Search - Michael Jackson :: This Is It

Why you should buy "THIS IS IT."

Book and Music Lover | USA | 10/29/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"In an attempt to explain what makes this album worth purchasing, I will break it down to 5 simple words: "It's all about the Sound." While it is true that the first CD of this album is a compilation of MJ's greatest hits, it needs to be pointed out that the majority of these songs have been remastered. In order to discern the difference, I took the original and remastered versions of these songs, and played them side-by-side on the same audio equipment with exactly the same settings. The difference is clear and easy to detect. As good as the originals are, once you hear the remastered versions, the originals sound flat and dull. The remastered versions are crisper, deeper, and fuller. It is simply wonderful to be able to hear how much more amazing these classic songs can sound. I have heard these songs hundreds of times over the years, and yet, after listening to these remastered versions, I felt like I was really hearing them for the first time. To all those who love MJ's music, please don't discount this album simply because these songs have been available for years in their earlier versions. These new versions are absolutely fantastic!



As for the demos on the 2nd CD, they are absolute treasures. Hearing the early versions of these songs takes you inside MJ's creative process, which is a rare and special treat. While the song, "This Is It" isn't a towering achievement like "Thriller," it is a lovely song with a catchy tune that will stick in your head.



Regarding the spoken poem, "Planet Earth," MJ released a book back in 1992 called, "Dancing The Dream." This book was a compilation of poetry and short essays that MJ wrote. The poem "Planet Earth" is one of the poems from this book. Despite the fact that I had read the poem many times, hearing MJ himself actually reading the poem was both beautiful and heart-wrenching. MJ was a visionary, and this is readily apparent when you hear the emotion and depth in his voice as he reads his love poem to the Earth. Do yourself a favor--buy this album, and treat yourself to the wonderful, creative genius of the greatest entertainer who ever lived, Michael Jackson--the King of Pop.

"

Mixed feelings but disc 2 saves this release

Jools | Kirkland, WA United States | 10/26/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"As a fan, I bought this 2 disc release with mixed feelings and it is with mixed feelings that I rate this 5 stars after listening to the album. I went straight to Disc 2 because I've already heard (and own many times over) the other tracks. I suspect MJ is turning in his grave knowing that this first posthumous release is really just a re-release of tracks to match the movie, almost taking advantage of his fans. However, as a fan, I'll likely buy anything that is released in his name after his death.



Having said that, I'm giving this 5 stars because of the demos. The $9.99 that I've spent is well worth what I've received listening to the demo of "Shes out of my life". It's the first time (aside from Speechless from the Invincible album) you get to hear MJ's voice in all it's purity. It's touching and it's searingly beautiful.



After listening to the "new" tracks (the demos and the poem), you're left with a sad realization that his life truly ended too soon.



"

Nothing really new here but demo's and this is it song

John Hillestad | Ft Lauderdale, FL USA | 10/26/2009

(2 out of 5 stars)

"I was hoping this would have been actual recordings from the staples center and movie but its just re-releases from the past. The second disc has barely anything on it , they could have filled it with out-takes and other stuff from the past ... clearly a rush job , I expect a more definitive cd collection with rarities and remixes that never made the other albums will be available but this cd really has nothing to do with the movie ... not one track is from the actual rehearsals before his death..... they could have made the second cd the rehearsal while the first cd the masters and I would have been ok with that as well... but this is just a get something out there now disc and really brings nothing new other than the Paul Anka stuff.

I was expecting a little more from a two disc set."