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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 /TiVo
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Kenneth Gamble, Composer - Kenneth Gamble, Lyricist - Kenneth Gamble, Producer - Leon Huff, Composer - Leon Huff, Lyricist - Leon Huff, Producer - The Jacksons, Performer
(P) 1976 Epic Records, a division of Sony Music Entertainment
Bobby Colomby, Executive Producer - Claudio Slen, Congas - David J. Jackson-Rich, Composer - David J. Jackson-Rich, Lyricist - Don Murray, Engineer - Elmar Krohn, Composer - Elmar Krohn, Lyricist - Gary King, Bass - Greg Philinganes, Keyboards - Hans Kampschroer, Composer - Hans Kampschroer, Lyricist - Jerry Hey, Arranger - Laudir de Oliveira, Congas - Michael Jackson Clark, Composer - Michael Jackson Clark, Lyricist - Mike Atkinson, Executive Producer - Mike Sembello, Guitar - Nathan Watts, Bass - Peter Granet, Engineer - Rick Marotta, Drums - Rick Marotta, Percussion - Ronald Bautista, Guitar - The Jacksons, Performer - The Jacksons, Producer - Thomas Meyer, Composer - Thomas Meyer, Lyricist - Tito Jackson, Guitar
(P) 1978 Epic Records, a division of Sony Music Entertainment
Michael J. Jackson, Composer - Michael J. Jackson, Lyricist - Michael Jackson, Performer - Randy Jackson, Composer - Randy Jackson, Lyricist - The Jacksons, Performer - The Jacksons, Producer
(P) 1978 Sony Music Entertainment
Augie Johnson, Background Vocal - David Williams, Guitar - Gary Grant, Trumpet - Greg Phillinganes, Piano - Jerry Hey, Flugelhorn - Jerry Hey, Trumpet - Jim Gilstrap, Background Vocal - John Robinson, Drums - Kim Hutchcroft, Alto Saxophone - Kim Hutchcroft, Baritone Saxophone - Kim Hutchcroft, Flute - Larry Williams, Alto Saxophone - Larry Williams, Flute - Larry Williams, Tenor Saxophone - Louis Johnson, Bass - Marlo Henderson, Guitar - Michael J. Jackson, Composer - Michael J. Jackson, Lyricist - Michael Jackson, Background Vocal - Michael Jackson, Percussion - Michael Jackson, Performer - Michael Jackson, Vocal - Mortonette Jenkins, Background Vocal - Paulette McWilliams, Background Vocal - Paulinho Da Costa, Percussion - Quincy Jones, Producer - Randy Jackson, Percussion - Richard Heath, Percussion - The Seawind Horns, Horns - William Reichenbach, Trombone - Zedric Williams, Background Vocal
(P) 1979 MJJ Productions Inc.
Bobby Watson, Bass - David Williams, Guitar - David Wolinski, Piano - Gary Grant, Trumpet - Greg Phillinganes, Synthesizer - Jerry Hey, Flugelhorn - Jerry Hey, Trumpet - John Robinson, Drums - Kim Hutchcroft, Alto Saxophone - Kim Hutchcroft, Baritone Saxophone - Kim Hutchcroft, Flute - Larry Williams, Alto Saxophone - Larry Williams, Flute - Larry Williams, Tenor Saxophone - Marlo Henderson, Guitar - Michael Boddicker, Synthesizer - Michael Jackson, Background Vocal - Michael Jackson, Performer - Michael Jackson, Vocal - Quincy Jones, Producer - R. Temperton, Composer - R. Temperton, Lyricist - The Seawind Horns, Horns - William Reichenbach, Trombone
(P) 1979 MJJ Productions Inc.
Michael Jackson, Performer - Quincy Jones, Producer - R. Temperton, Composer - R. Temperton, Lyricist
(P) 1979 MJJ Productions Inc.
Greg Phillinganes, Piano - Larry Carlton, Guitar - Louis Johnson, Bass - Michael Jackson, Performer - Michael Jackson, Vocal - Quincy Jones, Producer - Tom Bahler, Composer - Tom Bahler, Lyricist
(P) 1979 MJJ Productions Inc.
J. Jackson, Composer - J. Jackson, Lyricist - M. J. Jackson, Composer - M. J. Jackson, Lyricist - Michael Jackson, Performer - The Jacksons, Performer - The Jacksons, Producer
(P) 1980 Epic Records, a division of Sony Music Entertainment
Bernie Grundman, Mastering Engineer - Bruce Swedien, Recording Engineer - David Foster, Synthesizer - David Paich, Piano - Dean Parks, Guitar - Humberto Gatica, Recording Engineer - Jeff Porcaro, Drums - Louis Johnson, Bass - Mark Ettel, 2nd Engineer - Matt Forger, Engineer - Matt Forger, Recording Engineer - Michael J. Jackson, Composer - Michael J. Jackson, Lyricist - Michael Jackson, Background Vocal - Michael Jackson, Vocal - Michael Jackson, Vocal Arranger - Michael Jackson featuring Paul McCartney, Performer - Paul McCartney, Background Vocal - Paul McCartney, Vocal - Quincy Jones, Producer - Quincy Jones, Vocal Arranger - Steve Bates, 2nd Engineer - Steve Lukather, Guitar
(P) 1982 MJJ Productions Inc.
BILL WOLFER, Synthesizer - CHANCLER,NDUGO, Drums - David Williams, Guitar - Greg Phillinganes, Synthesizer - Greg Smith, Synthesizer - Louis Johnson, Bass - Michael J. Jackson, Composer - Michael J. Jackson, Lyricist - Michael Jackson, Background Vocal - Michael Jackson, Performer - Michael Jackson, Vocal - Quincy Jones, Producer
(P) 1982 MJJ Productions Inc.
BILL WOLFER, Keyboards - Greg Phillinganes, Synthesizer - Jeff Porcaro, Drums - M. J. Jackson, Composer - M. J. Jackson, Lyricist - Michael Jackson, Background Vocal - Michael Jackson, Performer - Michael Jackson, Vocal - Paul Jackson Jr., Guitar - Quincy Jones, Producer - Steve Lukather, Acoustic Bass - Steve Lukather, Guitar - Steve Porcaro, Synthesizer
(P) 1982 MJJ Productions Inc.
Becky Lopez, Background Vocal - Bunny Hull, Background Vocal - James Ingram, Background Vocal - Julia Waters, Background Vocal - Maxine Waters, Background Vocal - Michael J. Jackson, Composer - Michael J. Jackson, Lyricist - Michael Jackson, Background Vocal - Michael Jackson, Performer - Michael Jackson, Vocal - Oren Waters, Background Vocal - Quincy Jones, Producer
(P) 1982 MJJ Productions Inc.
John Bettis, Composer - John Bettis, Lyricist - Michael Jackson, Performer - Michael Jackson, Vocal - Quincy Jones, Producer - Steven Porcaro, Composer - Steven Porcaro, Lyricist
(P) 1982 MJJ Productions Inc.
Bernie Grundman, Mastering Engineer - Bruce Swedien, Recording Engineer - CHANCLER,NDUGO, Drums - Greg Phillinganes, Synthesizer - Howard Hewett, Background Vocal - Humberto Gatica, Recording Engineer - James Ingram, Arranger - James Ingram, Background Vocal - James Ingram, Composer - James Ingram, Keyboards - James Ingram, Lyricist - Louis Johnson, Bass - Mark Ettel, 2nd Engineer - Matt Forger, Engineer - Matt Forger, Recording Engineer - Michael Jackson, Performer - Michael Jackson, Vocal - Paul Jackson Jr., Guitar - Quincy Jones, Arranger - Quincy Jones, Composer - Quincy Jones, Lyricist - Quincy Jones, Producer - Steve Bates, 2nd Engineer
(P) 1982 MJJ Productions Inc.
Michael Jackson, Performer - Michael Jackson, Vocal - Quincy Jones, Producer - Rod Temperton, Composer - Rod Temperton, Lyricist
(P) 1987 MJJ Productions Inc.
DISC 2
David Williams, Guitar - Gary Grant, Trumpet - Greg Phillinganes, Synthesizer - Jerry Hey, Trumpet - John Barnes, Synthesizer - John Robinson, Drums - Kim Hutchcroft, Saxophone - Larry Williams, Saxophone - Michael Boddicker, Synthesizer - Michael J. Jackson, Composer - Michael J. Jackson, Lyricist - Michael Jackson, Background Vocal - Michael Jackson, Co-Producer - Michael Jackson, Percussion - Michael Jackson, Performer - Paulinho Da Costa, Percussion - Quincy Jones, Producer
(P) 1987 MJJ Productions Inc.
Dann Huff, Guitar - David Paich, Synthesizer - Greg Phillinganes, Synthesizer - John Barnes, Piano - Michael J. Jackson, Composer - Michael J. Jackson, Lyricist - Michael Jackson, Co-Producer - Michael Jackson, Vocal - Michael Jackson featuring Siedah Garrett, Performer - Nathan East, Bass - Ndugu Chancler, Drums - Paulhino da Costa, Percussion - Quincy Jones, Producer - Siedah Garrett, Vocal
(P) 1987 MJJ Productions Inc.
Greg Phillinganes, Synthesizer - Larry Williams, Drum Programmer - Larry Williams, Synthesizer - Michael J. Jackson, Composer - Michael J. Jackson, Lyricist - Michael Jackson, Background Vocal - Michael Jackson, Co-Producer - Michael Jackson, Performer - Paul Jackson Jr., Guitar - Quincy Jones, Producer
(P) 1987 MJJ Productions Inc.
M. J. Jackson, Composer - M. J. Jackson, Lyricist - Michael Jackson, Performer - Michael Jackson, Vocal - Quincy Jones, Producer
(P) 1987 MJJ Productions Inc.
Andrae Crouch, Background Vocal - Andrae Crouch, Performer - Andrew Gouche, Background Vocal - Carvin Winans, Background Vocal - Dann Huff, Guitar - Francine Howard, Background Vocal - Geary Faggett, Background Vocal - Glen Ballard, Composer - Glen Ballard, Lyricist - Glen Ballard, Synthesizer - Greg Phillinganes, Keyboards - Jean Johnson, Background Vocal - Linda Green, Background Vocal - Marvin Winans, Background Vocal - Maxi Anderson, Background Vocal - Michael Jackson, Background Vocal - Michael Jackson, Co-Producer - Michael Jackson, Performer - Michael Winans, Background Vocal - Perry Morgan, Background Vocal - Quincy Jones, Producer - Randy Kerber, Synthesizer - Ronal Winans, Background Vocal - Rose Banks, Background Vocal - Sandra Crouch, Background Vocal - Siedah Garrett, Background Vocal - Siedah Garrett, Composer - Siedah Garrett, Lyricist - Siedah Garrett, Vocal - The Andrae Crouch Choir, Background Vocal - The Winans, Background Vocal - The Winans, Vocal - Vonciele Faggett, Background Vocal
(P) 1987 MJJ Productions Inc.
David Williams, Guitar - John Barnes, Synthesizer - John Robinson, Drums - Michael Boddicker, Synthesizer - Michael J. Jackson, Composer - Michael J. Jackson, Lyricist - Michael Jackson, Background Vocal - Michael Jackson, Co-Producer - Michael Jackson, Performer - Paul Jackson Jr., Guitar - Quincy Jones, Producer - Randy Waldman, Synthesizer
(P) 1987 MJJ Productions Inc.
David Williams, Guitar - Gary Grant, Trumpet - Jerry Hey, Trumpet - John Barnes, Synthesizer - Kim Hutchcroft, Saxophone - Larry Williams, Saxophone - Michael J. Jackson, Composer - Michael J. Jackson, Lyricist - Michael Jackson, Background Vocal - Michael Jackson, Co-Producer - Michael Jackson, Performer - Paul Jackson Jr., Guitar - Quincy Jones, Producer - Rhett Lawrence, Synthesizer
(P) 1987 MJJ Productions Inc.
Bill Bottrell, Drums - Bruce Swedien, Drums - Christopher Currell, Synthesizer - David Williams, Guitar - Gary Grant, Trumpet - Jerry Hey, Trumpet - John Barnes, Synthesizer - John Robinson, Drums - Kim Hutchcroft, Saxophone - Larry Williams, Saxophone - Michael Boddicker, Synthesizer - Michael J. Jackson, Composer - Michael J. Jackson, Lyricist - Michael Jackson, Background Vocal - Michael Jackson, Co-Producer - Michael Jackson, Performer - Quincy Jones, Producer
(P) 1987 MJJ Productions Inc.
Andrae Crouch, Vocal Arranger - Andres McKenzie, Performer - Ashley Farrell, Performer - Augie Johnson, Background Vocal - Becky Lopez, Background Vocal - Ben Wright, Arranger - Bill Bottrell, Composer - Bill Bottrell, Guitar - Bill Bottrell, Lyricist - Bill Bottrell, Percussion - Bill Bottrell, Producer - Bill Wolfer, Keyboards - Bill Wolfer, Synthesizer - Bobby Watson, Bass - Brad Buxer, Keyboards - Brad Buxer, Percussion - Brad Buxer, Synthesizer - Brian Banks, Keyboards - Brian Banks, Synthesizer - Bryan Loren, Drums - Bryan Loren, Percussion - Bunny Hull, Background Vocal - Christa Larson, Background Vocal - Christopher Currell, Guitar - Christopher Currell, Percussion - Dann Huff, Guitar - David Foster, Keyboards - David Foster, Synthesizer - David Paich, Keyboards - David Paich, Synthesizer - David Williams, Guitar - Dean Parks, Guitar - Douglas Getschal, Drum Programmer - Eddie Van Halen, Guitar - Eddie Van Halen, Performer - Eric Gale, Guitar - Gary Grant, Flugelhorn - Gary Grant, Trumpet - Glen Ballard, Keyboards - Glen Ballard, Synthesizer - Greg Phillinganes, Keyboards - Greg Phillinganes, Synthesizer - Greg Smith, Keyboards - Greg Smith, Synthesizer - How Now Brown Cow, Percussion - James Ingram, Background Vocal - Jason Martz, Keyboards - Jason Martz, Synthesizer - Jeff Porcaro, Drums - Jeremy Lubbock, Conductor - Jerry Hey, Arranger - Jerry Hey, Conductor - Jerry Hey, Flugelhorn - Jerry Hey, Trumpet - Jim Gilstrap, Background Vocal - Jimmy Smith, Organ - John Bahler, Vocal Arranger - John Barnes, Keyboards - John Barnes, Synthesizer - John Barnes, Vocal Arranger - John Robinson, Drums - Johnny Mandel, Arranger - Julia Waters, Background Vocal - Kim Hutchcroft, Flute - Kim Hutchcroft, Saxophone - L.T.B., Performer - L.T.B., Rap Performed By - Larry Carlton, Guitar - Larry Williams, Flute - Larry Williams, Saxophone - Louis Johnson, Bass - Marlo Henderson, Guitar - Marty Paich, Conductor - Marty Paich, Orchestrator - Maxine Waters, Background Vocal - Michael Boddicker, Keyboards - Michael Boddicker, Synthesizer - Michael J. Jackson, Composer - Michael J. Jackson, Lyricist - Michael Jackson, Arranger - Michael Jackson, Background Vocal - Michael Jackson, Composer - Michael Jackson, Executive Producer - Michael Jackson, Percussion - Michael Jackson, Performer - Michael Jackson, Producer - Michael Jackson, Vocal Arranger - Mortonette Jendins, Background Vocal - Nathan East, Bass - Ndugu Chancler, Drums - Ollie E. Brown, Percussion - Oren Waters, Background Vocal - Paul Jackson, Guitar - Paulette McWilliams, Background Vocal - Paulinho da Costa, Percussion - Quincy Jones, Vocal Arranger - Randy Jackson, Percussion - Randy Kerber, Keyboards - Randy Kerber, Synthesizer - Richard Heath, Percussion - Rod Temperton, Keyboards - Rod Temperton, Synthesizer - Rod Temperton, Vocal Arranger - Slash, Guitar - Slash, Performer - Steve Lukather, Bass - Steve Lukather, Guitar - Steve Porcaro, Keyboards - Steve Porcaro, Synthesizer - Teddy Riley, Keyboards - Teddy Riley, Synthesizer - Terry Jackson, Bass - The Andrae Crouch Singers, Background Vocal - The John Bahler Singers, Background Vocal - The Seawind Horns, Performer - The Winans, Background Vocal - Tim Pierce, Guitar - Vincent Price, Rap Performed By - William Reichenbach, Trombone - Zedric Williams, Background Vocal
(P) 1991 MJJ Productions Inc.
Ashley Farell, Performer - Bernie Grundman, Mastering Engineer - Bernie Grundman, Re-Mastering Engineer - Brad Buxer, Keyboards - Bruce Swedien, Co-Producer - Bruce Swedien, Recording Engineer - Bryan Loren, Percussion - Christa Larson, Vocal - Dave Way, Engineer - David Paich, Keyboards - David Paich, Synthesizer - Jean Marie Horvat, Engineer - Jeff Porcaro, Drums - John Bahler, Vocal Arranger - Kevin Gilbert, Engineer - Marty Paich, Arranger - Marty Paich, Composer - Marty Paich, Conductor - Marty Paich, Orchestrator - Matt Forger, Recording Engineer - Michael Boddicker, Synthesizer - Michael J. Jackson, Composer - Michael J. Jackson, Lyricist - Michael Jackson, Background Vocal - Michael Jackson, Executive Producer - Michael Jackson, Performer - Michael Jackson, Producer - Michael Jackson, Vocal Arranger - Richard Cottrell, Engineer - Steve Porcaro, Synthesizer
(P) 1991 MJJ Productions Inc.
B. Belle, Composer - B. Belle, Lyricist - M. J. Jackson, Composer - M. J. Jackson, Lyricist - Michael Jackson, Background Vocal - Michael Jackson, Performer - Michael Jackson, Producer - Michael Jackson, Vocal - T. Riley, Composer - T. Riley, Lyricist - Teddy Riley, Keyboards - Teddy Riley, Synthesizer
(P) 1991 MJJ Productions Inc.
M. J. Jackson, Composer - M. J. Jackson, Lyricist - Michael Jackson, Performer - Michael Jackson, Vocal - Producer not documented on available sources, Producer - T. Riley, Composer - T. Riley, Lyricist
(P) 1991 MJJ Productions Inc.
Bill Bottrell, Producer - Michael J. Jackson, Composer - Michael J. Jackson, Lyricist - Michael Jackson, Performer - Michael Jackson, Producer - Michael Jackson, Vocal
(P) 1991 MJJ Productions Inc.
M. J. Jackson, Composer - M. J. Jackson, Lyricist - Michael Jackson, Performer - Michael Jackson, Producer - Michael Jackson, Vocal
(P) 1991 MJJ Productions Inc.
Bernie Grundman, Mastering Engineer - Bernie Grundman, Re-Mastering Engineer - Bill Bottrell, Composer - Bill Bottrell, Lyricist - Brad Buxer, Synthesizer - Bruce Swedien, Co-Producer - Bruce Swedien, Mixing Engineer - Bruce Swedien, Recording Engineer - Dave Way, Engineer - Jean Marie Horvat, Engineer - Jean-Marie Horvat, Recording Engineer - Kevin Gilbert, Engineer - Michael J. Jackson, Composer - Michael J. Jackson, Lyricist - Michael Jackson, Background Vocal - Michael Jackson, Executive Producer - Michael Jackson, Performer - Michael Jackson, Producer - Michael Jackson, Vocal - Michael Jackson, Vocal Arranger - Rhett Lawrence, Synthesizer - Richard Cottrell, Engineer - Teddy Riley, Composer - Teddy Riley, Lyricist - Teddy Riley, Mixing Engineer - Teddy Riley, Recording Engineer - Teddy Riley, Synthesizer - Thom Russo, Recording Engineer
(P) 1991 MJJ Productions Inc.
Michael Jackson, Performer - Michael Jackson, Vocal - R. Kelly, Producer - Robert Kelly, Composer - Robert Kelly, Lyricist
(P) 1995 MJJ Productions Inc.
Fred Jerkins III, Composer - Fred Jerkins III, Lyricist - LaShawn Daniels, Composer - LaShawn Daniels, Lyricist - Michael J. Jackson, Composer - Michael J. Jackson, Lyricist - Michael Jackson, Performer - Michael Jackson, Producer - Michael Jackson, Vocal - Nora Payne, Composer - Nora Payne, Lyricist - RODNEY JERKINS PRODUCTIONS,INC, Producer - Rodney Jerkins, Composer - Rodney Jerkins, Lyricist
(P) 2001 MJJ Productions Inc.
Album review
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 /TiVo
About the album
- 2 disc(s) - 38 track(s)
- Total length: 02:39:08
- Main artists: Michael Jackson
- Composer: Various Composers
- Label: Epic - Legacy
- Genre: Soul/Funk/R&B Soul
(P) 1972 Motown Records, a Division of UMG Recordings, Inc., 1976, 1978, 1980 Sony Music Entertainment, 1979, 1982, 1987, 1991, 1995, 2001, 2005 MJJ Productions Inc.
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