MpMj1011, I was only going to rate each song with a small comment. Nothing like the amazing review you wrote! I see the below format has been deemed acceptable for the thread so, I will complete with my views.
1. Love Never Felt So Good
John McClain: 9/10
Timbaland: 8/10
Original: ---
Comment: This is a true demo so I personally do not feel a need to compare it to the contemporized versions. I enjoy Timbaland’s version but, I prefer Mclain’s. I see no need for Timberlake.
2. Chicago
Timbaland: 9/10
Original: 8/10
Comment: Timbaland wisely sped the song up and introduced new sounds. The original mix is sultry and I enjoy it but, if it was released at that time, it would be lost as every other 90’s R/B song had similar sounds.
3. Lovin' You
Timbaland: 9/10
Original: 8/10
Comment: The original is quite lovely as it is but, it is not inspired. Again, we are receiving the mixes as they were last worked on by Michael. I do not believe Michael would release the original in that manner. Timbaland takes it to the next level.
4. A Place With No Name
Stargate: 7/10
Original: 9/10
Comment: the original is a mid-tempo, easy going, comforting song. Stargate went the opposite route, straight to the face. I give them credit for taking the risk but, I believe the remix goes against the comforting essence of the song.
5. Slave To The Rhythm
Timbaland: 8/10
Tricky Stewart: 10/10
Original: 9/10
Comment: Interesting both producers (Timbaland and Stewart) removed that beautiful, operatic note Michael opened with and kept the original bridge. Hearing the original proves Timbaland played safe as he kept the basics of it. I do like that he amplified the chains that are heard on the original but, I wonder why he removed the whip sound? I would have liked to see Timbaland update the outro. I prefer Stewart's version to both. Stewart only needed to tone down the mix and let Michael’s vocals be the forefront.
6. Do You Know Where Your Children Are?
Timbaland: 7/10
2010 Mix: 10/10
Original: 9/10
Comment: I give Timbaland credit for taking the risk because the video game sounds are interesting however; I feel they take away from the seriousness of the lyrics. I do appreciate that the guitar riffs (pasted at the end) and the outro were kept in the contemporized version. I prefer the 2010 mix to both.
7. Blue Gangster
Timbaland: 8/10
Mix(?): 9/10
Original: 9/10
Comment: I appreciate Timbaland showcasing the anger in Michael's vocals more and the bridge shines so beautifully. I just do not feel it is that much of a standout to the original and do not understand the original's outro (the horns) being on the remix. I have heard a mix of this with a few more horns or such and that version is not too different from the original.
8. Xscape
Rodney Jerkins: 10/10
Original: 10/10
Comment:
Xscape: I love BOTH versions! I was so happy to hear the prisoner’s interlude and prison guards and the female voice in HQ. I had tears in my eyes listening to the contemporized version for the first time; it was that grand!
Jerkins had one song on the cd and the difficult task of remixing his own song. He did himself and Michael proud! While Michael may not have liked 808 - I do not know Michael and cannot speak for him - I truly believe he loved BASS!!
(Oohhhh that wicked, sexy BASS!!!!!)
Jerkins earned and deserved the honor of the title track! This is not magic; it is perfection!
Bravo Darkchild, BRAVO! Best song on the cd!
Scoreboard: three contemporized (LNFSG, Chicago, LY), two unreleased (STTR, DYKWYCA), two originals (APWNN, BG). Xscape is in a class of its own as the contemporized and original are perfection.
This cd has something for everyone. Please purchase the deluxe and enjoy!
Thank you Estate/Sony, L.A. Reid, Timbaland (producer of the year), J-Roc, Jerkins, Stargate, and everyone involved for listening to fans, giving us a superb project, and most importantly respecting Michael's art. I have been harsh at times to Estate/Sony however; I want Michael to have the best.
Thank you Michael for everything and for not burning your music.
Thank you MJJC and all posters in this thread. I read every post and if I could thank each one I would! It was an honor discussing this amazing cd with you all.
We finally got it and it sounds SOOOO GOOD!
I am so HAPPY!
