Michael Jackson - Essential Michael Jackson (CD)

All Music Guide

There are several Michael Jackson greatest hits compilations out there, each on their take on what should be the definitive portrait of the gloved one's career. The Ultimate Collection, The Essential Collection (different from the one here), Number Ones have all surfaced in 2003 and 2004, and HIStory a few years prior. Each one of these collections, while commendable in their attempts to thoroughly document Jackson's accomplishments, have fallen woefully short in one aspect or another. This has finally been rectified with this installment of Sony's outstanding Essential collection. Starting with his campaign with his brothers in the Jackson Five, this two disc set tours through every important single and every important fan favorite short of including his his duet with Paul McCartney on "Say Say Say" (the Beatle does, however, make an appearance here on "The Girl Is Mine"). From Off the Wall to Dangerous, it's all here in one concise package, making it the ideal reference point from wh...ich exploration into his deeper catalog can begin. While diehard fans will already have every single song contained herein and may be weary to purchase another greatest hits compilation, short of a greatest hits compilation including his backing vocals on Rockwell's "Somebody's Watching Me", this may be the only one fans and casual listeners will ever have to purchase to get their fill of the King of Pop's magic. - Rob Theakston, All Music Guide Read more Less