The biggest comebacks in music history
The Biggest Comebacks in Music History
Music is a constantly evolving art form that has produced countless artists throughout the years. Some have managed to make an impact that lasts through the ages, while others have disappeared into obscurity. However, there are a select few who have managed to make a comeback, defying the odds and recapturing the spotlight. Here are some of the biggest comebacks in music history.
1. Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson, also known as the King of Pop, is one of the best-selling music artists of all time. His career spanned over four decades, but it was his album 'Thriller' that cemented his status as a legend. Despite his massive success, Jackson's career took a hit in the 2000s following allegations of sexual abuse. However, he made a comeback in 2009 with his 'This Is It' tour, which was supposed to be his final tour before his untimely death in June of that year.
2. Tina Turner
Tina Turner's career began in the 1960s as a part of the duo Ike and Tina Turner. After a tumultuous relationship with Ike, she went solo in the 1970s and found success with hits like 'What's Love Got to Do With It' and 'Private Dancer'. However, her career hit a slump in the 1990s. In 2000, she released her album 'Twenty Four Seven', which marked her comeback. She went on a successful tour in support of the album and has continued to tour sporadically ever since.
3. Mariah Carey
Mariah Carey is one of the best-selling female artists of all time, with numerous hits to her name. However, her career hit a snag in the 2000s. She struggled with personal issues, including a highly publicized breakdown, and her music suffered as a result. However, she made a remarkable comeback in 2005 with her album 'The Emancipation of Mimi', which featured hits like 'We Belong Together'. She has since continued to release successful albums and has maintained her status as a beloved icon.
4. Britney Spears
Britney Spears rose to fame in the late 1990s with hits like 'Baby One More Time' and 'Oops!... I Did It Again'. However, her personal life and mental health struggles took a toll on her career in the 2000s. She made a comeback in 2008 with her album 'Circus', which featured hits like 'Womanizer' and 'Circus'. Her comeback continued with her Las Vegas residency and her recent album 'Glory'.
5. Justin Timberlake
Justin Timberlake began his career as a part of the boy band *NSYNC in the late 1990s. Following the group's disbandment, he launched a successful solo career with hits like 'Cry Me a River' and 'SexyBack'. However, his music career took a backseat in the late 2000s as he pursued acting and other ventures. He made a comeback in 2013 with his album 'The 20/20 Experience', which featured hits like 'Mirrors' and 'Suit & Tie'. He has since continued to release successful albums and has maintained his status as a pop icon.
6. Cher
Cher's career began in the 1960s as part of the duo Sonny & Cher. After the duo disbanded in the 1970s, she launched a successful solo career, with hits like 'Believe' and 'If I Could Turn Back Time'. However, her career hit a slump in the 1990s. She made a comeback in the early 2000s with her album 'Living Proof', which featured the hit single 'Song for the Lonely'. She has since continued to release successful albums and has maintained her status as an icon of pop culture.
7. LL Cool J
LL Cool J is a pioneer of the rap genre, with hits like 'I Need Love' and 'Mama Said Knock You Out'. However, his music career hit a lull in the 2000s as he focused on acting. He made a comeback in 2013 with his album 'Authentic', which featured collaborations with artists like Snoop Dogg and Seal. He has since continued to release successful albums and has remained a prominent figure in the music industry.
8. Fleetwood Mac
Fleetwood Mac is a British-American rock band that rose to prominence in the 1970s with hits like 'Go Your Own Way' and 'Dreams'. However, the band's career hit a snag in the 1980s as several members left the group. They made a comeback in 1997 with their album 'The Dance', which featured live versions of their greatest hits. The album was a commercial success, and the band has continued to tour sporadically ever since.
9. D'Angelo
D'Angelo is a singer-songwriter who rose to prominence in the 1990s with his album 'Brown Sugar'. However, his music career hit a hiatus in the 2000s, as he struggled with personal and legal issues. He made a comeback in 2014 with his album 'Black Messiah', which was critically acclaimed and featured collaborations with artists like Questlove and Q-Tip.
10. Johnny Cash
Johnny Cash was a country music legend who had hits like 'I Walk the Line' and 'Ring of Fire'. However, his career hit a rough patch in the 1980s, as he struggled with personal issues and his music fell out of favor. He made a comeback in the 1990s with his albums 'American Recordings', which were produced by Rick Rubin. The albums were critically acclaimed and renewed interest in Cash's music, cementing his status as a legend of country music.
As these examples show, comebacks are possible in the music industry, provided that an artist is willing to reinvent themselves and keep their music fresh. While not every artist will be able to achieve the success of the aforementioned names, a comeback is always possible given the right mix of talent, hard work, and luck.