Trump ally Ted Cruz sputters as he makes excuses for long troop deployments in Iran war Jack HobbsMon, August 31, 2026 at 3:47 AM UTC 0 Ted Cruz spluttered as he attempted to find the right words to back up President Donald Trump's line that the war in Iran was not over. Credit:Reach Publishing Services Limited Longtime ally of President Donald Trump, Ted Cruz, seemingly made a fool of himself during an interview after he stuttered while making excuses for the president.

Trump ally Ted Cruz sputters as he makes excuses for long troop deployments in Iran war

Jack HobbsMon, August 31, 2026 at 3:47 AM UTC

Ted Cruz spluttered as he attempted to find the right words to back up President Donald Trump's line that the war in Iran was not over. -Credit:Reach Publishing Services Limited

Long-time ally of President Donald Trump, Ted Cruz, seemingly made a fool of himself during an interview after he stuttered while making excuses for the president.

Speaking to NBC's Kristen Welker, Cruz attempted to make a case that the troops that are still needed in Iran, as there are "occasional skirmishes." The Texas senator then spluttered for a few seconds as he attempted to answer the question.

"Senator, I hear you arguing that military objectives have been achieved," Welker said to Cruz, 55. "If that's the case, why can't the troops come home? There are still some 50,000 troops there."

• Donald Trump has boasted of victory in Iran war a whopping 66 times as conflict surpasses 6 months

• Trump shifts Iran war strategy from 'sledgehammer' Pete Hegseth to another cabinet member

Cruz took a moment to collect himself as he thought about his answer. "Well, but the troops are not," began the senator before stumbling over his words.

"Active combat operations have largely ceased," he added. "There are occasional skirmishes, but the active military conflict has reduced significantly."

"The major operation now is the blockade," Cruz commented. "The blockade is imposing economic sanctions, and every day that pressure on the regime grows."

Social media ripped into Cruz's comments. "For Christ's sake, Ted sucking up to him is not going to help you," one person wrote.

During the same interview, Cruz said that he supported the total destruction of the Iranian regime

"So it’s no over," another added. A third added that "Just a little more than a month ago, we lost four more servicemembers to this bulls--- war."

Total regime collapse

During the same interview, the Texas Senator supported the total collapse of the Iranian regime. "Well, listen, I think there are multiple missions," Cruz said.

According to Cruz, there were still skirmishes happening, but the main offensive had died down.

"If you look at the initial mission the Trump administration laid out, which is to degrade and eliminate Iran's military capacity, I think the answer in uneqivocally yes," he said. "If you look at their ballistic missile supply, it's almost entirely destroyed; their drone supply is almost entirely destroyed; their drone ballistic missile manufacturing capabilities have been leveled to the ground; their air force is in rubble on the runway...in terms of military objectives, I think that is correct."

The Iranian leadership on Sunday pushed back against some of those claims regarding its navy. As the fight entered its sixth month, Commander Shahram Irani stated that the fleet was still "alive and well."

During the same interview, Cruz said that he supported the total destruction of the Iranian regime

Irani stated that despite U.S. President Donald Trump's frequent claims on social media that Iran's naval ships had been destroyed, the nation's navy is still in operation.

Trump's and the Texas senator's assessment of the harm done to Iran's naval capability during the fight is directly refuted by the remarks. Besides new pressures on the military, the U.S. is looking to initiate an economic chokehold on the Islamic Republic with new sanctions designed to devastate its already crumbling economy.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has urged nations to join the effort, claiming that a fresh set of economic policies will "destroy" the Iranian government. On Thursday, Bessent told CNBC that the U.S. would impose the "toughest sanctions in history" on Iran.

"It is a one-two punch. We have the blockade [on Iran], and we are going to have the toughest sanctions in history,” Bessent added. “It is going to work in Iran, and we are going to collapse this regime.”

“We’re going to them and saying: You’re either with us or against us,” Bessent said. “If you insist on doing business with them — either transferring money, buying oil, doing seaborne ship transport — then the U.S. Treasury and the U.S. government will put their full might and force toward enforcing against you.”

He described the plan as the "greatest coordinated economic isolation in the history of the world." He added, “It is time for our allies and the rest of the world to make a decision."

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Trump ally Ted Cruz sputters as he makes excuses for long troop deployments in Iran war

Trump ally Ted Cruz sputters as he makes excuses for long troop deployments in Iran war Jack HobbsMon, August 31, 2026 at 3:47...

Tour de France champion Tadej Pogačar shares hospital photo after crash as Mas holds lead Sun, August 30, 2026 at 3:54 PM UTC 0 XERACO, Spain (AP) — Fivetime Tour de France champion Tadej Pogačar posted a photo from the hospital wearing a neck brace and with bandages on his hand and face on Sunday, a day after crashing out of the Spanish Vuelta. The Instagram post came accompanied by the Bee Gees song “Stayin’ Alive.” Pogačar was expected to undergo surgery after being sent hurdling headoverhandlebars in a frightening crash that forced him to pull out of the Vuelta.

Tour de France champion Tadej Pogačar shares hospital photo after crash as Mas holds lead

Sun, August 30, 2026 at 3:54 PM UTC

XERACO, Spain (AP) — Five-time Tour de France champion Tadej Pogačar posted a photo from the hospital wearing a neck brace and with bandages on his hand and face on Sunday, a day after crashing out of the Spanish Vuelta.

The Instagram post came accompanied by the Bee Gees song “Stayin’ Alive.”

Pogačar was expected to undergo surgery after being sent hurdling head-over-handlebars in a frightening crash that forced him to pull out of the Vuelta. He suffered a concussion and broke two bones after he appeared to lose control when a stone came rolling across the road.

The Slovenian from UAE Team Emirates had a big lead and was heavily favored to win the title to complete a hat trick of cycling’s three Grand Tours.

This was Pogačar’s 10th Grand Tour and the first he has ever abandoned. He had never finished lower than third place.

Mas hangs on to Vuelta lead

Enric Mas of Movistar, who inherited the lead from Pogacar, won the mountainous ninth stage.

Mas edged Oscar Onley in a two-man sprint on the uphill finish to Alto de Aitana. Primoz Roglic crossed third, 12 seconds behind.

Mas extended his lead to 1 minute, 18 seconds ahead of Roglic and 1:39 ahead of Felix Gall.

It was Mas’ second career win at a Grand Tour after taking a Vuelta stage eight years ago.

The three-week Vuelta concludes in Granada on Sept. 13.

___

See full AP coverage of European sports here

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Tour de France champion Tadej Pogačar shares hospital photo after crash as Mas holds lead

Tour de France champion Tadej Pogačar shares hospital photo after crash as Mas holds lead Sun, August 30, 2026 at 3:54 PM UT...

King Charles &x27;Encouraged&x27; Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to Return to U.K. in Bid to Reunite Royal Family, Source Claims Olivia Salamone Sun, August 30, 2026 at 8:58 PM UTC 0 King Charles III reportedly had a role in encouraging Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to return to the U.K.MEGA King Charles III reportedly had a hand in "encouraging" Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to return to the U.K. after years of tension between the Sussexes and the royal family, RadarOnline.com can reveal. Now, a friend of the monarch has revealed what was allegedly happening behind the scenes.

King Charles 'Encouraged' Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to Return to U.K. in Bid to Reunite Royal Family, Source Claims

Olivia Salamone Sun, August 30, 2026 at 8:58 PM UTC

King Charles III reportedly had a role in encouraging Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to return to the U.K.MEGA

King Charles III reportedly had a hand in "encouraging" Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to return to the U.K. after years of tension between the Sussexes and the royal family, RadarOnline.com can reveal.

Now, a friend of the monarch has revealed what was allegedly happening behind the scenes.

King Charles Wants to Resolve the Family Rift

King Charles friend said the monarch's faith influenced his thinking, but described his decision as a strategic move.MEGA

A friend of King Charles revealed that Harry was "informally encouraged by King Charles to return to the U.K. because the king believes that the royal family is stronger united," the source told The Daily Beast.

The friend added, "The king's faith has played a part, but ultimately this is a strategic decision for the good of the family. The stand-off needed to be resolved."

The source also indicated that King Charles' plans could not have progressed while Harry's legal disputes remained unresolved.

They described it as "vanishingly unlikely" that Harry would appeal his civil court defeat involving the publisher of The Daily Mail.

Prince William Was Still the King's 'Top Priority'

King Charles reportedly said that Prince William and the future of the monarchy remain his 'top priority.'MEGA

Questions remain over whether Prince William was comfortable with his father's apparent decision to allow Harry and Meghan to re-establish themselves in Britain.

However, the king's friend claimed William and the future of the monarchy were King Charles "top priority."

Locals Are Awaiting the Sussexes Return

Locals are anticipating the Sussexes return.MEGA

The Sussexes are believed to be staying with hedge fund billionaire Ian Wace and his wife, former model Saffron Aldridge.

One source spoke about the locals, saying, "A lot of them simply can't wait to see if Meghan really is as ghastly as everyone makes out."

Royal Sources Say King Charles Is Giving Sussexes a Fresh Start

One source said King Charles was giving Prince Harry and Meghan Markle a chance to start again in the U.K.MEGA

Another friend of other royals, told The Royalist, "If the king didn't want Harry and Meghan here, they wouldn't be here. Words would have been dropped in the right ears to ostracize them and the newspapers would have been briefed that the king was not on board with it. That is very definitely not happening."

They continued, "The king clearly wants them to be happy and settle here, and he and his staff are doing nothing to obstruct that. It's a huge opportunity for Harry and Meghan to start again."

Although Harry and Meghan plan to keep their Montecito, California, home, the couple are reportedly preparing to establish a "private, non-royal home base in Britain."

The decision reportedly came together quickly, with King Charles only learning of the couple's plans on Sunday, August 16. People reported on the move three days later.

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King Charles 'Encouraged' Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to Return to U.K. in Bid to Reunite Royal Family, Source Claims

King Charles &x27;Encouraged&x27; Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to Return to U.K. in Bid to Reunite Royal Family, Sour...

Reds beat Glens to take control of title race Jana McCabe BBC Sport NI journalistSun, August 30, 2026 at 5:21 PM UTC 0 Cliftonville moved a commanding eight points clear at the top of the Women&x27;s Premiership with a 21 victory over title rivals Glentoran at the Blanchflower Stadium. As Northern Ireland manager Michael McArdle watched on, it was an entertaining start to the match with Teegan Lynch&x27;s strike gave the Reds the lead on 23 minutes.

Reds beat Glens to take control of title race

Jana McCabe - BBC Sport NI journalistSun, August 30, 2026 at 5:21 PM UTC

Cliftonville moved a commanding eight points clear at the top of the Women's Premiership with a 2-1 victory over title rivals Glentoran at the Blanchflower Stadium.

As Northern Ireland manager Michael McArdle watched on, it was an entertaining start to the match with Teegan Lynch's strike gave the Reds the lead on 23 minutes.

Just after the hour mark, a powerful strike from Nadene Caldwell levelled the game before Caitlin McGuinness secured the crucial victory for the league leaders when she took advantage of a mix-up in the Glens' defence.

The result dents Glentoran's chances of retaining their title and puts Cliftonville in a strong position.

Kim Turner's have to play two more matches before the split, while the Reds face Derry City in their final pre-split fixture.

Ruthless Reds secure huge victory

Knowing the importance of the match, it may come as no surprise that both teams pushed for an early goal with Noami McLaughlin and Kirsty McGuinness both having shots from range denied in the opening 10 minutes.

Glens long-serving midfielder Caldwell then made a crucial block off the line to deny Lynch a great goalscoring chance before, at the other end, Gracie Conway's low shot from distance proved a comfortable save for Emma Higgins.

Cliftonville broke the deadlock in the 23rd minute when Lynch flicked home Kirsty McGuinness' pass from point-blank range

Shortly after, Kirsty McGuinness' free-kick was palmed away by Ellie Scott, who then made a great reaction save to gather Abbie Magee's effort from the rebound.

Just before the half-time whistle, Glentoran had a good chance to level the match with McLaughlin in action once again, but her shot curled over the crossbar.

It was a much slower start to the second half, but the home side levelled the match on 62 minutes after Caldwell turned in the box before firing a strong strike past Higgins.

The Glens then had a great chance to complete the comeback when Caldwell's header from a Demi Vance corner took a deflection and flew just wide of the right-hand post.

In the final 10 minutes, the Reds restored their lead after Caitlin McGuinness robbed Faye Loughran of the ball and kept her composure to slot home.

The goal increased Cliftonville's confidence with Toni-Leigh Finnegan's header cleared off the line and Louise McDaniel's strike gathered by Scott in the closing stages.

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Reds beat Glens to take control of title race

Reds beat Glens to take control of title race Jana McCabe BBC Sport NI journalistSun, August 30, 2026 at 5:21 PM UTC 0 Cliftonvil...

Drew Allar speaks on his preseason adjustment to NFL play Christopher Sheppard, Nittany Lions WireSun, August 30, 2026 at 5:22 PM UTC 0 It&x27;s no secret that Drew Allar has been given a unique opportunity to succeed in the NFL. Drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the third round of the NFL draft, Drew Allar found himself in the perfect place, sitting behind one of the best quarterbacks in NFL history in Aaron Rodgers.

Drew Allar speaks on his preseason adjustment to NFL play

Christopher Sheppard, Nittany Lions WireSun, August 30, 2026 at 5:22 PM UTC

It's no secret that Drew Allar has been given a unique opportunity to succeed in the NFL. Drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the third round of the NFL draft, Drew Allar found himself in the perfect place, sitting behind one of the best quarterbacks in NFL history in Aaron Rodgers. Still, in a QB room that has a lot of interesting depth behind Rodgers, it was not guaranteed that Allar would have a chance to get the attention of both the fans and the coaching staff alike. However, after two preseason games, Allar has looked much better than anyone could have expected.

In his first preseason game against the Packers, Allar was superb, going 10-for-13 for 153 yards and two touchdowns. While his second game against the Jets didn't exactly pan out as well, he still showed flashes of his potential. For many Penn State fans, perhaps a lot of frustration surrounding Allar's preseason performances has come about. After all, he had never really looked like the five star recruit Penn State fans were expecting over the course of a season. Through no fault of his own, injury did play a part, but now Allar has a chance to shed the college narratives.

In the NFL though, Allar still acknowledges the adjustment period is not all sunshine and rainbows. He understands that no matter how well he performs in the preseason, he can always learn something new and get better as a result. "I just need to do a better job, especially early in drives, taking what's given," Allar said about his preseason performance against the Jets. "I felt like I passed up a couple opportunities early in drives that either set us back with an incompletion or a sack that if I just take what's there, even if it's catch tackle, we're not in a backed-up situation. I felt like that's where I could help the offense more."

The fact that Allar is willing to learn and understand the nuances of the NFL game should come as a huge positive for Steelers fans. Now, it's all about taking advantage of any reps that he gets and proving that he can actually be something for Pittsburgh in the long run.

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This article originally appeared on Nittany Lions Wire: Drew Allar speaks on his preseason adjustment to NFL play

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Drew Allar speaks on his preseason adjustment to NFL play

Drew Allar speaks on his preseason adjustment to NFL play Christopher Sheppard, Nittany Lions WireSun, August 30, 2026 at 5:22 PM ...

Millie Bobby Brown Brings Her Glamorous Style to Lake Como Chelsey SanchezSat, August 29, 2026 at 6:35 PM UTC 0 Millie Bobby Brown’s Take on Lake Como StyleXNY/Star Max Getty Images "Hearst Magazines and AOL may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." Millie Bobby Brown knows how to do datenight style right. The Stranger Things alum made a glamorous appearance with her husband, Jake Bongiovi, on Friday night. In photos published by the Daily Mail, the couple walked arminarm to dinner at the Lake Como restaurant La Terrazza Gualtiero Marchesi.

Millie Bobby Brown Brings Her Glamorous Style to Lake Como

Chelsey SanchezSat, August 29, 2026 at 6:35 PM UTC

Millie Bobby Brown’s Take on Lake Como StyleXNY/Star Max - Getty Images

"Hearst Magazines and AOL may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."

Millie Bobby Brown knows how to do date-night style right.

The Stranger Things alum made a glamorous appearance with her husband, Jake Bongiovi, on Friday night. In photos published by the Daily Mail, the couple walked arm-in-arm to dinner at the Lake Como restaurant La Terrazza Gualtiero Marchesi.

Brown wore a fabulous purple plum maxi dress from Princess Polly. The look featured a high neckline, a plunging backless design, and a sequined waist. Brown accessorized her look minimally, adding large gold hoop earrings and a stack of gold bracelets, and swept her light-brown hair up into a high bun. As for Bongiovi, the model looked suave in a loose white button-up and dark-gray oversize pants. He also accessorized with a gold chain necklace and a watch.

Phillip Faraone - Getty Images

Brown and Bongiovi married in 2024; the following year, they adopted their first child, a baby girl whose name they have yet to publicly disclose.

Brown previously opened up about motherhood in an interview with British Vogue last year.

“It’s been a beautiful, amazing journey—she’s taught us so much already,” the Enola Holmes actor said at the time. As for parenting with Bongiovi, she added, “We are 50-50 on everything. That’s why I’m so grateful to have partnered with him in this life—he is just the most amazing dad.”

She also emphasized the importance of maintaining their daughter’s privacy as the child of two public figures. “For me, it’s really important to protect her and her story until she’s old enough to potentially one day share it herself,” Brown said.

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Millie Bobby Brown Brings Her Glamorous Style to Lake Como

Millie Bobby Brown Brings Her Glamorous Style to Lake Como Chelsey SanchezSat, August 29, 2026 at 6:35 PM UTC 0 Millie Bobby B...

New Photo - Looking back on Michael Jackson’s best (and worst) albums

Rating the albums that defined the King of Pop’s solo career. Looking back on Michael Jackson’s best (and worst) albums Rating the albums that defined the King of Pop’s solo career. By Leah Greenblatt :maxbytes(150000):stripicc()/image001196bff255cc7d4c8da59d9d4192867e86.jpg) Leah Greenblatt Leah Greenblatt is the former critic at large for movies, books, music, and theater at . She left EW in 2023. EW's editorial guidelines and Kevin Jacobsen August 29, 2026 9:20 a.m. ET Leave a Comment :maxbytes(150000):stripicc()/michaeljackson08282626fd3111864845a89faaca8a1ad255c4.

Rating the albums that defined the King of Pop’s solo career.

Looking back on Michael Jackson’s best (and worst) albums

Rating the albums that defined the King of Pop’s solo career.

By Leah Greenblatt

Leah Greenblatt

Leah Greenblatt is the former critic at large for movies, books, music, and theater at **. She left EW in 2023.

EW's editorial guidelines

and Kevin Jacobsen

August 29, 2026 9:20 a.m. ET

Got to Be There (1972)

Michael Jackson's 'Got to Be There' album cover

Michael Jackson’s ‘Got to Be There’ album cover. Motown Records

Already an industry veteran at the tender age of 13, Jackson made this first official solo foray — a canny move by Motown head Berry Gordy to further capitalize on the Jackson 5’s immense popularity. Highlights include a jaunty cover of “Rockin’ Robin,” the wistful title track, and the soaring “I Wanna Be Where You Are.“

**Grade:** B+

Ben (1972)

Michael Jackson's 'Ben' album cover

Michael Jackson’s ‘Ben’ album cover. Motown Records

Jackson’s second solo effort — released just seven months after his first — will always be defined by its title track, the theme song to the rodent-centric 1972 film of the same name. Jackson’s delicate rendering of the shamelessly soggy boy-meets-telepathic-rat ode (which scored a Golden Globe win and an Oscar nomination) is a testament to his talent, as is his inspired handling of the rest of the covers-heavy album.

Music & Me (1973)

Michael Jackson's 'Music & Me' album cover

Michael Jackson’s ‘Music & Me’ album cover. Motown Records

On the cusp of a deepening, more adult voice, Jackson began transitioning into grown-up material, including the contemplative title song, a grab bag of subdued show tunes (“Morning Glow“ from *Pippin*, “Happy“ from *Lady Sings the Blues*), and a devastatingly fragile cover of Stevie Wonder‘s “With a Child’s Heart.”

Forever, Michael (1975)

Michael Jackson's 'Forever, Michael' album cover

Michael Jackson’s ‘Forever, Michael’ album cover. Motown Records

The LP cover of Jackson’s Motown swan song reveals an Afroed 16-year-old clearly on the brink of manhood, and its comparatively adult soul sound confirms he was ready to move on from his days as Gordy’s bubblegum boy wonder. Still, the fairly standard mid-tempo grooves do little to foreshadow the sonic revelations that were soon to come.

Off the Wall (1979)

Michael Jackson's 'Off the Wall' album cover

Michael Jackson’s ‘Off the Wall’ album cover. Epic Records

Together with producer Quincy Jones, Jackson created the first real record of his adulthood: a featherweight rapture of disco-flecked R&B, replete with instant dance-floor dazzlers (“Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough,” “Rock With You,” “Workin’ Day and Night“), a few mid-tempo charmers (“It’s the Falling in Love,” “Girlfriend“), and, well, one pretty maudlin ballad (“She’s Out of My Life“). For all its spangled glitter-ball flair, the album easily transcends its polyester era.

Thriller (1982)

Michael Jackson's 'Thriller' album cover

Michael Jackson’s ‘Thriller’ album cover. Epic Records

Decades of cultural ubiquity tend to obscure the sheer ingenuity and creative genius behind the record, which has sold more than 34 million units in the U.S. alone since its release. From the urgent funk of opener “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’“ and sweet synth stutter of “P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)“ to the iconic rock stomp of “Beat It,” *Thriller* offers pure, transporting euphoria in pop form.

Michael Jackson’s Neverland Ranch: See what happened to the star’s infamous property

Michael Jackson; an aerial view of Neverland Ranch in 2004

How Michael Jackson and Richard Pryor helped ease racial concerns over ‘E.T.’ (exclusive)

Michael Jackson in 1988; E.T. in 'E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial'; Richard Pryor in 1987

Bad (1987)

Michael Jackson's 'Bad' album cover

Michael Jackson’s ‘Bad’ album cover. Epic Records

How to follow an untoppable blockbuster? Jackson took his time. But, ultimately, he delivered — offering immediate radio jams (“Bad,” “The Way You Make Me Feel“), stirring ballads (“Man in the Mirror,” “I Just Can’t Stop Loving You“), and outré rock experiments (“Smooth Criminal,” “Dirty Diana“) amid a few lesser but still worthwhile album cuts.

**Grade:** B+

Dangerous (1991)

Michael Jackson's 'Dangerous' album cover

Michael Jackson’s ‘Dangerous’ album cover. Epic Records

Forsaking Quincy Jones for, among others, new jack swing king Teddy Riley, Jackson’s first ‘90s album revealed a grittier, funkier outlook, marked by flashes of lyrical darkness and paranoia. Still, four top 10 singles, including “Black or White“ and “Remember the Time,” proved his continued ability to craft a hit.

**Grade:** B+

HIStory (1995)

Michael Jackson's 'HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I' album cover

Michael Jackson’s ‘HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I’ album cover. Epic Records

A double-disc greatest-hits collection, the epic *HIStory* also served as a conduit for Jackson to explore his increasingly troubled relationship with fame on 14 new tracks (most notably, “They Don’t Care About Us“ and “Scream“). Additionally, he covers a Beatles classic, “Come Together“ (by then, he owned the rights to their catalog), and finds his sentimental ballad sweet spot with the No. 1 hit “You Are Not Alone.”

Blood on the Dance Floor: HIStory in the Mix (1997)

Michael Jackson's 'Blood on the Dance Floor: HIStory in the Mix' album cover

Michael Jackson’s ‘Blood on the Dance Floor: HIStory in the Mix’ album cover. Epic Records

Primarily an album of *HIStory* remixes, this hard-edged collection also contains five new songs, none of which furthered Jackson’s artistry much. But some, like “Ghosts“ and the syncopated, slow-building title track, still managed to intrigue, and the involvement of more contemporary artists like the Fugees, as well as his sister Janet‘s longtime collaborators Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, added further allure.

Invincible (2001)

Michael Jackson's 'Invincible' album cover

Michael Jackson’s ‘Invincible’ album cover. Epic Records

His final solo studio album before his death is — even in light of its eventual multiplatinum status — the least artistically successful of Jackson’s discs, especially in the context of his unmatchable earlier work. Released just weeks after 9/11, the nearly 80-minute work feels oddly airless and disconnected, its bland R&B sketches and tremulous ballads largely lacking the singer’s previous dynamism, despite minor hits like “You Rock My World.”

**Grade:** C+

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Published: August 30, 2026 at 08:38AM on Source: PRIME TIME

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