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| Last single = "[[You Are Not Alone]]"<br/>(1995)
| Last single = "[[You Are Not Alone]]"<br/>(1995)
| This single = "'''Earth Song'''"<br/>(1995)
| This single = "'''Earth Song'''"<br/>(1995)
| Next single = "[[They Don't Care About Us]]"<br/>(1996)
| Next single = "[[This Time Around (Michael Jackson song)|This Time Around]]"<br/>(1995)
| Misc = {{Extra tracklisting
| Misc = {{Extra tracklisting
| Album = [[HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I]]
| Album = [[HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I]]

Revision as of 16:18, 18 July 2009

"Earth Song"
Song

"Earth Song" is the third single from Michael Jackson's album HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I. It is a ballad that incorporates elements of blues, gospel and opera. Jackson had a long-standing history of releasing socially conscious material such as "We Are the World", "Man in the Mirror" and "Heal the World". However, "Earth Song" was the first that overtly dealt with the environment and animal welfare. The song was written and composed by Jackson; the task of production was split between Jackson, David Foster and Bill Bottrell.

Reviews were generally favorable, but some charged that the song sounded pompous, even if unintentional. "Earth Song" was accompanied by a lavish music video shot on four geographical regions. It centered around the destruction and rebirth of Earth and went on to receive a Grammy nomination in 1997. The song was a top five hit in most European countries. In the UK, it remains Jackson's best-selling single. "Earth Song" was not released as a single in the United States.

When Jackson performed the song at the 1996 BRIT Awards, Jarvis Cocker attemped to interrupt the show and stormed the stage, offended with the imagery presented. Jackson went on to receive recognition from various animal and environmental organizations.

Background

Jackson already had a long-standing history of writing charitable or socially conscious material. As an adult Jackson used his fame and wealth to promote various causes. In 1985, he co-wrote the charity single "We Are the World" with Lionel Richie, which was released worldwide to aid the poor in Africa and the US. The single became one of the best-selling singles of all time, with nearly 20 million copies sold and millions of dollars donated to famine relief. It was also the first time Jackson was seen as a humanitarian.[1] All of the profits from his single "Man in the Mirror" went to charity.[2][3] Jackson founded the "Heal the World Foundation" in 1992, inspired by his charity single of the same name.[4][5]

Following the illness and death of Ryan White, Jackson helped draw public attention to HIV/AIDS, something that was still controversial at the time. He publicly pleaded with the Clinton Administration at Bill Clinton's Inaugural Gala to give more money to HIV/AIDS charities and research. He would go on to write the song "Gone Too Soon" for White and other victims of the illness.[6][7]

Production and music

"Earth Song" was written and composed by Jackson; production of the song was a collaborative effort between Jackson, David Foster and Bill Bottrell.[8] Andrae Crouch's Choir and Jackson engage in a back and forth chant as the song reaches it's climatic finale.[9] Jackson's intent was to create a song that was lyrically deep yet melodically simple, so the whole world, particularly non-English-speaking fans, could sing along. He conceptualized a song that had an emotional message.[10] "Earth Song" is a ballad that incorporates elements of blues, gospel and opera. In the socially conscious track, Jackson issues a plea to God about problems ranging from war to endangered animals.[11][12][13][14]

Reception

Critical

"Earth Song"
Introduction to "Earth Song", penned by Jackson, it became the third single from HIStory. The singer mixes elements of blues, gospel and opera, preaching directly to God.
Problems playing this file? See media help.

James Hunter of Rolling Stone stated, "The slow blues-operatic 'Earth Song' for all its noble sentiments, sounds primarily like a showpiece".[12] Deepika Reddy of The Daily Collegian expressed the opinion that someone other than Jackson pushed to have "Earth Song" in the final album selection for commercial appeal.[15] A San Jose Mercury News review called it "flat" and "whiny", believing Jackson had already experimented with these concepts earlier in his career.[16]

The Philadelphia Inquirer described the track as "a healing, rhythmic ballad that evokes religious imagery".[14] A review in The Sacramento Bee was favorable, describing Jackson's vocal performance as "cool".[17] Michael Mehle of Rocky Mountain News described the finale as "anthemic" and a "powerful gospel opus".[13] A Ledger-Enquirer review observed of "Earth Song", "[it] enjoys the same kind of subtlety, building to a dramatic call-and-response finish with the Andrae Crouch Choir".[9] Contra Costa Times's review called it "a bit sappy and overblown" but also acknowledged that it was "epic" and destined to be a "massive smash hit".[18]

Commercial

"Earth Song" remains Jackson's best selling single in the UK, where it sold more than one million copies. It debuted at number one, where it remained for six weeks throughout December 1995—beating the U2/Brian Eno project Passengers in competition to win the Christmas number one spot—and into the new year.[19][20] During its stay at number one, "Earth Song" kept the first single released by The Beatles in 25 years, "Free as a Bird", off the number one position. In early December, bookmakers correctly predicted that Jackson would keep The Beatles off the top position and go on to attain the Christmas number-one single.[21][22]

The song also took the number one position in Spain and Switzerland, peaking within the top five in almost every European state.[23] The song was only released to radio in the U.S., appearing on the Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart.[24]

In 2006, "Earth Song" reached number 55 on the Eurochart Hot 100 Singles chart, following the Visionary: The Video Singles campaign, whereby 20 of Jackson's hit singles from the 1980s–1990s were reissued in several European countries.[25]

Environmental recognition

Jackson received the Genesis Award: 1995 Doris Day Music Award, given each year for animal sensitivity.[19] In 2008, a writer for the Nigeria Exchange noted, "'Earth Song' drew the world's attention to the degradation and bastardization of the earth as a fall out of various human activities".[26]

Music video

Jackson walking in a burnt down forest, this section of the music video was simulated in a corn field.

The music video for "Earth Song," directed by fine art photographer Nick Brandt, was expensive and well-received; it gained a Le Film Fantastique: Best Video Award in 1996 and a Grammy nomination for Best Music Video, Short Form in 1997. The production had an environmental theme, showing images of animal cruelty, deforestation, pollution and war. Jackson and the world's people unite in a spiritual chant—"Earth Song"—which summons a force that heals the world. Using special effects, time is reversed so that life returns, war ends and the forests regrow. The video closes with a request for donations to Jackson's Heal the World Foundation.[19][27] The clip was shown infrequently in the United States.[28]

The video was filmed in four geographic regions. The first location was the Amazon Rainforest, where a large part was destroyed a week after the video's completion. Natives of the region appeared in the video and were not actors. The second scene was a war zone in Croatia, with residents of the area. The third location was Tanzania, which incorporated scenes of illegal poaching and hunting into the video. No animals were harmed in the making of the "Earth Song", as the footage came from documentary archives. However, a poacher killed an elephant within a mile of the shot. The final location was in Warwick, New York, where a safe forest fire was simulated in a corn field.[27]

BRIT awards

Jackson during a performance of "Earth Song" at the HIStory Tour. The singer dangled from the edge of a crane in a similar manner at the Brit Awards.

In 1996, Jackson performed "Earth Song" at the BRIT Awards, he was also there to collect a special "Artist of a Generation" award. Jackson sang while dangling off the edge of a high rise crane lift. Below, a chorus of people joined the performance and many of them began to physically embrace Jackson upon his descent. In response to the performance, an intoxicated Jarvis Cocker jumped onto the stage, without permission, and began to swear at Jackson with the use of fingers. Jarvis had to be physically removed from the stage by security guards and in the process three children were injured. Jarvis explained that he found the performance offensive, that Jackson portrayed himself as Christ-like and could do as he pleased because of his immense wealth and power.[19][29][30]

Commentator John Street, in his published piece Politics and Popular Culture, stated "But to read popular culture as a straight forward text is to take a very narrow view of its meaning, and hence of its political message. As we have noted, the text's meaning will depend on how it is heard and read. Michael Jackson may have intended his 'Earth Song' to be an exercise in compassion; others–like Jarvis Cocker–saw it quite differently. One reason these alternative readings emerge is because of the way the performance of popular culture engages more than a literal text, it employs gestures and symbols, tones of voice, looks and glances, all of which might tell a different story".[31]

Charts

Chart (1995) Peak
position
Australian ARIA Singles Chart[23] 15
Austrian Singles Chart[23] 2
Belgian (Flanders) Singles Chart[23] 4
Belgian (Wallonia) Singles Chart[23] 2
Dutch Singles Chart[23] 3
Eurochart Hot 100 Singles[25] 55
Finnish Singles Chart[23] 8
French Singles Chart[23] 2
Italian Singles Chart[23] 15
New Zealand RIANZ Singles Chart[23] 4
Norwegian Singles Chart[23] 4
Spanish Singles Chart[23] 1
Swedish Singles Chart[23] 4
Swiss Singles Chart 1[32]
UK Singles Chart[23] 1
U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Music/Club Play[24] 32
Chart (2009) Peak
position
Danish Singles Chart[23] 32
Swiss Singles Chart 4[32]
UK Singles Chart 33[33]

Certifications

Country Certification Sales
Germany 2X Platin 1,000,000 [34]
Switzerland Platin 50,000 [35]

Credits

  • Written and composed by Michael Jackson
  • Produced by Michael Jackson and David Foster
  • Co-produced by Bill Bottrell
  • Piano by David Paich
  • Bass by Guy Pratt

Notes

  1. ^ Taraborrelli, p. 340–344
  2. ^ "Blacks who give back". Ebony. 1990. Retrieved July 23, 2008. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help); Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  3. ^ Taraborrelli, p. 382
  4. ^ George, p. 45–46
  5. ^ Harrington, Richard (February 5, 1992). "Jackson to Tour Overseas". The Washington Post. {{cite news}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help); Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  6. ^ "Stars line up for Clinton celebration". Daily News of Los Angeles. January 19, 1993. {{cite news}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help); Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  7. ^ Smith, Patricia (January 20, 1992). "Facing the music and the masses at the presidential gala". The Boston Globe. {{cite news}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help); Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  8. ^ Jackson, Michael. HIStory booklet. Sony BMG. p 36
  9. ^ a b "Jackson disappoints with HIStory". Ledger Enquirer. June 23, 1995. Retrieved November 13, 2008. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  10. ^ Grant, Adrian (1998). Michael Jackson : Making History. Omnibus Press. ISBN 0711967237.
  11. ^ Pareles, Jon (June 18, 1995). "Pop View; Michael Jackson Is Angry, Understand?". The New York Times. Retrieved December 05, 2008. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  12. ^ a b Hunter, James (August 10, 1995). "Michael Jackson HIStory". Rolling Stone. Retrieved July 23, 2008. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  13. ^ a b Mehle, Michael (June 20, 1995). "Can Michael Jackson make a comeback?". Rocky Mountain News. Retrieved November 13, 2008. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  14. ^ a b "Jackson promises new CD in spring". The Philadelphia Inquirer. February 25, 1995. Retrieved 2008-08-18. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  15. ^ Reddy, Deepika (June 23, 1995). "Jackson's latest lives up to his character". The Daily Collegian. Retrieved December 05, 2008. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  16. ^ "Is Michael Jackson HIStory?". San Jose Mercury News. June 19, 1995. Retrieved December 05, 2008. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  17. ^ "Michael Jackson back from Neverland..." The Sacramento Bee. June 20, 1995. Retrieved November 13, 2008. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  18. ^ "HIStory's a Thriller". Contra Costa Times. June 18, 1995. Retrieved November 13, 2008. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  19. ^ a b c d George, p. 48–50
  20. ^ "MJ visionary". Sony BMG. Retrieved November 05, 2008. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  21. ^ Hinckley, Davis (December 5, 1995). "Extra! Extra!". New York Daily News. Retrieved November 15, 2008. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  22. ^ British Hit Singles and Albums. Guinness World Records. 2006. p. 49. ISBN 1-904994-10-5.
  23. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o "M. Jackson - Earth Song (nummer)". www.ultratop.be. Retrieved November 09, 2008. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  24. ^ a b "Artist Chart History - Michael Jackson". Billboard. Nielsen Business Media. Retrieved November 11, 2008.
  25. ^ a b "European Hot 100 Singles - Earth Song - Michael Jackson". Billboard. Nielsen Business Media. Retrieved December 05, 2008. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  26. ^ Sylva, Ifedigbo (October 27, 2008). "Scammers New Anthem; "Mugu Don Pay !!!". Nigeria Exchange. Retrieved December 05, 2008. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  27. ^ a b Michael Jackson HIStory on Film volume II VHS/DVD
  28. ^ "History on Film, Vol. 2". Billboard. Nielsen Business Media. Retrieved September 15, 2008.
  29. ^ Pinkerton, Lee (1997). The Many Faces of Michael Jackson. Music Sales Distribution. p. 55. ISBN 0711967830.
  30. ^ "Brits behaving badly". BBC. March 4, 2003. Retrieved December 05, 2008. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  31. ^ Street, John (1997). Politics and Popular Culture. Temple University Press. p. 36. ISBN 1566396034.
  32. ^ a b "Swiss Singles Chart Archives". hitparade.ch. Retrieved July 18, 2009.
  33. ^ "UK Singles Chart". The Official UK Charts Company. Retrieved 6 July 2009.
  34. ^ Bundesverband Musikindustrie
  35. ^ [1]

References

Preceded by UK Christmas number-one single

"Earth Song"
1995

Succeeded by
Preceded by UK Singles Chart number-one single
December 3, 1995 - January 7, 1996 		Succeeded by
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Earth_Song&oldid=302790506"