King Of Pop - Michael Jackson

I like a challenge, and what can be more challenging than writing a review of the Greatest Hits of a man who hasn't been dead a week, and that millions are mourning for. I am not a huge Michael Jackson fan. For me, he will probably be remembered for his antics off-stage rather than his performances on it. I watched the breaking news of his death and, although shocked and saddened, I was not grief-stricken, although I can empathise with those who ...
...to his death. I am not impressed by people who line greedy retailers' pockets in the name of grief. The reaction to Lady Diana's death, and the copious amounts of 'Candle in the Wind '97' sales, for example. I remember seeing the news and one lady, had purchased around 30 copies of the song. To me, it beggars belief.

Before I discuss the CD in question, a few words about the man himself. One couldn't hope to write a review about Michael ... more

I like a challenge, and what can be more challenging than writing a review of the Greatest Hits of a man who hasn't been dead a week, and that millions are mourning for. I am not a huge Michael Jackson fan. For me, he will probably be remembered for his antics off-stage rather than his performances on it. I watched the breaking news of his death and, although shocked and saddened, I was not grief-stricken, although I can empathise with those who were.

I had purchased this item prior to his death. I am not impressed by people who line greedy retailers' pockets in the name of grief. The reaction to Lady Diana's death, and the copious amounts of 'Candle in the Wind '97' sales, for example. I remember seeing the news and one lady, had purchased around 30 copies of the song. To me, it beggars belief.

Before I discuss the CD in question, a few words about the man himself. One couldn't hope to write a review about Michael Jackson's work without mentioning his personal life. People would pay good money to know what went on in his head. I saw the Martin Bashir programme, and I was very disturbed. Not only is it morally wrong, in my opinion, to behave towards teenage boys in the manner he portrayed, but why on Earth did he allow it to be broadcast to the nation? After the allegations against him the previous decade, in which settlement was paid out of court, he surely should have realised the disturbances his actions caused. Whether he was guilty or not, can now only be left to individual opinion, and this isn't necessarily the best place to air these views.

Despite this and his other extravagancies, this review is about his music, and few could deny him the critical and commercial acclaim he has enjoyed. From his early performances in the 70s, right up until the mid-90s, his music was always relevant, although on occasion not necessarily the right song to bring out at certain times. I'm no music mogul, despite my dazzling smile and high-waisted trousers, but I can gauge certain reactions to music.

I actually have the UK deluxe edition of this item, which comprises 3 CD's, 1 of which is full of rarities and classic 12-incher's. Now, I love 12-incher's as much as anyone, but I have only played this disc once, and don't intend to play it again. I'm not a big enough Jacko fan to appreciate it. The other 2 discs are more than ample for me. The sleeve is cardboard and opens up to display the contents, the 3 discs and a booklet with a very brief biography detailing his music only.

At £9.97, when I bought this last year from Morrison's, I thought it was a bargain. I bought it because of the price and because I didn't own any of his music, not even the odd song on a compilation album. At the time, I don't believe I had heard a Michael Jackson song for around 11 years, which was roughly when his last high-charting song had been released. He had very little commercial success after that point, unlike Madonna, who I am a huge fan of, for example, who constantly re-invents herself, not necessarily to critical acclaim. Michael Jackson, at least, ceased recording on a relative high.

Back to the CD... I will omit further reference to the 3rd disc, as the rare songs on it are so rare, only die-hard Jacko fans would recognise them, and the other sings are just mixes of a few songs from the other discs. In fact, some of the songs on Disc Two are relatively unrecognisable, so I am having to listen to it as I write the review.

Disc 1 kicks off with the unmistakable introduction to 'Billie Jean' - Michael Jackson's second UK Number 1. Curiously, Jackson's first number 1, 'One Day in Your Life' is not on either of the three discs. 'Billie Jean' will always remind me of the school disco, which is surprising as it was released in 1983, just over a year after I was born, so God knows why it reminds me of this. Inspired by a true story in Jackson's own life, in which he received letters from a fan claiming he was the father of one of her children, the song won 2 Grammy's; this is one of my favourite Jackson songs.

I think I am mistaken with my school disco comment above, as I'm fairly sure it was meant for 'Bad', which is next on the album, and released in 1987, would fit better in the timescale of my school life. The song reached number 3 in the UK singles chart. Its not bad (no pun intended), and is based on a child from a bad neighbourhood going to a private school. As upbeat as the previous song, 'Bad' is catchy, and probably the best song to follow 'Billie Jean' on the album.

Another of my favourites next - 'Smooth Criminal'. Reaching number 8 in the charts in 1989, I just love the fast beat of this track! The song is about a woman named Annie, attacked in her apartment.. I would like to know if Annie is OK, however, but would rather know who she is? And what is it with women mentioned in songs whose names begin with an 'A'. Who is 'Annie'? Who the f--- is 'Alice'? There is also the mention of someone called 'Alison' in The Beautiful South's 'Song for Whoever'. Sorry - went off on a tangent there, but we can rest assured, Annie is OK.

Next is 'Thriller'. While I can't speak for the album, I think the single is pants. Peaking at number 10 in the UK charts in 1984, the original included a rap by the late Vincent Price, although this is not included on this album. Indeed, the version on the album has been severely shortened, which I am glad about, as I think it is remembered for its video rather than the actual song.

'Black or White' follows, which reached number 1 in 1991, and was Jackson's first single after a 2-year break. A dance song about racial harmony, the video was subject to much controversy, due to Jackson's crotch-grabbing. What this has to do with racial harmony, I'll never know, but this was one of Jackson's most famous songs and well worthy of his comeback.

We go back in time to 1983 now, and 'Beat It' which peaked at number 3. One of my preferred Jackson songs, I don't actually have a clue what its banging on about. I like his vocals on this one, although I'm not entirely sure as to what Jackson is directing me to beat. Eggs, perhaps? It also feature a guitar solo by Eddie van Halen, which is nice.

Elision alert! Next is 'Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'. I don't like this - I find it too repetitive and dull, although its good to dance to, I suppose. Especially when drunk. Reaching number 8 in 1983, this song handles the taboo subject of teenage pregnancy, although what we learn from it, I'm unsure.

The title of the next song relates to teen pregnancy more than the previous, in my opinion - 'Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough'. The song reached number 3 in 1979, and is older than me, as my mum (ironically, a teen at time!) fell pregnant some 2 years later. She must have understood the lyrics to the previous song more than I did! This was Jackson's first recording as a solo artist, and is another disco classic.

Next is the rather drab 'The Way You Make Me Feel'. Reaching number 3 in 1987, Jackson apparently wrote this song for his mother. I don't like it much, but like the fact he wrote a song for his mum. I'd like to write one for my mum, but the only song I've ever written was called 'Paula's Gone to Dartford', and was much better than this toot.

Back to '79 we go now, and 'Rock With You'. One of the last hits of the disco era, this reached number 7, and is quite catchy, but not one of my favourites.

Fast forward now to 1995, a year which saw the deaths of Ginger Rogers, Peter Cook and Fred's Perry and West, and the release of 'You Are Not Alone', the first appearance for Jackson's 'softer' voice on this album. It was written by R Kelly for Jackson, whilst the molestation allegations brought against him were under public scrutiny. Unluckily, it was deemed to be plagiarized, and is no longer played in Belgium, which is the only country to have upheld this verdict. I went to Belgium once, Bruges to be exact, and very nice it was too! A word of advice - motorists in Belgium speed up when you are on a zebra crossing, so take care. Anyway, this song, which I don't like, also reached number 1. I don't like Jackson using his softer voice - I don't think it is particularly strong, and I think his better works have appeared when he doesn't exercise this element of his voice.

Only reaching number 21 in the charts in 1988, 'Man in the Mirror' is, in my opinion, one of Jackson's best. I really like the gospel choir in this, and it remains one of my favourites, despite that wretched Diana girl from 'The X Factor' warbling her way through it.

'Remember the Time' is next, and I don't remember the time when this song was out - in fact, I think the first time I heard it was when I bought this CD. It reached number 3 in 1992, but I can't for the life of me remember it ever being released, and I was hot on my pop music at the time. Two words sum this one up - instantly forgettable.

Excuse the language, but the next song is utter shit. 'Scream', a duet with sister Janet, theoretically should have been amazing. However, upon its release in 1995, the critics panned it, stating it was dull and musically uninvolved. They were right. It reached number 3, and I remember Chris Evans on Radio 1's breakfast show playing the sound of drills and hammers over the top of it, to demonstrates his distaste.

I wish this CD was in chronological order, as now we head to 2001 and another song I can't remember - 'You Rock My World'. Jackson's first song after a 4-year absence, this sounds much more R&B than any of his other works. It reached number 2 in the charts, but is not one of his better efforts.

Love the next song - 'They Don't Care About Us' - it has such a memorable beat and chorus. One of the few controversies in Jackson's life which actually related to his music was that the lyrics were seen to be antisemetic by the media, and the words were subsequently amended from 'Jew me' and 'Kike me' to 'Do me' and 'Strike me'. The song reached number 4.

The final song on this disc, is Jackson's best-selling song in this country, and also, in my opinion, one of his worst. Released in 1995, and reaching number 1, 'Earth Song' allowed the providence of one of the best moments in the BRIT award history, when a Christ-like appearing Jackson offended Pulp frontman Jarvis Cocker so much, he took to the stage and mooned at him. Jackson always used his wealth and fame to promote charities, but I think he took it a stage to far with this. I feel preached to when I listen to it. Although nobody can argue with the fact that millions of pounds of benefits were donated to charity from the sales of the single, it is my least favourite.

Before I move on to Disc 2, I'm just going to have a cigarette and make a cup of tea. While doing this, I've had a quick look at the songs on here, and lots of them aren't stand-out tracks, so I may get through them a wee bit quicker, rather than wittering on,

We begin with 'Dirty Diana', which I quite like. It has a rock feel to it, which compliments Jackson's voice well. A song about groupies, this was actually one of Lady Diana's favourites, although this was unbeknown to Jackson, and he never performed it when she was in attendance at his concerts, in case she was offended. My mum is called Diane, and it reminds me of her, the dirty dog! It reached number 4 in 1988.

Next comes 'Say Say Say'. This is more of a dance song, compared to the previous song, and is a duet with Paul McCartney. It reached number 2 in 1982, and I quite like it - especially Jackson's part. This was covered by a dance group in 2006, and I didn't at that time realise it was a cover version. Probably due to the fact that I was less than a year old when the original was released.

'Off the Wall' comes next and has some strange cackling at the start of the track. It reached number 7 in 1980, and is a disco track. I don't really like it, and he keeps hiccuping in the song too, which gets on my tits.

Next is 'Human Nature'; the intro to which, has been sampled numerous times. I recognised it as soon as I heard it. The song is not great though. It is more of a soul song, and was only released in the US in 1983.

'I Just Can't Stop Loving You' follows. A duet with a lady named Siedah Garrett, this is typical of an 80's love song. The chorus is very catchy, but I find the verse a tad boring. Still, it reached number 1 in 1987.

'Heal the World' is another of Jackson's preachy eco-anthems. It fared less well than 'Earth Song' which was to follow a few years later, peaking at number 2 in the charts in 1992. We are also subjected to the whinier aspect of Jackson's voice once more.

This is followed by 'Will You Be There'. It is from the soundtrack to 'Free Willy', which my friend's auntie at the time thought was a blue movie. The meaning of the lyrics has never been disclosed, and I quite like this song actually. It has a memorable beat to it, and a haunting gospel-choir mantra throughout, and reached number 9 in 1993. And Willy was freed, and we all cried tears of joy.

Fast forward 3 years, and we have 'Stranger in Moscow'. A ballad about a fall from grace, that has left him lonely, and was written during the time when the child abuse allegations were made against him. The song is a bit weary in my opinion, but still worth a listen for a bit of 'chewing-gum for the ears'. Lyrically, its perfect and was critically acclaimed, but only reached number 4 in 1996, so people weren't 'Russian' out to buy this one!!

'Speechless' is next, and begins with an acapella Jackson, whining his way to the introduction of an acoustic guitar and slow beat. Apparently unreleased, this was a good move to make, as the song is not particularly good.

Back to 1980 and an emotional ballad - 'She's out of My Life', which features an impressive vocal from Jackson, which make my hairs stand on end. This reached number 3 in the charts, and was not penned by Jackson. It was written by an ex-boyfriend of Karen Carpenter, who walked out on him when she discovered he had fathered a child to another woman. Jackson used to break down in tears whilst singing the last line of the song when he performed it, and this is evident on the track.

A bit more upbeat now - 'The Girl is Mine' - obviously not the one who's out of his life! His second duet with Paul McCartney only reached number 8 in 1983, and is not a particularly good song. I don't really like McCartney anyway, The pair of them have a conversation in the middle of the song also, which I find quite comical due to their differences in accent!

Next up is 'Butterflies'. I've never heard of this before, and there is an annoying beep every 4 beats, which sounds like somebody scanning items at the supermarket checkout. The song, which has R&B tendencies, was written in 2001 and never released for 'unexplained reasons'. Probably because its crap.

'Who is it?' It's meeeee! Quite catchy, but Jackson has the hiccups again in this. Released in 1992, and reaching number 10 on the UK charts, and is about rumours. The chorus is good and memorable. Not one of Jackson's best songs, but certainly not one of his worst.

Nearly at the end now... 'Ghost' is next on the album. a double 'A'-side single, and is an angry tale of a back-stabbing woman. It reached number 5 in 1997, and shows a hip-hop side to Jackson. I don't particularly like it.

One of Jackson's more modern songs which I actually like next. A dance hit named 'Blood on the Dancefloor', and Jackson's last number 1 hit prior to his death. The 1997 single is about a woman named Susie who seduces Jackson before plotting to stab him. His lyrics during the verses are very hard to understand, which lends a mysterious feel to the song.

'Workin' Day and Night' appears next, a disco song from the 'Off the Wall' album. This was also unreleased and is not particularly impressive.

Penultimately, we have 'HIStory' - a dance track and the other side to the aforementioned 'Ghost'. Reaching number 5 in 1997, it is one Jackson's later successes and the title track from his album at the time. It is very catchy, with a good beat and rhythm and a memorable chorus.

Finally, a rock-sounding song, not too dissimilar to 'Dirty Diana', but with a whinier voice, which Jackson doesn't always pull off too well. I like this though 'Give in to Me', and the chorus is catchy, although I don't have a clue what he is saying. It reached number 2 in 1993, and features guitarist Slash. Speaking of which, I really need one after writing this extraordinarily long review for me.

In conclusion, I would recommend this album to everyone. There is some dross on there, but there are also some timeless classics, and a couple of hidden gems some people may not have been aware of. I think I was lucky to get the 3-disc set at such a cheap price. Its not a CD I play particularly often, nor will I in the future, but I am safe in the knowledge that I own a Michael Jackson album. For my own personal tribute, I fell asleep listening to Disc One on the night he died.

Michael Jackson will be remembered for a variety of different reasons. For anyone wishing to remember his life for his music, I would recommend this album. 

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