It’s not bad music, but the idea that Chris is on Michael Jackson’s level artistically needs to be deaded now and forever.
Dude is a top-tier entertainer, no question. One of the best modern dancers we’ve seen, and he’s got serious performance ability. But when you look at it from a pure music standpoint, it doesn’t really stack up at that legendary, generational level.
A lot of his tracks, especially over the last decade or so, start to run together. Same type of production, same structure, just slightly tweaked hooks and different beats. It’s a consistent sound, but not really a lot of range or evolution that pushes boundaries. Take any of these tracks—you can easily place them on his last 3–4 albums without any noticeable difference.
And honestly, that’s fine with me coming from a singer like him. It’s fun, disposable, fast-food, Happy Meal music. Same as R. Kelly at his peak. The problem is these superfans don’t realize Michael Bay is not Martin Scorsese.
