While there have been many previous Jackson hits collections, the four-CD/one-DVD ULTIMATE COLLECTION is just that--it represents Jackson's whole career, from his youthful days with the Jackson 5 to the early years of the 21st century. (The rare omissions--"Human Nature," "Heal the World"--show up live on the DVD.) Mixed in with his numerous hits are previously unreleased songs, demo versions of hits, album tracks, and odds and ends, most remarkably, one of the earliest versions of "We Are the World" with almost completely different lyrics. THE ULTIMATE COLLECTION expertly chronicles the career of one of the most important, if unusual, pop artists of all time.
By 2004, Michael Jackson's bizarre image almost completely obscured the talent that had made him an international superstar. However, he became a musical icon by simply being the best at creating and performing pop songs. The opening moments alone of hits like "Rock with You" and "Billie Jean" would make them classic, but every aspect of these songs adds up to perfect radio pop. Jackson's THRILLER, after all, didn't simply luck into being the biggest-selling record of its time; each of its seven Top 10 hits had unique charms and drew from different elements of the pop universe.
4cds/1dvd. Hits From 1969 To Present+Unrel.Tracks.DVD=Live
Personnel: Michael Jackson (vocals, percussion); Mick Jagger, Paul McCartney, Siedah Garrett, Diana Ross (vocals); The Notorious B.I.G., Vincent Price (rap vocals); Chris Tucker (spoken vocals); Larry Carlton, Michael Sembello, Tito Jackson, David E. Williams , Marlo Henderson (guitar); Jim Horn (saxophone); David "Hawk" Wolinski (electric piano); Michael Boddicker (synthesizer); John Robinson , Nathan Watts, Bobby Watson (bass instrument); Ollie Brown, Bill Bottrell (drums); Paulinho Da Costa, Randy Jackson , Richard Heath (percussion); Jim Gilstrap, Augie Johnson (background vocals); Seawind Horns.
This collection really highlights Michael's career, and throws into sharp relief just what a dynamo he was in the eighties, or in fact, for all of his life. No one else has traveled so many different paths through music and still come out vaguely human (yes, despite what the tabloids tell us). This collection is not only for the serious collector, but also for the casual fan who might want a retrospective without buying a bunch of different albums. I can say for myself that I wasn't even interested in buying any of Michael's albums outside of Off The Wall and Thriller, but when I bought this on a whim, I was immediately interested in his other stuff. I was impressed and let down by it, but the fact that this collection opened up that world to me was what hooked it on me. I watch the DVD every so often, marvelling that, without lip-synching, he's able to not only dance, but also sing at the same time. It's hard, and upon looking at his build, I might be inclined to say that it might be almost impossible, but it's there. I recommend this collection to anyone who is casually interested in all aspects of MJ. Definitely worth hearing.
There's no need to write an essay on MJ's music. This is just a great opportunity to enjoy the unique music MJ has gave us from the begining of his career. An opportunity to look at the artist again and not at his personal life. An awesome opportunity for everyone to adquire never-released music and of course a "Dangerous" Concert we've been praying to have for long time. Very well presented, specially with more new pictures for collectors. This box set is simply a reminder that MJ is and will be the king of pop.
Of course, it goes without saying that Michael Jackson is really a musical genius and the king of pop. Just imagine how many years ago Michael sang these songs and yet still the a considered greatest hits - and the artists today can't compare. Well to me it's obvious any MJ CD would be great listening material but this one, huh, I'm speachless.
This set is filled with songs from Michael Jackson's early days, through Thriller and Bad and Dangerous with select hit songs from each time period. Also each disc has different versions of certain songs to give a little variety. Some songs such as "PYT" are completely different with different music and lyrics. The fourth disc has several songs that were previously unreleased, and that alone is reason to get this boxset. The songs are so beautiful and amazing, you will wonder why they weren't released before. They will touch your heart, make you think, and make you smile. Contained in the set is a DVD of Michael Jackson live in concert. It's a full concert in great quality that's never been released before. After buying the boxset, you will wonder why people don't talk more about the music and less about MJ's personal life. If you've never been a fan, this will make you one, if you are already a fan, then you must have this set! You won't be disappointed!
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