Michael Jackson gets trashed first and foremost because of the freak he became, and his behavior. He had his share of musical genius and was tremendously influential. Maybe it hasn't aged to the point that the music overcomes the been-there-heard-that of a lot of overexposure. I suspect history will be kinder to his music than it will be to him.
Genesis was awful post-Peter Gabriel, very interesting while he was front man. Phil Collins was a talented drummer and should’ve stuck with it, lol. Peter Gabriel did some very striking things solo until it went to his head and he began getting preachy. Same with Gordon Sumner. Same with Bono. Same with Springsteen. Same with a lot of household names.
I generally don't have much use for popular Pink Floyd. Popular Pink Floyd is anything that got airplay. Early Syd Barrett era is another matter, I enjoy it. Lesser-known tracks post-Barrett, there have been a few that worked for me. Somebody mentioned “Fearless” upthread, that's one of them.
I've never understood the esteem in which Geddy Lee of Rush has been held, sophomoric sci-fi lyrics, that godawful screechy caterwauling, I don't get it and never will.
“[Michael Jackson] had his share of musical genius and was tremendously influential”
The jackson5ive (or whatever it was) was definitely one of the greatest pop groups of all time. And Michael WAS the star of the show.
You see other little kids who are talented, but kids like MJ are few and very far between.
I think you are right that he is condemned (not unjustifiably) for his behavior. But musically he deserved to be the star he was.
Hi might even have been greater, could he have been more normal.