Earth Song: Michael Jackson and the Art of Compassion

by Joseph Vogel

Released in 1995, Michael Jackson's "Earth Song" was in many ways anachronistic. In both subject and sound, it was like nothing else on the radio. It defied the cynicism and apathy of Generation X; it challenged the aesthetic expectations for a "pop song" (or even a "protest song"), fusing blues, opera, rock and gospel; and it demanded accountability in an era of corporate greed, globalization and environmental indifference. A massive hit globally (reaching #1 in over fifteen countries), it wasn't even offered as a single in the United States. Yet nearly two decades later, it stands as one of Jackson's greatest artistic achievements. In this groundbreaking monograph, author Joseph Vogel details the song's context and evolution from its inception in Vienna in 1988, to its release and reception in 1995, to Jackson's final live performance in Munich in 1999. Based on original research, including interviews with the song's key participants, Earth Song: Inside Michael Jackson's Magnum Opus offers a fascinating reassessment of this prophetic musical statement.

Genres: Music, Nonfiction, Cultural

120 pages, Paperback

First published June 21, 2011

About the author

JOSEPH VOGEL is the author of several books, including Man in the Music: The Creative Life and Work of Michael Jackson (Sterling), James Baldwin and the 1980s: Witnessing the Reagan Era (University of Illinois Press) and This Thing Called Life: Prince, Race, Sex, Religion, and Music (Bloomsbury Academic). His work has appeared in the The Atlantic, The Guardian, Slate, The Huffington Post, Forbes, Boston Review, and PopMatters. He is an Assistant Professor at Merrimack College in Massachusetts.

Reviews

[NON · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I respect the secrets and magic of nature. That's why it makes me so angry when I see these things that are happening–I really, truly worry. Every second, I hear, the size of a football field is torn down in the Amazon. I mean, that kind of stuff really bothers me. That's why I write these kinds of songs, you know, to give some sense of awareness and awakening and hope to people. I love the Planet. I love the trees. I have this thing for trees–and the colors and the changing of leaves. I love it! And I respect those kinds of things. I really feel that nature is trying so hard to compensate for man's mismanagement of the planet. The planet is sick, like a fever. If we don't fix it now, it's at the point of no return. This is our last chance to fix this problem that we have. It's like a runway train. And the time has come. This Is It. People are always saying, ‘Oh, they'll take care of it, the government will do it.’ ‘They?’ They who? It starts with us. It's us. Or else it'll never be done... We have four years to get it right. After that it would be irreversible. Let's take care of the planet.” -Michael Jackson, This Is It rehearsals, 2009.

Michael Jackson was a “connector”. He did not sell us feel-good music when presenting an issue nor was he looking to get rich off any that he was relentlessly creating. He sought to bring unity among people that were (purposely) divided by those who are in power–our separation keeps them in command. “Politics cannot save the world, so the music people should at least try,” he stated in 1979. To study Michael Jackson life, artistry, and the legacy lead us to an understanding of the power that made him loved by all yet hated by the media and its group of trolls. He was threatening to establishment because he pushed us towards awareness, and encouraged awakening. Michael spoke directly to our consciousnesses. His philosophies were dangerous. He didn't tell us to give out a simple prayer then go back to a slumber or that the world would get better on its own offering us some utopian version of the events... not at all; he highlighted with boldness the truth–and sometimes, the truth is a bitter-pill to swallow. He gave us hope that if we put aside our artificial differences and opened our minds....our hearts, we'd be able to start our journey towards a collective healing in which we'd create a better world for us and our children. We don't have to wait for a miracle, he showed us that it starts with us, he inspired us to act because our collective efforts is the start. This was his standing message throughout his life and career starting from “We Are the World,” “Man in the Mirror” to “Heal the World,” “Earth Song” and “Cry” to name just a few.

In a world filled with lies, he was all about the truth–in spite of all the attacking that came at him because of that mission.

“Michael was the lifeline of many. He was the one voice of sanity in a world gripped by so much insanity. For many, he was their hope, their confidante, their role model, their leader or guru.” -Reverend Barbara Kaufmann

Joseph Vogel presents an introduction to this marvelous aspect of Michael Jackson; environmentalist, activist, and humanitarian by scrutinizing Jackson's magnum opus, Earth Song.

In this revised and updated third edition (the first two editions were published under the previous title, ‘Earth Song: Inside Michael Jackson's Magnum Opus’), Vogel expands his original research to include three new chapters that illuminate the making of the song's short-film with exclusive inputs from the director, Nick Brandt.

First of all, the title is wonderful and much more appropriate to the text, and to the subject, Michael Jackson. Jackson's life and work are a lead to follow. He defined what greatness should be like... But his most significant capacity was the compassion he embodied throughout his life both privately and publicly. The Art of Compassion signifies this overlooked area, “Jackson's kindness and compassion was not good copy; if it made the news at all, it was usually buried behind stories about his plastic surgery or pet chimpanzee” (p.10).

Vogel masterfully tells the history behind the masterpiece which showcases his superb storytelling technique. The way he connected Michael's writings with biblical verses is quite interesting.

Notably, he places Michael Jackson among his peers of greats (prophets, teachers, poets and others) using Dancing the Dream as a source is mesmerizing, and a great utilization of his book of reflections and poems that clarifies Michael Jackson's state of consciousness.

The Art of Compassion dissection of Earth Song could also be used by researchers and students as a starting-point that will bring about further analysis and understanding of this masterpiece or encourage a completely original research on any other piece from his magnificent catalog.

This academic research (with it profuse Notes section) is a must read for everyone that seek to comprehend Jackson's ultimate message which is apparent in his humanitarian work that we yet have to study, to spread around, and to follow his lead.

All in all, The Art of Compassion is one of the most substantial acknowledgements to Michael Jackson's humanitarianism that is rich with factual information, objective contextual exploration, and personal interviews with those who were involved in creating Michael Jackson's masterpiece, Earth Song. Vogel still heads this movement that pushes the fact that Michael Jackson's life and artistry are worth being represented within a respectful narrative and comprehensively far away from the false media (mis)representation and within the pages of this book Vogel will reveal their unjust hostility.

“It was clear that the biggest problem for critics was Michael Jackson himself. Since the mid-1980s, the media had developed a simple, but profitable portrait of Jackson that could be cut and pasted into each new story: he was a naive, eccentric, megalomaniac. Reviews of his music are almost universally interpreted through this lens beginning in the late 1980s, regardless of the merits of the song or album. Jackson, they often argued, should stick to the blissful “dance music’ of his early career rather than some of the ‘angry,’ ‘defiant,’ ‘political’ material that followed. Critics always preferred to view Jackson as an entertainer rather than an artist, a stereotype with a long racial history of which Jackson was well aware. As his music became more experimental and challenging, journalists tried in vain to put him ‘back in his place.’ They didn't want to hear songs about racism, media distortion, war and the environment from a pop star, they said. The wanted Off the Wall 2.0.” -Joseph Vogel (p. 60-61)

More books by Joseph Vogel:
1- Man in the Music: The Creative Life and Work of Michael Jackson
2- Featuring Michael Jackson

Similar books:
1- The Dangerous Philosophies of Michael Jackson: His Music, His Persona, and His Artistic Afterlife
2- Otherness and Power: Michael Jackson and His Media Critics
3- Keep Moving: The Michael Jackson Chronicles
4- Michael Jackson's Dangerous
5- Michael Jackson and the Blackface Mask

[Kerry Hennigan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joe Vogel's book "Earth Song: Inside Michael Jackson's Magnum Opus", now available in an updated and expanded 2nd edition, reveals both the genius and hard work of the creative process required to achieve such a master work of popular music.

Vogel tracks the evolution of Earth Song beginning with Michael Jackson's initial ideas in 1988 for an anthem for the earth, informed by his evolving religious views and growing awareness of global issues. The book follows the development of the song clear through to its release as a track on the HIStory album in 1995, and then as the third single from the album (but, tellingly, not in the United States).

Vogel also assesses the (mostly dismissive) critical reaction, and looks at the impact of Michael's controversially-perceived live performances of the song as pieces of highly effective performance art that were "so transcendent and unifying for audiences".

But it all gets back to the song, and stripped of much of the theatrics, as at the one-off Brunei concert in July 1996, Michael Jackson delivers a truly unforgettable performance, "[t]here are no props, no pyrotechnics - just him, the mic, and the music."

Vogel's examination of the writing and recording of Earth Song reveals the lengths to which Michael, and those working closely with him, went in order to achieve the results to which MJ was committed. Such perfectionism can mean a delay of years, as in the case of Earth Song before it reached the desired state of completion to the artist's satisfaction. And, indeed, like the earth whose anthem it was intended to be, Earth Song was an embryo that required a long period of gestation before coming to full term and being fit for launching into the world.

This 2nd edition of "Earth Song" (the book) has a wealth of footnotes, and these are invaluable in fleshing out the picture not just of the song, but of the individuals who worked on it and their respective experiences collaborating with MJ. Vogel even extricates some worthy quotes and valuable insights from sources less than popular with us fans i.e. Taraborrelli, Boteach and Rolling Stone magazine. Other footnotes include on-line sources, some of which beg the reader to investigate further.

As evocatively documented by Vogel, one moment in the long history of creating this epic song really leaps out at this particular reader. Described as a "hair standing up on the back of their necks" moment for his recording team, it is the night when Michael recorded the final vocals for the song in a completely dark studio, as was his preference. Writes Vogel "From the control room, Bruce Swedien and his crew of assistant engineers couldn't see anything. Yet what they heard roaring out of the darkness was astonishing; it was as if Jackson was channelling from the lungs of the earth - a pained, fierce, prophetic voice, giving utterance to the suffering of the world."

Here is a song and a creative process which truly deserves documentation, and not just in book form. We might wish for Spike Lee or some worthy equivalent to take the video footage Vogel refers to (shot when the choral backing for the song was recorded) plus interviews, performances and other relevant material, and turn it into a film a la Lee's "Bad25" documentary. Only in this case it would be a homage to a single song. Earth Song is certainly a subject worthy of such coverage, and Vogel's book could provide a more than adequate blue print or script.

And yet, in the end, we can do no better than listen to the song. It is, as the author rightly points out, a song that "seeks to shatter indifference, as it demands accountability. Radio can't do it justice. It is a song that was created to blast out of speakers if it couldn't be seen live."

In discussing the scornful critical response to Earth Song, Vogel describes music journalists as wanting to put Michael Jackson back in his place - back to the "dance music" of his Off the Wall and Thriller days. In other words, the socially and environmentally aware mature man who raged through the microphone at the injustices he saw around him (some of which he personally experienced) was someone they preferred to dehumanise - the better to make fun of him and give themselves an excuse to not take him, or his art, seriously.

The only down side on reading this appropriately serious discussion on Michael Jackson and his art as displayed in one exemplary song, is the sense of frustration in contemplating what ELSE might have been... What if Michael's energy had not been distracted from the process of creating monumental masterpieces like Earth Song (and others) and, out of necessity, redirected to defending his art, his perceived behaviour and (most shameful of all), his appearance, to his many strident critics. The stature of his talent and celebrity status meant he was bombarded with such criticism, much of it ill-informed, frivolous and deliberately provocative.

What mental and physical energies might he have been able to bring to bear on projects that began as a thought or idea, if only his creative genius had been let flower without the constant demands, distractions and de-tractions heaped on him. It was, as he had earlier sung, "The Price of Fame" (now released on the "Bad25" album). For any of his projects he was not able to bring to fruition, we, society, the planet are the poorer.

Earth Song is the ultimate proof of this. This was a project that DID reach its potential as its creator envisioned it. It is the proof of a master craftsman at work; a man capable of transforming an idea into a musical opus through hard work, dedication and craftsmanship of the highest calibre. As Vogel explains in detail, Michael marshalled musicians, engineers, orchestrators and others in the forefront of their respective musical spheres, and worked on the results until they met his own perfectionist standards.

The Epilogue in Vogel's book talks, appropriately, of Michael's plans and rehearsals for Earth Song's inclusion in the "This Is It" series of shows for his London O2 residency in 2009-2010. It was a song, as Kenny Ortega comments in the documentary film "Michael Jackson's 'This Is It'" that carried Michael's message to the world. It was the final song that Michael rehearsed before his untimely passing. While his undoubtedly brilliant recording of Man in the Mirror has become MJ's unofficial theme song since his death, it is his self-penned, painstakingly conceived and executed Earth Song for which we should be most grateful.

It is a song that deserves to be heeded as well as heard. As Vogel quotes accomplished composer and conductor Jorge del Barrio (who worked with Michael on the orchestral introduction) "Michael felt that this song was to be the one that ultimately would help save the world."

We can only hope he's right.

Kerry Hennigan
Australia
December 13, 2012

[Kerry Hennigan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Albeit a slim volume, Joseph Vogel’s in-depth examination of Michael Jackson’s “Earth Song” composition, recording and short film is a long overdue tribute to the King of Pop’s masterwork.

This is the song that producer/director Kenny Ortega described as conveying Michael’s message to the world; it was, fittingly, the last song the superstar rehearsed before his untimely death on 25 June 2009.

Vogel documents the birth of the song, the long and complex evolutionary process of recording, layering and re-recording of vocals and music. It is a song that transcends categories.

Though labelled King of Pop, Michael Jackson was by no means a light-weight pop artist, whether writer, singer or performer. There is no better example of his art than this song and its various expositions – on disc, film and stage,

Having explored the musical, cultural and environmental context and influences of this song, Vogel then looks at the critical response, which was, largely, predictable. He explains how these responses were not informed by the quality of the work, but rather by critics’ opinions on the artist and their personal musical tastes along with the mood of the times – the mid to late 90s.

Few critics were able to step outside their own preconceptions of the artist, nor their own musical bias, to look at “Earth Song” objectively and see it for what it truly is – a masterwork that transcends classification and musical trends.

As for the live performances, Jackson was criticized by some for his perceived “messianic” pose on stage, surrounded by raggedly dressed cast members clinging to the superstar. In an industry where on-stage ‘shock tactics’ had become the norm for some artists, Jackson’s desperate but pacifistic plea for global environmental salvation was singled out for undue criticism.

But “Earth Song” has proven to be larger than its critics could ever have imagined, and, as Vogel documents, has inspired countless Michael Jackson fans to heed their hero’s call to take up the mantle of environmental activism.

Even in the hereafter, Michael has the last laugh. “Earth Song” will outlive us all. In this precious little book, Joe Vogel explores and explains exactly why.

[Tom · Rating 5 out of 5]

An inside look at MJ's magnum opus, "Earth Song", a stunning work of many years effort. This song was ahead of its time in 1995. Reached #1 in 15 countries worldwide and was not even released as a single in the USA because of corporate gatekeepers and the sense that americans in their mid-90's excess would not respond well at all to MJ's blistering lamentation at the state of the world. Similarly most american music critics took the song/video as over-the-top, which is a blatant misunderstanding of MJ's intent, message and artistic style.
If you are not familiar with Earth Song, I'm serious, watch his music video and google the lyrics (some of the words are hard to understand during the final jeremiad call and response with the choir)

[Sabrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a pleasure to read.

I've read several books about MJ and this was a bit of departure. No scandal, not relationships, no drama. Just an indepth study of a great work or art.

It's a quicker read, if you read it non-stop cover to cover, but I read it in front of my laptop and found myself pausing frequently to search You Tube for live performances of "Earth Song". It enhanced the reading experience for me greatly.

The book ends rather abruptly with a pretty serious on-stage accident in Munich Germany, but I was very satisfied with it. If you're a fan, you'll enjoy it immensely.

Just be aware that because the book is so thoroughly researched and documented, the actual analysis ends are the 70% mark and the last 30% is notations and sourcing.

[Jung Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

one of the only writers i trust with michael jackson content. i was impressed by the level of detail in which vogel studies the genius behind MJ’s mind—he dissects the song at an academic level. i had so idea every second was packed with symbolism.

thank you for showing his genuine humanitarianism rather than some idealistic, naive “fingers crossed” kind of singing. actions speak louder than words, and this book showcases a fraction of the ways michael pushed for social justice & philanthropy, which the media never chose to focus on.

“and the time has come. this is it. people are always saying, ‘oh, they’ll take care of it, the government will do it’ they? they who? it starts with us. it’s us! or it will never be done.” -michael jackson

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent on every level. And finally, finally, somebody is doing serious work on MJ's music, something most fans have been waiting for all their lives, I daresay. So that, alone, is worth at least a couple of stars :)

Joe Vogel is the author of the upcoming Man in the Music: The Creative Life and Work of Michael Jackson, release date is in early September. This essay anticipates what we can expect from the book, choosing to focus on a song that's just like MJ: immense and (often) immensely misunderstood.

Fannish joy aside, I think this should fascinate anyone with even just a passing interest in how songs are made and in the recording business at its best.

[Kelci Annell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an incredible insight on how this song was created and what it meant to all who worked on it! This song truly I a work of art and unfortunately great art isn’t always acknowledged at the time of release to the world! The author really invites you in to the world and the mindset of MJ over all the years it took to create this masterpiece and how it came to be. It’s jut extremely inspiring! I wish he were he to see the impact his art is having on the hearts of so many. Now, if only we’d listen to the song more than for pleasure but to actually do what begs us to do which is to try and save our planet if it isn’t already to late🖤

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love what we have and treat it kind

So much is written so well in this descriptive message, it's hard to single out anything. "What about it" is pointing towards all of us.

[W Flower · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was an excellent book about how Michael Jackson worked on the song “Earth Song” .

[Marsten · Rating 5 out of 5]

Un gran libro!
Me ha encantado esta crónica exhaustiva, brillante y bien narrada de cómo se creó, se grabó, que significaba y como se representó la canción de Earth Song de Michael Jackson. Consigue darnos una comprensión más completa y profunda de esta canción así como del proceso creativo que seguía del cantante en general (un aspecto poco documentado por los medios). Se agradecen libros singulares como este que exploren estas facetas más desconocidas o menos mediáticas del artista.
Este libro no deja de ser un anexo del libro Man In The Music, del mismo autor, para centrarse y profundizar en una sola canción.
Una vez leído he podido valorar de manera más profunda y consciente la grandeza de esta canción, saber apreciar las múltiples facetas que la canción tiene (tanto musicalmente como de significación). En definitiva, tenerla en una mejor estima de la que hasta ahora tenía, y a la vez, ser más consciente aún de la grandeza, perfeccionismo y compromiso social de Michael Jackson.
Detecté en esta edición dos errores en las correspondencias de las numeraciones de las notas (la nº 13 no está referenciada en el texto, aunque si en las notas y la nº 70 del texto creo que corresponde a la nº 71 de las notas, con lo cual las siguientes notas van desfasadas una unidad respecto a las de los textos).

Pero, a pesar de estas erratas de edición, el libro es una maravilla, se lee en un santiamén (pues es muy corto y ameno de leer) y lo recomiendo a los fans del artista.

[Antholo · Rating 3 out of 5]

A partir de los años 90 algunos temas de Michael Jackson empezaron a ser un grito de indignación, una crítica y ataque directo contra el Sistema del que formamos parte y nos rige deteriorando a nosotros mismos y nuestro medio ambiente. Estos mensajes desafiantes envueltos en una música de gran calidad en boca del mejor Artista vivo del momento generó una réplica que acabó dándole muchos quebraderos de cabeza con su discográfica mediante censuras,( el single de Earth Song no salió en EE.UU) acusaciones falsas por parte de poderosos lobbys gestores de los medios de comunicación y la consiguiente omisión de sus méritos por parte de la industria musical como represalia. Earth Song posiblemente sea una obra maestra reconocida por la mayoría de críticos de la música como un himno, los cuales son incapaces de clasificar en unas pocas etiquetas por la gran variedad de estilos que mezcla en sus más de 6 minutos de duración.
Michael pese a no considerarse un gran compositor como para ganar un Novel de literatura ( Bob Dylan) sus canciones las llenaba de mensajes sencillos y directos con una melodía pegadiza con el objetivo de llegar y ser reconocible por el máximo público posible.

El autor afirma que Earth Song fue la última canción que ensayó para los conciertos This Is It en Londres antes de su asesinato.

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This account of the conception (1988), birth (1991) and debut (1995) of the HIStory track, "Earth Song," opened my eyes to Michael's musical craftmanship, his incredible collaborations with cream of the crop musicians, and how he used the power of music to convey his ultimate message for the world: global social awareness and unity. It highlights first-hand experiences of musicians who worked with and admired Michael's innate genius...how they molded and eventually perfected the piece... and it strongly shows, without a doubt, that this song remains his most important achievement. (He wanted to end his planned This Is It concerts in London with this performance.)

[janie love · Rating 5 out of 5]

cooooooool