You Rock My World

The big question on everybody's mind is, Was it worth the wait? One thing's for sure: The long-delayed first single from Michael Jackson's upcoming Invincible has hit radio like a magnet to steel. Commandeered by super-producer Rodney Jerkins, the song makes it clear from the beginning that Jackson has been brought up to speed on the sounds of the millennium, since his last chart appearance with "Blood on the Dance Floor" in 1997. While he still insists on sputtering and making his standard "hoooo" signature sounds, the "my girl is good"-themed track is fresh, sturdy, and a triumphant return for a singer whose latest effort was by no means guaranteed. Vocally, Jackson sounds like an old friend on the soulful midtempo groove, surrounded by silky harmonies, as the song works to a slow build and satisfying cold finish. It's a song free of cheap bells and whistles, and a convincing step forward for an artist 38 years in the biz.—CT