Music & Me into Michael Jackson’s Underappreciated Album

“Music & Me” stands as a poignant testament to Michael Jackson’s early explorations in music, marking his third studio album released under the renowned Motown label. Dropped on April 13, 1973, this album arrived at a crucial juncture in Jackson’s burgeoning career, just as he navigated the tumultuous waters of adolescence and evolving artistic aspirations. Despite its less celebrated status in Jackson’s discography, “Music & Me” encapsulates a period of emotional and creative searching for the young artist, who was only 14 at the time of its release.

Produced during a time when Jackson was undergoing significant vocal changes, the album reflects a blend of youthful innocence and a nascent sophistication in musical expression. Arranged by a team of seasoned professionals, including Dave Blumberg, Freddie Perren, Gene Page, and James Anthony Carmichael, the album presents a collection of tracks that range from soulful ballads to upbeat melodies. However, it remains one of the least commercially successful projects in Jackson’s career, with worldwide sales just surpassing 2 million copies—a modest figure compared to his later blockbuster releases.

The impact of “Music & Me” goes beyond mere sales figures; it provides a window into the early artistic struggles and the industry dynamics that shaped Michael Jackson’s path to stardom. Motown’s decision to restrict Jackson’s creative contributions—denying him the opportunity to write songs or play instruments on the album—played a pivotal role in his eventual move away from the label, seeking creative autonomy. This album, thus, not only chronicles a phase of artistic growth but also foreshadows the transformative changes that would propel Jackson to unprecedented heights in the music industry. As such, “Music & Me” serves as an essential chapter in understanding the evolution of Michael Jackson as an artist and a public figure.

Background

“Music & Me” was released during a particularly transformative period for Michael Jackson. At just 14 years old, Jackson was not only grappling with the typical challenges of adolescence but also confronting significant shifts in his vocal capabilities and the evolving landscape of the music industry. This period was marked by a growing desire for artistic independence—a yearning influenced heavily by fellow Motown artists like Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder, who were beginning to assert more control over their music.

Jackson’s aspirations to infuse more of his own creativity into his projects were met with resistance from Motown. Despite his proven talent and popularity, the label restricted his input in songwriting and instrumental involvement in “Music & Me.” This stifling of his artistic voice was a source of frustration for Jackson, which he often expressed to his father, Joe Jackson. These restrictions not only limited Jackson’s expression but also played a pivotal role in shaping his career trajectory. Joe Jackson eventually intervened, leading to efforts that would culminate in the termination of Michael’s and his brothers’ contracts with Motown, paving the way for more lucrative and creatively freeing contracts with Epic Records.

Video Album Details

“Music & Me” featured a mix of original tracks and covers that showcased Jackson’s vocal range and emotional depth. The track “With a Child’s Heart,” originally by Stevie Wonder, served as a notable single in the United States, reaching number 14 on Billboard’s Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and number 50 on the Billboard Hot 100. The album’s title track, “Music and Me,” along with “Morning Glow,” were released as singles in the United Kingdom but did not chart. Other tracks like “Too Young,” released as a single in Italy, and “Happy,” issued in Australia, highlight the global attempts to market Jackson’s evolving sound. A decade later, “Happy” was again released in the United Kingdom to promote Motown’s 18 Greatest Hits compilation, showing the enduring appeal of some of the album’s tracks.

The album was arranged by a team of accomplished musicians: Dave Blumberg, Freddie Perren, Gene Page, and James Anthony Carmichael. These arrangers brought diverse backgrounds and expertise to the project, shaping its sound to fit the Motown mold while attempting to accommodate Jackson’s evolving style. The musical arrangements on “Music & Me” were tailored to showcase Jackson’s vocal versatility, blending soulful expressions with pop sensibilities. Despite the limitations imposed by Motown, the album features a range of musical styles from upbeat tracks to more subdued and introspective pieces. The production aimed to highlight Jackson’s maturing voice while still capturing the innocence and youthfulness that had initially endeared him to the public.

The production and arrangement of “Music & Me” reflect the tension between Jackson’s personal artistic inclinations and the commercial strategies of Motown. While the album might not have achieved the commercial success or critical acclaim of Jackson’s later works, it represents an important phase in his artistic development. It showcases his ability to interpret a variety of musical styles and hints at the depth of creativity that would later become a hallmark of his music career. This early work is crucial for understanding the trajectory that led to Jackson’s monumental impact on music and culture worldwide.

Promotion

The promotional efforts for “Music & Me” were notably constrained, primarily due to Michael Jackson’s extensive commitments with The Jackson 5. At the time of the album’s release, Jackson was deeply involved in a world tour with his brothers, which significantly limited his availability for solo promotional activities. This lack of promotion inevitably impacted the album’s visibility and commercial reach.

Despite these challenges, a few singles from the album managed to make their mark on various charts. The Stevie Wonder cover, “With a Child’s Heart,” emerged as a highlight, performing reasonably well in the United States by reaching number 14 on Billboard’s Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and number 50 on the Billboard Hot 100. Other singles had more mixed success. In the United Kingdom, the tracks “Music and Me” and “Morning Glow” were released as singles but failed to secure a spot on the charts. Internationally, “Too Young” found a release in Italy, and “Happy” was issued in Australia, with “Doggin’ Around” seeing a limited release in the Netherlands. The varied chart performance across different regions underscores the challenges of promoting an album amidst the artist’s demanding tour schedule with a popular band.

CD Rerelease

Years after its initial release, “Music & Me” was reissued on CD, bringing several changes to the album’s presentation and track listing. This reissue was part of a broader effort by Motown Records to modernize and repurpose its back catalog for new audiences in the 1990s. The CD version included all tracks from the original 1973 release, except for “Doggin’ Around,” which was notably omitted. Additionally, the CD featured several more tracks from Jackson’s other albums, providing listeners with a more comprehensive collection of his early work.

One of the most visible changes in the CD reissue was the physical design. The text on the album cover was updated, and the shade of green used was altered to a darker tone, giving the album a fresh and modern look that contrasted with the original design. These aesthetic changes were not just superficial but were part of a strategy to rebrand older albums for newer generations who might not have been familiar with Jackson’s early work.

The track listing of the CD reissue was also expanded to include songs like “Rockin’ Robin,” “Shoo-Be-Doo-Be-Doo-Da-Day,” and “Ain’t No Sunshine,” among others. These additions were significant as they offered a broader glimpse into Jackson’s vocal range and artistic versatility. Not only did these tracks enrich the musical experience, but they also highlighted the breadth of Jackson’s talent beyond the initial scope of “Music & Me.”

The reissue of “Music & Me” on CD was an essential move by Motown to preserve and celebrate Michael Jackson’s legacy as a solo artist. It allowed new fans to explore his development and growth in the music industry, and provided long-time fans a nostalgic trip through his early artistic expressions. Although the album was not released on CD in the United States, its availability in other markets contributed to a renewed interest in Jackson’s early career and helped secure his status as a global music icon.

Overall, the limited promotion of the original release and the strategic reissue of “Music & Me” reflect the complexities of managing a music career that was intertwined with both group and solo dynamics. These efforts demonstrate the challenges and opportunities in promoting an artist who was part of a successful group while also trying to carve out his own identity as a solo performer.

Critical Reception

“Music & Me,” while not the commercial blockbuster that Michael Jackson would later achieve with albums like “Thriller” or “Bad,” still received a noteworthy reception from critics that highlighted its mixed bag of strengths and weaknesses. The album’s reviews from various prominent sources such as AllMusic, Entertainment Weekly, and The Village Voice provide a window into how Jackson’s early work was perceived in the broader context of his evolving career.

Ron Wiynn from AllMusic noted that the album’s songs “were undistinguished” and remarked on Jackson’s vocal performance, describing it as “tentative and uninterested.” Wiynn’s critique reflects a broader sentiment that, despite the young artist’s undeniable talent, the album did not fully showcase his capabilities. The production and arrangements were also seen as “routine at best, sometimes inferior,” indicating that the musical environment crafted for Jackson did not fully support or enhance his natural talent.

Conversely, Leah Greenblatt of Entertainment Weekly gave the album a B rating, pointing to its significance in the singer’s career as he began transitioning to more adult material. Greenblatt praised Jackson’s “deepening, more adult voice” and his contemplative approach to the title song among others. Her review highlights the emotional depth Jackson could convey even at a young age, suggesting that there were notable gems in the album that forecasted his potential as a solo artist.

Robert Christgau of The Village Voice offered a nuanced view, suggesting that while Jackson was not merely “the black Donny Osmond,” his capabilities as “a real interpreter” were not fully realized in this album. Christgau’s comments underscore the complex relationship between Jackson’s vocal talent and the material he was given to work with, a dynamic that would later shift as Jackson gained more control over his music.

Impact and Legacy

The impact and legacy of “Music & Me” are intricately tied to the broader arc of Michael Jackson’s career. Released when Jackson was still a part of The Jackson 5, the album serves as a pivotal point in his transition from a child star to a more mature artist. While it may not have achieved significant commercial success initially, its role in shaping Jackson’s artistic identity is undeniable.

Over the years, the reception of “Music & Me” has evolved, particularly following Jackson’s rise to superstardom. Fans and critics alike have revisited the album, often finding in it a deeper appreciation for its honest portrayal of a young artist at a crossroads. The album’s more subdued and introspective tracks, such as the title song “Music and Me,” have been highlighted as early indicators of Jackson’s profound emotional and musical depth.

Furthermore, the album’s initial mixed reception has come to be viewed in a different light, as it represents the struggle many child stars face in transitioning to adult careers. Jackson’s experiences with “Music & Me” informed his later decisions and his insistence on greater creative control, which would eventually lead to groundbreaking successes that transformed the music industry.

The legacy of “Music & Me” is also seen in how it reflects the challenges of the music business during the 1970s, especially for artists trying to break out of predetermined roles. It showcases the early stages of what would become a hallmark of Jackson’s career: his ability to blend soul, pop, and later, rock elements into a distinctive sound that appealed to a broad audience.

In retrospect, “Music & Me” may not be the most celebrated chapter in Michael Jackson’s musical journey, but it is undoubtedly a crucial one. It represents both a moment of artistic search and a stepping stone that paved the way for his remarkable evolution as a global music icon.

Sales and Certifications

“Music & Me” had a modest performance in terms of sales and certifications, especially when compared to the monumental success of Michael Jackson’s later albums. After its release in 1973, the album managed to sell over 2 million copies worldwide, a respectable figure but relatively low for an artist of Jackson’s stature. In the United States, the album’s sales were somewhat underwhelming, with it eventually accumulating around 80,000 certified units. Despite its global reach, the album did not receive any significant certifications, reflecting its status as one of Jackson’s lower-selling efforts.

When placed alongside Jackson’s later works, the commercial performance of “Music & Me” pales in comparison. Albums like “Thriller,” “Bad,” and “Off the Wall” not only achieved multi-platinum statuses but also cemented Jackson’s reputation as a global superstar. “Thriller,” for instance, remains the world’s best-selling album of all time, with estimated sales of over 66 million copies, illustrating a stark contrast to the relatively humble figures of “Music & Me.”

Reflecting on its place within Michael Jackson’s discography, “Music & Me” occupies a unique position. It is often overshadowed by the later commercial juggernauts but remains a critical piece of Jackson’s musical narrative. The album captures a young artist in transition, exploring his vocal and emotional range, albeit within the constraints imposed by his label at the time. It represents a formative period in Jackson’s career where he was beginning to find his voice and artistic identity, which would later flourish spectacularly.

The significance of “Music & Me” in Jackson’s musical development cannot be overstated. Though it was not a major commercial success, it provided him with the necessary platform to experiment with different musical styles and themes. This exploration was crucial for his growth as a musician and a performer, setting the stage for his evolution into a more autonomous and influential artist in the music industry. The struggles and limitations he faced during the production of this album likely fueled his later decisions to seek more control over his music, which would become a defining feature of his career.

Today, “Music & Me” is remembered with a mix of nostalgia and respect among fans and critics. For avid followers of Jackson, the album is a reminder of his early years—an era of innocence and discovery before he became the King of Pop. It is often revisited not just for the songs themselves but for the story they tell about Jackson’s journey. Critics, too, have come to view the album more favorably over time, recognizing its role in the broader context of Jackson’s artistic development.

Moreover, “Music & Me” serves as a testament to Jackson’s enduring impact on music and culture. It highlights his beginnings as a solo artist and showcases his potential that would soon translate into international stardom. For new listeners, the album offers a glimpse into the early days of a legend, providing a deeper understanding of his roots and the path he traveled to achieve greatness.

In conclusion, while “Music & Me” may not be the most celebrated album in Michael Jackson’s illustrious career, it is an essential chapter that offers invaluable insights into his formative years as an artist. Its legacy, though subtle, is woven into the fabric of his musical identity, reminding us of his humble beginnings and his journey to becoming one of the most iconic figures in the history of music.