Clinton Khee

Michael Jackson's HIStory is an emotionally charged, cathartic journey, beginning with an industrial scream and ending with a serene smile. From the outset, "Scream" blasts through the speakers with industrial beats and a biting intensity, as Jackson and his sister Janet join forces to take aim at the relentless scrutiny and pressure they faced in the public eye. Michael's sharp lyrics—“Tired of injustice / Tired of the schemes”—immediately confront the injustices he experienced, while Janet echoes the mental toll of constantly being in the spotlight. This anger and frustration are echoed throughout the album, with tracks like "This Time Around" and "2 Bad" addressing betrayal and false accusations. The standout "Tabloid Junkie" attacks the media's obsession with sensationalism over truth. Jackson is mad as hell, yet he retains his signature ability to wrap venomous critiques in infectious melodies, making these heavy themes danceable and engaging. But HIStory isn’t just about Jackson’s personal struggles. On the politically charged “They Don’t Care About Us,” Jackson takes his own experiences and expands them to address broader issues of social injustice, racial profiling, and police brutality. The song’s defiant rhythms and searing lyrics still resonate today, finding new life amid modern civil rights movements. One of the album’s most powerful moments comes with “Earth Song,” where Jackson moves beyond personal grievances to address global concerns. It’s a haunting, orchestral plea for environmental awareness, culminating in a choral crescendo that blends both lullaby and requiem. There are also quieter, reflective tracks, like "Childhood," where Jackson lays bare the emotional scars of his early fame, and the delicate "Little Susie," whose somber tones add balance to the album’s intensity. Meanwhile, “Stranger in Moscow” is arguably one of Jackson’s finest, offering a haunting reflection on isolation and loneliness. It's a beautifully composed piece that showcases Jackson's ability to craft raw, emotional narratives. The album also includes unexpected choices, like Jackson's cover of The Beatles' "Come Together," and the hit ballad "You Are Not Alone." While the latter is more in line with the R&B style of the mid-'90s, it feels safer compared to the more experimental and intense moments on the album. Closing with the Charlie Chaplin classic “Smile,” Jackson offers a final note of optimism, despite the emotional turmoil that precedes it. This juxtaposition of struggle and hope underscores the album’s narrative arc. HIStory is more than a collection of songs—it’s a bold response to the pressures Jackson faced, a reflection on the darker side of fame, and a plea for justice. The album showcases Jackson at his most raw, direct, and vulnerable, making it an essential artifact in understanding his artistry and the personal battles he waged during his career.