Michael Jackson Album: “Got to Be There”

Michael Jackson's first solo album, released at the peak of the Jackson Five's popularity, is a mixed bag of covers and originals. Surprisingly, the sound of this album is vastly different than that of the J5, although the brothers appear on a few tracks as background singers. This is very light, gentle fare that perfectly suits Michael's then-13-year-old voice. Unfortunately, Motown's studio backup singers are much older than Michael and the blend is, at times, an odd one. Michael's pure talent and conviction saves a few otherwise dry arrangements ("You've Got a Friend," "Wings of my Love") and simply amazes on the THREE hit singles ("Got to be There," "Rockin' Robin," and "I Wanna be Where You Are"). On four tracks, Michael interjects much too-rehearsed spoken lyrics that ruin otherwise enjoyable songs. Cheeziness aside, this is a decent album which definitely rises above "kiddie" status, despite Michael's age at the time. Check it out, it's worth it. Hopefully Motown will re-release his solo albums in two-for-one packages like they did with the J5 albums and bonus tracks!

I became a Michael Jackson fan just a few months ago. Yes, that's right!

This was his first ever solo album....and boy, it was a true indication of what this guy was going to achieve. The singing is FANTASTIC. Pure voice, with soul and heart! Aint No Sunshine is out of this world! I cannot believe he was just 13yrs old when he sang it.

What amazes me about Michael Jackson, and what a lot of people fail to appreciate, is how each album of his is completely different. The sound, the image, the look...everything is different with each album. He's never stuck to a "tried & tested" method and has never been afraid to experiment. Sadly, this same characteristic has earned him a lot of criticism. Someday, people will understand.

Michael Jackson will remain one of the top artists of all time, no matter what. This album is proof. Little Michael soars like a dove on each and every song here. Was he really a little 13 year old kid here? Yes he was, and with those notes he hits, it's hard to believe. He sings like it's nobody's business on AIN'T NO SUNSHINE, comes through with so much emotion on I WANNA BE WHERE YOU ARE, as well as does nice covers of Supremes and James Taylor. But the title track is the winner. Michael's emoting and the lovely music make for one of the best tracks of all time. Hard-to-find CD is worth the purchase, but if all you can get is a vinyl copy, that is better than being without this.

This is not the Jackson 5!!! This is one of Michael Jackson's greatest albums and also one of his most overlooked (it's criminal!!!). This is Michael Jackson's first album and upon listening to this powerful and soulful masterpiece, one can forsee how this little kid would grow up to be "King." When I first heard this album I was completely blown away. This little kid was doing "Ain't No Sunshine" better than the original!! He was singing it with so much conviction! And even though he's a little kid it doesn't come across as ridiculous. Michael sings the blues like he's been through it, like your little side kick. He feels you! The production on this album is breathtaking. I would die to hear contemporary r and b like this again. This is Isaac Hayes/Curtis Mayfield type of production right here. This album sounds so soulful, it's powerful. This album has been sampled dozens of times by hip-hop groups like Wu-tang Clan. RZA sampled "You've Got A Friend" for "Trouble" off "The Sting". Ghostface sampled "Ain't No Sunshine" for his "More Fish" album and also sampled "Maria" for "The Hilton" off "Bulletproof Wallets." Listening to this album you'll hear all types of familiar stuff that has been sampled in rap music. It just shows you how influential this lesser known mj stuff was for underground hip-hop! This album right here is Michael before he collaborated with Quincy Jones. This is him with that classic soulful Motown production! "Don't Take Your Love From Me" is like an ode of sorrow being sung with the final breathe of a former lover, begging to return to the arms of his lost love. This is a 12 year old!! "In our Small Way" is a glimpse of Michael as the philanthropist, singing about world peace yet he has no idea how powerful his message will be felt in his not too distant future. Every song on here is a great example of the Soul genre and it's even more astounding because it's coming from a 12 year old! I honestly think this album is Michael Jackson's fourth best cd and should be a requisite for any serious Michael Jackson fan!! They need to press up more of these. It's a real shame this isn't even really mentioned these days. My favorite song is "Maria". God damn, now THAT is singing the blues. 1. Thriller 2. Dangerous 3. Off the Wall 4. Got to Be There. 5 Bad. 6. Ben 7. History 8. Music and Me 9. Invincible 10. Forever Michael

The CD was in good condition. However, I didnt receieve the CD until a MONTH later. The shipping was terribly slow, I had ordered another CD during the same time I had ordered this one, and the CD came the next week, with the same shipping method. I also sent two emails to the seller about this CD during the waiting process, and the emails were never returned.