Michael Jackson and Prince were two of the greatest musical geniuses of all time who emerged in the 1980s. Their music influenced generations of musicians that came after them, and both had a significant impact on the music industry. While their careers differed on the pathway to fame, their musical styles also diverged with Michael Jackson infusing R&B, pop, and rock, creating a unique sound synonymous with the 80s, while Prince blended an eclectic mix of genres, including funk, rock, pop, and soul. The two musicians have left behind significant legacies that will continue to shape the music industry.
Michael Jackson vs. Prince: A Musical Geniuses Comparison
The 1980s saw the emergence of two of the greatest musical geniuses of all time – Michael Jackson and Prince. Both had a significant impact on the music industry and influenced generations of musicians that came after them. Despite their similarities both in terms of their rise to fame and the decade they thrived in, they had very distinct styles that have shaped the music landscape to this day. Let’s take a closer look at the careers of Michael Jackson and Prince, and compare and contrast their contributions to music.
The Rise to Fame
Michael Jackson began his career as a child performer with the Jackson 5, and quickly became the standout star with hit songs like “ABC,” “I Want You Back,” and “Never Can Say Goodbye.” As he grew up, he embarked on a solo career and released his breakthrough album “Off the Wall” in 1979, which was a huge commercial success. This led to even greater success when he released “Thriller” in 1982, which became the best-selling album of all time, with hits like “Billie Jean,” “Beat It,” and “Thriller.”
Prince, on the other hand, had a more unconventional path to fame. He was a multi-instrumentalist and began his career by performing in bands in his native Minneapolis. He released his debut album “For You” in 1978, which received positive reviews, but it wasn’t until he released “Purple Rain” in 1984 that he became a global superstar. The accompanying movie and soundtrack album cemented his status as a musical icon, with hits like “When Doves Cry,” “Let’s Go Crazy,” and the title track “Purple Rain.”
Their Musical Styles
While both Michael Jackson and Prince were known for their catchy pop hits, they had very different musical styles. Michael Jackson infused R&B, pop, and rock music together, creating a unique sound that became synonymous with the 80s. He incorporated innovative dance routines into his live performances, and was known for his electrifying stage presence. He also wrote socially conscious songs like “Black or White,” “Earth Song,” and “Heal the World.”
Prince, on the other hand, was known for his eclectic mix of genres, including funk, rock, pop, and soul. He was a master of the guitar and often incorporated intricate guitar solos into his songs. He was also known for his sexually charged lyrics and androgynous fashion sense. Prince had a flamboyant and theatrical stage presence, with high energy performances that were full of surprises.
Their Legacy
Both Michael Jackson and Prince left a lasting legacy in music. Michael Jackson’s impact on pop music is undeniable. He broke down racial barriers in the music industry and paved the way for other black artists to be successful in the mainstream. He also inspired a generation of dancers with his innovative choreography. He remains one of the best-selling music artists of all time, with over 350 million records sold worldwide.
Prince, too, has had a significant impact on music. He challenged gender norms and was unapologetically himself, inspiring others to be true to themselves. He was a champion of artistic freedom, and famously fought for independence from record labels. He was also a trailblazer in embracing digital technologies, releasing his album “Crystal Ball” online years before it became commonplace for artists to do so. Prince’s influence can be heard in the music of artists like Beyoncé, Bruno Mars, and Janelle Monáe.
Conclusion
Michael Jackson and Prince were both musical geniuses who leave behind legacies that will continue to shape the music industry for years to come. While they had different styles and approaches, they both were unapologetically themselves and pushed boundaries in their own unique ways. Their contributions to music represent the very best of what it means to be an artist, and they will always be remembered as two of the greatest musicians of all time.