25 Years Ago, Michael Jackson Released His 10th and Final Album, “Invincible”, Sparking a Bitter Public Feud with Sony

Michael Jackson’s final studio album, ‘Invincible’, was launched on October 30, 2001, marking his tenth and last album released during his lifetime. This album, featuring 16 songs, has since become a significant part of his discography, despite the controversies that surrounded it.

The production of ‘Invincible’ was notably ambitious, with costs estimated at around £30 million, making it one of the most expensive albums ever created. The album included a mix of R&B, pop, and soul genres, featuring singles like “You Rock My World” and “Cry”, alongside promotional tracks such as “Speechless” and “Butterflies”. Jackson’s thematic exploration in the album varied, touching on personal experiences, media scrutiny, and the unifying power of music.

Upon its release, ‘Invincible’ debuted at the top of the Billboard 200 in the United States and occupied the number one spot in numerous countries. However, it received mixed reviews, which pointed to a sound reminiscent of Jackson’s earlier work, drawing divisive opinions regarding its originality and impact. While some critics heralded it as a significant comeback after a lengthy hiatus since his previous album, ‘HIStory’, others were less impressed.

Less than a year after its release, Jackson’s relationship with Sony, the album’s distributor, began to deteriorate dramatically. In July 2002, Jackson publicly accused the company and its then-chairman, Tommy Mottola, of intentionally undermining the album’s promotion. He labelled Mottola the “devil,” alleging that the executive exploited Black artists and made racist comments, claims that both Sony and Mottola categorically denied.

The tension escalated as Jackson voiced his frustration at a press conference alongside civil rights activist Reverend Al Sharpton in New York City. He expressed a belief that the music industry conspired against artists, particularly those of Black heritage, stating, “They steal, they cheat, they do whatever they can.” Despite the gravity of his statements, industry insiders pointed out that Jackson had already earned substantial wealth through his music career and suggested that he was being excessively self-indulgent in his criticism.

In retaliation, Sony dismissed Jackson’s claims as “ludicrous, spiteful and hurtful.” They contended that Jackson’s failure to support the album with a promotional tour contributed significantly to its underwhelming sales figures. The record company asserted that “Mr Jackson’s difficulties lie elsewhere than in the marketing and promotion of Invincible,” suggesting that the artist himself bore responsibility for the album’s mixed success.

Despite the fallout, Jackson remained proud of ‘Invincible,’ maintaining that he considered it to be one of his finest works. He stated in 2001 that he believed the album was “just as good or better than Thriller, in my true, humble opinion,” reflecting his enduring confidence in his music, despite the challenges he faced.

Following its release, ‘Invincible’ managed to sell approximately 2.4 million copies in the United States. Although this figure fell short of the monumental sales Jackson had achieved with earlier albums, it is worth noting that the public dispute and mixed reception overshadowed its artistic contributions. ‘Invincible’ ultimately remains an important chapter in Michael Jackson’s remarkable career—an artist who had firmly etched his name into the annals of music history long before this contentious release.

Even years after Jackson’s untimely passing in June 2009, ‘Invincible’ stands as a testament to both his incredible talent and the complexities of the music industry, illustrating the often challenging relationship between artists and record labels.