Michael’s most underrated songs #9: “Unbreakable”
Tonight, we’re going to talk about one more MJ underrated song. First of all, we must start by mentioning what we mean by the word “underrated”. “Underrated” means not given enough recognition for its quality and specifically in this case, it means that a released Michael Jackson song has not been recognized enough by radio airplays, music critics or the music industry in general. Our main focus is “Unbreakable”.
“Unbreakable” is the first song in Michael’s tenth and final studio album “Invincible”, written and produced mainly by Michael and Rodney Jerkins. Truth be told, the whole album can be considered as underrated, due to Michael’s dispute with Sony resulting in the company boycotting and finally stopping the promotion campaign. It was a promising album with new modern sounds disproving Michael’s critics that his time was gone and showing that he could adjust and shine in every music era. Michael wanted “Unbreakable” to be the first single of the album and pass the powerful message that no matter how they try to put him down, he will always rise up. Not to undermine the value of “You rock my world” which was ultimately the first released single, but when Michael’s instinct tells you something you should really listen to it. Imagine “Unbreakable” accompanied with a flawless short film that would show Michael’s ability to defy them all. The lyrics speak about his inner strength, how he deals with everything life throws at him and how he will continue to do the same. It is full of phrases which prove that he won’t allow himself to be destroyed in any way, like “Why can’t you see that you’ll never ever hurt me” and especially during the whole chorus declaring that “you can’t touch me, ‘cause I’m untouchable”, “you’ll never break me, ‘cause I’m unbreakable”. He uses irony towards his traitors, the media and the press who “hate it” and “can’t take it” the fact that Michael Jackson always comes back stronger than before. During the “I’m steady laughing, while surfacing” line of the song, we can hear him ironically laughing in the background. “You can try to stop me, but it won’t do a thing, no matter what you do, I’m still gonna be here” confirms once more both the title of the song and the title of the whole album. His comeback was meant to signal his invincibility. He later screams that “I’ma still remain the same, I’m unbreakable”, emphasizing in each of the word’s syllables.
The song featured a rap verse by the Notorious B.I.G. which originally appears on “You can’t stop the reign”. Some information say the short film was supposed to be directed by George Lucas and “was going to take place on a terrace of a building under construction, where some bullies would throw Michael down. After his crashing fall, his body parts would begin to join, while he turned into fire with a choreography that would be truly unforgettable.” That is why some people close to Michael have stated that they expected “Invincible” to become so successful that could surpass his previous record-breaking accomplishments. It was never performed live. Michael, despite Sony’s boycott, managed to sell a respectable amount of records and proved that his unique talent and his global family will always keep him going.
