Re-Air, With Britney This Time |url=https://www.mtv.com/news/o4w5lb/michael-jackson-special-to-re-air-with-britney-this-time |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230830171836/https://www.mtv.com/news/o4w5lb/michael-jackson-special-to-re-air-with-britney-this-time |url-status=dead |archive-date=August 30, 2023 |access-date=2024-06-19 |website=MTV |language=en |quote=According to Nielsen Media Research estimates, an estimated 45 million people watched all or part of the special, making "Michael Jackson: 30th Anniversary Celebration" one of the highest-rated musical specials in television history.}}</ref>
It was reported that the album had a budget of twenty five million dollars set aside for promotion.<ref name="promotioninfo" /><ref>{{cite web|url=https://nationalpost.com/arts/michael-jackson/story.html?id=1732696|title=Key Facts about Michael Jackson's life|first=Katherine|last=Laidlaw|date=June 25, 2009|work=[[National Post]]|publisher=[[CanWest|CanWest Global Communications]]|access-date=February 13, 2010}}{{Dead link|date=February 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> Despite this, however, due to the conflicts between Jackson and his record label, little was done to promote the album.<ref name="tara 611">Taraborrelli, p. 611</ref> Unlike with Jackson's post-''Thriller'' studio albums, there was no world tour to promote the album; a tour was planned, but cancelled due to conflicts between Jackson and Sony, and the [[September 11 attacks]] (the latter of which had also motivated many other artists to cancel their then-upcoming concerts in late 2001 and early 2002.)<ref>{{Cite web|url = http://www.mtv.com/news/1455976/michael-jackson-shocks-al-sharpton-by-calling-tommy-mottola-a-racist/|title = Michael Jackson Shocks al Sharpton by Calling Tommy Mottola a Racist|website = [[MTV]]|access-date = February 25, 2021|archive-date = March 8, 2021|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210308065920/http://www.mtv.com/news/1455976/michael-jackson-shocks-al-sharpton-by-calling-tommy-mottola-a-racist/|url-status = dead}}</ref> There was, however, a special [[Michael Jackson: 30th Anniversary Celebration|30th Anniversary Celebration]] at Madison Square Garden in early September 2001 to mark Jackson's 30th year as a solo artist. Jackson performed "You Rock My World" and marked his first appearance onstage alongside his brothers since [[the Jacksons]]' [[Victory Tour (The Jacksons tour)|Victory Tour]] in 1984.<ref name="guardian">{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2001/sep/08/taniabranigan|title=Jackson spends £20m to be Invincible|first=Tania|last=Branigan|date=September 7, 2001|work=The Guardian|access-date=February 13, 2010|location=London|archive-date=January 16, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130116044622/http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2001/sep/08/taniabranigan|url-status=live}}</ref> The show also featured performances by [[Britney Spears]], [[Mýa]], [[Usher (entertainer)|Usher]], [[Whitney Houston]], [[Tamia]], [[Backstreet Boys]], [['N Sync]], [[98 Degrees]], and [[Slash (musician)|Slash]], among other artists.<ref>George, p. 50–53</ref> The show aired on [[CBS]] in November 2001 as a two-hour television special and was watched by 45 million viewers according to Nielsen.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Michael Jackson Special To Re-Air, With Britney This Time |url=https://www.mtv.com/news/o4w5lb/michael-jackson-special-to-re-air-with-britney-this-time |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230830171836/https://www.mtv.com/news/o4w5lb/michael-jackson-special-to-re-air-with-britney-this-time |url-status=dead |archive-date=August 30, 2023 |access-date=2024-06-19 |website=MTV |language=en |quote=According to Nielsen Media Research estimates, an estimated 45 million people watched all or part of the special, making "Michael Jackson: 30th Anniversary Celebration" one of the highest-rated musical specials in television history.}}</ref>


The album's promotion was met with trouble due to internal conflicts with [[Sony Music Entertainment]] and Jackson due to his part of ownership with the company and the contract to a deal with Sony that was originally signed back in 1991. The issue stemmed back during the production of ''Invincible'' when Jackson learned that the rights to the masters of his past releases, which were to revert to him in the early 2000s, would not revert to him until much later in the decade. When Jackson consulted lawyer who worked with him in making the deal back in 1991, he learned that the same lawyer was also working for Sony, revealing a [[conflict of interest]] of which Jackson was never aware. Not wanting to sign away his ownership in Sony Music Entertainment, Jackson elected to leave the company shortly after the album's release.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.foxnews.com/story/2002/06/18/michael-jackson-divorcing-sony-music.html|title=Michael Jackson Divorcing Sony Music {{!}} Fox News|last=Friedman|first=Roger|website=[[Fox News]]|date=June 18, 2002|language=en-US|access-date=September 10, 2016|archive-date=September 16, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160916080158/http://www.foxnews.com/story/2002/06/18/michael-jackson-divorcing-sony-music.html|url-status=live}}</ref> After the announcement, Sony halted promotion on the album, cancelling single releases, including a 9/11 charity single that was intended to be released before ''Invincible''.
The album's promotion was met with trouble due to internal conflicts with [[Sony Music Entertainment]] and Jackson due to his part of ownership with the company and the contract to a deal with Sony that was originally signed back in 1991. The issue stemmed back during the production of ''Invincible'' when Jackson learned that the rights to the masters of his past releases, which were to revert to him in the early 2000s, would not revert to him until much later in the decade. When Jackson consulted lawyer who worked with him in making the deal back in 1991, he learned that the same lawyer was also working for Sony, revealing a [[conflict of interest]] of which Jackson was never aware. Not wanting to sign away his ownership in Sony Music Entertainment, Jackson elected to leave the company shortly after the album's release.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.foxnews.com/story/2002/06/18/michael-jackson-divorcing-sony-music.html|title=Michael Jackson Divorcing Sony Music {{!}} Fox News|last=Friedman|first=Roger|website=[[Fox News]]|date=June 18, 2002|language=en-US|access-date=September 10, 2016|archive-date=September 16, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160916080158/http://www.foxnews.com/story/2002/06/18/michael-jackson-divorcing-sony-music.html|url-status=live}}</ref> After the announcement, Sony halted promotion on the album, cancelling single releases, including a 9/11 charity single that was intended to be released before ''Invincible''.


In July 2002, following Sony's decision to abruptly end promotion for the album, Jackson alleged that the CEO of [[Sony Music]], [[Tommy Mottola]], was a "devil" and a racist who used his [[African Americans|African American]] artists only for personal gain.<ref name="promotioninfo" /><ref name="tara 610–611">Taraborrelli, p. 610–611</ref> He accused Sony and the [[record industry]] of racism, deliberately not promoting or actively working against promotion of his album.<ref name="Falling star">{{cite news|url=https://www.smh.com.au/articles/2003/11/19/1069027185212.html|title=Falling star|first=Bernard|last=Zuel|date=November 20, 2003|work=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]]|access-date=February 13, 2010|publisher=[[Fairfax Media]]|archive-date=June 30, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090630081442/http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2003/11/19/1069027185212.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Sony disputed claims that they had failed to promote ''Invincible'' with sufficient energy, maintaining that Jackson refused to tour in the United States.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2002/jul/08/oliverburkeman|title=Jacko gets tough: but is he a race crusader or just a falling star?|first=Oliver|last=Burkeman|date=July 8, 2002|work=[[The Guardian]]|access-date=February 13, 2010|location=London|archive-date=July 2, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150702105224/http://www.theguardian.com/world/2002/jul/08/oliverburkeman|url-status=live}}</ref>
In July 2002, following Sony's decision to abruptly end promotion for the album, Jackson alleged that the CEO of [[Sony Music]], [[Tommy Mottola]], was a "devil" and a racist who used his [[African Americans|African American]] artists only for personal gain.<ref name="promotioninfo" /><ref name="tara 610–611">Taraborrelli, p. 610–611</ref> He accused Sony and the [[record industry]] of racism, deliberately not promoting or actively working against promotion of his album.<ref name="Falling star">{{cite news|url=https://www.smh.com.au/articles/2003/11/19/1069027185212.html|title=Falling star|first=Bernard|last=Zuel|date=November 20, 2003|work=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]]|access-date=February 13, 2010|archive-date=June 30, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090630081442/http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2003/11/19/1069027185212.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Sony disputed claims that they had failed to promote ''Invincible'' with sufficient energy, maintaining that Jackson refused to tour in the United States.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2002/jul/08/oliverburkeman|title=Jacko gets tough: but is he a race crusader or just a falling star?|first=Oliver|last=Burkeman|date=July 8, 2002|work=[[The Guardian]]|access-date=February 13, 2010|location=London|archive-date=July 2, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150702105224/http://www.theguardian.com/world/2002/jul/08/oliverburkeman|url-status=live}}</ref>


==Critical reception==
==Critical reception==
Line 129: Line 129:
''Invincible'' received mixed reviews from professional critics. At [[Metacritic]], which assigns a rating out of 100 to reviews from mainstream critics, the album received a mixed score of 51 based on 19 reviews.<ref name="Metacritic">[https://www.metacritic.com/music/artists/jacksonmichael/invincible ''Invincible'' (2001): Reviews] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100503135810/http://www.metacritic.com/music/artists/jacksonmichael/invincible |date=May 3, 2010 }}. [[Metacritic]]. Retrieved on August 7, 2010.</ref> [[David Browne (journalist)|David Browne]] of ''[[Entertainment Weekly]]'', felt that ''Invincible'' is Jackson's "first album since ''Off the Wall'' that offers virtually no new twists" but remarked that the album "feels like an anthology of his less-than-greatest hits".<ref name="e.w.review">{{cite magazine |url=https://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,253595,00.html |title=Invincible (2001) |first=David |last=Browne |magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]] |date=November 9, 2001 |access-date=February 12, 2010 |archive-date=March 7, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140307153419/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,253595,00.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>
''Invincible'' received mixed reviews from professional critics. At [[Metacritic]], which assigns a rating out of 100 to reviews from mainstream critics, the album received a mixed score of 51 based on 19 reviews.<ref name="Metacritic">[https://www.metacritic.com/music/artists/jacksonmichael/invincible ''Invincible'' (2001): Reviews] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100503135810/http://www.metacritic.com/music/artists/jacksonmichael/invincible |date=May 3, 2010 }}. [[Metacritic]]. Retrieved on August 7, 2010.</ref> [[David Browne (journalist)|David Browne]] of ''[[Entertainment Weekly]]'', felt that ''Invincible'' is Jackson's "first album since ''Off the Wall'' that offers virtually no new twists" but remarked that the album "feels like an anthology of his less-than-greatest hits".<ref name="e.w.review">{{cite magazine |url=https://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,253595,00.html |title=Invincible (2001) |first=David |last=Browne |magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]] |date=November 9, 2001 |access-date=February 12, 2010 |archive-date=March 7, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140307153419/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,253595,00.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>


James Hunter of ''[[Rolling Stone]]'' critiqued that the album's later ballads made the record too long.<ref name="RS Invincible">{{cite web |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/reviews/album/7733/37792 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120909042129/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/reviews/album/7733/37792 |url-status=dead |archive-date=September 9, 2012 |title=Michael Jackson: Invincible |first=James |last=Hunter |work=[[Rolling Stone (magazine)|Rolling Stone]] |publisher=[[Jann Wenner|Wenner Media LLC]] |date=December 6, 2001 |access-date=August 21, 2010}}</ref> Hunter also commented that Jackson and Riley made "Whatever Happens" "something really handsome and smart", allowing listeners "to concentrate on the track's momentous rhythms" such as "Santana's passionate interjections and Lubbock's wonderfully arranged symphonic sweeps".<ref name="RS Invincible" /> Mark Beaumont of ''[[NME]]'' called it "a relevant and rejuvenated comeback album made overlong",<ref name="NME Invincible">{{cite web |url=https://www.nme.com/reviews/michael-jackson/5780 |title=Michael Jackson: Invincible |first=Mark |last=Beaumont |work=[[NME]] |publisher=[[IPC Media]] |date=November 30, 2001 |access-date=July 23, 2008 |archive-date=July 18, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080718110855/http://www.nme.com/reviews/michael-jackson/5780 |url-status=live }}</ref> while ''[[Blender (magazine)|Blender]]'' also found it "long-winded".<ref name="Blender">{{cite journal|journal=[[Blender (magazine)|Blender]]|location=New York|page=117|issue=4|date=December 2001|title=Invincible review|quote=A long-winded, soulless soul album of the kind Levert might have once turned in.}}</ref>
James Hunter of ''[[Rolling Stone]]'' critiqued that the album's later ballads made the record too long.<ref name="RS Invincible">{{cite web |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/reviews/album/7733/37792 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120909042129/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/reviews/album/7733/37792 |url-status=dead |archive-date=September 9, 2012 |title=Michael Jackson: Invincible |first=James |last=Hunter |work=[[Rolling Stone]] |date=December 6, 2001 |access-date=August 21, 2010}}</ref> Hunter also commented that Jackson and Riley made "Whatever Happens" "something really handsome and smart", allowing listeners "to concentrate on the track's momentous rhythms" such as "Santana's passionate interjections and Lubbock's wonderfully arranged symphonic sweeps".<ref name="RS Invincible" /> Mark Beaumont of ''[[NME]]'' called it "a relevant and rejuvenated comeback album made overlong",<ref name="NME Invincible">{{cite web |url=https://www.nme.com/reviews/michael-jackson/5780 |title=Michael Jackson: Invincible |first=Mark |last=Beaumont |work=[[NME]] |date=November 30, 2001 |access-date=July 23, 2008 |archive-date=July 18, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080718110855/http://www.nme.com/reviews/michael-jackson/5780 |url-status=live }}</ref> while ''[[Blender (magazine)|Blender]]'' also found it "long-winded".<ref name="Blender">{{cite magazine|magazine=[[Blender (magazine)|Blender]]|location=New York|page=117|issue=4|date=December 2001|title=Invincible review|quote=A long-winded, soulless soul album of the kind Levert might have once turned in.}}</ref>


Reviewing for ''[[The Village Voice]]'', [[Robert Christgau]] said that despite being overlooked, Jackson's "skills seem undiminished [and...] he's doing new stuff with them--his funk is steelier and his ballads are airier, both to disquieting effect." He described the album's first three tracks as being the "Rodney Jerkins of the year".<ref name="VV" /> Nikki Tranter of ''[[PopMatters]]'' said that it is both innovative and meaningful because exceptional songs such as "The Lost Children" and "Whatever Happens" more than make up for overly sentimental songs like "Heaven Can Wait" and "You Are My Life".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.popmatters.com/music/reviews/j/jacksonmichael-invincible2.shtml|work=[[PopMatters]]|author=Tranter, Nikki|access-date=August 7, 2010|date=November 2001|title=Michael Jackson: Invincible|archive-date=June 2, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160602082424/http://www.popmatters.com/music/reviews/j/jacksonmichael-invincible2.shtml/|url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[Q (magazine)|Q]]'' magazine said that it is an aurally interesting, albeit inconsistent, album.<ref name="Qmag">{{cite journal|journal=[[Q (magazine)|Q]]|location=London|page=132|issue=184|date=December 2001|title=Invincible Review|quote=Though fatally flawed, Invincible does boast its fair share of sonic exhilaration.}}</ref>
Reviewing for ''[[The Village Voice]]'', [[Robert Christgau]] said that despite being overlooked, Jackson's "skills seem undiminished [and...] he's doing new stuff with them--his funk is steelier and his ballads are airier, both to disquieting effect." He described the album's first three tracks as being the "Rodney Jerkins of the year".<ref name="VV" /> Nikki Tranter of ''[[PopMatters]]'' said that it is both innovative and meaningful because exceptional songs such as "The Lost Children" and "Whatever Happens" more than make up for overly sentimental songs like "Heaven Can Wait" and "You Are My Life".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.popmatters.com/music/reviews/j/jacksonmichael-invincible2.shtml|work=[[PopMatters]]|author=Tranter, Nikki|access-date=August 7, 2010|date=November 2001|title=Michael Jackson: Invincible|archive-date=June 2, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160602082424/http://www.popmatters.com/music/reviews/j/jacksonmichael-invincible2.shtml/|url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[Q (magazine)|Q]]'' magazine said that it is an aurally interesting, albeit inconsistent, album.<ref name="Qmag">{{cite magazine|magazine=[[Q (magazine)|Q]]|location=London|page=132|issue=184|date=December 2001|title=Invincible Review|quote=Though fatally flawed, Invincible does boast its fair share of sonic exhilaration.}}</ref>


In a negative review for ''[[The New York Times]]'', [[Jon Pareles]] suggested that the album is somewhat impersonal and humorless, as Jackson rehashes ideas from his past songs and is "so busy trying to dazzle listeners that he forgets to have any fun."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9407EFD71731F93BA15753C1A9679C8B63&sec=&spon=&pagewanted=2|work=The New York Times|title=Music; To Regain Glory, The New Michael Imitates the Old|author=Mazur, Kevin|date=October 28, 2001|access-date=April 20, 2010|archive-date=February 23, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230223095629/https://www.nytimes.com/2001/10/28/arts/music-to-regain-glory-the-new-michael-imitates-the-old.html?sec=&spon=&pagewanted=2|url-status=live}}</ref> In a retrospective review for ''[[The Rolling Stone Album Guide]]'', Pareles said that ''Invincible'' showed Jackson had lost his suave quality to "grim calculation".<ref name="RSguide">Pareles, Jon. "[https://books.google.com/books?id=lRgtYCC6OUwC&pg=PA415 Review: ''Invincible''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230223095642/https://books.google.com/books?id=lRgtYCC6OUwC&pg=PA415 |date=February 23, 2023 }}". ''Rolling Stone'': 415. November 1, 2004.</ref>
In a negative review for ''[[The New York Times]]'', [[Jon Pareles]] suggested that the album is somewhat impersonal and humorless, as Jackson rehashes ideas from his past songs and is "so busy trying to dazzle listeners that he forgets to have any fun."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9407EFD71731F93BA15753C1A9679C8B63&sec=&spon=&pagewanted=2|work=The New York Times|title=Music; To Regain Glory, The New Michael Imitates the Old|author=Mazur, Kevin|date=October 28, 2001|access-date=April 20, 2010|archive-date=February 23, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230223095629/https://www.nytimes.com/2001/10/28/arts/music-to-regain-glory-the-new-michael-imitates-the-old.html?sec=&spon=&pagewanted=2|url-status=live}}</ref> In a retrospective review for ''[[The Rolling Stone Album Guide]]'', Pareles said that ''Invincible'' showed Jackson had lost his suave quality to "grim calculation".<ref name="RSguide">Pareles, Jon. "[https://books.google.com/books?id=lRgtYCC6OUwC&pg=PA415 Review: ''Invincible''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230223095642/https://books.google.com/books?id=lRgtYCC6OUwC&pg=PA415 |date=February 23, 2023 }}". ''Rolling Stone'': 415. November 1, 2004.</ref>
Line 146: Line 146:


==Commercial performance==
==Commercial performance==
''Invincible'' was Jackson's first studio album since ''HIStory'' six years earlier.<ref name="billboardchartinvincible">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/77816/jacksons-invincible-to-debut-at-no-1|title=Jackson's 'Invincible' To Debut At No. 1|date=November 7, 2001|magazine=Billboard|access-date=January 18, 2010|archive-date=June 7, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130607105159/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/77816/jacksons-invincible-to-debut-at-no-1|url-status=live}}</ref> It debuted at number one on the [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]], with first-week sales of 363,000 units.<ref name="billboardchartinvincible" /><ref name="billboardweek1">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/2001-11-17/billboard-200|title=Week of November 17, 2001|magazine=Billboard|access-date=January 18, 2010|archive-date=July 5, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130705080039/http://www.billboard.com/charts/2001-11-17/billboard-200|url-status=live}}</ref> It was Jackson's fifth ''Billboard'' 200 number-one,<ref name="billboardchartinvincible"/> and his fourth solo album to chart at number one in its first week; however, it sold less than ''HIStory'' in its opening week, which sold 391,000 units.<ref name="billboardchartinvincible"/> In its second week, the album slipped to number 3 selling 202,000 copies with a 45% drop.<ref name=":0">{{cite web|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-Billboard/00s/2001/BB-2001-11-24.pdf|title=Billboard|date=November 24, 2001|website=Worldradiohistory.com|access-date=November 7, 2021|archive-date=June 23, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200623091536/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-Billboard/00s/2001/BB-2001-11-24.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Invincible'' also charted at number one on the [[Billboard charts|''Billboard'' R&B/Hip Hop Albums Chart]] for four weeks.<ref name="billboard2weeks">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/2001-12-08/r-b-hip-hop-albums|title=Week of December 08, 2001|magazine=Billboard|access-date=February 12, 2010|archive-date=June 7, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130607105211/http://www.billboard.com/charts/2001-12-08/r-b-hip-hop-albums|url-status=live}}</ref> After eight weeks of release, in December 2001, ''Invincible'' was certified gold by the [[Recording Industry Association of America]] (RIAA) for the sales of five hundred thousand units.<ref name="riaacertificate">{{cite web|url=https://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?table=SEARCH_RESULTS|title=Gold & Platinum|publisher=[[Recording Industry Association of America]]|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070626051113/http://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?table=SEARCH_RESULTS|archive-date=June 26, 2007|access-date=February 12, 2010}}</ref> In the same month, the album was certified platinum for the sale of one million units.<ref name="riaacertificate"/> On January 25, 2002, it was certified two times platinum for the sales of two million units.<ref name="riaacertificate" /> In the United States, it was the 45th best-selling album of 2001 selling over 1.56 million units.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=wA8EAAAAMBAJ&q=best+selling+albums+2001&pg=PA51|title=Billboard|date=2002-01-26|publisher=Nielsen Business Media, Inc.|language=en|access-date=October 30, 2021|archive-date=February 23, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230223095644/https://books.google.com/books?id=wA8EAAAAMBAJ&q=best+selling+albums+2001&pg=PA51|url-status=live}}</ref> As of 2009, Invincible had sold 2.4 million copies in the United States.<ref name="Inc.2009Iv">{{cite magazine|last=Caulfield|first=Keith|title=Billboard: Jackson's still bad; Daughtry rocks with town|magazine=Billboard|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=XFZj6BL4zl8C&pg=PA33|date=1 August 2009|publisher=Nielsen Business Media, Inc.|pages=33–|issn=0006-2510|access-date=August 4, 2021|archive-date=February 23, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230223095653/https://books.google.com/books?id=XFZj6BL4zl8C&pg=PA33|url-status=live}}</ref>
''Invincible'' was Jackson's first studio album since ''HIStory'' six years earlier.<ref name="billboardchartinvincible">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/77816/jacksons-invincible-to-debut-at-no-1|title=Jackson's 'Invincible' To Debut At No. 1|date=November 7, 2001|magazine=Billboard|access-date=January 18, 2010|archive-date=June 7, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130607105159/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/77816/jacksons-invincible-to-debut-at-no-1|url-status=live}}</ref> It debuted at number one on the [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]], with first-week sales of 363,000 units.<ref name="billboardchartinvincible" /><ref name="billboardweek1">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/2001-11-17/billboard-200|title=Week of November 17, 2001|magazine=Billboard|access-date=January 18, 2010|archive-date=July 5, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130705080039/http://www.billboard.com/charts/2001-11-17/billboard-200|url-status=live}}</ref> It was Jackson's fifth ''Billboard'' 200 number-one,<ref name="billboardchartinvincible"/> and his fourth solo album to chart at number one in its first week; however, it sold less than ''HIStory'' in its opening week, which sold 391,000 units.<ref name="billboardchartinvincible"/> In its second week, the album slipped to number 3 selling 202,000 copies with a 45% drop.<ref name=":0">{{cite web|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-Billboard/00s/2001/BB-2001-11-24.pdf|title=Billboard|date=November 24, 2001|website=World Radio History|access-date=November 7, 2021|archive-date=June 23, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200623091536/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-Billboard/00s/2001/BB-2001-11-24.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Invincible'' also charted at number one on the [[Billboard charts|''Billboard'' R&B/Hip Hop Albums Chart]] for four weeks.<ref name="billboard2weeks">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/2001-12-08/r-b-hip-hop-albums|title=Week of December 08, 2001|magazine=Billboard|access-date=February 12, 2010|archive-date=June 7, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130607105211/http://www.billboard.com/charts/2001-12-08/r-b-hip-hop-albums|url-status=live}}</ref> After eight weeks of release, in December 2001, ''Invincible'' was certified gold by the [[Recording Industry Association of America]] (RIAA) for the sales of five hundred thousand units.<ref name="riaacertificate">{{cite web|url=https://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?table=SEARCH_RESULTS|title=Gold & Platinum|publisher=[[Recording Industry Association of America]]|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070626051113/http://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?table=SEARCH_RESULTS|archive-date=June 26, 2007|access-date=February 12, 2010}}</ref> In the same month, the album was certified platinum for the sale of one million units.<ref name="riaacertificate"/> On January 25, 2002, it was certified two times platinum for the sales of two million units.<ref name="riaacertificate" /> In the United States, it was the 45th best-selling album of 2001 selling over 1.56 million units.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=wA8EAAAAMBAJ&q=best+selling+albums+2001&pg=PA51|title=Billboard|date=2002-01-26|language=en|access-date=October 30, 2021|archive-date=February 23, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230223095644/https://books.google.com/books?id=wA8EAAAAMBAJ&q=best+selling+albums+2001&pg=PA51|url-status=live}}</ref> As of 2009, Invincible had sold 2.4 million copies in the United States.<ref name="Inc.2009Iv">{{cite magazine|last=Caulfield|first=Keith|title=Billboard: Jackson's still bad; Daughtry rocks with town|magazine=Billboard|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=XFZj6BL4zl8C&pg=PA33|date=1 August 2009|pages=33–|issn=0006-2510|access-date=August 4, 2021|archive-date=February 23, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230223095653/https://books.google.com/books?id=XFZj6BL4zl8C&pg=PA33|url-status=live}}</ref>


''Invincible'' left the Billboard 200 in June 2002 after charting there for 28 weeks.<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/billboard-200/|title=Billboard 200|first=Rosalie|last=Cabison|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |date=January 2, 2013|accessdate=January 24, 2023|archive-date=December 13, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211213225258/https://www.billboard.com/charts/billboard-200/|url-status=live}}</ref> Shortly after the release of the album, in a poll conducted by ''Billboard'' magazine, "an overwhelming majority" of people—79% of 5,195 voters—were not surprised by ''Invincible'' entering the ''Billboard'' 200 at number one.<ref name="Album poll">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/77752/poll-jacksons-chart-success-no-surprise|title=Poll: Jackson's Chart Success No Surprise|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard.]]|publisher=[[Nielsen Business Media, Inc]]|access-date=February 13, 2010|archive-date=October 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201028234018/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/77752/poll-jacksons-chart-success-no-surprise|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Billboard'' also reported that 44% agreed with the statement, proclaiming that Jackson was "still the King of Pop". Another 35% said they were not surprised by the album's ranking, but doubted ''Invincible'' would hold on for a second week at the top of the chart.<ref name="Album poll" /> Only 12% of people who responded to the poll said they were surprised by the album's charting debut because of Jackson's career over the past six years and another 9% were taken aback by the album's success, in light of the negativity that preceded the album's release.<ref name="Album poll" />
''Invincible'' left the Billboard 200 in June 2002 after charting there for 28 weeks.<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/billboard-200/|title=Billboard 200|first=Rosalie|last=Cabison|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |date=January 2, 2013|access-date=January 24, 2023|archive-date=December 13, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211213225258/https://www.billboard.com/charts/billboard-200/|url-status=live}}</ref> Shortly after the release of the album, in a poll conducted by ''Billboard'' magazine, "an overwhelming majority" of people—79% of 5,195 voters—were not surprised by ''Invincible'' entering the ''Billboard'' 200 at number one.<ref name="Album poll">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/77752/poll-jacksons-chart-success-no-surprise|title=Poll: Jackson's Chart Success No Surprise|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|access-date=February 13, 2010|archive-date=October 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201028234018/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/77752/poll-jacksons-chart-success-no-surprise|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Billboard'' also reported that 44% agreed with the statement, proclaiming that Jackson was "still the King of Pop". Another 35% said they were not surprised by the album's ranking, but doubted ''Invincible'' would hold on for a second week at the top of the chart.<ref name="Album poll" /> Only 12% of people who responded to the poll said they were surprised by the album's charting debut because of Jackson's career over the past six years and another 9% were taken aback by the album's success, in light of the negativity that preceded the album's release.<ref name="Album poll" />


''Invincible'' reached number one in thirteen countries worldwide,<ref name="billboardchartinvincible"/> including the United Kingdom, Australia, Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands, Germany, Norway, Sweden and Switzerland.<ref name="billboardchartinvincible"/><ref name="lescharts"/> It also charted within the top ten in several countries, including Austria, Canada, Finland, Italy, New Zealand, and Norway.<ref name="lescharts"/>
''Invincible'' reached number one in thirteen countries worldwide,<ref name="billboardchartinvincible"/> including the United Kingdom, Australia, Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands, Germany, Norway, Sweden and Switzerland.<ref name="billboardchartinvincible"/><ref name="lescharts"/> It also charted within the top ten in several countries, including Austria, Canada, Finland, Italy, New Zealand, and Norway.<ref name="lescharts"/>
Line 496: Line 496:


==Charts==
==Charts==
{{col-start}}
{{col-begin}}
{{col-2}}
{{col-2}}


Line 609: Line 609:
|24
|24
|-
|-
!scope="row"|Canadian Albums (Nielsen SoundScan)<ref>{{cite web|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20031212202406/http://jamshowbiz.com/JamMusicCharts/200-1_2001.html|archivedate=December 12, 2003|url=http://jamshowbiz.com/JamMusicCharts/200-1_2001.html|title=Canada's Top 200 Albums of 2001 (based on sales)|website=[[Jam!]]|accessdate=March 26, 2022}}</ref>
!scope="row"|Canadian Albums (Nielsen SoundScan)<ref>{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031212202406/http://jamshowbiz.com/JamMusicCharts/200-1_2001.html|archive-date=December 12, 2003|url=http://jamshowbiz.com/JamMusicCharts/200-1_2001.html|title=Canada's Top 200 Albums of 2001 (based on sales)|website=[[Jam!]]|access-date=March 26, 2022}}</ref>
|73
|73
|-
|-
!scope="row"|Canadian R&B Albums (Nielsen SoundScan)<ref>{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021122000500/http://www.jamshowbiz.com/JamMusicCharts/2001_r&b.html|date=January 8, 2002|archive-date=November 22, 2002|url=http://www.jamshowbiz.com/JamMusicCharts/2001_r&b.html|title=Canada's Top 200 R&B; albums of 2001|website=[[Jam!]]|accessdate=January 22, 2023}}</ref>
!scope="row"|Canadian R&B Albums (Nielsen SoundScan)<ref>{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021122000500/http://www.jamshowbiz.com/JamMusicCharts/2001_r&b.html|date=January 8, 2002|archive-date=November 22, 2002|url=http://www.jamshowbiz.com/JamMusicCharts/2001_r&b.html|title=Canada's Top 200 R&B; albums of 2001|website=[[Jam!]]|access-date=January 22, 2023}}</ref>
|17
|17
|-
|-

Revision as of 02:19, 4 September 2024

Invincible
Default color for the album. Green, red, orange, and blue-colored covers were also issued.
Default color for the album. Green, red, orange, and blue-colored covers were also issued.
Studio album by
ReleasedOctober 30, 2001 (2001-10-30)
RecordedOctober 1997 – September 2001
Studio
Genre
Length77:01
Label
Producer
Michael Jackson chronology
20th Century Masters – The Millennium Collection: The Best of Michael Jackson
(2000)
Invincible
(2001)
Love Songs
(2002)
Singles from Invincible
  1. "You Rock My World"
    Released: August 22, 2001
  2. "Butterflies"
    Released: November 27, 2001
  3. "Cry"
    Released: December 5, 2001 (Europe only)

Invincible is the tenth and final studio album by the American singer Michael Jackson, released on October 30, 2001, by Epic Records. It was Jackson's last album before his death in 2009. It features appearances from Carlos Santana, the Notorious B.I.G., and Slash. It incorporates R&B, pop and soul, and similarly to Jackson's previous material, the album explores themes such as love, romance, isolation, media criticism, and social issues. Invincible has sold between 8 to 10 million copies worldwide.[1][2]

The album's creation was expensive and laborious, featuring the work of ten record producers and over 100 musicians. Jackson started the multi-genre production in 1997 and did not finish until eight weeks before the album's release. It was reported that it cost $30 million to record; as of July 2024, it remains the most expensive album ever made. Jackson refused to tour to support it, adding to the growing rift between him and Sony Music Entertainment.[3] In July 2002, following Sony's decision to abruptly end promotion for the album, Jackson alleged that the CEO of Sony Music, Tommy Mottola, was a "devil" and a racist who used his African American artists only for personal gain.

Invincible debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 albums chart in the United States and in ten other countries worldwide. It was certified double platinum in the US in January 2002. The lead single, "You Rock My World", reached number ten on the US Billboard Hot 100 and was nominated for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance at the 2002 Grammy Awards. "Cry" and "Butterflies" were also released as singles, and "Speechless" was released as a promotional single.

Invincible received mixed reviews and became Jackson's most critically derided album. Retrospective reviews have been more positive, and it has been credited as featuring early examples of dubstep. In 2009, it was voted by online readers of Billboard as the best album of the 2000s decade.[4]

Production

Prior to the release of Invincible, Jackson had not released any new material since the remix album Blood on the Dance Floor: HIStory in the Mix in 1997; his last studio album was HIStory (1995). Invincible was therefore viewed as Jackson's "career comeback".[5]

Jackson began recording new material in October 1997, and finished with "You Are My Life" being recorded only eight weeks before the album's release in October 2001 – the most extensive recording of Jackson's career.[6] The tracks with Rodney Jerkins were recorded at the Hit Factory in Miami, Florida.[7] Jackson had shown interest in including a rapper on at least one song, and had said that he did not want a "known rapper".[6] Jackson's spokesperson suggested a New Jersey rapper named Fats; after Jackson heard the finished product of the song, the two agreed to record another song together for the album.[6]

Rodney Jerkins stated that Jackson was looking to record material in a different musical direction than his previous work, describing the new direction as "edgier".[6] Jackson received credit for both writing and producing a majority of the songs on Invincible. Aside from Jackson, the album features productions by Jerkins, Teddy Riley, Andre Harris, Andraeo "Fanatic" Heard, Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds, R. Kelly and Dr. Freeze Bill Gray and writing credits from Kelly, Fred Jerkins III, LaShawn Daniels, Nora Payne and Robert Smith.[8] The album is the third collaboration between Jackson and Riley, the other two being Dangerous and Blood on the Dance Floor: HIStory in the Mix. Invincible is Jackson's tenth and final studio album to have been recorded and released during his lifetime.[9] It was reported that it cost thirty million dollars to make the album,[10] making it the most expensive album ever made.[11]

Invincible was dedicated to the fifteen-year-old Afro-Norwegian boy Benjamin "Benny" Hermansen who was stabbed to death by a group of neo-Nazis in Oslo, Norway, in January 2001.[12] The reason for this tribute was partly due to the fact that another Oslo youth, Omer Bhatti, Jackson's friend, was also a good friend of Hermansen.[12] The dedication in the album reads, "Michael Jackson gives 'special thanks': This album is dedicated to Benjamin 'Benny' Hermansen. May we continue to remember not to judge a man by the color of his skin, but the content of his character. Benjamin ... we love you ... may you rest in peace."[12] The album is also dedicated to Nicholette Sottile and Jackson's parents, Joseph and Katherine Jackson.[12]

Music and lyrics

Invincible is an R&B,[13] pop[5] and soul[14] record. The album's full length lasts over 77 minutes and contains 16 songs – fourteen of which were written (or co-written) by Jackson. It was noted that the album shifts between aggressive songs and ballads.[15] Invincible opens with "Unbreakable"; the last line in the first verse recites the lyrics, "With all that I've been through/I'm still around".[16] In a 2002 interview with the magazine Vibe, Jackson commented on his inspiration for writing "Speechless", saying:

"You'll be surprised. I was with these kids in Germany, and we had a big water-balloon fight – I'm serious – and I was so happy after the fight that I ran upstairs in their house and wrote "Speechless". Fun inspires me. I hate to say that because it's such a romantic song. But it was the fight that did it. I was happy, and I wrote it in it's [sic] entirety right there. I felt it would be good enough for the album. Out of the bliss comes magic, wonderment, and creativity."[17]

"Privacy", a reflection on Jackson's own personal experiences, is about media invasions and tabloid inaccuracies.[16] "The Lost Children" is about imperiled children.[16] Jackson sings in a third person in "Whatever Happens". The song's lyrics, described by Rolling Stone magazine as having a "jagged intensity", narrate the story of two people involved in an unnamed threatening situation.[16] Invincible features four ballads: "You Are My Life", "Butterflies", "Don't Walk Away" and "Cry".[16] "Cry", similar to Jackson's "Man in the Mirror", is about healing the world together.[5] The lyrics to "Butterflies" and "Break of Dawn" were viewed as "glaringly banal" and it was implied that they could have been written by anyone.[15] "Threatened" was viewed as being a storyteller.[16] The song was viewed as a "Thriller redux".[15] The song "You Are My Life" is about Jackson's two children at the time, Prince and Paris.[18] The song features Jackson singing, "You are the sun, you make me shine, more like the stars."[15]

Singles

The album spawned three official singles ("You Rock My World", "Cry" and "Butterflies") and a promotional single in South Korea ("Speechless"), although all were given limited releases. "You Rock My World" was only released to radio airplay in the United States, consequently only peaking at number ten on the Billboard Hot 100. Internationally, where it was released as a commercial single, it reached number one in France, number two in Norway, Finland, Denmark, Belgium, and the United Kingdom, number three in Italy, number four in Australia, and five in Sweden and Switzerland.[19] The second single, "Cry", was not released in the United States. It was only moderately successful, with the song's most successful territories being Spain, Denmark, France, and Belgium, charting at number six, sixteen, thirty and thirty-one.[20]

The album's third single, "Butterflies", was only released in the United States to radio airplay. It reached number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100 and at number two for five weeks on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles Chart.[21] "Heaven Can Wait" also charted at the bottom of the R&B/Hip-Hop Charts, at number 72 due to radio airplay without an official release; the song did not chart internationally.[21] "Unbreakable" was originally supposed to be released as a single, but it was ultimately cancelled.[22][23] Despite that, the song managed to chart inside the Romanian Top 100 chart, peaking at number 62.[24] It was later included on The Ultimate Collection box set in 2004.

Promotion

It was reported that the album had a budget of twenty five million dollars set aside for promotion.[10][25] Despite this, however, due to the conflicts between Jackson and his record label, little was done to promote the album.[26] Unlike with Jackson's post-Thriller studio albums, there was no world tour to promote the album; a tour was planned, but cancelled due to conflicts between Jackson and Sony, and the September 11 attacks (the latter of which had also motivated many other artists to cancel their then-upcoming concerts in late 2001 and early 2002.)[27] There was, however, a special 30th Anniversary Celebration at Madison Square Garden in early September 2001 to mark Jackson's 30th year as a solo artist. Jackson performed "You Rock My World" and marked his first appearance onstage alongside his brothers since the Jacksons' Victory Tour in 1984.[28] The show also featured performances by Britney Spears, Mýa, Usher, Whitney Houston, Tamia, Backstreet Boys, 'N Sync, 98 Degrees, and Slash, among other artists.[29] The show aired on CBS in November 2001 as a two-hour television special and was watched by 45 million viewers according to Nielsen.[30]

The album's promotion was met with trouble due to internal conflicts with Sony Music Entertainment and Jackson due to his part of ownership with the company and the contract to a deal with Sony that was originally signed back in 1991. The issue stemmed back during the production of Invincible when Jackson learned that the rights to the masters of his past releases, which were to revert to him in the early 2000s, would not revert to him until much later in the decade. When Jackson consulted lawyer who worked with him in making the deal back in 1991, he learned that the same lawyer was also working for Sony, revealing a conflict of interest of which Jackson was never aware. Not wanting to sign away his ownership in Sony Music Entertainment, Jackson elected to leave the company shortly after the album's release.[31] After the announcement, Sony halted promotion on the album, cancelling single releases, including a 9/11 charity single that was intended to be released before Invincible.

In July 2002, following Sony's decision to abruptly end promotion for the album, Jackson alleged that the CEO of Sony Music, Tommy Mottola, was a "devil" and a racist who used his African American artists only for personal gain.[10][32] He accused Sony and the record industry of racism, deliberately not promoting or actively working against promotion of his album.[33] Sony disputed claims that they had failed to promote Invincible with sufficient energy, maintaining that Jackson refused to tour in the United States.[34]

Critical reception

Professional ratings
Aggregate scores
SourceRating
Metacritic51/100[35]
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic[5]
Blender[14]
Entertainment WeeklyC−[15]
The Guardian[36]
NME6/10[37]
Q[38]
Rolling Stone[16]
The Rolling Stone Album Guide[39]
Slant Magazine[40]
The Village VoiceA−[41]

Invincible received mixed reviews from professional critics. At Metacritic, which assigns a rating out of 100 to reviews from mainstream critics, the album received a mixed score of 51 based on 19 reviews.[35] David Browne of Entertainment Weekly, felt that Invincible is Jackson's "first album since Off the Wall that offers virtually no new twists" but remarked that the album "feels like an anthology of his less-than-greatest hits".[15]

James Hunter of Rolling Stone critiqued that the album's later ballads made the record too long.[16] Hunter also commented that Jackson and Riley made "Whatever Happens" "something really handsome and smart", allowing listeners "to concentrate on the track's momentous rhythms" such as "Santana's passionate interjections and Lubbock's wonderfully arranged symphonic sweeps".[16] Mark Beaumont of NME called it "a relevant and rejuvenated comeback album made overlong",[37] while Blender also found it "long-winded".[42]

Reviewing for The Village Voice, Robert Christgau said that despite being overlooked, Jackson's "skills seem undiminished [and...] he's doing new stuff with them--his funk is steelier and his ballads are airier, both to disquieting effect." He described the album's first three tracks as being the "Rodney Jerkins of the year".[41] Nikki Tranter of PopMatters said that it is both innovative and meaningful because exceptional songs such as "The Lost Children" and "Whatever Happens" more than make up for overly sentimental songs like "Heaven Can Wait" and "You Are My Life".[43] Q magazine said that it is an aurally interesting, albeit inconsistent, album.[38]

In a negative review for The New York Times, Jon Pareles suggested that the album is somewhat impersonal and humorless, as Jackson rehashes ideas from his past songs and is "so busy trying to dazzle listeners that he forgets to have any fun."[44] In a retrospective review for The Rolling Stone Album Guide, Pareles said that Invincible showed Jackson had lost his suave quality to "grim calculation".[39]

Invincible received one Grammy Award nomination at the 2002 ceremony. The album's song "You Rock My World" was nominated for Best Pop Vocal Performance – Male, but lost to James Taylor's "Don't Let Me Be Lonely Tonight".[45] Due to the album's release in October 2001, it was not eligible for any other nomination from the 2002 Grammy Awards.[46]

Retrospective reviews

In retrospective reviews, Invincible has gained more positive reviews and the track "Heartbreaker" has been cited as an early development of dubstep.[47][48] Jackson later admitted to have been very proud of Invincible:

"It is tough because you’re competing against yourself. Invincible is just as good or better than Thriller, in my true, humble opinion. It has more to offer."[49]

Producer Rodney Jerkins also give his thoughts about the album: "There's stuff we didn't put on the album that I wish was on the album. My first batch [of beats] is what I really wanted him to do. I was trying to really go vintage, old school Mike. And that's what a lot of my first stuff was, that I was presenting to him. He kept 'Rock My World'. But he wanted to go more futuristic. So I would find myself at like junkyards, and we'd be out hitting stuff, to create our sound. I think Invincible needs to be re-released. Because something happened at the record company [Sony] that caused them not to promote it no more after we done [sic] put our heart and soul in it. He had about five singles on the album. But it came down to who can stop who [sic]. And he was caught up in that mess."[50]

AllMusic editor Stephen Thomas Erlewine commented that it has a "spark" and "sound[s] better than anything Jackson has done since Dangerous."[5] Erlewine noted that while the album had good material it was "not enough to make Invincible the comeback Jackson needed – he really would have had to have an album that sounded free instead of constrained for that to work – but it does offer a reminder that he can really craft good pop."[5] Writing for PopDose, Mike Heyliger wrote "Invincible isn't the piece of shit most claim it to be. A leaner structure to the album and more sympathetic production would have resulted in a classic. But when measured against the radio junk that passes for pop-R&B these days, Invincible is stronger than ever."[51] In December 2009, readers of Billboard voted Invincible the best album of the 2000s.[52]

Commercial performance

Invincible was Jackson's first studio album since HIStory six years earlier.[53] It debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, with first-week sales of 363,000 units.[53][54] It was Jackson's fifth Billboard 200 number-one,[53] and his fourth solo album to chart at number one in its first week; however, it sold less than HIStory in its opening week, which sold 391,000 units.[53] In its second week, the album slipped to number 3 selling 202,000 copies with a 45% drop.[55] Invincible also charted at number one on the Billboard R&B/Hip Hop Albums Chart for four weeks.[56] After eight weeks of release, in December 2001, Invincible was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for the sales of five hundred thousand units.[57] In the same month, the album was certified platinum for the sale of one million units.[57] On January 25, 2002, it was certified two times platinum for the sales of two million units.[57] In the United States, it was the 45th best-selling album of 2001 selling over 1.56 million units.[58] As of 2009, Invincible had sold 2.4 million copies in the United States.[59]

Invincible left the Billboard 200 in June 2002 after charting there for 28 weeks.[60] Shortly after the release of the album, in a poll conducted by Billboard magazine, "an overwhelming majority" of people—79% of 5,195 voters—were not surprised by Invincible entering the Billboard 200 at number one.[61] Billboard also reported that 44% agreed with the statement, proclaiming that Jackson was "still the King of Pop". Another 35% said they were not surprised by the album's ranking, but doubted Invincible would hold on for a second week at the top of the chart.[61] Only 12% of people who responded to the poll said they were surprised by the album's charting debut because of Jackson's career over the past six years and another 9% were taken aback by the album's success, in light of the negativity that preceded the album's release.[61]

Invincible reached number one in thirteen countries worldwide,[53] including the United Kingdom, Australia, Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands, Germany, Norway, Sweden and Switzerland.[53][62] It also charted within the top ten in several countries, including Austria, Canada, Finland, Italy, New Zealand, and Norway.[62]

Invincible was certified platinum by the British Phonographic Industry, for the sales of over 300,000 units in the United Kingdom.[63] The album was certified platinum by the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) for the sales of 40,000 units in Switzerland. The IFPI also certified the album gold in Austria for the sales of 15,000 units. Australian Recording Industry Association certified Invincible two times platinum for the sales of 140,000 units in Australia. Invincible was the eleventh best-selling album of 2001 according to the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry with 5.4 million copies.[64] According to different sources the album sold 8 million,[1][65] or even 10 million copies worldwide.[2][66]

Following Jackson's death on June 25, 2009, his music experienced a surge in popularity.[67] Invincible charted at number twelve on the Billboard Digital Albums Chart on July 11, 2009.[68] Having not charted on the chart prior to its peak position, the album was listed as the ninth biggest jump on that chart that week.[68] It also charted within the top ten, peaking at number nine, on Billboard's Catalog Albums Chart on the issue date of July 18.[69] On the week of July 19, 2009, Invincible charted at number eighteen in Italy.[70] Invincible peaked at number sixty-four on the European Albums Chart on the charts issue date of July 25.[71] The album also charted at number twenty-nine in Mexico on July,[72] and eighty-four on the Swiss Albums Chart on July 19, 2009.[73]

Track listing

Invincible track listing
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
1."Unbreakable" (featuring The Notorious B.I.G.)
  • Jackson
  • Jerkins
6:25
2."Heartbreaker" (featuring Fats)
  • Jackson
  • Jerkins
  • Jerkins III
  • Daniels
  • Mischke
  • Norman Gregg
  • Jackson
  • Jerkins
5:10
3."Invincible" (featuring Fats)
  • Jackson
  • Jerkins
  • Jerkins III
  • Daniels
  • Gregg
  • Jackson
  • Jerkins
4:45
4."Break of Dawn"
5:32
5."Heaven Can Wait"
  • Jackson
  • Riley
  • Heard (co)
  • Smith (co)
4:49
6."You Rock My World"
  • Jackson
  • Jerkins
  • Jerkins III
  • Daniels
  • Payne
  • Jackson
  • Jerkins
5:39
7."Butterflies"
  • Jackson
  • Harris
4:40
8."Speechless"JacksonJackson3:18
9."2000 Watts"
  • Jackson
  • Riley
4:24
10."You Are My Life"
4:33
11."Privacy"
  • Jackson
  • Jerkins
5:05
12."Don't Walk Away"
  • Jackson
  • Riley
  • Richard Carlton Stites
  • Reed Vertelney
  • Jackson
  • Riley
4:25
13."Cry"Robert Kelly
  • Jackson
  • Kelly
5:01
14."The Lost Children"JacksonJackson4:00
15."Whatever Happens"
  • Jackson
  • Riley
  • Jackson
  • Riley
4:56
16."Threatened"
  • Jackson
  • Jerkins
  • Jerkins III
  • Daniels
  • Jackson
  • Jerkins
4:19
Total length:77:01

Notes

Credits

Personnel

Credits adapted from Invincible album liner notes.[8]

  • Michael Jackson – lead vocals (all tracks), background vocals (1–7, 9–12, 15–16), arranger (8, 14), multiple instruments (1, 4, 6, 16), programming (2, 3), drum programming (4, 13), orchestral arrangements and conducting (8), keyboard programming (9, 13, 14)
  • Marsha Ambrosius – background vocals (track 7)
  • Maxi Anderson – vocals (track 8)
  • Gloria Augustus – vocals (track 8)
  • Babyface – acoustic guitar, bass guitar, background vocals, drum programming, and keyboards (track 10)
  • Tom Bahler – youth choir conductor (track 14)
  • Emanuel "Bucket" Baker – drums (track 11)
  • Rose Beatty – youth choir (track 14)
  • Edie Lehmann Boddicker – youth choir (track 14)
  • Robert Bolyard – youth choir (track 14)
  • Norman Jeff Bradshaw – horns (track 7)
  • Brandy – additional background vocals (track 1)
  • Stuart Brawley – whistle solo (track 15)
  • Mary Brown – additional background vocals (track 15)
  • Tim Brown – vocals (track 8)
  • Brad Buxer – drum programming (tracks 4, 13), keyboards (8), keyboard programming (9, 12, 14)
  • David Campbell – string arrangement (track 11)
  • Matt Cappy – horns (track 7)
  • Martha Cowan – youth choir (track 14)
  • Andraé Crouch – vocals (track 8)
  • Sandra Crouch – vocals (track 8)
  • Paulinho da Costa – percussion (track 13)
  • LaShawn Daniels – background vocals (tracks 2, 11)
  • Valerie Doby – vocals (track 8)
  • Dr. Freeze – background vocals (tracks 4, 5), multiple instruments (4)
  • Monique Donally – youth choir (track 14)
  • Kevin Dorsey – vocals (track 8)
  • Marja Dozier – vocals (track 8)
  • Alfie Silas Durio – vocals (track 8)
  • Nathan East – bass guitar (track 11)
  • Jason Edmonds – choir (track 10)
  • Geary Lanier Faggett – vocals (track 8)
  • Vonciele Faggett – vocals (track 8)
  • Fats – rap (tracks 2, 3)
  • Lynn Fiddmont-Lindsey – choir (track 10)
  • Kirstin Fife – violin (track 8)
  • Judy Gossett – vocals (track 8)
  • Harold Green – vocals (track 8)
  • Jonathon Hall – youth choir (track 14)
  • Justine Hall – youth choir (track 14)
  • Andre Harris – multiple instruments (track 7)
  • Scottie Haskell – youth choir (track 14)
  • Micha Haupman – youth choir (track 14)
  • Tess (Teresa) Escoto – youth choir (track 14)
  • Gerald Heyward – drums (track 11)
  • Tabia Ivery – choir (track 10)
  • Luana Jackman – youth choir (track 14)
  • Prince Jackson – narrative (track 14)
  • Rodney Jerkins – multiple instruments (1, 4, 6, 16), programming (2, 3)
  • Tenika Johns – vocals (track 8)
  • Angela Johnson – vocals (track 8)
  • Daniel Johnson – vocals (track 8)
  • Zaneta M. Johnson – vocals (track 8)
  • Laquentan Jordan – vocals (track 8)
  • R. Kelly – choir arrangement (track 13)
  • Peter Kent – violin (track 8)
  • Gina Kronstadt – violin (track 8)
  • Michael Landau – guitar (track 13)
  • James Lively – youth choir (track 14)
  • Robin Lorentz – violin (track 8)
  • Jeremy Lubbock – orchestral arrangements and conducting (tracks 5, 8, 15)
  • Brandon Lucas – youth choir (track 14)
  • Jonathon Lucas – youth choir (track 14)
  • Ricky Lucchse – youth choir (track 14)
  • Melissa MacKay – youth choir (track 14)
  • Alex Martinez – youth choir (track 14)
  • Howard McCrary – vocals (track 8)
  • Linda McCrary – vocals (track 8)
  • Sam McCrary – vocals (track 8)
  • Alice Jean McRath – vocals (track 8)
  • Sue Merriett – vocals (track 8)
  • Bill Meyers – string arrangements (track 10)
  • Mischke – background vocals (track 2)
  • Patrice Morris – vocals (track 8)
  • Kristle Murden – vocals (track 8)
  • The Notorious B.I.G. – rap (track 1)
  • Novi Novog – viola and contractor (track 8)
  • Nora Payne – background vocals (track 2)
  • Que – background vocals (track 5)
  • Teddy Riley – multiple instruments (track 5) additional background vocals (9)
  • John Robinson – drums (track 13)
  • Baby Rubba – narrative (track 14)
  • Carlos Santana – guitar and whistle solo (track 15)
  • Deborah Sharp-Taylor – vocals (track 8)
  • F. Sheridan – youth choir (track 14)
  • Slash – guitar solo (track 11)
  • Andrew Snyder – youth choir (track 14)
  • Sally Stevens – youth choir (track 14)
  • Richard Stites – additional background vocals (track 12)
  • Thomas Tally – viola (track 8)
  • Brett Tattersol – youth choir (track 14)
  • Ron Taylor – vocals (track 8)
  • Michael Thompson – guitar (track 11)
  • Chris Tucker – introduction (track 6)
  • Mario Vasquez – additional background vocals (track 15)
  • Johnnie Walker – vocals (track 8)
  • Nathan "N8" Walton – choir (track 10)
  • Rick Williams – guitar (track 15)
  • Yvonne Williams – vocals (track 8)
  • Zandra Williams – vocals (track 8)
  • John Wittenberg – violin (track 8)

Record production

  • Executive producer: Michael Jackson
  • Produced by Michael Jackson (all tracks), Rodney Jerkins (1–3, 6, 11, 16), Dr. Freeze (4), Teddy Riley (tracks 5, 9, 12, 15), Andre Harris (7), Babyface (10), R. Kelly (13)
  • Recorded by Bruce Swedien (tracks 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 14, 15), Teddy Riley (5, 9, 12, 15), Rodney Jerkins (6, 11), Stuart Brawley (1–3, 6, 8, 14, 16), Brad Gilderman (4, 6, 11, 13), Dexter Simmons (4, 6), George Mayers (4, 5, 9, 12, 15), Jean-Marie Horvat (6, 11), Brad Buxer (8, 14), Mike Ging (4, 13), Paul Boutin (10), Andre Harris (7), Humberto Gatica (4, 13)
    • Assistant engineers: Rob Herrera, Craig Durrance, Kevin Scott, Steve Robillard, Franny Graham, Richard Thomas Ash, Chris Carroll, Dave Ashton, Christine Tramontano, Vidal Davis (track 7)
  • Rap recorded by Bob Brown (tracks 2, 3)
  • Strings recorded by Tommy Vicari (track 10)
    • Assisted by Steve Genewick
    • Production coordinator: Ivy Skoff
  • Mixed by Bruce Swedien (tracks 1–3, 5–9, 12, 14–16), Teddy Riley (4, 5, 9, 12, 15), Rodney Jerkins (1–3, 6, 11, 16), Michael Jackson (13), Mick Guzauski (13), Stuart Brawley (1–3, 16), George Mayers (4, 5, 9, 12, 15), Jean-Marie Horvat (11), Jon Gass (10), Humberto Gatica (4)
    • Assisted by Kb and EQ (track 10)
  • Mastered by Bernie Grundman
  • Digital editing by Stuart Brawley (tracks 1–4, 6, 8, 14, 16), Brad Buxer (8, 14), Rob Herrera, Harvey Mason, Jr. (4, 6, 11), Alex Greggs (2), Fabian Marasciullo (2), Paul Cruz (11), Paul Foley (1), George Mayers (5, 9, 12, 15)
    • Additional digital editing and engineering by Michael Prince
  • Art direction: Nancy Donald, David Coleman, Adam Owett
  • Cover design: Steven Hankinson
  • Photography: Albert Watson
  • Illustration: Uri Geller
  • Make-Up and hair: Karen Faye
  • Vocal consultant: Seth Riggs
  • Archivist: Craig Johnson

Charts

Certifications and sales

Certifications for Invincible
Region Certification Certified units/sales
Argentina (CAPIF)[123] Gold 20,000^
Australia (ARIA)[124] 2× Platinum 140,000^
Austria (IFPI Austria)[125] Gold 20,000*
Belgium (BEA)[126] Platinum 50,000*
Brazil 70,000[127]
Canada (Music Canada)[129] Platinum 100,000[128]
Denmark (IFPI Danmark)[130] Gold 25,000^
Finland (Musiikkituottajat)[131] Gold 16,621[131]
France (SNEP)[133] Platinum 570,000[132]
Germany (BVMI)[134] Platinum 300,000^
Italy (FIMI)[135]
sales since 2009
Gold 30,000*
Japan (RIAJ)[136] Platinum 200,000^
Netherlands (NVPI)[137] Platinum 80,000^
New Zealand (RMNZ)[138] Platinum 15,000^
Norway (IFPI Norway)[139] Platinum 50,000*
Poland (ZPAV)[140] Gold 35,000*
Portugal (AFP)[141] Gold 20,000^
South Africa (RISA)[142] 2× Platinum 100,000*
South Korea 58,840[143]
Spain (PROMUSICAE)[144] Platinum 100,000^
Sweden (GLF)[145] Gold 40,000^
Switzerland (IFPI Switzerland)[146] Platinum 40,000^
United Kingdom (BPI)[147] Platinum 300,000^
United States (RIAA)[148] 2× Platinum 2,400,000[59]
Summaries
Europe (IFPI)[149] 2× Platinum 2,000,000*

* Sales figures based on certification alone.
^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.

References

  1. ^ a b Leonard, David (January 2, 2017). "Michael Jackson Is Worth More Than Ever, and the IRS Wants Its Cut". Bloomberg News. Archived from the original on February 8, 2021. Retrieved January 18, 2021.
  2. ^ a b "Michael Jackson's best selling studio albums". The Telegraph. June 26, 2009. Retrieved June 19, 2024. Jackson's tenth and last studio album, which enjoyed a lacklustre critical reception, still managed to sell more than 10 million copies worldwide
  3. ^ Jones, Jel (April 2010). Michael Jackson Rocked the World and Lives Forever. America Star Books. p. 276. ISBN 9781448927135.
  4. ^ "Readers' Top Albums of the Year, Decade". Billboard. Archived from the original on November 10, 2021. Retrieved November 7, 2021.
  5. ^ a b c d e f Erlewine, Stephen Thomas. Invincible at AllMusic. Retrieved 2010-02-12.
  6. ^ a b c d Hiatt, Brian (December 21, 2000). "Michael Jackson Nearing Completion Of New LP". MTV. Viacom. Archived from the original on June 19, 2010. Retrieved April 3, 2011.
  7. ^ Hobbs, Linda (September 5, 2009). "Rodney Jerkin's Talks MJ's Last Studio Album, Invincible". Vibe. Viacom. Archived from the original on September 9, 2009. Retrieved February 13, 2010.
  8. ^ a b Invincible liner notes Epic Records (2001).
  9. ^ Rodriguez, Jayson (June 25, 2009). "Michael Jackson's Musical Legacy, From The Jackson 5 To Invincible". MTV. Viacom. Archived from the original on April 26, 2010. Retrieved February 13, 2010.
  10. ^ a b c Vineyard, Jennifer (July 2, 2002). "Michael Jackson Shocks Al Sharpton By Calling Tommy Mottola A Racist". MTV. Viacom. Archived from the original on November 16, 2010. Retrieved February 13, 2010.
  11. ^ Branigan, Tania (September 8, 2001). "Jackson spends £20m to be Invincible". The Guardian. Archived from the original on January 16, 2013. Retrieved February 16, 2013.
  12. ^ a b c d McNamaba, Liz (October 23, 2001). "Jacko dedicates Invincible to Benjamin". Aftenposten. Schibsted ASA. Archived from the original on March 9, 2009. Retrieved February 13, 2010.
  13. ^ "Michael Jackson : 'Invincible'". NME. September 12, 2005. Archived from the original on August 6, 2018. Retrieved September 16, 2018. On first listen, 'Invincible' is a good R&B record, but certainly not pioneering
  14. ^ a b Aizlewood, John (January 2002). "Jacko spends a fortune on an attempt at relevance". Blender. Archived from the original on April 17, 2002. Invincible is a long-winded (77 minutes, 16 tracks), soulless soul album of the kind Levert might have once turned in
  15. ^ a b c d e f Browne, David (November 9, 2001). "Invincible (2001)". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on March 7, 2014. Retrieved February 12, 2010.
  16. ^ a b c d e f g h i Hunter, James (December 6, 2001). "Michael Jackson: Invincible". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on September 9, 2012. Retrieved August 21, 2010.
  17. ^ Jones, Regina (March 2002). "Unbreakable". Vibe. p. 116. Retrieved April 26, 2010.
  18. ^ McCartney, Anthony (June 22, 2013). "Michael Jackson's Fatherhood: New Details Emerge in Courtrooms". Billboard. Archived from the original on November 30, 2020. Retrieved April 21, 2020.
  19. ^ "Michael Jackson – You Rock My World (chanson)". LesCharts.com. Hung Medien. Archived from the original on July 7, 2015. Retrieved February 13, 2010.
  20. ^ "Michael Jackson – Cry (chanson)". LesCharts.com. Hung Medien. Archived from the original on July 7, 2015. Retrieved February 13, 2010.
  21. ^ a b "allmusic ((( Invincible > Charts & Awards > Billboard Singles )))". AllMusic. Rovi Corporation. Archived from the original on February 7, 2011. Retrieved February 13, 2010.
  22. ^ Invincible pack-on-stocker Epic Records (2001).
  23. ^ The Dangerous Philosophies of Michael Jackson. Abc-Clio. September 26, 2016. p. 148. ISBN 9781440838651. Archived from the original on February 23, 2023. Retrieved October 30, 2021.
  24. ^ "Arhiva romanian top 100 – Editia 21, saptamina 27.05–2.06, 2002". Romanian Top 100. Archived from the original on February 15, 2005.
  25. ^ Laidlaw, Katherine (June 25, 2009). "Key Facts about Michael Jackson's life". National Post. CanWest Global Communications. Retrieved February 13, 2010.[permanent dead link]
  26. ^ Taraborrelli, p. 611
  27. ^ "Michael Jackson Shocks al Sharpton by Calling Tommy Mottola a Racist". MTV. Archived from the original on March 8, 2021. Retrieved February 25, 2021.
  28. ^ Branigan, Tania (September 7, 2001). "Jackson spends £20m to be Invincible". The Guardian. London. Archived from the original on January 16, 2013. Retrieved February 13, 2010.
  29. ^ George, p. 50–53
  30. ^ "Michael Jackson Special To Re-Air, With Britney This Time". MTV. Archived from the original on August 30, 2023. Retrieved June 19, 2024. According to Nielsen Media Research estimates, an estimated 45 million people watched all or part of the special, making "Michael Jackson: 30th Anniversary Celebration" one of the highest-rated musical specials in television history.
  31. ^ Friedman, Roger (June 18, 2002). "Michael Jackson Divorcing Sony Music | Fox News". Fox News. Archived from the original on September 16, 2016. Retrieved September 10, 2016.
  32. ^ Taraborrelli, p. 610–611
  33. ^ Zuel, Bernard (November 20, 2003). "Falling star". The Sydney Morning Herald. Archived from the original on June 30, 2009. Retrieved February 13, 2010.
  34. ^ Burkeman, Oliver (July 8, 2002). "Jacko gets tough: but is he a race crusader or just a falling star?". The Guardian. London. Archived from the original on July 2, 2015. Retrieved February 13, 2010.
  35. ^ a b Invincible (2001): Reviews Archived May 3, 2010, at the Wayback Machine. Metacritic. Retrieved on August 7, 2010.
  36. ^ Petridis, Alexis (June 25, 2002). "CD review: Michael Jackson, Invincible". The Guardian. London. Archived from the original on May 18, 2017. Retrieved April 20, 2010.
  37. ^ a b Beaumont, Mark (November 30, 2001). "Michael Jackson: Invincible". NME. Archived from the original on July 18, 2008. Retrieved July 23, 2008.
  38. ^ a b "Invincible Review". Q. No. 184. London. December 2001. p. 132. Though fatally flawed, Invincible does boast its fair share of sonic exhilaration.
  39. ^ a b Pareles, Jon. "Review: Invincible Archived February 23, 2023, at the Wayback Machine". Rolling Stone: 415. November 1, 2004.
  40. ^ Cinquemani, Sal (October 29, 2001). "Michael Jackson: Invincible". Slant Magazine. Archived from the original on November 28, 2010. Retrieved August 7, 2010.
  41. ^ a b Christgau, Robert (January 15, 2002). "Consumer Guide: Popstakes". The Village Voice. Archived from the original on March 8, 2021. Retrieved March 13, 2019 – via robertchristgau.com.
  42. ^ "Invincible review". Blender. No. 4. New York. December 2001. p. 117. A long-winded, soulless soul album of the kind Levert might have once turned in.
  43. ^ Tranter, Nikki (November 2001). "Michael Jackson: Invincible". PopMatters. Archived from the original on June 2, 2016. Retrieved August 7, 2010.
  44. ^ Mazur, Kevin (October 28, 2001). "Music; To Regain Glory, The New Michael Imitates the Old". The New York Times. Archived from the original on February 23, 2023. Retrieved April 20, 2010.
  45. ^ "Grammy Awards 2002". RockOnheNet.com. Rock On The Net. Archived from the original on June 22, 2013. Retrieved February 12, 2010.
  46. ^ Gamboa, Glenn (February 24, 2002). "Cover Story/Music With Merit / With U2 leading the way, this year's Grammy nominees may represent the best and the brightest". Newsday. Archived from the original on November 7, 2012. Retrieved March 21, 2010.
  47. ^ Nanke, Ashton. "Review: Jackson's Invincible is under-appreciated". Kennedy Torch. Archived from the original on March 7, 2021. Retrieved December 15, 2019.
  48. ^ O'Toole, Kit (October 1, 2015). Michael Jackson FAQ: All That's Left to Know About the King of Pop. Rowman & Littlefield. ISBN 978-1-4950-4599-8. Archived from the original on February 23, 2023. Retrieved November 6, 2020.
  49. ^ "Michael Jackson thought Thriller was his second-best album". February 28, 2023.
  50. ^ "V EXCLUSIVE: Rodney Jerkins Talks MJ's Last Studio Album, Invincible". September 5, 2009.
  51. ^ "Michael Jackson: Invincible". Popdose. June 28, 2009. Archived from the original on September 27, 2020. Retrieved January 20, 2020.
  52. ^ "Readers' Poll: Albums of the Decade". Billboard. Archived from the original on December 30, 2011. Retrieved February 12, 2010.
  53. ^ a b c d e f "Jackson's 'Invincible' To Debut At No. 1". Billboard. November 7, 2001. Archived from the original on June 7, 2013. Retrieved January 18, 2010.
  54. ^ "Week of November 17, 2001". Billboard. Archived from the original on July 5, 2013. Retrieved January 18, 2010.
  55. ^ a b c "Billboard" (PDF). World Radio History. November 24, 2001. Archived (PDF) from the original on June 23, 2020. Retrieved November 7, 2021.
  56. ^ "Week of December 08, 2001". Billboard. Archived from the original on June 7, 2013. Retrieved February 12, 2010.
  57. ^ a b c "Gold & Platinum". Recording Industry Association of America. Archived from the original on June 26, 2007. Retrieved February 12, 2010.
  58. ^ Billboard. January 26, 2002. Archived from the original on February 23, 2023. Retrieved October 30, 2021.
  59. ^ a b Caulfield, Keith (August 1, 2009). "Billboard: Jackson's still bad; Daughtry rocks with town". Billboard. pp. 33–. ISSN 0006-2510. Archived from the original on February 23, 2023. Retrieved August 4, 2021.
  60. ^ Cabison, Rosalie (January 2, 2013). "Billboard 200". Billboard. Archived from the original on December 13, 2021. Retrieved January 24, 2023.
  61. ^ a b c "Poll: Jackson's Chart Success No Surprise". Billboard. Archived from the original on October 28, 2020. Retrieved February 13, 2010.
  62. ^ a b c "Australiancharts.com – Michael Jackson – Invincible". Hung Medien. Retrieved July 23, 2017.
  63. ^ a b "Michael Jackson – Invincible". The Official Charts Company. Archived from the original on November 12, 2006. Retrieved February 12, 2010.
  64. ^ White, Adam (February 16, 2002). "Dido, Linkin Park Lead the Global 20 of 2001". Billboard. Vol. 114, no. 7. p. 42. ISSN 0006-2510. Archived from the original on February 23, 2023. Retrieved February 16, 2016.
  65. ^ Marikar, Sheila; Friedman, Emily (June 29, 2009). "Michael Jackson, King of Pop, Dead at 50". ABC News. Archived from the original on January 26, 2021. Retrieved January 18, 2021.
  66. ^ McIntyre, Hugh (October 10, 2015). "The Albums of Michael Jackson". Forbes. Archived from the original on April 5, 2014. Retrieved June 19, 2024.
  67. ^ Ed Christman, Antony Bruno (July 2, 2009). "Michael Jackson Music Sales Surge Could Last For Months". Billboard. Archived from the original on March 18, 2017. Retrieved February 12, 2010.
  68. ^ a b c "Week of July 11, 2009: Biggest Jump". Billboard. Archived from the original on May 30, 2010. Retrieved February 12, 2010.
  69. ^ a b "Invincible – Michael Jackson (2001)". Billboard. Archived from the original on November 21, 2021. Retrieved February 12, 2010.
  70. ^ a b "Classifica settimanale dal 13/07/2009 al 19/07/2009". Federation of the Italian Music Industry. Archived from the original on February 23, 2012. Retrieved February 13, 2010.
  71. ^ a b "Week of July 25, 2009: Biggest Jump". Billboard. Archived from the original on May 30, 2010. Retrieved February 12, 2010.
  72. ^ a b "Top 100 México". MexicanCharts.com. Hung Medien. Archived from the original on March 7, 2012. Retrieved February 13, 2010.
  73. ^ a b "Alben Top 100 19.07.2009". HitParade.ch. Hung Medien. Archived from the original on February 17, 2010. Retrieved February 13, 2010.
  74. ^ "迈克尔·杰克逊Michael Jackson:天下无敌Invincible-音乐-卓越亚马逊". Amazon.cn. Archived from the original on March 14, 2018. Retrieved January 4, 2011.
  75. ^ "迈克尔•杰克逊:星光传奇(5CD) [套装]". Amazon.cn. Archived from the original on February 23, 2023. Retrieved April 23, 2013.
  76. ^ "ARIA Urban Chart – Week Commencing 4th March 2002" (PDF). The ARIA Report (627): 19. March 4, 2002. Retrieved April 15, 2023 – via National Library of Australia.
  77. ^ "Austriancharts.at – Michael Jackson – Invincible" (in German). Hung Medien. Retrieved July 23, 2017.
  78. ^ "Ultratop.be – Michael Jackson – Invincible" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved July 23, 2017.
  79. ^ "Ultratop.be – Michael Jackson – Invincible" (in French). Hung Medien. Retrieved July 23, 2017.
  80. ^ "Michael Jackson Chart History (Canadian Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved December 7, 2021.
  81. ^ "R&B : Top 50". Jam!. November 15, 2001. Archived from the original on November 21, 2001. Retrieved January 27, 2023.
  82. ^ "Danishcharts.dk – Michael Jackson – Invincible". Hung Medien. Retrieved July 23, 2017.
  83. ^ "Dutchcharts.nl – Michael Jackson – Invincible" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved July 23, 2017.
  84. ^ "Michael Jackson: Invincible" (in Finnish). Musiikkituottajat – IFPI Finland. Retrieved July 23, 2017.
  85. ^ "Lescharts.com – Michael Jackson – Invincible". Hung Medien. Retrieved July 23, 2017.
  86. ^ "Offiziellecharts.de – Michael Jackson – Invincible" (in German). GfK Entertainment Charts. Retrieved July 23, 2017.
  87. ^ "Irish-charts.com – Discography Michael Jackson". Hung Medien. Retrieved July 23, 2017.
  88. ^ "Italiancharts.com – Michael Jackson – Invincible". Hung Medien. Retrieved July 23, 2017.
  89. ^ "Invincible". Oricon. November 12, 2001. Archived from the original on January 2, 2020. Retrieved January 17, 2019.
  90. ^ "Charts.nz – Michael Jackson – Invincible". Hung Medien. Retrieved July 23, 2017.
  91. ^ "Norwegiancharts.com – Michael Jackson – Invincible". Hung Medien. Retrieved July 23, 2017.
  92. ^ "Portuguesecharts.com – Michael Jackson – Invincible". Hung Medien. Retrieved July 23, 2017.
  93. ^ "Official Scottish Albums Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved October 14, 2020.
  94. ^ "Hits of the World – Spain". Billboard. November 17, 2001. p. 67. Retrieved March 29, 2019.
  95. ^ "Swedishcharts.com – Michael Jackson – Invincible". Hung Medien. Retrieved July 23, 2017.
  96. ^ "Swisscharts.com – Michael Jackson – Invincible". Hung Medien. Retrieved July 23, 2017.
  97. ^ "Official R&B Albums Chart Top 40". Official Charts Company. Retrieved April 15, 2023.
  98. ^ "Michael Jackson Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved August 26, 2020.
  99. ^ "Michael Jackson Chart History (Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved August 26, 2020.
  100. ^ "ARIA Top 100 Albums Chart". HitParade.ch. Hung Medien. Archived from the original on February 11, 2010. Retrieved February 13, 2010.
  101. ^ "ARIA End of Year Albums Chart 2001". Australian Recording Industry Association. Archived from the original on January 17, 2021. Retrieved August 26, 2020.
  102. ^ "Jaaroverzichten 2001". Ultratop. Archived from the original on November 28, 2020. Retrieved August 26, 2020.
  103. ^ "Rapports Annuels 2001". Ultratop. Archived from the original on December 5, 2020. Retrieved August 26, 2020.
  104. ^ "Canada's Top 200 Albums of 2001 (based on sales)". Jam!. Archived from the original on December 12, 2003. Retrieved March 26, 2022.
  105. ^ "Canada's Top 200 R&B; albums of 2001". Jam!. January 8, 2002. Archived from the original on November 22, 2002. Retrieved January 22, 2023.
  106. ^ "Chart of the Year 2001". Mogens Nielsen. Archived from the original on July 23, 2015. Retrieved January 4, 2021.
  107. ^ "Jaaroverzichten – Album 2001". dutchcharts.nl. Archived from the original on June 22, 2019. Retrieved August 26, 2020.
  108. ^ "Year in Review – European Top 100 Albums 2001" (PDF). Music & Media. Vol. 19, no. 52. December 22, 2001. p. 15. OCLC 29800226. Archived (PDF) from the original on June 3, 2020. Retrieved February 3, 2021 – via World Radio History.
  109. ^ "Musiikkituottajat – Tilastot – Myydyimmät levyt 2001" (in Finnish). IFPI Finland. Archived from the original on February 2, 2014. Retrieved March 3, 2021.
  110. ^ "Top de l'année Top Albums 2001" (in French). SNEP. Archived from the original on July 28, 2020. Retrieved August 26, 2020.
  111. ^ "Top 100 Album-Jahrescharts" (in German). GfK Entertainment. Archived from the original on May 9, 2015. Retrieved August 26, 2020.
  112. ^ "Årslista Album – År 2001" (in Swedish). Sverigetopplistan. Archived from the original on June 14, 2021. Retrieved August 26, 2020.
  113. ^ "Årslista Album (inkl samlingar), 2001" (in Swedish). Sverigetopplistan. Archived from the original on May 21, 2021. Retrieved February 27, 2021.
  114. ^ "Schweizer Jahreshitparade 2001". hitparade.ch. Archived from the original on June 27, 2021. Retrieved August 26, 2020.
  115. ^ "End of Year Album Chart Top 100 – 2001". Official Charts Company. Archived from the original on June 3, 2016. Retrieved August 26, 2020.
  116. ^ "Top Billboard 200 Albums – Year-End 2001". Billboard. Archived from the original on January 3, 2015. Retrieved August 26, 2020.
  117. ^ "Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums – Year-End 2001". Billboard. Archived from the original on June 18, 2018. Retrieved August 26, 2020.
  118. ^ "Top 50 Global Best Selling Albums for 2001" (PDF). IFPI. Archived from the original (PDF) on November 17, 2008. Retrieved February 1, 2023.
  119. ^ "Top Billboard 200 Albums – Year-End 2002". Billboard. Archived from the original on February 12, 2021. Retrieved January 2, 2018.
  120. ^ "Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums – Year-End 2002". Billboard. Archived from the original on June 18, 2018. Retrieved August 26, 2020.
  121. ^ "Jaaroverzichten 2009 – Mid price". ultratop (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Archived from the original on April 7, 2021. Retrieved January 30, 2021.
  122. ^ "Rapports Annuels 2009 – Mid price". ultratop (in French). Hung Medien. Archived from the original on March 8, 2021. Retrieved January 30, 2021.
  123. ^ "Discos de Oro y Platino" (in Spanish). Cámara Argentina de Productores de Fonogramas y Videogramas. Archived from the original on August 20, 2011. Retrieved January 27, 2021.
  124. ^ "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2001 Albums" (PDF). Australian Recording Industry Association. Retrieved October 26, 2014.
  125. ^ "Austrian album certifications – Michael Jackson – Invincible" (in German). IFPI Austria. Retrieved October 26, 2014.
  126. ^ "Ultratop − Goud en Platina – albums 2001". Ultratop. Hung Medien. Retrieved October 26, 2014.
  127. ^ Fernandez, Alexandre (August 29, 2008). "Michael Jackson: 50 anos". Expresso Popular (in Portuguese) (2.321 ed.): 24. Retrieved July 8, 2024.
  128. ^ Slotek, Jim. "Sales jumped over balcony incident". Jam!. Archived from the original on December 5, 2012. Retrieved April 10, 2022.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  129. ^ "Canadian album certifications – Michael Jackson – Invincible". Music Canada. Retrieved April 19, 2024.
  130. ^ "Danish album certifications – Michael Jackson – Invincible". IFPI Danmark. Retrieved May 9, 2020.
  131. ^ a b "Michael Jackson" (in Finnish). Musiikkituottajat – IFPI Finland. Retrieved October 26, 2014.
  132. ^ "L'Affaire Jackson passionne l'Amérique". Le Parisien (in French). February 4, 2005. Archived from the original on June 24, 2022. Retrieved July 27, 2022.
  133. ^ "French album certifications – Michael Jackson – Invincible" (in French). Syndicat National de l'Édition Phonographique.
  134. ^ "Gold-/Platin-Datenbank (Michael Jackson; 'Invincible')" (in German). Bundesverband Musikindustrie. Retrieved October 26, 2014.
  135. ^ "Italian album certifications – Michael Jackson – Invincible" (in Italian). Federazione Industria Musicale Italiana. Retrieved October 26, 2014. Select "2013" in the "Anno" drop-down menu. Type "Invincible" in the "Filtra" field. Select "Album e Compilation" under "Sezione".
  136. ^ "Japanese album certifications – Michael Jackson – Invincible" (in Japanese). Recording Industry Association of Japan. Retrieved October 25, 2019. Select 2001年10月 on the drop-down menu
  137. ^ "Dutch album certifications – Michael Jackson – Invincible" (in Dutch). Nederlandse Vereniging van Producenten en Importeurs van beeld- en geluidsdragers. Retrieved October 26, 2014. Enter Invincible in the "Artiest of titel" box.
  138. ^ "Latest Gold / Platinum Albums". Radioscope. July 17, 2011. Archived from the original on July 24, 2011. Retrieved June 21, 2021.
  139. ^ "Norwegian album certifications – Michael Jackson – Invincible" (in Norwegian). IFPI Norway. Retrieved October 26, 2014.
  140. ^ "Wyróżnienia – Złote płyty CD - Archiwum - Przyznane w 2003 roku" (in Polish). Polish Society of the Phonographic Industry. March 19, 2003. Retrieved April 18, 2021.
  141. ^ "Portuguese album certifications – Michael Jackson – Invincible" (in Portuguese). Associação Fonográfica Portuguesa. Archived from the original on November 20, 2010. Retrieved January 27, 2021.
  142. ^ "Music Divas & Rock Bands Top South African Certifications". Mi2N. February 5, 2002. Archived from the original on February 12, 2015. Retrieved January 24, 2019.
  143. ^ "자료제공:(사)한국음반산업협회/이 자료는당협회와 상의없이 가공,편집을금합니다.: 2001.11월 – POP 음반 판매량" (in Korean). Recording Industry Association of Korea. Archived from the original on June 23, 2004. Retrieved January 14, 2021.
  144. ^ Salaverrie, Fernando (September 2005). Sólo éxitos: año a año, 1959–2002 (PDF) (in Spanish) (1st ed.). Madrid: Fundación Autor/SGAE. p. 961. ISBN 84-8048-639-2. Archived (PDF) from the original on January 29, 2021. Retrieved October 5, 2019.
  145. ^ "Guld- och Platinacertifikat − År 2001" (PDF) (in Swedish). IFPI Sweden. Archived from the original (PDF) on May 17, 2011. Retrieved October 26, 2014.
  146. ^ "The Official Swiss Charts and Music Community: Awards ('Invincible')". IFPI Switzerland. Hung Medien. Retrieved October 26, 2014.
  147. ^ "British album certifications – Michael Jackson – Invincible". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved October 26, 2014.
  148. ^ "American album certifications – Michael Jackson – Invincible". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved October 26, 2014.
  149. ^ "IFPI Platinum Europe Awards – 2001". International Federation of the Phonographic Industry. Retrieved October 26, 2014.

Bibliography