Michael Jackson Album: “Number Ones”

Despite the recent controversy surrounding his personal life, Michael Jackson has long been known as the King Of Pop, and with good reason. For most pop stars, their time in the spotlight lasts maybe 2-3 years before they are reduced to guest appearances on weekly sit-coms or the occassional "info-mercial". This is not true of Jackson, whos reign at the top has carried him through the past 2+ decades since the onset of his solo career after leaving the Jackson Five.

This collection of Number One hits is therefore a must have for any fan of the pop genre. Since the 1980's, Jacksons eclectic, diverse style has seen many landmarks in the music industry, setting new standards, breaking new ground and re-inventing a style that was in its infancy when Jackson came into his own. His pioneering sound created a whole new generation of music and for that he was rewarded the title "King of Pop".

The album features 18 of Jackson most beloved songs, featured in the order which they originally made it to number one. Included on the album are some of his largest breakout hits like "Billy Jean" and Beat It" which both became such huge hits that they are immediately recognizable by audiences today.

The song "Thriller", which also emerged early in Jackson's solo career, firmly planted the superstars reputation as a serious talent in the industry. Not only was Jackson re-inventing the style of music, he was setting a new standard unprecedented in the industry at that time. Music television was only a few years old when the video for "Thriller", a 10+ minute short film, was released for the first time. The video, which was so well produced that it rose immediately to the head of the video industry, set a new level of quality in the genre that artists have been struggling to match since.

The album also features a number of other large hits for Michael, including the songs which added to the early controversy in Jackson's professional career. "Black or White", a song about racial equality again put Jackson in the spotlight for his controversal portrayal of violence against authority. "Bad", "Smooth Criminal", and "Dirty Diana" also feature Jackson's hard driving rythems and smooth, sometimes aggressive lyrics covering a range of topics that has often lead to speculation and ridicule by the press, while at the same time leaving his world-wide hordes of fans clammoring for more.

Some of the more poignant pieces in this collection include songs like "Man In the Mirror", a song where Michael points the finger at himself while pondering the choices in his life.

In all, the album is a great collection of all his number one hits, and is a great look back at the man who created a genre that has grown since he stepped to the front of the class, but never outgrown his talent. With the onset of this generations pop superstars like Justin Timberlake, Brittany Spears and Chrsitina Aguilera, it is a further testimony to his talent and sheer ability that Michael Jackson has remained such a huge part of not only the genre, but the music industry as a whole. Love him or hate him, his talent is unmistakable and unquestionable.

This compilation of hits is a great addition to any music collection, and is a must have for any Jackson fan. For anyone who isn't already familiar with his music, this collection is a great introduction into the mind and soul of a man who reshaped the music industry. Jackson truly is the King of Pop, and through this album, you can enter the gates to his kingdom. Give this album a listen, you won't be disappointed.

Scott Kolecki

Michael Jackson is still #1 to a lot of music lovers, and "NUMBER ONES" quickly shows you why! His vocal versatility and unique creativity cannot be denied. This CD has something for everyone, and "One More Chance" is at the top of the list. Jackson faves like "Billie Jean," "Black or White," "You Are Not Alone," "The Earth Song," and "You Rock My World" are also included for good measure, and this Michael Jackson effort may be one of his very best yet. Buy it; you'll be glad you did!

This an exceptional collection because they're all hits from an exceptional entertainer. The only reason it gets 4 and not 5 stars is because about half of the tracks are the "Single Version" or "Radio Edit." This means many instrumental intros and breaks have been shortened or taken out all together.

The track listing for HIStory doesn't tell you whether a song is an edit or not. You'll just have to compare the lengths. If you already own Number Ones, you should get HIStory as well for the full-length tracks. If you have neither, go with HIStory.

There's nothing wrong with the songs on this CD. It's a good Hits album- as strong as Greatest Hits Vol. 1 (it repeats 10 songs from that CD), and a worthwhile purchase for Michael Jackson beginners. But the concept has some flaws. Number Ones? Glancing over the US and UK charts, these songs didn't go #1 in either Country: Thriller, Smooth Criminal, You Rock My World, Break Of Dawn. The version of Ben on this CD is a live cut from a 1981 Jacksons live LP (couldn't they license the original?, which was a #1). Earth Song went to #1 in the UK. As for the above 4, it's a mystery as the where they went to the top. There are no liner notes or chart information. Oddly, the title track to Michael's 1997 remix CD, Blood On The Dance Floor, which went to #1 in the UK doesn't get a nod here. Nor does Say Say Say, the duet with Paul McCartney. One note: the version of Don't Stop is the DJ 3:55 version-not the LP version. All of this may sound like nitpicking. But if you're gonna market a CD called Number Ones, then be prepared to back up your facts. This is a good Hits CD. If you're new to Michael Jackson and just want the goods, then this or Greatest Hits Vol. 1 will do.

In the U.S., Michael Jackson had 13 post-Motown (solo era) number one hits. They were: Don't Stop Til You Get Enough, Rock With Me, Billie Jean, Beat It, Say Say Say, We Are the World, I Just Can't Stop Loving You, Bad, The Way You Make Me Feel, Man in the Mirror, Dirty Diana, Black or White, and You Are Not Alone. Factoring in the U.K. chart, we can add Earth Song and Blood on the Dance Floor. But songs like Say Say Say, We Are the World and Blood on the Dance Floor are missing. Other songs, like Smooth Criminal and You Rock My World, weren't number one hits on either chart. Which chart was Sony using?