Earth Song: Inside Michael Jackson's Magnum Opus [Kindle Edition]

Joseph Vogel (Author)

Book Description

Released in November of 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 (Man in the Music: The Creative Life & Work of Michael Jackson) 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.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Terrific! It was totally engaging to finally hear the complete story of 'Earth Song.' Vogel's perspective is amazing. What true insights he has uncovered." - Matt Forger, Technical Engineer for Thriller, Bad, Dangerous and HIStory

About the Author

Joseph Vogel is the author of five books, including Man in the Music: The Creative Life and Work of Michael Jackson and The Obama Movement. His work has appeared in The Atlantic, The Huffington Post, and PopMatters, among other publications. Vogel's books and articles have been translated into over a dozen languages. He lives in New York where he is an instructor at the University of Rochester.

Product Details

• File Size: 208 KB
• Print Length: 130 pages
• Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B0057HM6EY
• Text-to-Speech: Enabled
• X-Ray: Not Enabled
• Lending: Enabled
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #237,617 Paid in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Paid in Kindle Store)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

47 of 47 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Profound and inspiring exegesis revealing rich layers of meaning June 24, 2011

By Constance

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

"Earth Song: Inside Jackson's Magnum Opus" by author, academic and scholar Joseph Vogel is in itself a work of art. The emotive power in Vogel's distinctive writing style reveals a coupling and mastery of both literary criticism and spiritual exegesis. What a rare and potent combination! I find myself wanting many more of these insightful pieces in the future. Vogel fully succeeds in illuminating Jackson's music, lyrics, and performance by leading us through a fascinating journey from inception to completion of the creative process. Vogel's language synthesizes for the reader carefully researched biographical information, insightful musical explication, as well as spiritual thought.

I deeply appreciate the way the author establishes Jackson, not only as a musical savant, but also positions him as a fine artist of stature among a constituency of greats (an eclectic and profound millieu of such artists as Blake, Picasso, Michelangel, poet Wordsworth, and composer Beethoven among others). This innovative approach challenges the reader to expand his or her understanding of the artist's work and of his significant place in cultural history. The piece triggers the reader to step over the threshold of prior literal limitations and into a much more expansive consciousness of Jackson's art as it is situated amidst the panoramic landscape of centuries of art, literature, and music. The author's scriptural references, such as a quote from the story of Job, beautifully express Jackson's presence as a prophetic troubadour soulfully attempting to guide humanity into the next millennium and beyond. I also appreciate Vogel reminding us of Jackson's tragic "struggle against fate," in the classic Greek or Shakespearean sense.... A close reading of Vogel's piece offers a revelatory experience for fans and scholars alike. Vogel's piece offers Jackson a respect and fairness that is long overdo. This book is a groundbreaking exegesis on the artistry and humanitarian message inherent Jackson's iconic "Earth Song," and will go far to eradicate the cruel and duplicitous writings of prior authors and journalist. (I was honored to have an excerpt from a recent conference presentation cited in this.)

Michael Jackson's art has impacted my life in immeasurable ways and his artistic presence on this earth has illuminated new dimensions regarding the archetypal themes of suffering and transcendence. He was an authentic artistic visionary and a global healer of our time. For all of this, I will be forever grateful ... And grateful to writer Joseph Vogel for his all encompassing literary vision and his talent, insight, and devotion to truth regarding this artist. Read more ›

27 of 27 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Finally, a fair analysis of Earth Song June 23, 2011

By R. Meek

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Joe Vogel traces the history of Michael Jackson's Earth Song in a beautifully written essay. He dissects the deeply nuanced work to reveal the true artistry that is Michael Jackson. The analysis Vogel offers and the interviews he conducted as part of his critical review clearly demonstrate that earlier, dismissive assessments of this Magnum Opus miss the mark entirely. If this is any indication of what readers can expect from Man in the Music: The Creative Life and Work of Michael Jackson expected later this year, we are all in for an engaging, informative and thorough review of Michael's extraordinary body of work.

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Very complete and informative story behind Michael Jackson's Earth Song June 23, 2011

By Martha

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I agree with R. Meeks and Gigi's reviews. This article was so complete with stories, interesting quotes, and a fresh analysis of this very fine artistic work from Michael Jackson. I loved reading every word and was very touched by what I read. You won't be disappointed. Can't wait for this new book!

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Finally! This is what Michael deserved! Magnificent! June 26, 2011

By FelineFatale

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When I hear beautiful music, I can't help but wonder how it came into being. What was the person thinking and doing at that moment?

From all that I read about Michael Jackson, he undeniably believed beautiful music is always there....waiting to be "plucked" out of the Universe's opulent garden of creation. Of course, not just anyone can recognize this delightful bounty. I believe that certain individuals are chosen and through the mighty swirl of cosmic energy, the creator and creation unite to passionately give birth to the symphony of sound. Mr. Vogel, your many interviews and exhaustive research into Earth Song reveal the incredible gift of genius and artistic expression that IS Michael Jackson.

I don't remember when I first heard or watched Earth Song but I do remember being drawn in by the sounds and vivid images and the plaintive opening chords. I immediately recognized Michael's voice so I watched. The song stayed with me for days. In so many ways Michael Jackson is a kindred spirit. What humanity is doing to this precious planet breaks my heart. If you care, you cannot watch Earth Song, absorb the overwhelming music and words, and not feel this man's deep anguish and pleadings for us to wake up from our apathetic sleep and do our part to address the ills of the planet. What makes Earth Song so incredibly moving is that it resonates from his soul. Only a gifted artist, a person filled with emotion and compassion, could bear his soul and become the channel through which God speaks.

Being a part of the entire creative process which conceived and nurtured Earth Song must have been pure ecstasy.... I close my eyes and imagine Michael Jackson, singing in the darkness, ignited by the fire of passion, pouring his whole being into the words and melodic expression of Earth Song. I've since listened to it countless times, watched him perform it during many concerts and each and every time I am lifted up and carried to another place, wanting to raise my voice and hands to the heavens and shout...What about us? Every time a majestic elephant is shot by a poacher for its ivory tusks, or a swath of irreplaceable forest is burned in the Amazon jungle to make way for a palm oil plantation, I grieve for the many creatures who lived there and must now search desperately for a new home. He pleads, "Do you ever stop to notice all the children dead from war? Do you ever stop to notice the crying Earth, its weeping shores?" I think about how mankind continues to take--to plunder and exploit--in the mistaken name of progress. I feel the pain and despair that Michael surely felt from the depth of his soul.

This was a man who lived and and breathed compassion and love. Even as a tiny child watching television with his mother, he would cry at images of starving and sick children in advertisements for humanitarian efforts. The gifts he gave us through his unforgettable music and his often overlooked humanitarian efforts in visiting children's hospitals and orphanages, his unselfish donation of millions of dollars from concerts to children's causes, and his soul-stirring images at these hospitals, handing out toys and sweetly holding and kissing babies and toddlers clearly reveal a rare and precious human being. Yet for more than four decades this gentle, kind man was cruelly dehumanized and trashed by an ignorant populace addicted to tabloid lies and sensationalism. Were we all watching the same thing? How could so many get it so wrong?

I tell myself I don't have a favorite Michael Jackson song but I have to be honest--I do. Earth Song IS Michael Jackson! It represents so much of who he was (is!). Imagine life without beautiful music. I can't. The more I study Michael Jackson's life, the more perfectly I understand his heartfelt message of love. He knew that music is the universal language of love; that every human being is moved by, or touched in some way by music.

I count myself so fortunate and privileged to have lived during this time--to experience the music of Michael Jackson, the beauty of his loving nature. I'm so deeply grateful that he lived among us for a brief time. His final arrangement of Earth Song for the ill-fated This Is It concerts is one of his most brilliant musical triumphs. The beautiful, innocent little girl touches a nerve that many believed to be numb.

Mr. Vogel, I cannot thank you enough for capturing this beautiful musical creation in such amazing detail and with such vivid expression. Michael Jackson's brilliant, compassionate legacy will live forever because people like you will ensure that it does.

Your book will be transforming!

God bless you! Read more ›

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A must read...The story behind Earth Song is fascinating June 24, 2011

By Mellow Rose

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While reading Joe Vogel's piece, I stopped a few times to reflect on the song: The first time I heard the song, what it meant for me then (1995), and how this newly discovered information is reshaping my view and appreciation of the song.

I also stopped reading several times so I could listen to the song...trying to decipher each instrument mentioned in Mr Vogel's analysis. I appreciate the song a lot more knowing all the subtle details & sounds MJ put in it.

I would love for the author to do a similar analysis with Stranger in Moscow, Someone put your hand out, Scared of the moon...or better yet, all Michael Jackson-written songs.

Thank you Mr Vogel for this wonderful gift on the eve of Michael's passing.

Needless to say, I am now more anxious for the upcoming book.

Thank you Michael for such an inspiring legacy!

More About the Author

Joseph Vogel is the author of five books, including Man in the Music: The Creative Life and Work of Michael Jackson and The Obama Movement. His work has appeared in The Atlantic, The Huffington Post, and PopMatters, among other publications. His writing interests lie at the intersection of American music, literature, film and popular culture. Vogel's books and articles have been translated into over a dozen languages. In 2012, he was featured in Spike Lee's critically acclaimed documentary, Michael Jackson: Bad 25. He currently lives in New York where he teaches at the University of Rochester.