Here we go. Who will emerge on top? Michael Joseph Jackson or Prince Rogers Nelson.
Influence:
Like most of these categories, both of these artists have left huge influence on music. We don't really see any bands that sound quite like them. Michael Jackson's style seems to have more of a presence of modern pop bands, but you could say that Prince's sound was so extraordinary that no one could properly do it justice. I'm not gonna give Michael Jackson the point because his music is more accessible. His dancing has become wildly famous, were aiming for music. Overall, Prince can't really compare to the influence around R&B becoming one of the dominant genres. I guess that counts.
Jackson 1, Prince 0
Originality: Sort of a tough one. Everything about Jackson was original, from his songs to his dancing. Prince also ranks high in this contest, with an incredible fusion of rock, funk, soul, and synthpop. Michael Jackson's originality is somewhat tough to recognize with everyone trying to copy him. But it is still there. However, I think I have to go with Prince, because know has been able to get down what he did.
Jackson 1, Prince 1
Cultural Impact: No question. Thriller is still selling to this day, and people are still crazy about Michael Jackson even after his death.
Jackson 2, Prince 1
Songwriting: Michael Jackson had some really great singles under his belt back in the 80's. While they aren't as original as Prince's that doesn't mean they can't be better. Occasionally, Prince's work does get kind of too experimental to listen to when he tries to put out a really bad triple album with a goofy looking symbol on the front. But at least he was always trying. Michael Jackson always stuck around the same territory. While "Billie Jean" and "Beat It" are fantastic staples of pop music, I'm gonna go with the guy who writes all his own stuff, Prince.
Jackson 2, Prince 2
Here we go. The tie breaker. Here we put Thriller and Purple Rain against each other track by track.
Wanna Be Startin Somethin vs. Let's Go Crazy
Let's Go Crazy just kicks in into high gear in what is arguably, Prince's iconic song. And he knew it was good because it was in the Purple Rain trailer (you know cause the album's actually a soundtrack for the movie). Wanna Be Startin Somethin is easily one of Michael Jackson's most underrated cuts, but it can't compare to the power of Prince's opening.
Jackson 2, Prince 3
Baby Be Mine vs. Take Me With U
Even though I don't this to be too lopsided, this is an easy give to Prince again. Baby Be Mine is one of Jackson's filler cuts in my opinion.
Jackson 2, Prince 4
The Girl Is Mine vs. The Beautiful Ones
Things are starting to turn in Jackson's favor. The Beautiful Ones leaks a bit too much into acid synth territory to be honest. Plus, The Girl Is Mine has got Paul McCartney, that's a plus.
Jackson 3, Prince 4
Thriller vs. Computer Blue
Another track that I always found kind of odd. Computer Blue is the only song on the record that I flat out dislike. Thriller doesn't even need the video to be considered one of Jackson's finest songs (which he didn't write).
Jackson 4, Prince 4
Beat It vs. Darling Nikki
Damn. This is tough. Two very, very, very good cuts off of both albums. Both are radio staples, and both have great rock input. I think I'll hand this to Beat It, due it's Eddie Van Halen solo.
Jackson 5, Prince 4
Billie Jean vs. When Doves Cry.
Damn. Damn. Damn. Both artists iconic songs going head to head. But, in this case, I'll give this one to the most iconic single of all time. That's tough to beat.
Jackson 6, Prince 4
Human Nature vs. I Would Die 4 U
Most of side two of Thriller is more of a package for the hits, as with most pop albums. I Would Die 4 U is kind of stretched in its length, but it can beat a track this weak.
Jackson 6, Prince 5
P.Y.T. vs. Baby I'm A Star
P.Y.T. is one of side two's better cuts, but it is hard to argue with an anthem like this. Behind Cry, Crazy, and Rain this is Purple Rain's best cut. PYT is ranked fifth in Thriller's.
Jackson 6, Prince 6
The Lady In My Life vs. Purple Rain
A roaring anthem/ballad that sums up the whole album vs. the most forgettable track. Easy pick.
Final: Jackson 6, Prince 7
The better artist is Prince (and the Revolution). He's the more creative, the more daring, the more diverse, and he writes his own material. I'm surprised and pleased. I honestly expected Michael Jackson to win in a landslide, and after all, I'm a much bigger Prince fan than Michael Jackson. To the millions of Michael Jackson fans, hey he's still awesome. To the millions of Prince fans like me, the day is ours. Now, go and Kiss in your Little Red Corvettes out in the Purple Rain. Just, no symbols that nobody can pronounce.
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