Anyone aware of MJ’s ongoing feud with the tabloid paparazzi will respect his demand for “Privacy.” He prays for “The Lost Children,” urging listeners to do the same as he validates the need for safe, healthy, supportive families (“Wishing them home/Home with their fathers/ Snug close and warm, loving their mothers”). Similar to his 1988 chart-topper “Man in the Mirror,” “Cry” wants people to make a difference in the world, pursue truth and care for others. He credits a woman with changing his life for the better on “You Rock My World.” In the wake of a partner’s deceit, the singer promises to remain “Unbreakable.” “You Are My Life” and “Speechless” could be romantic love songs or ambiguous expressions of spiritual praise.
On “Heaven Can Wait,” Jackson presumes control over his departure from earth and suggests that a mortal romance beats eternal bliss. He also describes a girl with “come-get-me thighs” (“Heartbreaker”), promises to haunt a rival (“Threatened”) and uses a powerful stereo system as a metaphor for sexual prowess (“2000 Watts”).
Androgynous and hypersculpted as he may be, Jackson makes great points here. He expresses sweet affection. He’s compassionate toward people in pain. Still, trouble spots make Invincible vulnerable to a discerning ear.
