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The title might sound like hyperbole, but this two-disc collection is, in fact, a pretty fair summation of Michael Jackson's career up to 2005. Of course, it's impossible for two discs to hold every hit single Michael Jackson has ever had, but THE ESSENTIAL MICHAEL JACKSON starts with the Jackson Five's debut single, "I Want You Back," and ends 38 tracks later with the 2001 comeback attempt "You Rock My World." In between is a chronological overview of some of the most significant pop music in the last three decades of the 20th century, climaxing with about two-thirds of THRILLER and half of OFF THE WALL, the album that in retrospect sounds even fresher and more exciting than its blockbuster follow-up. Disc Two starts in 1987 with eight tracks from the underrated BAD, and its second half does the listener the handy service of compressing the second act of Michael Jackson's life story (a time when the tabloid headlines were overshadowing his increasingly formulaic music) into nine entirely respectable, if not earth-shattering, singles.
Liner Note Author: Nelson George.
Recording information: Record One, Los Angeles, CA (1969-1999); Sony Studios, New York, NY (1969-1999); sony Studios, NY (1969-1999).
Ensemble: Seawind Horns.
Introduction bys: Michael Jackson; Chris Tucker.
Photographers: Todd Gray; Kenny Rogers; Neal Preston; Dick Zimmerman; Sam Emerson.
Unknown Contributor Roles: John Bahler Singers; Frank DiLeo; The Winans.
Arrangers: Michael Jackson; Quincy Jones; James Ingram ; Steve Porcaro; David Paich; Bobby Martin ; Jackie Jackson ; Marty Paich; Steve Lukather.
Personnel: Michael Jackson (vocals, soprano, percussion, background vocals); Michael Jackson; Linda Harmon (vocals, soprano); Christa Larson, Ashley Ferrell, Andraé Crouch, Mystery Girl (vocals); Vincent Price (rap vocals, spoken vocals); L.T.B. (rap vocals); Slash, Steve Stevens , Trevor Rabin (guitar); David "Hawk" Wolinski (piano, electric piano); Brad Buxer (keyboards, synthesizer); George Duke, Glen Ballard, Rhett Lawrence (synthesizer); Gary King, Louis Johnson, Nathan Watts, Bobby Watson (bass guitar); Claudio Slon (drums, congas, percussion); Rick Marotta (drums, percussion); Ed Green , Ed Green, Jeff Porcaro (drums); Bryan Loren (percussion); Becky Lopez, Zedric Williams, Julia Waters, Maxine Willard Waters, Andraé Crouch Choir, Oren Waters, Bunny Hull (background vocals); Paul McCartney (vocals, background vocals); Siedah Garrett (vocals); Larry Carlton, Michael Sembello, Roland Bautista , Tito Jackson, David E. Williams , Marlo Henderson (guitar); Greg Phillinganes (electric piano, keyboards, synthesizer); David Paich, Michael Boddicker (keyboards, synthesizer); Steve Porcaro, Teddy Riley (synthesizer); Laudir DeOliveira (drums, congas, percussion); John "4 Daddman" Robinson (drums); Paulinho Da Costa, Randy Jackson , Richard Heath (percussion); James Ingram , Jim Gilstrap, Paulette McWilliams, Mortonette Jenkins, Augie Johnson (background vocals); Jerry Hey, Jimmy Smith , Kim Hutchcroft, Larry Williams .
Audio Mixers: Don Murray ; Jeff Tarsia; Jay Marks; Peter Granet; Rodney Jerkins; Bruce Swedien.
Uncut (p.119) - 4 stars out of 5 - "[T]his is magical pop."
Michael Jackson; Hal Davis; Mel Larson; Jerry Marcellino; Leon Huff; Quincy Jones; Bill Bottrell; Teddy Riley; Kenny Gamble; R. Kelly; Rodney Jerkins; Bruce Swedien; The Corporation; Hal Davis; Mel Larson; Jerry Marcellino; Kenneth Gamble; Leon Huff; Quincy Jones; Bill Bottrell
Engineer
Dexter Simmons; Don Murray; Jeff Tarsia; Jean Marie Horvat; Peter Granet; Rodney Jerkins; Stuart Brawley; Brad Gilderman
Good song selection, but major flaw This set gives the impression of gathering many of Michael's hits together in their edited 45rpm single versions for the first time. But a close listen reveals that four songs -- Off the Wall, Wanna Be Startin' Somethin', Human Nature, and The Way You Make Me Feel -- were instead newly edited down from the album versions... a problem, since the original singles for those four were REMIXES, and have still never appeared on CD! Strange and upsetting that Sony would try to pass them off as the single versions. If they didn't have the correct tapes, they should have used the full-length album versions... not try to pass them off for something they're not.
Also, the sound is too loud, overly maximized, which compresses the dynamic range and flattens out the sound.
On the plus side, we do get the US CD debut of the 45 mixes of Another Part of Me and In the Closet. But where is the single mix of "Smooth Criminal"? Instead we get the album version, sans the heavy breathing on the intro that was originally part of the song.
Still, two stars for what this set could have been, and is not. Submitted by Brian (Los Angeles) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo 2 of 2 found this helpful.
Review from an avid MJ fan I saw this album for the first time in this record store, and I was amazed at the track list of this album! All his famous songs that I love were there, and as soon as I have enough money, I'll buy a copy because an album like this is a collector's item.
Peace! Submitted by Topet (Manila, Philippines) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo 1 of 1 found this helpful.
Michael's Remarkable Audio History Although his life in recent years has been filled with controversy, the one thing no detractor can ever take from him is the undeniable fact that Michael Jackson has always been able to make entertainment magic. As a child he was overwhelming in his ability to display a polished professionalism far beyond his years. And in adulthood his talent, charisma and style have never stopped maturing. This newest collection of familiar hit songs is an almost perfect compilation of his dazzling repertoire. So much is here from early recordings with his brothers to timeless songs like Billie Jean, Bad or Another Part of Me that have always had me dancing.
Some people say very nasty things about Michael Jackson but they can’t diminish in any way his ever amazing talent and remarkable entertainment history.
The only thing better than listening to these songs is seeing Michael perform in the ground breaking videos he has made from many of them.
Submitted by Barbara L. (New York City, N.Y.) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo 1 of 1 found this helpful.
Artist of the Millenium Michael Jackson is my Artist Of The Mille.nium, he is by far the greatest singer in history. He has such a high voice, and sometimes low.
From Matt Connell
P.S We know you weren't guilty Michael! Submitted by Matt (Eastbourne,Sussex,England) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo 1 of 1 found this helpful.
great cd this was a nice cd i defintely enjoyed it Submitted by stvn1708 (philadelphia) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
Good song selection, but major flaw
Review from an avid MJ fan
Michael's Remarkable Audio History
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