Why Sean Kingston’s ‘Beat It’ Doesn’t Live Up to Michael Jackson’s
When Sean Kingston released his 2011 song “Beat It,” he faced an uphill battle. The title of the track, so closely tied to Michael Jackson‘s iconic 1982 hit “Beat It” from his album Thriller, was always going to bring comparisons. Unfortunately for Kingston, his version never managed to stand on its own. Instead, it only highlighted how much his song paled in comparison to Jackson’s original, which remains one of the greatest pop songs of all time.
Michael Jackson’s ‘Beat It’ had Eddie Van Halen and Sean Kingston’s has nothing
Jackson’s “Beat It” is more than just a song; it’s a cultural landmark. The track combined rock and pop in a way that had never been done before. With a legendary guitar solo by Eddie Van Halen and a driving, energetic beat, “Beat It” became a global anthem. The song’s themes of standing up to violence and showing strength resonated with listeners. Jackson’s electrifying performance, along with the song’s hard-hitting message, made it unforgettable. “Beat It” was groundbreaking for its time and still holds a special place in pop music history.
In contrast, Kingston’s “Beat It” feels hollow and forgettable. Kingston, known for his reggae-influenced sound, attempted to infuse a bit of his style into the track. However, it doesn’t match the power and intensity of Jackson’s original. Kingston’s version lacks the emotional depth and urgency that made Jackson’s song so compelling. While Kingston’s voice is smooth and pleasant, it doesn’t carry the same weight or conviction. The reggae elements don’t add anything significant to the song. Instead, they only serve to water down the impact of the title.
Michael Jackson claims the name ‘Beat It’ forever
The decision to name his song “Beat It” was a risky one. After Jackson’s version became so iconic, using the same title left Kingston open to constant comparisons. It’s nearly impossible for any artist to release a song with the same name and not have it judged against one of pop music’s most legendary tracks. Jackson’s “Beat It” had already solidified its place in the public’s mind, making it a bad idea for anyone to try to reclaim that title.
Kingston’s version, with its lighter, danceable rhythm, feels more like a summer anthem than a song with any deep message. The lyrics talk about a breakup and the need to move on, but they don’t carry the same social weight as Jackson’s “Beat It.” While Kingston’s song is catchy, it lacks substance. It’s easy to forget and doesn’t leave a lasting impact like Jackson’s track.
Sean Kingston’s song was too light for its own good
Another reason Kingston’s “Beat It” doesn’t work is the huge shadow cast by Jackson’s song. “Beat It” became more than just a hit; it became an anthem against violence and a call for self-respect. The accompanying music video, featuring a fight scene that resolved peacefully, was just as iconic. In contrast, Kingston’s music video, while fun, doesn’t leave the same cultural mark. It simply doesn’t have the same emotional or artistic weight as the original.
In conclusion, Kingston’s “Beat It” is a pale imitation of Jackson’s classic. The decision to use the same title was a bad idea, as it invited constant comparisons. Jackson’s “Beat It” remains unmatched, both in its musical innovation and its cultural significance. Kingston’s version, while enjoyable in its own right, will always fall short of the legacy Jackson created.
