Michael Jackson Album: “The Essential Michael Jackson”

Description :

Personnel: Michael Jackson (vocals); Linda Harmon, Andrae Crouch, Paul McCartney, Siedah Garrett, Mystery Girl (vocals); Vincent Price (spoken vocals); Mike Sembello, Roland Bautista, Tito Jackson, David Williams , Marlo Henderson (guitar); David "Hawk" Wolinski (piano); Michael Boddicker (keyboards, synthesizer); Greg Phillinganes (keyboards); Glen Ballard (synthesizer); Gary King, Louis Johnson, Nathan Watts , Bobby Watson (bass guitar); Claudio Slon, Laudir De Oliveira (drums, congas, percussion); Ed Green, John Robinson (drums); Paulinho Da Costa, Randy Jackson , Richard Heath (percussion); James Ingram, Jim Gilstrap, Paulette McWilliams, Mortinette Jenkins, Augie Johnson (background vocals); David Paich, Jerry Hey, Jimmy Smith , Kim Hutchcroft, Larry Carlton, Larry Williams, Steve Porcaro, Teddy Riley. <p>Recording information: 1969 - 1999. <p>Ensemble: The Seawind Horns. <p>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.

Thjere are many Michael Jackson CD's on the market. This is the one to own however since it captures all of his big hits and well represents my two favorite albums "Off The Wall" and "Thriller". His best songs are all here" Rock With You, Don't Stop Til You Get Enough, Beat It, Billie Jean,The Girl Is Mine, Human Nature, etc. as well as his early hits with the Jackson Five and the great later albums like "Bad" and "Dangerous". THIS IS THE BEST SOUNDING representation of these hits I have ever heard. There are 37 cuts. Michael was indeed an American tragedy and a pop music icon. If you can only own one CD, this is the most logical choice. My only quibble is the omission of "Never Can Say Goodbye" which was my favorite Jackson Five song. At one time, he was selling over one million albums-CD's a day (1983-84). He changed the course of pop music history and his legacy will live on despite the cynics. Highly recommended!

I agree with an above poster. I didn't buy this album to "drool" over. I wanted to listen and enjoy his music not analyze his life or even think about his passing. Just enjoy the tracks on this record. 2 songs I liked weren't included they were , The Jacksons "Torture" and MJ's 2001 song "2000 Watts". But I got most of those from the net. I liked some of MJ's songs but only knew the most popular ones prior to his passing. Since his passing and thanks to a tribute of MJ songs played on XM Satellite Radio. I now enjoy more songs than ever before. I know most think that people like me ONLY bought this record because of the hype. That isn't true if you never liked MJ's music than regardless of the hype you won't all of the sudden like his music. You have to be a fan of some sort prior to his passing. Sad that it takes MJ passing for fans bring his music to a level that he never saw when he was alive. I like most (if you never owned a MJ album) wanted to have at lease one ACTUAL record of MJ's to remember the good music he did. I'll add that listening to "You are not alone" is very hard now knowing that MJ is gone. Knowing that he meant so much to so many! It was like his way of leaving a final message! RIP MJ

Truth is, Michael Jackson needed a 2-disc collection as much as anybody. Those single discs didn't quite do it for somebody who's still often called the "King Of Pop". So, the pros and cons. I personally don't need the Jackson 5 material myself, but some might. I also think this is a bit shy on his most recent work. I do miss "Earth Song" and the duet "Scream" with Janet too. However, many of his best songs came from "Thriller" and "Bad", and we get most of those here. In fact there are 7 of the 9 songs from the original "Thriller" album, and even more from "Bad". Plus we get the best of "Off The Wall", and again some of his earliest stuff. The fact is, after listening to this collection of Michael Jackson, you almost can't not like him. It's just "Human Nature".

Wow, no media attention at all. I just noticed this when I was trying to add a Michael Jackson to the Now Listening To part on my xanga site. This has definitely got to be one of the finest collections of songs by Michael Jackson. Includes songs from The Jacksons group as well, which is spectacular! Each of my 8 favorite songs are on this CD, it was amazing when I picked it up! The title of the CD says it well, it is essential for any Michael Jackson fan.