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

January 29, 2010 by Dennis Amith 

For those who can’t get enough Michael Jackson, this souvenir edition of “Michael Jackson’s THIS IS IT’” features 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. 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 (Souvenir Edition)

LABEL: Epic

DURATION: Disc 1: (1:17:58), Disc 2: (14:21)

RELEASE DATE: October 26, 2009

DISC 1:

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

[NOTE: The following is a revision of my original digital album review but incorporating the souvenir edition to the review]

With the recent release of the documentary “Michael Jackson’s THIS IS IT” on Blu-ray and DVD, the souvenir edition is for the fans who want to remember Michael Jackson in a special 2-CD set which comes with unreleased rare tracks, original album masters plus a 36-page book of exclusive rehearsal photos.

“Michael Jackson’s THIS IS IT” 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.

The film had a limited run in the theater but in its opening weekend, “Michael Jackson’s THIS IS IT” grossed over $23 million in the US and $252 million worldwide making the documentary the highest grossing documentary or concert movie of all time.

“Michael Jackson’s THIS IS IT” is quite literally the behind-the-scenes of the creation of the concert show.  From the hiring of the background dancers, to stage setup, production design, costume design, the short films that were used during the concert such as “Thriller” and “Smooth Criminal”.  Jackson working with Kenny Ortega, the choreographers and musicians.

We get a good look at how Michael Jackson was during the rehearsals, how positive he was with his crew and how he cared for those around him and was very complimentary, loved to have fun but was very determined onstage.  And despite being 50 years old, Michael Jackson still shows that he was just as fluid and remarkable onstage vocally and even still maintaining his dance moves.

With high anticipation for the film’s release in theaters, 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 includes a 36-page commemorative booklet with exclusive photos of Michael Jackson during rehearsal.  The CD’s fit into two sleeves inside the book.

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!