innuendo141
Proud Member
I’ve had a relatively busy morning here at work, but that means that I was able to listen to some music through one headphone (mono style).
I don’t know why, but I decided to listen to HIStory Begins, which I can honestly say I haven’t listened to since the late 90’s/early 00’s. Number Ones seemed to take it’s place as the compilation to go to, which was subsequently replaced by The Essential and then The Ultimate Collection (The King Of Pop compilations never did anything for me, other than playlists on shuffle).
Going back to this first disc of HIStory though has been a real walk through history itself. As essentially my first listen the whole way through as an “almost” mature adult, I can say that the song selection and sequence is absolutely perfect, and completely compliments the HIStory Continues disc.
First off, we don’t need to remind ourselves that this was the first album release since “the unpleasantness” of 1993. I can only imagine the various ideas that were thrown around at the time as to how Michael should re-enter the stage and remind people who he REALLY is.
Is there a better way to start off than Billie Jean? His most identifiable song, possibly the most identifiable intro. Just a bass and snare drum. Instantly reminded of the King of Pop.
Secondly, let me say that the mastering of this album is perfect. The songs sound gorgeous.
Anyway, with the other 14 tracks selected, there are absolutely NONE with any negative tones. There is no Dirty Diana, no Leave Me Alone, no Who Is It, no Smooth Criminal. Wanna Be Startin Something could be argued that it’s got too much of a feel good nature, despite the lyrical content to be considered dark.
These are, for the better part, the feel good songs of Michael’s solo career to date. She’s Out Of My Life being on its own slightly, but still, despite the topic, there is no malice or begrudgery in the song. It’s Michael at his most vulnerable (aside from Will You Be There) up to that point.
Then, finishing with Heal the World, we are reminded not only of the generous and good nature of Michael, but of how much of a colossal success it was! We are finishing on an uplifting inspiring song to help those around you, and look after what may not be looked after. To finish on this song mirrors his idea to close his concerts with an uplifting inspirational message.
The journey between Billie Jean and Heal The World really is a phenomenal one. It’s like going down a road where there is nothing but clear skies and a smooth straight path. It has never occurred to me that this could compliment the dark turn that we would have to take with the 2[SUP]nd[/SUP] disc…
Could there be a more ruthless contrast between Heal the World and Scream? The world portrayed in Scream is the beginning of a story that happens in a world that wasn’t quite ready to be healed yet.
I don’t know why, but I decided to listen to HIStory Begins, which I can honestly say I haven’t listened to since the late 90’s/early 00’s. Number Ones seemed to take it’s place as the compilation to go to, which was subsequently replaced by The Essential and then The Ultimate Collection (The King Of Pop compilations never did anything for me, other than playlists on shuffle).
Going back to this first disc of HIStory though has been a real walk through history itself. As essentially my first listen the whole way through as an “almost” mature adult, I can say that the song selection and sequence is absolutely perfect, and completely compliments the HIStory Continues disc.
First off, we don’t need to remind ourselves that this was the first album release since “the unpleasantness” of 1993. I can only imagine the various ideas that were thrown around at the time as to how Michael should re-enter the stage and remind people who he REALLY is.
Is there a better way to start off than Billie Jean? His most identifiable song, possibly the most identifiable intro. Just a bass and snare drum. Instantly reminded of the King of Pop.
Secondly, let me say that the mastering of this album is perfect. The songs sound gorgeous.
Anyway, with the other 14 tracks selected, there are absolutely NONE with any negative tones. There is no Dirty Diana, no Leave Me Alone, no Who Is It, no Smooth Criminal. Wanna Be Startin Something could be argued that it’s got too much of a feel good nature, despite the lyrical content to be considered dark.
These are, for the better part, the feel good songs of Michael’s solo career to date. She’s Out Of My Life being on its own slightly, but still, despite the topic, there is no malice or begrudgery in the song. It’s Michael at his most vulnerable (aside from Will You Be There) up to that point.
Then, finishing with Heal the World, we are reminded not only of the generous and good nature of Michael, but of how much of a colossal success it was! We are finishing on an uplifting inspiring song to help those around you, and look after what may not be looked after. To finish on this song mirrors his idea to close his concerts with an uplifting inspirational message.
The journey between Billie Jean and Heal The World really is a phenomenal one. It’s like going down a road where there is nothing but clear skies and a smooth straight path. It has never occurred to me that this could compliment the dark turn that we would have to take with the 2[SUP]nd[/SUP] disc…
Could there be a more ruthless contrast between Heal the World and Scream? The world portrayed in Scream is the beginning of a story that happens in a world that wasn’t quite ready to be healed yet.