Number Ones
Number Ones
Number Ones, Like the Beatles and Elvis Presley, Michael Jackson is one of the handful of artists that can release an album of their number one singles. Number Ones includes his solo chart toppers in the UK and abroad from the period beginning with his Off the Wall album right up to the new song “One More Chance”, a collaboration with R Kelly.
The remaining 17 songs on the album are all classics drawn from the disco-soul Off the Wall, the funky Thriller, the good Bad, the safe Dangerous, the semi-best-of History and the weak Invincible. Regardless of whether the bulk of Number Ones has appeared on other greatest hits albums, this is still an incredible selection of Michael Jackson’s best music.
Number Ones Reviews
Despite the recent controversy surrounding his personal life, Michael Jackson has long been known as the King Of Pop, and with good reason. For most pop stars, their time in the spotlight lasts maybe 2-3 years before they are reduced to guest appearances on weekly sit-coms or the occassional “info-mercial”. This is not true of Jackson, whos reign at the top has carried him through the past 2+ decades since the onset of his solo career after leaving the Jackson Five.
This collection of Number One hits is therefore a must have for any fan of the pop genre. Since the 1980’s, Jacksons eclectic, diverse style has seen many landmarks in the music industry, setting new standards, breaking new ground and re-inventing a style that was in its infancy when Jackson came into his own. His pioneering sound created a whole new generation of music and for that he was rewarded the title “King of Pop”.
The album features 18 of Jackson most beloved songs, featured in the order which they originally made it to number one. Included on the album are some of his largest breakout hits like “Billy Jean” and Beat It” which both became such huge hits that they are immediately recognizable by audiences today.
The song “Thriller”, which also emerged early in Jackson’s solo career, firmly planted the superstars reputation as a serious talent in the industry. Not only was Jackson re-inventing the style of music, he was setting a new standard unprecedented in the industry at that time. Music television was only a few years old when the video for “Thriller”, a 10+ minute short film, was released for the first time. The video, which was so well produced that it rose immediately to the head of the video industry, set a new level of quality in the genre that artists have been struggling to match since.
The album also features a number of other large hits for Michael, including the songs which added to the early controversy in Jackson’s professional career. “Black or White”, a song about racial equality again put Jackson in the spotlight for his controversal portrayal of violence against authority. “Bad”, “Smooth Criminal”, and “Dirty Diana” also feature Jackson’s hard driving rythems and smooth, sometimes aggressive lyrics covering a range of topics that has often lead to speculation and ridicule by the press, while at the same time leaving his world-wide hordes of fans clammoring for more.
Some of the more poignant pieces in this collection include songs like “Man In the Mirror”, a song where Michael points the finger at himself while pondering the choices in his life.
In all, the album is a great collection of all his number one hits, and is a great look back at the man who created a genre that has grown since he stepped to the front of the class, but never outgrown his talent. With the onset of this generations pop superstars like Justin Timberlake, Brittany Spears and Chrsitina Aguilera, it is a further testimony to his talent and sheer ability that Michael Jackson has remained such a huge part of not only the genre, but the music industry as a whole. Love him or hate him, his talent is unmistakable and unquestionable.
This compilation of hits is a great addition to any music collection, and is a must have for any Jackson fan. For anyone who isn’t already familiar with his music, this collection is a great introduction into the mind and soul of a man who reshaped the music industry. Jackson truly is the King of Pop, and through this album, you can enter the gates to his kingdom. Give this album a listen, you won’t be disappointed.
This album is absolutely fablous. It showcases the best of Michael’s work in the eighties, nineties, and 21st century. Every single song is great and expresses the true genius of this extremely talented and intelligent man. Furthermore, the songs “Man in the Mirror” and “Earth Song” show the humanitarian side of this wonderful human being that those of us that have been his devoted fans for years have known about for a long time. Also, for all you eighties kids out there these songs just might remind you of a simpler time (I know it does for me). Now, there has been some confusion about the track listing because only the first 13 songs were number one hits in the U.S., however “Earth Song” was number one in the U.K., “You Rock My World” was number one in France, and “Break of Dawn” was number one somewhere, I think it was Australia. For some reason Americans seem to think that their charts (and perhaps the charts of Britain) are the only ones that matter. Whether these songs are number one or not is irrelevant though (except for the title) because these are his absolute best songs musically and lyrically. Furthermore, the new song “One More Chance” is wonderful and I truly believe that it could have been yet another number one if people would not let the recent media circus cloud their judgement. This is a genius, megastar at his very best and I highly recommend it to any music fan or music collector. This is definitely a must have for any collector. Here’s to hoping there is going to be much more amazing music from this fabulous musician! Long Live Michael Jackson!!!!
Leave a Reply