Michael Jackson – Michael Jackson’s THIS IS IT (a J!-ENT World Groove Album Review)

October 27, 2009 by Dennis Amith 

“For those who can’t get enough Michael Jackson, there are two releases of ‘Michael Jackson’s THIS IS IT’ with one two-disc set which comes with a limited edition commemorative photo booklet from Michael’s last rehearsal, his hit songs from his career plus two versions of the song ‘THIS IS IT’ and unreleased demo tracks.  For those who don’t want to repurchase his hit songs all over again and just want the new tracks can purchase an EP version featuring the two hit songs and also the unreleased demo tracks as well.  Overall, a collector’s item for Michael Jackson fans and for those who can’t get enough of Michael Jackson’s music, will enjoy this latest release celebrating the King of Pop’s career!”

ARTIST: Michael Jackson

ALBUM: Michael Jackson’s THIS IS IT (Digital Version)

LABEL: Epic

DURATION: 1:31:55

RELEASE DATE: October 26, 2009

1. Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’ (Album Version)
2. Jam (Remastered Version)
3. They Don’t Care About Us (Remastered Version)
4. Human Nature (Album Version)
5. Smooth Criminal (Radio Edit) (Remastered Radio Edit)
6. The Way You Make Me Feel (Remastered Version)
7. Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground) (Remastered Version)
8. I Just Can’t Stop Loving You (Remastered Version)
9. Thriller (Album Version)
10. Beat It (Single Version)
11. Black or White (Remastered Version)
12. Earth Song (Remastered Version)
13. Billie Jean (Single Version)
14. Man in the Mirror (Remastered Version)
15. This Is It (Album Version)
16. This Is It (Orchestra Version)

DISC 2:

1. She’s Out of My Life (Demo)
2. Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’ (Demo)
3. Beat It (Demo)
4. Planet Earth (Poem)

As many fans of Michael Jackson prepare for the limited release film “Michael Jackson’s THIS IS IT” which documents Michael Jackson rehearsing for his final concert “This Is It” which would feature 50 tour dates that would take place at the 02 Arena in the UK.  And as the world will remember, on June 25th, Jackson suffered from cardiac arrest and died.

With footage from Michael Jackson’s rehearsals captured during the early stages of production for the concert at the STAPLES Center in L.A., from what video and images that we have seen thus far, the King of Pop still looked incredible on the dance floor and was still incredible vocally.  And with so much video captured during the rehearsal, hundreds of hours of footage was used to create a theatrical film which is planned for a limited two week release and with tickets on sale since Sept. 27, “Michael Jackson’s THIS IS IT” is now the largest, fastest selling concert film of all time and is set to debut in theaters on Oct. 28th.

With high anticipation for the film, Sony who won the rights to release the album have released two versions of “Michael Jackson’s THIS IS IT”.  The first version is a two-disc release with disc one featuring the original album masters of his hit songs as they were arranged in the sequence shown in the film and includes two versions of “This Is It” (Album and Orchestra Version) which is the ending theme to the film and includes his brothers providing the backup vocals for the song.  The second-disc includes unreleased demo versions of songs such as “She’s Out of My Life”, “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’”, “Beat It” and a spoken word poem of “Planet Earth” (which was featured in the liner notes of his album “Dangerous”).  The CD version will include a 36-page commemorative booklet with exclusive photos of Michael Jackson during his last rehearsal.

Many people may have owned previous greatest hits of Michael Jackson’s songs, so Sony has also released a digital EP version of selections from “Michael Jackson’s THIS IS IT” featuring both versions of “This Is It” and the second disc with the demo unreleased versions of the songs.

With many of the hit songs featured on the first album being well-known, I was definitely interested in hearing both versions of the song.  Overall, “The Is It” is definitely a catchy track and was originally recorded back in 1983 and was co-written by Jackson and Paul Anka.  My favorite version of the two would have to be the “Orchestra Version”.  I like the musical arrangement more and how the brother’s are utilized for their background vocals in the track.  But for the most part, it’s great to hear a new Michael Jackson song (despite the song being recorded over 25-years ago).

As for the unreleased demo’s, these short tracks feature Michael Jackson singing an acoustic guitar version of “She’s Out Of My Life” and a pretty solid version of Jackson’s sad song.

The unreleased demo version of “Wanna Be Starin’ Somethin’” is definitely an un-polished version musically of the hit song. But it definitely showcases Michael Jackson’s vocals and hearing his energetic vocals is pretty cool and hearing how it compares to the final cut.

The unreleased demo version of “Beat It” features an a capella version of “Beat It” and hearing Jackson and his backup vocals harmonizing.  A pretty entertaining demo track to listen to.

The final track on the second disc and the EP is “Planet Earth” featuring Michael Jackson reading a poem.

Overall, for those who never owned a Michael Jackson album, a compilation or best of album or just a diehard Michael Jackson fan that owns everything, “Michael Jackson’s THIS IS IT” is a solid release.  Of course, there are other best album compilations that have more songs than what is featured in “THIS IS IT” but a lot of his top hits are featured in this album.  And again, if you are only interested in hearing “THIS IS IT” or the unreleased demo songs, then all you need to do is purchase the digital downloads that are currently available now.

But overall, I know that non-fans may think it’s overkill for another release but fans of Michael Jackson’s music are getting a collector’s item with the limited booklet, a new song and unreleased demo tracks.  Overall, Michael Jackson fans are sure to enjoy this release!  Definitely recommended!