Latest on MJJC

Michael: Album Reviews

Re: Michael: first review

sophiemj said:
http://www.answers.com/topic/thriller-album

ROLLING STONE MAG ....

http://www.rollingstone.com/music/reviews/album/3045/21548

and .....

http://www.muzikalmafia.com/michael-jackson-thriller-album-review/

CRITICS ALWAYS HATED MICHAEL not to mention the bad album reviews I remember as it was yesterday they said like it is "too commercial with lack of his Black roots, is like a soap opera" ....
Click to expand...


Very True! I have been an MJ fan since BAD and clearly remember Dangerous release. Starting from History (post 93 crap) the hostility towards MJ was much worse and often mixing his personal so-called "problems" with his music. They (critics) were very harsh on History and even more so with Invincible.

MJJuniorSinceMW said:
If You like to read a review for MICHAEL, wait till some 'more serious' papers will have it.
(Rolling Stone, Vibe, LA Times, Source, or whatever, BUT NOT OF ALL THINGS TABLOID)
Click to expand...

Rolling Stone has never cared for MJ since Thriller and will likely never as long as their "critics" are more concerned with being "cool" and have their heads up their a$$es. Please don't use them for MJ news, facts or any info about MJ. They are like 99% of the critics out there with favoring "respectable" bands/singers like Beatles, Elvis, Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, the Stones, The who, Jimmy Hendrix blah blah and their eternal love for Nirvana.

Mj is good in Off the Wall and Thriller and everything after that BAD... same old crap

Their "special" on MJ death was real turd encrusted of a jewel of music journalism. Here is what they had to say about MJ

On page 68 while discussing BAD

"Ideas for superstar collaboration also led to problems : Jones had conceived BAD as a duet with Prince, imagining a blockbuster video in which the purple one and MJ square off, "like fighters" but Prince demurred after hearing the song, telling Jackson in a meeting organized by Jones that Jackson didn't need help to have a hit."

Now someone please correct me but I thought Prince was brought in solely for video and it is where the disagreement happened as to who will say what lyrically in video. This above from Rolling Stones gives you the impression that the song was written as a duet in mind and Prince's objection was to the song which it absolutely WAS NOT.

Then more BS on BAD album

Jackson's pet chimp Bubbles rode around Los Angeles studio on the recording engineer's Great Dane, and Jackson's 300 pound, 20 feet python was given free rein. As the months dragged on, celebs like Oprah Winfrey and Robert De Niro came by to offer moral support."

WTF????

First what does this has to do with his music and BAD album and secondly what is their source for this info? Oprah Helped MJ during BAD era... does anybody have ever heard this before or clearly their writer's heads are so far up their$$es that they can't think straight.

On page 71 is a black and white picture of MJ during Beat It from History tour. The caption reads "In New York on his third and final world tour behind History in 1997".

The hell?

pg 68 Final thoughts on Dangerous "dangerous might be remembered as Pop historians as the record that Nirvana's Nevermind knocked off the top of the Billboard charts, ringing in the alt-rock era".

They also have a nice quote about MJ being lighter in skin on cover of Thriller album because of Plastic surgery. I will try to find this one. You go like you idiots confused Bad cover for thriller didn't ya?

Just like anyone from outside can say that we the fans will find a reason to cover, protect or like MJ no matter what he does, equally the press like rolling stones will always find a reason to hate him and spill their poison. Always! As long the latter is true, I say keep united against these morons.

God Bless MJ!

P.S In case it wasn't clear. Please never read Rolling Stones for hoping to see anything even remotely decent about MJ. Sorry my blood boils at Rolling Stones
 
Last edited:
Nirvana and grundge was a phenomenon of the (early) 90s - it came and go like all fashions in music. Just because it wasn't disco music, but rock (critics always seem to think somehow that the genre of rock in itself is superior), it's still a fashion that came and go.

Michael wasn't one of these artists who just came and go. Since the 70s he's always been there and still is! The snobs at Rolling Stone just make idiots out of themselves with their constant bashing of Michael. It is always even more apparent from the hindsight when you look back at old articles and what they hyped while slagging down Michael and where are all those favourite artists of theirs are now.....

Do you remember this from 2003?

ej0929psxso79097.jpg


So much about Rolling Stone.
 
respect77 said:
Nirvana and grundge was a phenomenon of the (early) 90s - it came and go like all fashions in music. Just because it wasn't disco music, but rock (critics always seem to think somehow that the genre of rock in itself is superior), it's still a fashion that came and go.

Michael wasn't one of these artists who just came and go. Since the 70s he's always been there and still is! The snobs at Rolling Stone just make idiots out of themselves with their constant bashing of Michael. It is always even more apparent from the hindsight when you look back at old articles and what they hyped while slagging down Michael and where are all those favourite artists of theirs are now.....

Do you remember this from 2003?

ej0929psxso79097.jpg


So much about Rolling Stone.
Click to expand...

god i cringe at that cover..

justin even probably cringes at that cover!

i read somewhere after this interview and cover came out that he wasnt really comfortable with being called the "new king of pop"...

-Dal
 
respect77 said:
Nirvana and grundge was a phenomenon of the (early) 90s - it came and go like all fashions in music. Just because it wasn't disco music, but rock (critics always seem to think somehow that the genre of rock in itself is superior), it's still a fashion that came and go.

Michael wasn't one of these artists who just came and go. Since the 70s he's always been there and still is! The snobs at Rolling Stone just make idiots out of themselves with their constant bashing of Michael. It is always even more apparent from the hindsight when you look back at old articles and what they hyped while slagging down Michael and where are all those favourite artists of theirs are now.....

Do you remember this from 2003?

ej0929psxso79097.jpg


So much about Rolling Stone.
Click to expand...

7 years later....and it still hurts.
 
It was good enough to see Britney and Madonna kiss, but then BAM!...Justin looking pwned topped it off nicely.
 
I was so happy that rolling stones MJ's tribute edition didnt sell very well,It was more tabloid than national enquirer and they are supposed to be a music mag.They never loved Michael,even thriller was not given rave reviews and all the adulation heaped on it was post mega sales.I dont give a shit about them & I hope they fade faster than their current pace.
 
Hahah I remember that cover, its amazing how an official music magazine can make such a bold call and get it completely wrong.

They should be shut down for this epic fail.
 
Rolling Stone is shit. Their "reviews" are shit. :censored: them, they are a tabloid magazine.
 
Justin as the new kop??? please dont make me laugh! what has he done musicly in the last 3 years? Nada,Zip,zilch,zero NOTHING, i dont understand why people want to or think they can take that title away from Michael? it makes no sence to me!
 
Throughout his adult career, Jackson walked a thin line between perfection and procrastination, constantly shelving songs he felt still needed some work, while those around him remained convinced that the job was done. It could be argued that had he lived, very few of these tracks would ever have seen the light of day.

In all truth, there are numbers here that feel salvaged and sellotaped together that he would most likely have vetoed for release, but by the same token there are others (Hollywood Tonight, Behind The Mask, Much Too Soon) that hold their heads high alongside his very best work.

Initial fears that the project would be little more than a cynical posthumous cash-in are unfounded, as although it might not be the album Jackson himself would have wanted us to hear, it’s a solid collection and arguably better than any of us could have expected.

http://www.musicradar.com/news/guit...album-review-track-by-track-323430/12#content
 
The Special One;3120510 said:
Throughout his adult career, Jackson walked a thin line between perfection and procrastination, constantly shelving songs he felt still needed some work, while those around him remained convinced that the job was done. It could be argued that had he lived, very few of these tracks would ever have seen the light of day.

In all truth, there are numbers here that feel salvaged and sellotaped together that he would most likely have vetoed for release, but by the same token there are others (Hollywood Tonight, Behind The Mask, Much Too Soon) that hold their heads high alongside his very best work.

Initial fears that the project would be little more than a cynical posthumous cash-in are unfounded, as although it might not be the album Jackson himself would have wanted us to hear, it’s a solid collection and arguably better than any of us could have expected.

http://www.musicradar.com/news/guit...album-review-track-by-track-323430/12#content
Click to expand...


I just read that. Great review

http://www.musicradar.com/news/guitars/new-michael-jackson-album-review-track-by-track-323430
 
The Special One;3120510 said:
Throughout his adult career, Jackson walked a thin line between perfection and procrastination, constantly shelving songs he felt still needed some work, while those around him remained convinced that the job was done. It could be argued that had he lived, very few of these tracks would ever have seen the light of day.

In all truth, there are numbers here that feel salvaged and sellotaped together that he would most likely have vetoed for release, but by the same token there are others (Hollywood Tonight, Behind The Mask, Much Too Soon) that hold their heads high alongside his very best work.

Initial fears that the project would be little more than a cynical posthumous cash-in are unfounded, as although it might not be the album Jackson himself would have wanted us to hear, it’s a solid collection and arguably better than any of us could have expected.

http://www.musicradar.com/news/guit...album-review-track-by-track-323430/12#content
Click to expand...


Here is the full Review:
New Michael Jackson album review: track-by-track

2010's 'Michael' under the microscope
Terry Staunton, Tue 7 Dec 2010, 5:00 pm UTC

Alarm bells sounded throughout the music industry when it was announced that a 'new' Michael Jackson album was being prepared for release. After all, having only issued three records of fresh material since the dawn of the '90s, all considered underwhelming when held up to his earlier triumphs, what hopes could there be for a ragbag of offcuts drawn together by others after the singer’s death?
Yet, while no one would have the gall to claim that the simply-titled Michael scales the dizzy heights of Off The Wall or Thriller, it nonetheless presents itself as a unified piece of work and testament to the man’s continued energy and inspiration. There is a danger, however, of its musical merits being overlooked because of the various unanswered questions that surround its completion.
Sony are being decidedly coy about revealing just how much work was done to these songs since Jackson’s death, and how much of each was committed to tape with his blessing. Internet chatrooms have been abuzz with suggestions that some vocals are the work of soundalikes, or that certain tracks had long been dismissed by Jackson himself and would never have been heard had he lived.
It’s worth pointing out, though, that almost all of this speculation comes from people who haven’t heard the album, and it will be interesting to monitor its reception once it reaches record stores on 13 December.
The press statement given to reviewers at high security listening sessions leading up to the album’s release only partially clarifies its construction: “Using the roadmap Michael provided with his notes, his voice and the creative ideas he had shared, they took the songs left by Michael in various stages of production and completed the album. Here is Michael’s work, brought to life through them.”
Ultimately, then, it’s perhaps the most – necessarily – collaborative album of Jackson’s career, but while its 10 songs are liberally daubed with the fingerprints of fellow musicians, writers and producers, the talent, intentions and work ethic of one man shines like a beacon throughout.

Hold My Hand

A wash of smooth strings wells up, giving way to a shuffle beat seemingly constructed on a stuttering, primitive drum machine, before Jackson delivers the opening line: “This life don’t last forever...”
Posthumous lyrical allusions aside, it’s a fairly unremarkable start to the album, its ultimately uplifting message no better or worse than the numerous anthemic numbers in Jackson’s back catalogue, although the mid-song rap by Akon gives it a much-needed shot of energy.

Hollywood Tonight

A chanting hymnal intro sets the scene, before a sly bass groove that recalls Smooth Criminal takes over and Teddy Riley’s slick production transports us to one of the most urgent dance tracks of Jackson’s career.
Originally earmarked for 2001’s Invincible, it’s one of the album’s busiest tracks, a scratchy electric guitar break duelling with the kind of lush strings more associated with '70s Philly soul, while the lyric warns of the dangers inherent in chasing your dream in the big city.

Keep Your Head Up

The first of three numbers co-written with Jackson’s longtime friend New Jersey musician Eddie Cascio. A gentle Spanish guitar and delicate piano melody underpin a song about a downtrodden woman hoping for better times ahead: “She works in a restaurant, waiting her life away."
Jackson started working on it in 2007, although structurally and sonically it harks back to Rod Temperton’s The Lady In My Life, the closing track on Thriller.

(I like) The way You Love Me

Jackson’s original demo was first heard on 2004’s five-disc Ultimate Collection, part of which survives on this elaborate makeover, completed after the singer’s death by producer Theron ‘Neff-U’ Feemster, most notably singing the opening verse down a phone line.
What emerges here is a surprisingly authentic slab of sun-kissed '60s pop (think Crystal Blue Persuasion by Tommy James & The Shondells) full of gorgeous multitracked harmonies and attractive chord sequences, like something Todd Rundgren might have produced in the early '70s.

Monster

After the delicacy of his vocal on the previous two songs, Jackson here is in the raspy-voiced territory of, say, Scream or Dirty Diana.
Far and away the most aggressive-sounding track (and another lyric about the predatory nature of Hollywood), it’s punctuated by a 50 Cent rap and a staccato drum rhythm that, intentionally or otherwise, sounds like gunfire. Michael started work on it at Eddie Cascio’s home studio in 2007, laying down the backing vocals through a length of PVC tubing!

Best of Joy

Thought to be the last song Jackson was working on at the time of his death, going as far as provisionally booking studio time in London during his planned run of shows at the O2 Arena to add more elements.
Since completed by Neff-U, the soft acoustic guitar-led ballad’s sweet falsetto and slightly cloying – not to mention grammatically muddled - lyric (“I am the moon, you are the spring, our lives a sacred thing”) seem at odds with cumbersome and thunderous drum track, resulting in a disjointed whole.

Breaking News

This Cascio collaboration is already the subject of some controversy, after a 42-second excerpt was released to radio as a teaser for the album last month.
Clearly, Jackson intended the song to be a comment on his relentless hounding by the media, but the question remains as to how complicit he might have been in the grafting of sampled TV news reports onto the finished track (“...allegations made against the performer...”, “...here we go again, another lawsuit...”).
Such additions seem surplus to requirement, the singer having already laid down the lyric “everybody wants a piece of Michael Jackson” and berating the press who “use their words to destroy, like they’re weapons”. Musically, it’s perhaps the most pedestrian of the 10 songs here, an almost painting-by-numbers predictable dance groove that never seems to lead anywhere.

(I can't make it) Another Day

After the opening Hold My Hand, the second and last track that doesn’t list Jackson as a writer. Lenny Kravitz takes the sole composer credit, having first pitched the song to Michael during the recording of the Invincible album.
The Kravitz/Jackson demo was leaked on the internet in 2008, prompting Kravitz to complete the track himself, inviting Dave Grohl to contribute drums. Consequently, it comes across as a loud and proud no-nonsense rocker, Jackson’s lusty demo vocal embellished by a wailing guitar solo and a pounding rhythm that wouldn’t be out of place on a Foo Fighters record.

Behing the Mask

The closest to a cover version on the album, this was reportedly one of Jackson’s favourite songs, which he first heard on Yellow Magic Orchestra’s 1979 album Solid State Survivor.
YMO leader Ryiuchi Sakamoto gave his blessing to Michael adding his own lyrics, the result being yet another self-referential ode to living life under a microscope. Sonically, it stays relatively true to the original (which is briefly sampled), although the clinical synth disco rhythm is bolstered by tacked-on audience screams and a slightly out-of-place saxophone break.

Much Too Soon

The album signs off with its oldest original song, written by Jackson for Thriller in 1982 but ultimately shelved because producer Quincy Jones allegedly felt it didn’t sit well with the record’s overall dance vibe.
It’s a remarkably pure and simple ballad of love, loss and regret, with acoustic guitar and accordion taking centre stage, and a reminder of Jackson’s innate gift as a songwriter of subtlety and directness. Producer John McClain admirably resists the temptation to give it any over-egged sonic makeover, a lesson some of the studio whizzes who worked on other tracks might have done well to heed.


The verdict

Throughout his adult career, Jackson walked a thin line between perfection and procrastination, constantly shelving songs he felt still needed some work, while those around him remained convinced that the job was done. It could be argued that had he lived, very few of these tracks would ever have seen the light of day.
In all truth, there are numbers here that feel salvaged and sellotaped together that he would most likely have vetoed for release, but by the same token there are others (Hollywood Tonight, Behind The Mask, Much Too Soon) that hold their heads high alongside his very best work.
Initial fears that the project would be little more than a cynical posthumous cash-in are unfounded, as although it might not be the album Jackson himself would have wanted us to hear, it’s a solid collection and arguably better than any of us could have expected.
 
Mac said:
The Huffington Post review is GREAT! You KNOW it's from someone that knows their stuff about Michael and his music.

It states that "Much Too Soon" was recorded during the HIStory sessions? Is this true??!!
Click to expand...

Got to look it up, but there was been done something with Much Too Soon in HIStory time but I don't remember what. It's been created earlier, Thriller or Bad era I think.
 
Last edited:
Thanks for all the reviews. I can't wait to hear the album. I love and miss MJ so much and so I wish this project well despite the controversy. This is our baby, and he deserves the best. Many of these reviews (typically the negative ones) are so full of misinformation. Example: One review sites "Breaking News" as a duet between Michael and Akon (as well as calling his "paranoia" ridiculous).
 
Thanks for the reviews everyone, it was always going to be a mixed bag but they are interesting to see. Thanks for posting!
 
hi mj fans. I m listening to the mj record for the second time today. Got it today:=)

Im really exicted i can tell ya. Its pretty cool. I dont like Hollywood Tonight and Breaking News.

The rest ist pretty good. I mean i am a fan from the start. So you cannot expect an objectiv opinion:=)

Behind the Mask has an nice opening with some backrounds sounds from Bucarest. I think so.

The way you love me is my favourite. You are going to be very happy when you are hear the opening of this song. Thats by far the best intro for me. I think a lot of fans will agree.

But something is for sure as well. Its to short. 10 tracks is a joke. 40min runntime. I hoped to hear more. But i appreciate the album.

You will have a good time with the songs trust me.
 
New Jackson good, not great
By DARRYL STERDAN, QMI Agency

Last Updated: December 7, 2010 3:27pm

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Michael Jackson
Michael
(Epic)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


The King of Pop is dead; long live the King of Pop. Or at least his leftovers.

And so it begins. Nearly 18 months after Michael Jackson’s shocking death, the first in what is sure to be a endless parade of posthumous albums has arrived with all the expected hype and debate: Did he or didn’t he? Was he or wasn’t he? Would he or wouldn’t he? Should they or shouldn’t they?

Well, who knows? And ultimately, who cares? Honestly and sadly, what Jackson might have done or wanted or approved no longer matters. Like it or not, the vault will be emptied. The closets will be cleaned. The barrel will be scraped. So the only thing that really counts is whether it’s any good or not. Whether it’s worth your time and money.

In the case of the 10-track Michael — which arrives in stores and online Dec. 14 — it is. At least mostly.

The good news: It is not the atrocity it could easily have been. Most of these cuts are actual songs that have been around for years in various stages of completion. They have verses and choruses, melodies and beats. Producers just had to update them and patch holes, which beats jigsawing together tracks from random snippets and snatches.

Sure, many vocals have obviously been treated and manipulated in the process. But for the most part, they still sound like Jackson, complete with the breathy phrasings, war whoops and whee-hee-hee outbursts.

The bad news: None of it has the magical spark that distinguishes his finest work. There’s no undiscovered Billie Jean or Beat It in this lineup; no new Thriller or Human Nature. Just a bunch of reasonably enjoyable but ultimately inessential scraps. Still, if they stopped here, everyone could go away happy.

The worst news: They’re not going to stop. And it’s only going to get worse. Barring the discovery of some unknown treasure trove of Jackson recordings, we can all probably expect a Tupac-like progression of diminishing returns, eventually culminating in Michael: The VoiceMail Album, featuring the single (Leave a) Message at the Beep.

So enjoy while you can. Here’s a track-by-track overview.

1. Hold My Hand (feat. Akon) 3:32

This soulful mid-tempo cut from 2007 gradually builds to a sweeping, orchestrated anthem. Impressive, but perhaps not the strongest opener.

2. Hollywood Tonight 4:30

A little more like it: A funky upbeat groove, punchy horns, a spiky guitar and a hooky chorus. A little dated and one-dimensional, but not bad.

3. Keep Your Head Up 4:50

One of *****’s mushy inspirational ballads about rising up, spreading your wings and giving yourself a chance, set to a swelling gospel backdrop. Meh.

4. (I Like) The Way You Love Me 4:33

If this bit of midtempo pop romance seems familiar, it oughta: It’s a remix of a tune from 2004’s Ultimate Collection. Recycling already? Not a good sign.

5. Monster (feat. 50 Cent) 5:05

***** rails against paparazzi over a thwacking New Jack Swing groove from Teddy Riley. It starts strong but peters out. Fiddy’s gratuitous rap doesn’t help.

6. Best of Joy 3:02

Reportedly one of Jackson’s final compositions, this breezy pop number certainly seems to suggest he was in fine spirits at the time.

7. Breaking News 4:14

If you haven’t already heard this anti-media screed with its weird- sounding vocals and self-referential lyrics, you haven’t been paying attention.

8. (I Can't Make It) Another Day (feat. Lenny Kravitz) 3:55

Supposedly Kravitz and Jackson first cut this edgy funk-rocker in 1999. Not sure if this is an update, but it’s easily the album’s heaviest cut.

9. Behind the Mask 5:01

A Cameo-style funk update of a Yellow Magic Orchestra electronica tune that was left off Thriller — and covered in the ’80s by (believe it or not) Eric Clapton.

10. Much Too Soon 2:51

Another Thriller-era cut, this tender ballad was first penned in 1981. The vocal here was apparently cut in 1994. Sweet without being too maudlin.
 
I've listened to the album and while it feels a little disjointed, it's a great effort from all the producers and I do feel they shot for a common theme, and that is getting across the point that Michael suffered and suffered dearly by media backstabbing. My only complaint is that "Do You Know (Where Your Children Are)" and "Blue Gangsta" didn't make the cut. Both were already produced well and wouldn't have needed much to any tweaking. That's why I've included them in my own version of 'Michael' which is twelve tracks long. I'm not discussing the Cascio tracks because it's all been done to death. I've moved on.
 
babykinsilk05 said:
We can all probably expect a Tupac-like progression of diminishing returns, eventually culminating in Michael: The VoiceMail Album, featuring the single (Leave a) Message at the Beep.
Click to expand...

looool :lol: That's hilarious!
 
‘Michael’ Album Review - A Nostalgic Look To The Future

Tuesday, December 7th 2010

By Matt Blank

michael-125x125.jpg


MJWN was invited by Sony Music to attend the preview of the forthcoming album ‘Michael’. Here’s our review:

Let’s begin by dispelling all the nasty rumours that have been circulating amongst the internet and media. There’s very little question about the legitimacy of the vocals. These polished versions we hear on this album are not the same as the leaks and scream Michael in everyway.

Now we have that out the way, let me tell you, this is an amazing album and something I’m sure Michael would have been proud of. The songs are wide ranging but together, make a very rounded and complete sounding album, from dance to funk to ballads and with even a little bit of bubble gum pop thrown in for good measure, this album has it all and is worthy of Michael’s good name being associated with it.

The album brings a sense of ‘old skool,’ Michael with a modern twist. As you listen to each track, there’s a familiarity to them yet something new and exhilarating. It’s a nostalgic look to how Michael may have presented us with his next album.

Within the album sleeve there are sadly no photos of Michael, however, all the lyrics are there for you to learn and scans of four hand-written notes from Michael. The first one reads:

“I hear the whole entire song and arrangements in my head. What each instrument is supposed to do. I put them down orally on tape then I go out, find that instrument, I don’t give in until I get exactly what I want. I sing every part with my MOUTH.”

Whilst I don’t want to ruin all your surprises for when you open the album, the final message is very touching with the opening written words being; “We only live once…”

The project itself is very exciting, with Sony Music investing a lot of time, effort and money into promoting it worldwide. With high profile adverts coming to our television sets, radios and billboards in the coming week and a unique approach to promotion that is sure to grab our attention, this is certainly an album to be excited about, even though the loss of Michael and his physical absence still casts a shadow over it and is something that we’ll forever miss.

So let’s go through the tracks:

Hold My Hand
We’re all aware of this fabulous song and what it has to offer. When we first heard it in 2008 it was something we all hoped would be released. We’ve waited a long time, and whilst we’re sure this anthem track will fair well with the public and fans alike, it is by no means the highlight of the album.

Hollywood Tonight
Wow!! I could not fault this track in anyway. From the ‘Who Is It’ style opening to the beat boxing which sounds slicker than that on ‘Tabloid Junkie,’ this is everything you’ve wanted from a Michael Jackson track. Whilst listening I wondered if the album had peaked too early, only the second track! It has a little bit of everything, from a 1980’s Jacksons feel with the “ooohs” to a classic MJ catchy tune with an infectious beat. An almost haunting song, it’s an amalgamation of everything we love about Michael.

Keep Your Head Up
One of the early songs to be leaked and also heavily criticised by many, however, you will soon realise the importance of not passing judgement until a finished product is produced. This has changed somewhat since its leak. Gone are the ‘Earth Song’ vocals we’ve heard previously and a gospel choir has now joined to create an uplifting track. Reminiscent to ‘Cry’ this song is inspirational and no-doubt includes the vocals of the King of Pop.

(I Like) The Way You Love Me
We all know this song from the 2004 ‘Ultimate Collection.’ However this now starts with a recorded phone call from Michael explaining how he wants the track to start as it slowly goes into the song with a piano forming the main instrument in the music, even bordering on a slight honky-tonk feel. Flutes are also added to the instrumental from its predecessor six years ago and the vocals seem to be clearer as well as new vocals added.

Monster
This tune is surely a dance floor filler. Rumours are flying that this is a close contender with ‘Hollywood Tonight’ to be the second single release from the album and there’s good justification for that. This is a hard hitting track with Michael near enough spitting out the verses, yet singing the bridges, quite gently. The song reminded me a lot of ‘Threatened’ but better! A very heavily produced track with plenty of sound effects and a rap by 50 Cent that isn’t half bad. I can see why this may become a favourite amongst fans.

Best Of Joy
Take from this what you will, but I like it. It’s simple and sounds like it’s in a very early demo stage. It seems as if they’ve just recorded Michael singing a little ditty to himself and looped it cleverly. Bubble gum pop is the way I would describe it and something that could have easily been written back in the late 1970’s by Michael. Think ‘Destiny’ album. Whilst it’s not going to be everyone’s cup of tea, in the time that we are now living in, hearing Michael sing “I am forever” puts a smile on my face.

Breaking News
Again, we’ve all heard this. The most controversial song on this album regarding those who want to believe that this album maybe a conspiracy. One thing is for certain, it’s not the best song on the album…especially when it’s up against so many other great upbeat songs. It doesn’t make it a bad song when listened to in isolation, but doesn’t seem to have a needed place on this album.

I Can’t Make It) Another Day
For those who heard the snippet leak of this a while back, this doesn’t actually provide much more. The song is fairly repetitive, however, has an awesome guitar solo from Lenny Kravitz and for those who adore the angry Michael, similar to the Michael we hear on ‘We’ve Had Enough,’ then you’re going to love this!

Behind The Mask
Firstly, not many people know this but Michael actually co-wrote this long before we all got to hear the Eric Clapton version. So taking this into account, consider how Michael would present this? Okay…now think again! Up there as one of the best tracks on the album, this spells FUNK over and over again! Opening to cheers like in a live concert and a saxophone solo that could put Gerry Rafferty’s ‘Baker Street’ to shame, this is an amazing dance tune that you can’t help but move your head to, with great supporting vocals from Shanice and the Yellow Magic Orchestra.

Much Too Soon
I could not think of a more perfect way to end this album than with this song. Its pureness is blinding and gently ends the ten tracks. It reminds you what is so wonderful and magical about his voice and makes you fall in love with this album, making it a complete rounded presentation of everything that’s been flying around in Michael’s creative mind for many years.

http://www.mjworld.net/news/2010/12/07/michael-album-review-a-nostalgic-look-to-the-future/​
 
The critics Ive read here in Quebec are really good :) I think nodoby expected so much quality of unreleased tracks :)
 
babykinsilk05;3120932 said:
New Jackson good, not great
By DARRYL STERDAN, QMI Agency

Last Updated: December 7, 2010 3:27pm

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Michael Jackson
Michael
(Epic)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


The King of Pop is dead; long live the King of Pop. Or at least his leftovers.

And so it begins. Nearly 18 months after Michael Jackson’s shocking death, the first in what is sure to be a endless parade of posthumous albums has arrived with all the expected hype and debate: Did he or didn’t he? Was he or wasn’t he? Would he or wouldn’t he? Should they or shouldn’t they?

Well, who knows? And ultimately, who cares? Honestly and sadly, what Jackson might have done or wanted or approved no longer matters. Like it or not, the vault will be emptied. The closets will be cleaned. The barrel will be scraped. So the only thing that really counts is whether it’s any good or not. Whether it’s worth your time and money.

In the case of the 10-track Michael — which arrives in stores and online Dec. 14 — it is. At least mostly.

The good news: It is not the atrocity it could easily have been. Most of these cuts are actual songs that have been around for years in various stages of completion. They have verses and choruses, melodies and beats. Producers just had to update them and patch holes, which beats jigsawing together tracks from random snippets and snatches.

Sure, many vocals have obviously been treated and manipulated in the process. But for the most part, they still sound like Jackson, complete with the breathy phrasings, war whoops and whee-hee-hee outbursts.

The bad news: None of it has the magical spark that distinguishes his finest work. There’s no undiscovered Billie Jean or Beat It in this lineup; no new Thriller or Human Nature. Just a bunch of reasonably enjoyable but ultimately inessential scraps. Still, if they stopped here, everyone could go away happy.

The worst news: They’re not going to stop. And it’s only going to get worse. Barring the discovery of some unknown treasure trove of Jackson recordings, we can all probably expect a Tupac-like progression of diminishing returns, eventually culminating in Michael: The VoiceMail Album, featuring the single (Leave a) Message at the Beep.

So enjoy while you can. Here’s a track-by-track overview.

1. Hold My Hand (feat. Akon) 3:32

This soulful mid-tempo cut from 2007 gradually builds to a sweeping, orchestrated anthem. Impressive, but perhaps not the strongest opener.

2. Hollywood Tonight 4:30

A little more like it: A funky upbeat groove, punchy horns, a spiky guitar and a hooky chorus. A little dated and one-dimensional, but not bad.

3. Keep Your Head Up 4:50

One of *****’s mushy inspirational ballads about rising up, spreading your wings and giving yourself a chance, set to a swelling gospel backdrop. Meh.

4. (I Like) The Way You Love Me 4:33

If this bit of midtempo pop romance seems familiar, it oughta: It’s a remix of a tune from 2004’s Ultimate Collection. Recycling already? Not a good sign.

5. Monster (feat. 50 Cent) 5:05

***** rails against paparazzi over a thwacking New Jack Swing groove from Teddy Riley. It starts strong but peters out. Fiddy’s gratuitous rap doesn’t help.

6. Best of Joy 3:02

Reportedly one of Jackson’s final compositions, this breezy pop number certainly seems to suggest he was in fine spirits at the time.

7. Breaking News 4:14

If you haven’t already heard this anti-media screed with its weird- sounding vocals and self-referential lyrics, you haven’t been paying attention.

8. (I Can't Make It) Another Day (feat. Lenny Kravitz) 3:55

Supposedly Kravitz and Jackson first cut this edgy funk-rocker in 1999. Not sure if this is an update, but it’s easily the album’s heaviest cut.

9. Behind the Mask 5:01

A Cameo-style funk update of a Yellow Magic Orchestra electronica tune that was left off Thriller — and covered in the ’80s by (believe it or not) Eric Clapton.

10. Much Too Soon 2:51

Another Thriller-era cut, this tender ballad was first penned in 1981. The vocal here was apparently cut in 1994. Sweet without being too maudlin.
Click to expand...

I cannot take any critic seriously who calls him J*cko. :smilerolleyes:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top