There are several
Michael Jackson
greatest-hits compilations out there, each one its own 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), and
Number Ones
have all surfaced in 2003 and 2004, and
HIStory
a few years prior. Each one of these collections, while commendable in its attempt to thoroughly document
Jackson
's accomplishments, has 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 5
, this two-disc set tours through every important single and every important fan favorite short of including 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 which exploration into his deeper catalog can begin. While die-hard 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