Keep Moving: The Michael Jackson Chronicles

by Armond White

117 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[NON · Rating 5 out of 5]

In these essays, he focuses on the work that Michael Jackson produced after the Thriller album. He examines the impact of Michael Jackson as a force in the music industry, as a cultural phenomenon and influencer. Armond White reveals the deep meaning in Michael Jackson’s art with fluency like no other.

This must be one of the best analyses on Michael Jackson’s art and career. The first couple of essays--regarding Thriller and Bad era were sort of judgemental. Mr. White clarify the reason why by stating in the book’s introduction, “I was not prepared for the subtle revolution of Thriller.” As you move on into the Dangerous era essays, you'll be blown away by Mr. White's depth and superb analyses and how he (successfully) uncovered many aspects of the genius of Michael Jackson. With his shrewd and specific examination of Black or White, Jam, In The Closet, Remember The Time, Earth Song, They Don’t Care About us, Scream and many more of Jackson’s masterpieces, Mr. White kept moving (and evolving) from a mere skeptic of Michael Jackson’s message into a believer.

In each essay, we witness how White experiences a growing recognition of Jackson’s true importance to the world, and that’s the most charming part of the whole book.

Throughout the book, White shrewdly examines black issues as Jackson became more vocal about race problems in his later works--as The Dangerous Philosophies author Elizabeth Amisu puts it, “Everything about Michael is so black. Michael did not become less black but more and more black as time went on. Everything about Michael’s artistry had deep, deep roots in his love of African-American culture and music.” White articulates that, "in American media no one hears a Black man Scream." These observations are greatly fascinating and satisfying.

Armond White wrote two of the most attentive analyses of HIStory in “Screaming To Be Heard, Book I,” and “Screaming To Be Heard, Book II”. Two of my personal favorite articles to read over every once in a while. The shrewdness presented in these two essays are remarkably precise and thought-provoking.

HIStory’s move from “Scream” to “Smile”, from personal torment to the appropriation of a white artist's words of faith, encapsulates Michael's unique sensibility. This album is full of the steeliest, deepest remorse perceptible to anyone who has ever hurt. Only the deaf will reject it, only the heartless will deny it."

However, what missing in this collection is essays on the two films Moonwalker and Ghosts (I'd love to know Mr. White's analysis of this one specifically), and Jackson’s final studio album, Invincible. These, in my opinion, are among Jackson’s crucial works, and I hope that Mr. White will consider writing thoroughly about them in the near future.

In conclusion, Armond White’s book is a vital addition to your reading list whether you are a Michael Jackson fan, an academic or simply one of those who are interested in reading a scholarly work about Jackson’s personality and artistry. I assure you that you’ll be captivated and after reading this you’ll view Michael Jackson’s art in a new perspective.

Props to you, Mr. White.

I recommend reading this along with:
1- Man in the Music: The Creative Life and Work of Michael Jackson
2- Featuring Michael Jackson
3- Earth Song: Inside Michael Jackson's Magnum Opus
4- Otherness and Power: Michael Jackson and His Media Critics
5- Michael Jackson's Dangerous
6- The Dangerous Philosophies of Michael Jackson: His Music, His Persona, and His Artistic Afterlife

To grab this superb book, check here.