Daughter of the controversial “King of Pop,” Paris Jackson made her solo debut this past Friday the 13th, and it’s like nothing you’d expect.
An unexpected collection of alternative ballads, “Wilted” lacks resemblance to any of the the King of Pop’s many hits, such as “Billie Jean,” “Bad,” and “Thriller.”
Rolling Stone’s Keith Harris notes, “There aren’t many signs of her father’s influence on the singer’s indie-pop debut.”
Who is Paris Jackson?
Jackson has faced great scrutiny coming of age as the daughter of the very controversial “King of Pop.” Since Paris’ birth, people have questioned the legitimacy of Michael Jackson’s paternity, tying Paris to conspiracy theories that have dictated her portrayal in the media thus far.
Despite the lack of resemblance between the father daughter duo, and several other men’s claims to be her rightful father, Paris maintains an outward conviction that Michael Jackson is her true biological father.
Now, Paris is changing the narrative about her life, pioneering her own career as a musician with the release of her debut album, “Wilted.”
What critics are saying:
“Well-crafted indie-pop, dreamy stuff that the algorithm might slide into a recommended playlist if you’d been listening to Clairo and maybe Coldplay, and yes, most certainly Manchester Orchestra. Later that day you might happily recall a few of the melodies. But you might forget where you heard them.” — Rolling Stone (who gave the album 3.5 stars)
“Don’t come here expecting anything remotely like her father Michael’s hook-laden pop funk; Paris Jackson has gone the other way and headed toward meandering, hippie-friendly, acoustic folk-rock. She has a nicely languid voice, best showcased on the gentle love song Repair, and there’s real pain in the lachrymose break-up piano ballad Eyelids.” — Will Hodgkinson, The Times, UK (who gave the album 3 stars)
“To call a break-up record ‘wilted’ is one thing, but lines like “I can’t grow without your love to water my roots” take the metaphor to a whole new level of wince. Fortunately, Paris Jackson ventures beyond sticky imagery to nail the folk-pop genre and step out from the shadow of her inheritance.” — Kate French-Morris, The Forty-Five (who have the album 3 stars)
“There is a dreamy wooziness, a sultry torchiness, a haunting moodiness to “Wilted” that is part Lana Del Rey, part Norah Jones, part “Folkore”-era Taylor Swift.” — Janell Shirtcliff, NY Post
“As a musical introduction, it’s enthralling, inconsistent and, at times, excellent. Ultimately, this is a glimpse of the artist that Jackson could be,” Hannah Mylrea, NME (who gave the album 3 stars)
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So, the critics have reached a consensus. The album could be better, but there’s strong potential for the young singer’s career. One thing’s for sure, Paris Jackson is making a name for herself, coloring outside the lines.
