Dead at 50, Michael Jackson is Finally at Peace

Michael Jackson, the most talented solo artist of all time and one of the most controversial figures of the past four decades, has passed away at the age of 50. All that is known at the time of my writing these words is that Jackson suffered cardiac arrest in his home.

Everybody seems to have one opinion or another whenever any celebrity passes away. This, of course, will be the case concerning Michael Jackson. As I sit with the wife and watch MTV replay the greatest Michael Jackson videos ever made (also known as every video Michael Jackson ever made), I can't help but have one thought.

How many times in your life have you seen or heard "Rest In Peace" or "RIP?" It's without question of one the most overused phrases in the English language. With that said, I see Thursday, June 25 2009 as the first day that Michael Jackson has been able to rest since he was a young child. Jackson's talent will most likely never be fully appreciated by any of us (yes, that's how good he was). Those of us who lived in the past 20 years will also always remember Jackson's odd and at times bizarre behavior.

One of my friends said it best on his Facebook status: That even now, in death, Jackson is swarmed by media and thousands of on-lookers. Instead of gluing my eyes to the television set waiting to hear from Jackson's family or listening about child molestation and bankruptcy trials, I will be watching and listening to Jackson's work. I suggest you do the same.

"Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough" will forever be my favorite Michael Jackson song. It's the definition of a pop song and Michael Jackson was the definition of a pop artist. You have to love the video, too. Look at that background.

"Rock With You" is the wife's favorite Michael Jackson song. Another classic Michael Jackson video.

Many friends of mine see "Smooth Criminal" as Michael Jackson's greatest song. I'll always remember this song as the one that made one of my "metal loving" friends see Michael Jackson as the true talent that he was.

I may be the only person willing to admit that I loved "You Rock My World." Go ahead, listen to the song and see if it's not in your head for the next two weeks. Sure, it's probably the only good song on that album. Just hearing that Michael Jackson could still be Michael Jackson in the 21 century was enough for me.

I always appreciated Michael Jackson but didn't really obtain everything he ever recorded until college. One of my best friends in college considered "They Don't Really Care About Us" as Michael Jackson's best song. I can't argue the point.

Obviously, there are many, many, many more Michael Jackson songs/moments that could be written about. What is your favorite Michael Jackson? Post your thoughts in the comments section below.

Michael Jackson is finally at peace. It's just a shame that, at the age of 50, this is the only way that could happen for one of the most phenomenal talents in the history of music. Whatever you were looking for, Michael, I hope that you found it.